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VOLUME X, NUMBER 14 JULY 27, 2017 Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania brings award-winning mentalist duo to Scranton The Jewish Federation of Northeastern magic show.” There are no wires or hidden connection. A lot of people are searching Pennsylvania has invited the community communication devices. Nothing is prear- for their soul mate. I’ve always believed that to see the mentalist duo Jeff and Tessa ranged with secret assistants or audience we should allow ourselves to trust intuition. Evason on Saturday, October 21, at the members. The Evasons offer $100,000 to It can help us make much better decisions Scranton JCC’s Koppelman Auditorium. anybody who can prove otherwise. about important personal matters.” They will perform a brand of “mind pow- “The experience defies explanation. The Evasons think it’s good for peo- er” at a show that is said to generate “a And maybe that’s why the crowds go ple to be skeptical and to ask questions great deal of amazement and enthusiasm.” wild at every show,” said organizers of about things they don’t understand. “A Doors will open at 8 pm and the show the event. lot of things that up until recently were will start at 8:30 pm. A table for 10 people The Evasons spend much of their year considered to be a mystery can now easily can be reserved for $100. Single admission on the road performing for audiences at be explained by science,” said Jeff. “How- tickets are also available for $15 in advance colleges, corporate events, theaters, cruis- ever, the greatest mystery of all is still the or $20 at the door. To purchase tickets, es and casino showrooms. They have also Tessa and Jeff Evason human mind.” Tessa added, “As more is visit https://evasons.eventbrite.com or call performed for millions through network learned about the human brain, the human the Federation office at 570-961-2300, ext television programs. On NBC’s “World’s fans as one the world’s top mentalist acts, mind seems even more mysterious!” 4. For more information about the event, Greatest Magic V,” they were called “the and they have received the Psychic En- Even though the Evasons don’t ask peo- visit www.jewishnepa.org. finest act of its kind in the world,” while tertainers Association’s most prestigious ple to believe, they argue it becomes easier Since 1983, the Evasons, who are based their performance on Fox’s “Powers of honor for distinguished professionalism. to suspend disbelief once someone sees in Toronto and Annapolis, have performed the Paranormal” was touted as “the most “Many times during our show, people Tessa blindfolded, calling out the names of for audiences around the world. People amazing mind reading act you will ever are totally speechless because they’ve strangers, reciting the serial numbers from have been noted to react “with wide-eyed see.” The Discovery Channel has hailed never seen anything like this before,” a bill in an audience member’s pocket or wonder” when the Evasons demonstrate them as “a new generation of mentalists.” said Jeff. “The experience of wonder is telling people their grandmother’s name. their “psychic entertainment abilities,” Additionally, Siegfried and Roy named not only magical and mysterious, it can The Jewish Federation of Northeastern such as “ESP, intuition, prediction and the Evasons their favorite act, presenting also be empowering and enlightening.” Pennsylvania is a non-profit organization second sight.” The show features inter- them with the SARMOTI Award at the Tessa is said to enjoy speaking with audi- serving the needs of the Jewish communi- active demonstrations, comic relief and World Magic Seminar in Las Vegas. They ence members after the show. She explained, ties of Scranton, the Poconos and around entertainment that is said to not be “a are said to be recognized by their peers and “Jeff and I are fortunate to have a close the world. Biased textbooks turning young Americans against Israel, research shows BY RAFAEL MEDOFF conquerors throughout the ages for their complained about a passage from the JNS.org “gentle treatment of civilian populations.” “Notebook” accusing Israel of torturing WASHINGTON, DC – Anti-Israel bias As a result, the Anchorage Board of and murdering hundreds of Palestinian in the textbooks used by many American Education removed the “Notebook” from women. Other parents soon joined the high schools may be to blame for the the local high school curriculum. School protests. Matt Hills, vice chairman of the decrease in sympathy for Israel among authorities in Tulsa, OK, have also with- Newton School Committee, dismissed the young adults. drawn the text. critics as “McCarthyesque.” According to the Brand Israel Group, Shabbas has claimed the “Notebook” In early 2012, Newton Superintendent only 54 percent of U.S. college students has been distributed to more than 10,000 of Schools David Fleishman said the lean more toward Israel than the Pales- teachers, and “if each notebook teaches “Notebook” had been removed from the tinians, down from 73 percent in 2010. 250 students a year over 10 years, then curriculum because it was “outdated.” But The decrease was even sharper among you’ve reached 25 million students.” an investigation by Americans for Peace Jewish college students, dropping from “The most important statistic is the and Tolerance, a Boston-based activist 84 percent to 57 percent. number of workshops that Shabbas has group, found that the “Notebook” was “The problem starts in high school,” given to instruct teachers in how to use still being used in Newton as late as the Dr. Sandra Alfonsi, longtime director of the book,” Curriculum Watch’s Alfonsi 2013-2014 school year. Hadassah’s “Curriculum Watch” division, said. “She has conducted hundreds of The dispute has been complicated by told JNS.org. “There’s no doubt the lack such three-day teacher-training sessions.” the refusal of Newton school authorities of sympathy for Israel on college cam- Shabbas’ website names 211 schools to identify which Israel-related materi- puses today is at least partly the result of where she ran teacher workshops from als were being used by teachers. Many several generations of teenagers being The cover page of the Committee for 2000-2006. Other years are not listed. See “Textbooks” on page 6 educated with textbooks that are slanted Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in Shabbas did not respond to requests against Israel.” America’s recently published monograph, for comment from JNS.org. “UNABASHED PROPAGANDIZING” “Indoctrinating Our Youth,” which DISPUTE IN MASSACHUSETTS One of the most controversial texts describes how high schools in the Boston The Committee for Accuracy in Mid- Federation used in high schools around the country suburb of Newton have been using anti- dle East Reporting in America recently is the “Arab World Studies Notebook,” Israel texts. (Photo by CAMERA) published a 108-page monograph, “In- a 540-page volume authored by Audrey doctrinating Our Youth,” which describes on Facebook Parks Shabbas. She heads Arab World and 2004 about the book’s slant against Israel, how high schools in the Boston suburb of The Jewish Federation of Northeast- Islamic Resources and School Services, a the American Jewish Committee prepared Newton have been using biased texts such ern Pennsylvania now has a page on curriculum publisher that seeks to promote a 30-page analysis of the “Notebook.” The as the “Arab World Studies Notebook” and Facebook to let community members a positive image of Arabs and Muslims AJC found it to be riddled with “overt bias inviting anti-Israel speakers to address know about upcoming events and keep in U.S. schools. and unabashed propagandizing,” such as their students. connected. After parents in Anchorage, AK, com- depicting Israel as the aggressor in every The controversy began in 2011, when plained to their local Board of Education in Arab-Israeli war and praising Muslim a Newton South High School parent Candle lighting INSIDE THIS ISSUE July 28...... 8:06 pm Jewish innovators August 4...... 7:58 pm Macron’s speech From the past August 11...... 7:49 pm The Return on Investment Summit Analyzing why Macron’s speech A cache of 75 original Nazi objects in Jerusalem hosted young Jewish about the Holocaust in France is discovered in Argentina has been PLUS leaders from 29 countries. considered groundbreaking. evaluated as “unprecedented.” Opinion...... 2 Story on page 5 Story on page 7 Story on page 11 D’var Torah...... 10 2 THE REPORTER ■ JULY 27, 2017 A MATTER OF OPINION American Jews need to make security central to communal work BY STEPHEN BRYEN AND communal life leaves synagogues, day Complementing the national re- not have lifesaving resources to hold off ANDREW APOSTOLOU schools, community centers and Jewish sponse, each Jewish organization must an attack. JNS.org organizations vulnerable. Despite the take three measures: observation, pro- Unarmed volunteers should support the In May 2017, a man with a meat cleaver attacks – some of them fatal – targeting tection and training. armed guards. The volunteers can patrol threatened customers in two Jewish stores American Jews, the community has been Observation means being aware of your outside buildings and show a security in northern London. Although people largely apathetic in taking protective surroundings and immediately reporting presence that deters would-be attackers called the police, the first responders measures. odd behavior. Potential attackers often carrying out reconnaissance. Training in- came from a volunteer Jewish security The time has come for a complete scout their targets. The white nationalist volves providing communities – including organization, the Shomrim. They sprang change in attitude. American Jews need who killed three people outside a Jewish synagogue congregants and staffers – with into action, isolating the man and the area to make security an integral part of in- Community Center and a Jewish retire- focused and relevant security practices. before armed police arrived. It was the stitutional administration and take steps ment home near Kansas City in 2014 They will learn, with training and practice, same story in mid-June, when a van hit to improve the security of every Jewish previously had driven up to the JCC and what to look for in assessing a potential numerous worshippers outside the Fins- institution. They should not rely solely parked in front multiple times. Similarly, threat. They also need to know how to bury Park mosque in northern London. on the police, who have other priorities, an Islamic State sympathizer currently on manage an evacuation or lockdown, a Again, the Shomrim were quickly on the to proactively protect Jewish institutions. trial for planning to bomb an Aventura, knife attack, an active shooter, a bomb scene helping the wounded. Nor should they expect the intelligence FL, synagogue in 2016 went to see the threat and other security situations. The Shomrim are civilians who have and security services to thwart plots at building “to assess its vulnerabilities,” These security measures would demon- police and security training, and who the planning stages – most recent jihadi prosecutors have reported. strate that American Jewish organizations patrol the streets. Like their counterparts attacks have come as surprises. Protection means armed guards. These are serious about their own futures and in the U.K.’s Community Security Trust , On a national level, this means building should be professionals with radios will rise to protect themselves. which has dozens of full-time staffers who up communal security resources. For ex- linked directly to local police. Armed Stephen Bryen was the U.S. deputy are seen outside synagogues and schools ample, there is already a group called the guards act as a deterrent. In the extreme under secretary of defense for trade – the Shomrim are Jewish auxiliaries Community Security Service that provides scenario of an assault with firearms, the security policy and the founding director to the police. The British police cannot training to synagogues, schools and other armed guards slow down the attackers of the Defense Technology Security be everywhere and cannot know every organizations. The CSS has trained some and seek to confine them to one area until Administration. Andrew Apostolou is a community. The CST and the Shomrim 3,000 volunteers and should be tasked law enforcement arrives. Armed guards security and foreign affairs analyst based provide that vital extra layer of protection, with training many more. can help save lives. Unarmed guards do in Washington, DC. reassuring the broader public and showing the authorities that British Jews are serious about security. By contrast, the American Jewish Why this Israeli official can’t stay silent community is unprepared for today’s security problems. Whereas British Jews made a strategic decision decades ago to about Linda Sarsour take their own security seriously, the U.S. BY DANI DAYAN rhetoric, above all Milo Yiannopoulos, the our views diverge.” lacks a similar commitment. This failure to (JTA) – Now that the furor over “alt-right” personality. Every tweet or message? Respectfully make security a core component of Jewish Linda Sarsour’s commencement speech The mere participation of Yian- disagree when our views diverge? at CUNY’s Graduate School of Public nopoulos in the rally – let alone his Condoning terrorism, embracing con- Health is over, it is the right time for me to words – was abhorrent: He is on record victed assassin Rasmea Odeh, excluding draw some conclusions and express some defending pedophilia. The moment this Zionists from the feminist movement thoughts surrounding the event. individual and his followers co-opted and denying the right of the Jewish state I had intended to weigh in earlier, and I the cause against Sarsour’s invitation, to exist can be minimized that way? Are “ The Reporter” (USPS #482) is published bi-weekly by the I felt compelled to step back. Add the not these morally abhorrent positions of Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, 601 Jefferson could. It is not a domestic American issue Ave., Scranton, PA 18510. in which a foreign diplomat is not entitled reports about physical threats against the same magnitude like the apologetics to intervene; it involves my country. Sarsour and her family, and I decided for pedophilia? That is not “bridging President: David Malinov Executive Director: Mark Silverberg Sarsour, the former executive director to keep silent. It was not the first time, communal boundaries.” It is coming to of the Arab American Association of New nor unfortunately the last, in which terms with bigotry. Executive Editor: Rabbi Rachel Esserman York, supports calls to boycott Israel. She extremists damage a just cause. There are positions – like those of Layout Editor: Diana Sochor shows understanding, to say the least, Among the other events surrounding Yiannopoulos – that make collaboration Assistant Editor: Michael Nassberg the affair, the most annoying was the with their holders on any matter an ethical Production Coordinator: Jenn DePersis toward acts of terror targeting Israelis and Advertising Representative: Bonnie Rozen defames Zionism, the national liberation letter signed by more than 100 Jewish wrongdoing. For example, you do not col- Bookkeeper: Kathy Brown movement that established Israel. Most leaders – some of them my personal laborate with a racist on any matter. You important, she implicitly and sometimes friends – in defense of Sarsour. Obvi- do not collaborate with a sexual offender ously I agree with their condemnation of on any matter. OPINIONS The views expressed in explicitly advances the heinous idea that editorials and opinion pieces are those Israel has no right to exist. threats to Sarsour, but I read with great And as Jews, as lovers of Israel, as of each author and not necessarily Therefore, as the senior diplomatic en- consternation the following paragraph: progressive Americans and above all as the views of the Jewish Federation of voy of Israel in New York, it was my right “We may not agree with Sarsour on all ethical human beings, you should not col- Northeastern Pennsylvania. – and probably my duty – to intervene. matters. We do not offer our stamp of laborate – on any matter – with a person LETTERS The Reporter welcomes Nevertheless, except for raising the is- approval to every tweet or message she that condones terrorism, excludes Zionists letters on subjects of interest to the sue once when CUNY Chancellor Michael has ever posted. But in this time – we and wants Israel eliminated. Jewish community. All letters must be Milliken called me on a different issue, I are committed to bridging communal It is not about “approving a tweet.” It signed and include a phone number. did not intervene. The main reason was the boundaries and standing in solidarity with is about your moral priorities as a Jew and The editor may withhold the name anti-Sarsour rally that took place outside one another. With Sarsour and others, as a human being. upon request. CUNY premises on May 25. Some of the we work as allies on issues of shared Dani Dayan is the consul general of ADS The Reporter does not necessar- speakers there engaged in blatantly racist concern and respectfully disagree when Israel in New York. ily endorse any advertised products and services. In addition, the paper is not responsible for the kashruth of any advertiser’s product or establish- ment. Judaism requires us to pursue the goals DEADLINE Regular deadline is two weeks prior to the publication date. of the Paris climate accords FEDERATION WEBSITE: www.jewishnepa.org BY DAVID KRAEMER catastrophic. If average global tempera- matter of global warming? (JTA) – The Trump administration’s de- tures rise just a little further, not only will From a Jewish perspective, it makes no HOW TO SUBMIT ARTICLES: cision to withdraw from the Paris climate vast populations be “inconvenienced,” difference that there are those, including a Mail: 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA agreement has demanded that we all ask but environments will shift, food supplies small number of scientists, who dispute the 18510 ourselves where we stand on questions of will be disrupted, severe weather events science and therefore that the conclusions E-mail: [email protected] climate change, global warming and our will be more common, animal species are the source of alarm. Because global Fax: (570) 346-6147 collective responsibility for the planet will be eradicated and more – all at a rate warming might lead to human deaths, it Phone: (570) 961-2300 we call home. unprecedented in human history. falls into the category of “safek nefashot,” That the earth has been warming in In other words, this is not merely a or occasions when human life might be at HOW TO REACH matter of principle. If scientists are right, risk. And Jewish law is unambiguous when THE ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: recent years is indisputable. At issue are Phone: (800) 779-7896, ext. 244 the causes of this warming and its con- this is a matter of life and death for poten- life might be at risk: You are obligated to E-mail: [email protected] sequences. tially large numbers of creatures, including “err” in the direction of caution. The vast majority of scientists agree humans. Matters of life and death are So on Yom Kippur, if a pregnant woman SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: that human activities are a significant central to the concerns of Jewish thought says she is fine without eating, but a doctor Phone: (570) 961-2300 contributor to global warming, and that the and religion. So we Jews must ask: What says her life is at risk, you are obligated consequences will be significant and even do Jewish teachings demand of us in the See “Goals” on page 4 JULY 27, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 3 COMMUNITY NEWS JFSNEPA honors staff and installs new officers at annual meeting The staff members of Jewish Family Service were honored with the Distinguished Service Award at the 102nd Annual Meeting held in the Linder Room at the Scranton Jewish Community Center on June 27. JFS is said to pride itself on “the continuity and lon- gevity of its staff.” Anne Boland, Don Minkoff, Maggy Bushwick and Peter Dunford, along with JFS Executive Director Sheila Nudelman Abdo, have all been with JFS for more than 20 years. “Through the experience and knowledge they bring to the job each day, it has allowed the agency to thrive and grow throughout the years,” noted a JFS representative. L-r: New JFS board members Paulette Okun, Gayle L-r: Anne Boland, Don Minkoff, Maggy Bushwick and As part of the annual meeting, JFS also installed Thorpe Baar, Stacy Hume Nivert and Ann Lebowitz Peter Dunford were honored with the Distinguished new officers and directors. Officers nominated to serve Monsky. Service Award. a one-year term include Eric Weinberg, president; El- liot Schoenberg, first vice president; Deirdre Spelman, ending June 30, 2020. need. Through professional counseling, advocacy and second vice president; Seth Gross, treasurer; and Leah Special thanks were given to those leaving the board, educational programming, its services seek to enhance Laury, secretary. including James Ellenbogan, David Kaplan, Natalie Gelb and strengthen the quality of individual, family and Directors nominated to serve a three-year term and Michael Noto. community life. This agency mission is said to drive all ending June 30, 2020, include Paulette Okun, Gayle Established in 1915, Jewish Family Service is a hu- services and activities of Jewish Family Service. Baar, Stacy Nivert and Ann Monsky. Larrissa Schwass man service organization that aims to reflect the Jewish was nominated to serve a consecutive three-year term tradition of caring and compassion for all people in DEADLINES Federation leaders met with The following are deadlines for all articles and photos for upcoming Reporter issues. government reps to discuss healthcare DEADLINE ISSUE Thursday, July 27...... August 10 BY MARK SILVERBERG Jewish Family Service would suffer financially should Thursday, August 10...... August 24 Representatives from the Jewish Federation of North- this legislation be passed, Medicaid cuts be approved, Thursday, August 24...... September 7 eastern Pennsylvania met on July 5 at the Federation federal Medicaid grants to states be capped and the Better office in Scranton with Daniel Brandt, the chief of staff Care Reconciliation Act of 2017 become law. Thursday, September 7...... September 21 for Republican Senator Pat Toomey, and Frank Mazza, Documentation in that regard was presented both to the regional manager, to discuss the implications for Brandt and Mazza together, with other position points Medicaid recipients of the Better Care Reconciliation recommending the bill be vetoed as worded and signifi- Mulberry Medical Center is pleased to Act of 2017 currently being debated in the U.S. Senate. cantly modified. welcome Dr. Samuel Ganz to our practice Those invited to this private meeting included Rabbi The group expressed disappointment that the legisla- Dr. Ganz, a third generation Samuel Sandhaus, of the Jewish Home of Eastern Penn- tion retains the cuts to Medicaid first passed by the U.S. Scrantonian, is a graduate of Touro sylvania; Sheila Nudelman-Abdo, executive director House of Representatives in the American Health Care College of Osteopathic Medicine. He of Jewish Family Service of Northeastern Pennsylva- Act of 2017 (H.R. 1628) and – in the long run – makes completed his residency at The nia; Doug Fink, president of the Jewish Federation of them substantially worse. It was noted that these cuts Wright Center in Scranton, where he Northeastern Pennsylvania; David Fallk, Community will dramatically restructure Medicaid’s federal financ- also served as chief resident and Relations Committee chairman; and Mark Silverberg, ing commitment and roll back coverage for millions of managed 100 residents. He brings to executive director of the Jewish Federation of North- people covered by state Medicaid expansions. our practice excellence in medicine eastern Pennsylvania. Medicaid is a health lifeline for more than 80 million and superb personality. He is available to see patients While gratitude was expressed to Toomey for his people nationwide, including 37 million children, as at all our locations and is accepting new patients. Most “unswerving” political support for the state of Israel, well as pregnant women, older adults and children with insurance accepted. See “Leaders” on page 4 concern was expressed that both the Jewish Home and Mulberry Medical Center 1405 Mulberry Street, Scranton, PA 18510 570-342-8199 YOUR Greentown Medical Center 1623 Route 507, Greentown, PA 18426 AD 570-676-5660 Mt Cobb Medical Center COULD 1434 Mt Cobb Road, Lake Ariel, PA 18436 BE 570-689-2673 HERE! For information on advertising, please contact Bonnie Rozen at 1-800-779-7896, ext. 244 or bonnie@ thereportergroup.org

ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 4 THE REPORTER ■ JULY 27, 2017 Leaders Continued from page 3 disabilities. These cuts will affect nursing The end result will be millions more the Budget Office found that by 2026, ‹‹ States will be forced to curtail their homes, since Medicaid pays for two out without health insurance, fewer benefits for people under age 65, enrollment in mental health and substance abuse treat- of three people in nursing homes, and and services, and lower provider pay- Medicaid will fall by 16 percent. If true, ment services, which are said to be needed family and children’s agencies, Jewish ments. These cuts will hurt low-income then converting Medicaid to the proposed “now more than ever”; and non-Jewish alike. and vulnerable individuals, children, per capita cap will cause irreparable harm ‹‹ States will be forced to reduce already Medicaid covers poor pregnant women the disabled and older adults who have not only to the millions who depend on the low provider payment rates, thus further in most states and pays for almost half of all nowhere else to turn when health care program, but also to the entire network of decreasing the pool of providers serving births in the nation. Medicaid also pays for providers such as Jewish hospitals, nurs- providers who care for them. Medicaid beneficiaries and increasing much of the mental health and substance ing homes, group homes, and family and Those attending the meeting with waiting times for critical services; and use treatment provided in the country, a children’s agencies cannot maintain the Brandt and Mazza expressed their con- ‹‹ Healthcare providers and entities that need that Federation representatives said necessary level of staffing to provide cern that this legislation would roll back care for vulnerable populations will suffer “cannot be highlighted more than by the quality care, are forced to turn Medicaid years of progress in caring for vulnerable significant financial losses. As a result, raging opioid crisis.” recipients away or, even worse, close populations and promote perverse conse- these agencies will be forced to lay off The Senate bill, as currently worded, their doors. quences, such as: staff or close their doors altogether, seeks to end the federal government’s Concern was expressed as well by the ‹‹ People who desperately need Medic- resulting in significant job losses and long-standing commitment from Medic- findings of the Congressional Budget Office aid will become uninsured and will turn further straining state economies. aid’s inception to a matching formula with that by 2026 the Better Care Reconciliation increasingly to more expensive emergency Documentation supporting these the states. It was noted to Toomey’s rep- Act will result in $772 billion in federal rooms for care; points, together with detailed analy- resentatives that taking this step reneges budget reductions, 26 percent, to Medicaid ‹‹ States will be forced to cut back on ses provided by the Jewish Home and on the federal government’s promise to funding and lead to a loss in coverage for crucial Medicaid services, such as home JFS on the potential effect of this bill states and to Medicaid beneficiaries that 22 million people overall, including 15 and community-based services, effective- on their operations, was provided to the program remain flexible to adjust for million from Medicaid specifically. ly forcing people with disabilities and Toomey’s representatives. economic downturns, unexpected health As the Budget Office noted, the federal older adults who are capable of living For these many reasons, those who care cost increases and emergencies. share of Medicaid spending under the in the community with proper home and attended the meeting with Toomey’s rep- The bill caps federal Medicaid payments Senate bill eventually will be substantially community-based services into nursing resentatives requested that the senator’s starting in 2020, with a growth rate that lower than the average annual increase in homes that will be hard-pressed to accept representatives convey to Toomey the is lower than the real cost of health care. real health care costs and will not adjust them, as most of their patients are funded Federation’s opposition to the Better Care Moreover, after five years, it was noted enough to offset these costs. Because the through Medicaid; Reconciliation Act as currently worded. that the bill would make even deeper cuts cap will not reflect the real cost of health by changing to a lower growth rate – even care inflation and additional risks, the bill lower than the House-passed bill. This will cause far deeper cuts, estimated at 40 lower rate is believed to not keep pace percent, in the years after 2026. Goals Continued from page 2 with the rising cost of health care, nor will The CBO thus concluded that the to feed her. By the same token, if the We are, as Leviticus announces, mere it adjust for major demographic changes Better Care Reconciliation Act will shift doctor says she is fine, but she says she “resident-aliens” (25:23) on the land. But that are coming across the country, such significant costs and risk to state and lo- is failing, you are similarly obligated to doesn’t Psalms (115:16) also teach that as the aging of the baby boomers, who cal governments, providers and patients, feed her. What this means is that even if “the heavens belong to the Lord while He will begin to turn 80 years old just as the thus exacerbating the existing strain on the “alarmists” only might be right, we are gave the earth to the children of men”? Yes, deepest cuts take effect. the program. obligated to take the steps they advise. If says the Talmud, but only after we take The cap on Medicaid fundamentally In short, due to these federal reductions human life might be at risk, we must act responsibility for the earth by recogniz- restructures the program and limits federal in funding, states will be left with no choice so as to avert the risk. ing its creator and following the creator’s spending, but it does not lower the cost but to either commit more state funds One might respond that the Yom commandments to care for it (see Berakhot of caring for Medicaid beneficiaries, nor to make up the difference, which they Kippur case pertains to someone who is 35b). The earth is not ours to exploit – let does it improve the care being provided. cannot afford to do, or reduce Medicaid already alive, while the concern for global alone to destroy – at will. It is ours only It simply passes costs and fiscal risks from enrollment, reduce eligibility for Medicaid warming extends to those who will live if we are good stewards. As Genesis 2:15 the federal government to the states. benefits or reduce payment rates. In fact, (and die) in the future. But Judaism is says, we are placed in this “garden” of ours also clear in insisting that our obligations “to work it and to guard it.” extend not only to those who live today, It would be unfair to say that Judaism Effective please but also to future generations. As Moses, requires us to stay in the Paris climate immediately, send speaking for God, says in Deuteronomy agreement; biblical and rabbinic prescrip- note! 29:13-14: “I make this covenant... not with tions are not simplistically translatable all articles and ads to you alone, but both with those who are into the details of 21st-century policy. But our new E-mail address, standing here with us this day before the Judaism does require us to pursue the goals jfnepareporter@ Lord our God and with those who are not of the Paris accords and even more. The with us this day.” The covenant, with its fact that questions remain does not change jewishnepa.org. obligations to save lives, is a “generation this conclusion. In the view of Judaism, to generation” covenant. the survival of the earth and its creatures Finally, our obligation as Jews extends is our responsibility. not just to our own species, but to the world David Kraemer is the Joseph J. and as a whole and to all of God’s creatures Dora Abbell Librarian and professor within it. Psalms declares that “the earth of Talmud and rabbinics at the Jewish To getEffective Federation immediately, updates via email, and its fullness are the Lord’s” (24:1). Theological Seminary. please send rregisterall articles on our & website ads to our new E-mail address, Jewish Federation of NEPA [email protected]. www.jewishnepa.org Pledge or Donate online at www.jewishnepa.org/donate Facebook ® is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc

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Send Dassy Ganz an email if you would like to join the list. [email protected] JULY 27, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 5 The Olympics of Jewish Scranton Reporter 5 x 15 7/8 innovators Wyoming Valley 5 x 15 7/8 BY ELIANA RUDEE everyone from Eminem to Macklemore JNS.org to Matisyahu. As the so-called “Jewish Olympics” Amid the diversity of their initiatives, (the Maccabiah Games) kicked off -re summit participants shared a broader cently in Israel, another Olympic-style goal: reshaping the Jewish future. As the Jewish event sought to ignite global Jewish name “Return on Investment” suggests, leadership. From July 2-6, the 2017 Return the gathering’s goal is to invest in young on Investment (or ROI) Summit in Jerusa- leaders within the Jewish community lem hosted more than 150 young Jewish through workshops, networking and leaders from 29 countries. An initiative of brainstorming, hoping for a social impact the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family that will positively affect the global and Foundation, the summit is the flagship pro- Jewish landscapes. In a “brain date extrav- gram of the ROI Community, a movement aganza,” participants networked with Is- that states it “connects dynamic Jewish raeli change-makers in speed-dating-like leaders from across the globe, enabling meetings, enabling the local experts to tap them to turn their passion into action and into the summit’s talent. The summit also Featuring the largest kosher selection of fresh meat, poultry, shape the future of the Jewish world.” included peer-led workshops. dairy, frozen, grocery & baked goods! Coming to Jerusalem from Africa, “The conference has been this mish- Asia, Australia, Europe and the Americas, mash of the most successful people I’ve ROI Summit participants led initiatives ever met,” rapper Even-Esh told the Haym –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Salomon Center. “It’s the perfect place to that were just as diverse as the range of Including a large selection of Kosher Dairy & Frozen items. Olympic sports. Some aimed to build come and share our stories and talents, Grocery bb bridges between Israelis and Palestinians, because everyone here just gets it.” –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1.9-4.09 oz.•Select Varieties 3 oz.•Bittersweet or Milk others work to improve life for underpriv- The ROI Community offers ongoing Where Available ileged communities outside of the Jewish opportunities for professional develop- Elite community, and others put a new spin on ment, networking and financial support, Lipton Recipe arts and culture. Here is just a sampling: such as micro-grants of $2,000 for proj- Secrets Soup Mixes Chocolate Bars ‹‹ Sarah Rosen is the author of the Porn- ects. Philanthropist Lynn Schusterman, 4Jews blog and the “Kosher Porn” book, co-founder and chairwoman of her fam- 2 $ 99

/ –––––––– featuring photographs of (fully clothed) ily’s foundation, said the ROI Summit 5 1 Jewish men and women – the kind you’d “is much more than a conference. It is ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– take home to meet your parents – depicting a fertile meeting ground for the most 12 oz.•Select Varieties 4 oz.•Cake Batter, Chocolate All Natural•Where Available Jewish traditions flirtatiously. creative, talented young minds working Chip or Brownie Batter ‹‹ Jacob Weisenthal, operations manager in the Jewish world. Ancient Harvest Mrs. Thinster’s for Semilla Nueva, is working to develop “It is no coincidence that we bring them Quinoa Cookie Thins a species of corn in Guatemala to address together in Jerusalem, a city that has both local malnutrition. challenged and inspired humankind for 99 2 $ ‹‹ Julia Spiegel, a social justice and im- thousands of years,” she said. “It is here

–––––––– / that we hope these rising young leaders 5 pact litigation attorney for the Santa Clara 5 County Counsel’s Office in California, is will connect, create and collaborate on a ––––––––––––––––16 oz.•All Varieties –––––––––––––––––16 oz. leading a case against President Donald vision for the future of our community.” All Natural Where Available Trump’s executive order stripping sanctu- Eliana Rudee is a fellow with the Haym Justin’s Nathan’s Coney ary jurisdictions of federal funding. Salomon Center news and public policy Almond Butter Island Mustard ‹‹ Jewish and American-Israeli rapper group. Her bylines have been featured Rami Even-Esh, better known as Kosha in USA Today, New York Daily News, 99 2 $ Dillz, has shared stages and songs with Forbes and The Hill. / ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––9 –––––––– 4 Meat b Including a selection of Glatt Kosher Fresh and Frozen Beef, Chicken & Turkey. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––16 oz. Empire Kosher 8 Piece Cut-Up Chicken $2.99 Lb. Empire Kosher Empire Kosher Fresh Turkey or Chicken Breasts Chicken Franks 99 99 lb. 5 –––––––– 1 A group photo at the 2017 ROI Summit in Jerusalem (photo by Snir Kazir) ––––––––––––––––7 oz. ––––––––––––––––– Empire Kosher Sliced 48 oz. Turkey, Turkey Salami Meal Mart Ground or Turkey Pastrami Beef Patties 3 Lbs. Back to School Backpack Project The Temple Hesed Social Action Committee is gearing up for its annual back 79 99

to school backpack project for 2017. Lackawanna County children in need, 3 –––––––– 17 identified by local social service agencies, are provided with new clothing and a –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– backpack filled with supplies for the first day of school. Please consider support- Including a selection of Salmon Fillets & Steaks. ing this very worthwhile project. Fish bb You can be matched with a child (grades Pre-K to 6th) to provide all or some ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––12 oz. of the needed items, or you can make a cash donation and we will purchase the 4 oz. Nathan’s Herring items for you. Any monetary donation would be greatly appreciated, and the Blue Circle Snacks in White Wine following guidelines will help you see what your donation will provide. Smoked Salmon BUY 1 AT $10.99, GET 1 or Cream Sauce Sponsor a child (backpack with clothes & supplies) $100 Backpack with school supplies $50 99 Backpack or school supplies $25 FREE –––––––– 4 Please contact Temple Hesed at 570-344-7201 if you wish to sponsor a child, and –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– provide an email address where we can send you the child’s information. Checks should be made out to Temple Hesed, with “Back to School” designated in the memo Westside Mall, Edwardsville • 287-7244 line. If you want to purchase the needed supplies, the Temple 1228 O’Neill Highway, Dunmore • 346-4538 will provide a list of what is needed for each child. Donations of backpacks and school supplies can be dropped off at Temple Hesed or the JCC reception area during normal business hours through August 18th, but earlier is much appreciated. Your contribution will help ensure that children start the school year with the confidence and tools they need to succeed. Thank you in advance for your participation. “It takes a community to raise a child.” Temple Hesed, Social Action Committee, Prices effective Sunday, July 30 thru Saturday, August 26, 2017. 1 Knox Rd., Scranton, PA 18505 6 THE REPORTER ■ JULY 27, 2017 Textbooks Continued from page 1 school districts around the country list their In Georgia’s Sumter County, Campbell curriculum materials on their websites. APT Middle School parent Hal Medlin complained President Charles Jacobs told JNS.org his in 2011 about a class assignment featuring a group “will continue to build support for a fictitious letter from a Saudi woman who de- policy of transparency, so that parents and fended Islamic sharia law and her husband’s citizens can know what is being taught to polygamy on the grounds that she was being Newton’s students.” “cared for” by her husband. Conservative In response to a request for copies of activist Pamela Geller, who joined the pro- the materials, Joel Stembridge, principal tests against the Campbell Middle School of Newton South High School, said the re- assignment, told JNS.org the letter was “an quester would need to pay $3,643 to cover outrageous whitewash of the subjugation of photocopying expenses. Eventually, Free- women by Islam.” dom of Information Act requests were filed The curriculum unit also included a doc- by Judicial Watch and others, including JNS. ument in which a pro-Palestinian activist org and APT. Judicial Watch’s request forced suggested terrorist attacks against Israeli Jews the release of nearly 500 pages of material. are “understandable.” Newton Mayor Setti Warren, a member of In neighboring Henry County, school au- the nine-person School Committee, attended “Israeli Apartheid Week,” an annual global anti-Israel showcase, in May thorities responded to complaints about the committee meetings on the textbooks issue, 2010 on the campus of University of California, Los Angeles. According to text by withdrawing it from the curriculum. but did not actively participate in the discus- the Brand Israel Group, only 54 percent of U.S. college students lean more Sumter County officials took no such action, sions, according to community members. toward Israel than the Palestinians, down from 73 percent in 2010. (Photo by but Sharon Coletti – president of the InspirEd Warren, who is now a candidate for the Demo- AMCHA Initiative) curriculum developer, which had prepared cratic nomination for Massachusetts governor, the controversial materials for Georgia pub- did not respond to requests for comment from JNS.org. CONTROVERSIES AROUND THE COUNTRY lic schools – told JNS.org that “the topics of women’s Several mainstream Jewish organizations in Boston, Other texts have been at the center of similar contro- rights and the West Bank have largely been dropped including the local chapter of the Anti-Defamation versies elsewhere around the U.S. in recent years. [from statewide curricula], so we removed” the texts. League, initially denied that biased materials were Parents in Tennessee’s Williamson County complained Parents at a high school in Pittsburgh complained to being used in the schools. They also criticized APT for to school authorities in 2013 about a textbook called Curriculum Watch’s Alfonsi in 2007 about a teacher’s use organizing protests against the Newton school authori- “The Cultural Landscape: An Introduction to Human of “Habibi,” a young adult novel by Naomi Shihab Nye. ties. Later, the New England ADL changed its position, Geography.” In a section on the reasons for the rise of Alfonsi found that the book has a “strongly pro-Pales- agreeing that the “Arab World Studies Notebook” and terrorism, the book asks, “If a Palestinian suicide bomber tinian slant, including extreme accusations about ‘Israeli another anti-Israel text, “A Muslim Primer,” should not kills several dozen Israeli teenagers in a Jerusalem restau- oppression.’” The fact that it was being used in an Ad- have been used in schools. rant, is that an act of terrorism or wartime retaliation vancement Placement English class “meant that it was The CAMERA monograph reports that, as a result against Israeli government policies and army actions?” indoctrinating some of the brightest kids in the school,” of the controversy, “there has been some change in the The protests, which were led by Christian pro-Israel she said. As a result of Alfonsi’s discussions with school selection of materials” by Newton officials and “more activist Laurie Cardoza-Moore and supported by the officials, “Habibi” was dropped from the class’ curriculum. careful vetting of them.” Yet some of the supplemental Jewish Federation of Nashville, prompted the Tennessee “The problem is that for every school that removes materials that Newton teachers use “continue to favor state legislature to take steps to ensure greater parental an anti-Israel text, there are a hundred more that are fringe perspectives,” according to the study. involvement in the selection of textbooks. continuing to use it,” Alfonsi said, adding, “When I Steven Stotsky, the monograph’s author, told JNS. Further, the book’s publisher, Pearson Education, began this work 20 years ago, we were reviewing cur- org the situation “remains unresolved,” pointing out that removed the suicide bomber passage from subsequent riculum materials used for the sixth-12th grades. Now we Newton North High School hosted another anti-Israel editions. But Cardoza-Moore told JNS.org her campaign are seeing anti-Israel in bias in texts going all the way speaker in June. Since no curriculum materials have been was “only a partial victory, because ‘The Cultural Land- down to the fourth grade. I’m concerned that many in shown to the parents since 2015, “we don’t know” if any scape’ contains other biased statements about Israel that the Jewish community still do not recognize how serious of the anti-Israel books are still being used, Stotsky said. were not removed.” this problem is.”

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 everythingfrom 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.

As always, your comments, opinions & suggestions are always welcome.

With best wishes, Mark Silverberg, Executive Director Jewish Federation of NE Pennsylvania 601 Jefferson Avenue Scranton, PA 18510 JULY 27, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 7 Six reasons why Macron’s speech about the Holocaust in France was groundbreaking ly, Macron and Netanyahu hugged overnight” by the free French government that succeeded ANALYSIS publicly after Netanyahu’s speech. it after the country’s liberation in World War II. “Min- Much of Macron’s speech was isters, civil servants, police officers, economy officials, BY CNAAN LIPHSHIZ devoted to establishing France’s unions, teachers” from the Vichy government were all PARIS (JTA) – It wasn’t the complicity in the murder of 25 per- incorporated into the Third Republic that replaced it, first time that a French president cent of its Jewish population during Macron said. acknowledged his nation’s Ho- the Holocaust and deconstructing By touching on France’s perceived failure to purge locaust-era guilt, but Emmanuel apologist views on the subject. itself of collaborators and their legacy, Macron differenti- Macron’s speech on July 16 was Speaking plainly and avoiding ated himself from all of France’s presidents after Francois nonetheless groundbreaking in metaphors, Macron sounded less Mitterrand. Klarsfeld praised Macron for pointing out format, content and style. Delivered like a politician than a historian or how Mitterrand and post-war leader Charles de Gaulle during a ceremony at the Vel d’Hiv Emmanuel Macron spoke at a July 16 ceremony commemorating the 75th a prosecutor who is committed to “remained silent on the historical truth” about collab- Holocaust memorial monument factual accuracy. In the first admis- oration “in favor of appeasement and reconciliation.” anniversary of the Vel d’Hiv Holocaust exactly 75 years after French police sion of Holocaust culpability by a Macron said he “does not judge” his predecessors who roundup in Paris. (Photo by Kamil officers rounded up 13,152 Jews French president, Jacques Chirac remained silent on the issue. there for deportation to Nazi death ZihnIoglu/AFP/Getty Images) in 1995 said that “Frenchmen, the During his speech, Macron said, “It is very convenient camps, the 35-minute address was French state assisted the criminal folly of the occupier,” to view Vichy as a monstrosity, born of nothing and re- Macron’s first about the Holocaust since the centrist won resulting in a failure to uphold the nation’s values and turned to nothing.” But it is “false. We cannot base any the presidency in May. an “irreparable crime.” And Francois Hollande in 2012 pride on a lie.” Rather than weaken the French nation, as Evocative and more forthright than any of the speeches said the roundups were a “crime committed in France, argued by National Front politicians, admitting its guilt on the subject delivered by Macron’s predecessors, his by France.” “opened the path to correcting” its faults, Macron said. address “relieved the feeling of isolation” experienced But the Macron address delivered on July 16 “was Speaking about the Vichy puppet government, Ma- by many Jews due to antisemitism today, according to a precedent-setting speech that went deeper, on a ped- cron deconstructed the main revisionist talking points Rabbi Delphine Horvilleur, who leads the Liberal Jewish agogic level, than addresses that preceded it by French put forward by the French far right led by the National movement in France. Macron’s speech “made me proud presidents,” said Serge Klarsfeld, a historian and one of Front party under Marine Le Pen. In April, Le Pen ar- to be French and Jewish,” she said. France’s leading researchers on the Holocaust. Macron’s gued that the government’s actions in World War II do Here are six significant ways that the address differed speech was the first presidential address that named in- not represent France as a nation. “I reject the attempts from those of previous French presidents, including in dividual collaborators who helped the Nazis kill Jews, to absolve one’s conscious by those who claim Vichy scope; the unusual role played at the event by Israeli including Rene Bousquet, a police chief who was in- wasn’t France,” Macron said. No other French president Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu; its references to dicted for planning the Vel d’Hiv roundups, but died in had said this in these terms. present realities; and Macron’s emotional delivery. 1993 before his trial. “France organized the roundups,” Responding to repeated pleas by French Jews – in- It was the first time that an Israeli head of state attended Macron said. “Not a single German participated.” And cluding at the Vel d’Hiv event during a speech by CRIF the annual commemoration for the Vel d’Hiv deportations so France “in almost every aspect organized the death” President Francis Kalifat – Macron for the first time of July 16-17, 1942, named after the Velodrome d’Hiver of the victims. commented on the death of Sarah Halimi. Halimi, a stadium that used to stand near the monument. Netanyahu More jarringly to many French ears, he said the 66-year-old physician, was killed by a Muslim neighbor, was invited despite objections on Muslim websites, by collaborationist Vichy government “was not replaced See “Macron” on page 11 the Communist Party and the party of the far-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon – although the invitation came from the CRIF federation of French Jewish communities and not by the Elysee Presidential Palace, as reported by some French media. The Elysee, which organized the event, did not object publicly to Netanyahu’s attendance and facilitated it. The arrival of Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, in a motorcade whose limousines sported gold-fringed Israeli flags electrified the predominantly Jewish audience of 1,200 people. Holocaust survivors in their 80s and 90s approached the monument railing to catch a glimpse of the Israelis as others reacted with thunderous applause. They oohed and applauded as Netanyahu delivered the first part of his speech in French, which he speaks with a thick accent and some errors, but understands with- out requiring translation. And they nodded as he urged Macron to stand with Israel and fight “the cancerous spread of militant Islam” and “hate that starts with the Jews, but never ends there,” as Netanyahu defined it. But their enthusiasm for Netanyahu was dwarfed by the deafening applause they gave Macron when he responded to Netanyahu. Addressing Netanyahu, Macron assured the Israeli leader and listeners that “we will continue our fight against terrorism and the worst kinds of fanaticism,” adding: “So yes, we will never surrender to the expressions of hatred; we will not surrender to anti-Zionism because it is a reinvention of antisemitism.” Articulated in recent years by Emmanuel Valls, a for- mer prime minister of France, Macron’s statement was the first time an incumbent president in France equated anti-Zionism – a fairly popular sentiment in France – with antisemitism. It triggered several emotional yelps from the audience and applause so vigorous, it caused the tarp strung up over the monument plaza for security reasons to vibrate. There was another wave of applause when, unusual-

Members of the audience listened to French President Emmanuel Macron near the Vel d’Hiv memorial in Paris on July 16. (Photo by Cnaan Liphshiz) ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 8 THE REPORTER ■ JULY 27, 2017

fed honor roll full page JULY 27, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 9

fed honor roll full page 10 THE REPORTER ■ JULY 27, 2017 D’VAR TORAH Tisha B’Av – loss? Or transformation? BY RABBI MARJORIE BERMAN, SPIRITUAL that were already broken. People throughout our country DIRECTOR, RECONSTRUCTIONIST and around the world are realizing that democracy is RABBINICAL COLLEGE IN PHILADELPHIA not a spectator sport. The destruction happening in our Devarim (Tisha B’Av), Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22 democracy and on our planet is devastating, but it will On Tisha B’Av, or the ninth of the month of Av, we push us to find a better way, or we won’t survive. mourn the destruction of both the first and second Temples However, in order to embrace the new, we need to in Jerusalem. There are other catastrophes associated with mourn the old, even if the new way is better or more ful- the day as well, though not all of them are historically filling. All change involves loss. Our tradition recognizes accurate, including the end of the Bar Kochba rebellion in this, and gives us Tisha B’Av, a day that actually concludes 135 C.E., the expulsion of the Jews from England in 1290 a three-week period of mourning, a day of grieving all C.E., and from Spain in 1492. How could it come to pass the losses that have ever come to us, as preparation for that all of these terrible things befell us on the same day? the new. We go from fasting and listening to the Book of There is a midrash that concerns the biblical story of Lamentations into Elul, the month of preparation for Rosh the spies that were sent out to report on the inhabitants Hashanah, the New Year. Destruction and loss are part of of the land that the Israelites were seeking to conquer. the cycle of making way for the new. There is even the When they came back on the 9th of Av with an unfavor- tradition that the Messiah will be born on Tisha B’Av! able report, the Israelites cried out in fear and wished Many modern Jews tend to ignore Tisha B’Av. I invite they were back in Egypt. In the midrash, God declares: you to think about what losses you want to acknowledge “You wept without cause, I will therefore make this day in your life, to give yourself time to mourn, and then an eternal day of mourning for you.” Sort of a “Why to look up and see what newness or transformation is are you crying? I’ll give you something to cry about!” waiting to emerge. The reality is, all change involves loss, even if it is a change for the better. Because of this, we are often so resistant to change that it takes a catastrophe or the destruction of something we hold dear to push us to do something differently. When the second Temple was destroyed, much of what had been central to Judaism was lost, and the traditional liturgy expresses hope for its rebuilding in the daily prayers. But, because of the second Temple’s destruction, a new Judaism was born. Jewish Outdoor Escape 2017 Rather than a centralized rite of daily sacrifices overseen The Mosaic Outdoor Clubs of America by a priestly caste, we became “a nation of priests.” Each announced its 2017 Jewish Outdoor Escape: family’s table became the altar, and prayer and study r’AZ-ma-t’AZ, an Arizona Adventure. The replaced the sacrifice of animals. Rabbinic Judaism event will take place August 31-September emerged as the new path forward. 4 – Labor Day weekend – in the high-desert town of In our country and our world today, we are daily watch- Prescott, AZ. Located between Phoenix, Sedona and the ing institutions and ideals being torn apart. The vision Grand Canyon, Prescott is home to a kosher-style summer of a protected planet, interdependent nations, heath care camp that will be Mosaic’s base for five days. The summer for all, a country which promotes justice and equality camp for grown-ups features trails for hiking, biking and for all regardless of race, gender, religion or wealth – all horseback riding. Pre- and post-trip options are available. of these are in danger. But we would not have arrived at For more information, visit www.mosaicoutdoor.org/ or this moment if there weren’t aspects of our democracy contact the organization at [email protected]. JULY 27, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 11 A trove of Nazi-era objects in Argentina BY JTA STAFF the Jewish philanthropists Eduardo Elsztain and Marcelo BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (JTA) – A cache of 75 Mindlin, who was named recently the president of the original Nazi objects discovered in June by the Argentine Holocaust Museum of Buenos Aires. “This collection is Federal Police has been evaluated as “unprecedented” a great responsibility; we will prepare our site to receive and “the biggest” discovery of its type. The objects, dis- this contribution,” Mindlin told JTA. “There will be a lot covered in a hidden room of a house in the northern part of fanatics that will want to enter, there will be people of the city, included equipment used for Nazi medical trying to steal objects,” he added, noting that “huge experiments during the Holocaust. They were analyzed security issues” must be worked out. a week ago at Interpol headquarters in Lyon, France, In June 2016, a collector from Argentina paid $680,000 Federal Police Commissioner Marcelo El Haibe told for a pair of Nazi-owned underpants and other memora- JTA on June 19. bilia. “It’s impossible that one collector would have this The police found a bust relief of Adolf Hitler, medical invaluable amount of original Nazi objects,” DAIA vice devices marked with swastikas used to measure head president Alberto Indij told JTA. “These [objects] likely and body size, Nazi puzzles for children and knives, Some of the Nazi-era objects discovered by Argentine belonged directly to Hitler or Joseph Mengele. Someone among other objects. Among the objects discovered was police. (Photo by Leonardo Kremenchuzky/DAIA) escaped with all this objects. There isn’t a person that a magnifying glass attached to a photo of Hitler using bought all this. No, these were Nazi officers trying to the magnifying glass. crowded in a small room where a sample of the objects hide and save these objects.” “We checked some marks and characteristics, and it were on display. She said her ministry has asked the judge The magnifying glass and accompanying photo of is the same object that Hitler holds in his hands in the in charge of investigating the discovery that all of the Hitler were not put on public display, but Indij saw them photo,” El Haibe, a member of Interpol who accompa- objects be donated to the Holocaust Museum of Buenos at Interpol headquarters and confirmed their existence nied the pieces to Lyon, told JTA. “Interpol colleagues Aires, “so that all Argentinians and also visitors who to JTA. from Germany, Israel and United States were surprised come to Buenos Aires can see this shocking collection.” Mengele, a doctor who performed experiments on by the globally unprecedented discovery. No one has a Among the attendees were Germany Embassy offi- Jewish prisoners, lived in Argentina for a decade after record of this magnitude a discovery of original Nazis cials, judges, intellectuals and businessmen, as well as See “Trove” on page 12 objects, and we have started a collaborative process to search the route of the objects to Argentina.” According to El Haibe, who also serves as the chief of the Protection of Cultural Heritage department of the federal police, only a very high level of Nazi officer had access to this quality and quantity of objects, and apparently tried to save the objects when the Nazi regime was failing. allah an On June 19, the Argentine Jewish political umbrella d, H d Ho DAIA displayed some of the objects at its headquarters se Continuing a Rosh Hashanah ne in the AMIA Jewish center here. The AMIA building was Hefund-raising tradition started by Roseann Smith Alperin (O.B.M.), y destroyed in a 1994 terrorist bombing and rebuilt in 1999. a former Temple Hesed Sisterhood president, Hesed, Hallah and Honey, DAIA President Ariel Cohen Sabban praised the benefits Temple programs and continues Roseann’s good work. police for their work in making the discovery. “From this building, we spoke several times about the lack of Gift Bag $20 • Mums $22 security in this country, but today it’s time to recognize the good work done by the police and the Security • The Gift Bag — contains a challah, container of honey, Ministry,” he said. “These objects are an irrefutable yom tov candles, an apple and candies. ——$20 delivered testimony to the Nazi horror and that Argentina was a refuge” for the Nazis. (Kosher challah - add $1) Before receiving an award from DAIA, Security Min- • Flowering Plant — A beautiful Mum in a basket. ister Patricia Bullrich spoke to more than 200 attendees Perfect for those who cannot accept gifts of foods. We are delivering the gift bags and plants on To order: Please make Macron Continued from page 7 Erev Rosh Hashanah: Wednesday, September 20, 2017. checks payable to Kobili Traore, who shouted about Allah before he killed DELIVERIES WILL BE MADE TO ANY ADDRESS IN her. Halimi’s daughter said that Traore had called her a “Temple Hesed Sisterhood”. SCRANTON OR THE ABINGTONS “dirty Jew.” Yet in what CRIF considers a “cover-up,” the Specify plain or raisin All Orders Must Be In By September 13, 2017 indictment filed against Traore recently does categorize challah or the flowering mum. the killing as a hate crime. In his address, Netanyahu counted Halimi among Mail to: Carol Leventhal, Volunteers Needed! other French Jews murdered in recent years by Islamists. 125 Welsh Hill Road, We need gift bag packers to begin assembling the bags at 10 a.m. on Tues- day, Sept. 19, 2017 and we need people to make deliveries starting Macron replied: “Despite the denials of the murderer, Clarks Summit, PA 18411. the judiciary must as soon as possible provide maximum the morning of Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017. For more information, clarity on the death of Sarah Halimi.” Klarsfeld said it Both activities will take place at the Leventhal residence at 125 Welsh Hill was a strong message that will “probably induce change” call Carol at 570-587-2931 Road, Clarks Summit. in how Traore is tried. or email [email protected]. If you can help, please call: 570-587-2931 or email [email protected] A rational and analytical thinker with a background in banking and economics, Macron surprised many of his listeners with the apparent intensity of his intonation and Hesed, Hallah and Honey Order Form body language during the speech. “Above all, the speech Order before Sept. 13 • Delivered September 20 was special for his palpable emotion,” Horvilleur said. Like many others, Horvilleur, a Liberal rabbi, was YOUR NAME Name______Enclose check, made payable to: Temple Hesed Sisterhood “deeply moved” by Macron’s remarks at the end of his Address______speech about how the children deported from Vel d’Hiv Mail order to: informs how he views his role as president. Children ______Carol Leventhal “who wanted to go to school, graduate, find work, start a 125 Welch Hill Road family, read, watch a show, learn and travel,” he said. “I Phone______Clarks Summit PA 18411 want to tell those children that France has not forgotten them. That she loves them. That their tragic fate demands Name______¨ Challah of us never to give up to hate, rancor or despair.” ___ Plain ____Raisin $20/each Address______¨ Kosher Challah - add $1/each ______Phone______¨ Mums = $22/each GETTING GIFTS Name______¨ Challah Address______Plain ____Raisin $20/each ¨ Kosher Challah - add $1/each ______Phone______¨ Mums = $22/each

Name______¨ Challah Address______Plain ____Raisin $20/each ______¨ Kosher Challah - add $1/each Phone______¨ Mums = $22/each ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 12 THE REPORTER ■ JULY 27, 2017 Israeli company that produces water from air launches first pilot program in Florida BY ANDREW TOBIN Florida gets much of its drinking water from the (JTA) – Large parts of Florida are suffering from Floridian Aquifer and the Biscayne Aquifer, as well as severe drought, and hurricane season threatens to make from surface water from Lake Okeechobee and other things worse. Enter Water-Gen, an Israeli company lakes, but population increases have strained available whose technology captures humidity to extract drinking sources. Because of the drought, Miami-Dade County, water from the air. where Miami Gardens in located, has put restrictions on On June 19, the South Florida city of Miami Gardens water use, including banning residents from watering announced it was launching a pilot program with the outdoors between 10 am and 4 pm. company to address its water problems – the first U.S. city In addition, Florida is bracing for hurricanes, which hit to do so. “As representatives responsible for the quality the state harder than any other and can cause water contami- of life and safety of our communities, preparedness and nation. Hurricane season runs from June through November. readiness to counter crises is mandatory,” Mayor Oliver Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez said he Gilbert III said at a City Hall news conference. “Water sees Water-Gen’s potential to help the state. “I congrat- Gen’s pilot will enable us to measure its use for clean Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert III, second from ulate Mayor Gilbert and the City of Miami Gardens for drinking water if needed for hurricane relief and any left, Water-Gen USA President Yehuda Kaploun and its leadership in allowing for the demonstration of water other emergency water situation that may arise.” Lior Haiat, consul general to Israel in Miami, toasted generation technology that could be a game-changer,” During the last weeks of June, Miami Gardens will Water-Gen in Miami Gardens, FL, on June 20. (Photo he said June 19. use a midsized Water-Gen generator to produce drinking courtesy of Mendy Studio) Water-Gen’s ambitions extend beyond Florida and water for its residents. Water-Gen officials said they hope the United States. Earlier this year, the company signed the pilot leads to contracts with Miami Gardens and “Miami Gardens is our first significant pilot program deals, together worth $150 million, to produce drinking other parts of Florida. The company’s largest generator in a U.S. city,” Water-Gen USA President Yehuda Ka- water in India and Vietnam, two countries that have yields as much as 825 gallons of water per day for only ploun said Monday. “We are ideally positioned to enable long faced shortages. About 1.2 billion people, nearly 10 cents a gallon, mostly in energy costs, according to communities to tap into a clean and safe drinking water one-fifth of the world’s population, live in areas of water the company. source with a refreshing taste.” scarcity, according to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Owned by Russian-Israeli entrepreneur and billionaire Michael Mirilashvili, the vice president of the World Continued from page 11 Trove Jewish Congress, Water-Gen has Jewish friends in high the war in the same area of Buenos Aires where the since many objects of Asian historical significance also places. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mentioned it Nazi medical tools were discovered. El Haibe said there were discovered during the raids, was released June 19 in an interview last December with CBS’s “60 Minutes” could be some link between Mengele and the recently by the Argentine Federal Police. about Israel’s high-tech prowess. In March, Harvard Law discovered tools. “There are strong coincidences of tools, The objects were found June 9 following a nine- professor Alan Dershowitz demonstrated the technology practices, locations; we are investigating this hypothesis month police investigation. They are in the custody of on stage at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s right now,” he said. “But for sure this did not belong to a the justice who is tasked with investigating the find, annual policy conference in Washington, DC. low-level Nazi follower. This belongs to a very high-level who has put a gag order on most aspects of the case. He touted the technology as a way to counter world- Nazi official who brought them to Argentina.” One suspect identified by the police is not in Argentina. wide water scarcity and the Boycott, Divestment and Argentina was a refuge for Nazis like Mengele after There are Argentine and non-Argentine suspects being Sanctions movement against Israel. “There is no weapon World War II. Adolf Eichmann was captured in the investigated, but no further details have been provided. more powerful in the fight against BDS than for Israel to northern area of Buenos Aires in 1960, and another war Argentina has had an anti-discrimination law on the develop technologies that the world cannot live without,” criminal, Erich Priebke, also lived there. A video about books since 1988 that covers the possession and sale he told the crowd. “You cannot boycott products that the Interpol evaluation, dubbed Operation Near East of such objects. you can’t live without.” JULY 27, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 13 NEWS IN BRIEF FROM THE U.S. From JNS.org istration enacted new sanctions against Iran on July 18, in an effort to put additional Rabbis dispute ADL’s alt-right list, issue own list of the far pressure on Tehran while seeking to keep in place the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers. “The United States remains deeply concerned about Iran’s left malign activities across the Middle East which undermine regional stability, security, The Anti-Defamation League’s new “hate list” of top alt-right figures “gives a free and prosperity,” the State Department said in a statement. Iran’s activities “undercut pass to antisemitism coming from left-wing activists,” a rabbinical group is asserting. whatever ‘positive contributions’ to regional and international peace and security were The Coalition for Jewish Values, which represents 200 Orthodox rabbis in the U.S. intended to emerge” from the nuclear agreement,” the State Department added. The and Canada, also charged that “political motives” were behind the ADL’s inclusion of Trump administration on July 17 said Iran remains in compliance with the nuclear Corey Stewart, a Virginia conservative who is seeking the Republican nomination to deal, despite Trump calling the pact “the worst deal ever” during last year’s election oppose Sen. Tim Kaine. The Coalition countered the ADL’s list by releasing a top 10 campaign and promising to dismantle the accord. list of left-wing activists who, it says, are “far more guilty of anti-Jewish defamatory Pence promises U.S. will move embassy to Jerusalem speech” than those named by the ADL. The Coalition’s list includes Linda Sarsour, the feminist activist and BDS promoter; Hatem Bazian, founder of Students for Vice President Mike Pence said on July 17 that relocating the U.S. Embassy in Justice in Palestine, arguably the most active anti-Israel group on college campuses; Israel to Jerusalem is only a matter of time. “I promise you that the day will come when President Donald Trump moves the American embassy from Tel Aviv to Jeru- Rachel Gilmer, co-author of the Black Lives Matter platform, which accused Israel of th genocide; and Rebecca Vilkomerson, executive director the anti-Zionist organization salem. It is not a question of if, it is only when,” Pence told the 12 annual Christians Jewish Voice for Peace. United for Israel summit in Washington, DC. Pence said he and Trump “stand without apology for Israel today,” and touted the president’s trip to Israel in May. “Standing Iran condemns “worthless” U.S. sanctions on ballistic in Jerusalem, in that ancient and holy city, our president declared for all the world to missile program hear that under his leadership, the United States of America ‘will always stand with Iranian officials condemned fresh U.S. sanctions against Iran’s ballistic missile Israel,’” said Pence. Trump signed a waiver on June 1 to keep the U.S. embassy in program on July 18, calling the sanctions announcement “contemptible and worth- Tel Aviv, avoiding a move to Jerusalem for an additional six months. Since Congress less.” Iran “will reciprocate the move by imposing sanctions on a number of American passed legislation in 1995 authorizing the relocation of the embassy to Jerusalem, natural and legal persons who have taken steps against the Iranian people and other every sitting president has signed successive six-month waivers delaying the move, Muslim nations in the region,” the Iranian Foreign Ministry said. The Trump admin- citing national security concerns.

ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 14 THE REPORTER ■ JULY 27, 2017

Feature Films (as of September 2016) NEW Dough - An old Jewish baker (Jonathan Pryce) takes on a young Muslim apprentice to save his failing kosher bakery. When TO THE his apprentice’s marijuana stash accidentally falls in the mixing dough, the challah starts flying off the shelves! DOUGH is a warmhearted and humorous story about overcoming prejudice and finding redemption in unexpected places. (Shown at the LIBRARY! 2017 UJA campaign opening event) Everything is Illuminated - “Everything is Illuminated” tells the story of a young man’s quest to find the woman who saved his grandfather in a small Ukrainian town that was wiped off the map by the Nazi invasion. What starts out as a journey to piece together one family’s story under absurd circumstances turns into a meaningful journey with a powerful series of revelations -- the importance of remembrance, the perilous nature of secrets, the legacy of the Holocaust, and the meaning of friendship. (Donated by Dr. and Mrs. David Malinov) Europa Europa - Based on the autobiography of Solomon Perel, this movie recounts the severe actions a young boy must take in order to survive the Holocaust. (Donated by Dr. and Mrs. David Malinov) Hidden in Silence - Przemysl, Poland, WWII. Germany emerges victorious over the Russians and the city comes under Nazi control. The Jews are sent to the ghettos. While some stand silent, Catholic teenager, Stefania Podgorska, choose the role of a savior and sneaks 13 Jews into her attic. Music Box - In this intense courtroom thriller, Chicago attorney Ann Talbot (Jessica Lange) agres to defend her Hungarian immigrant father against accusations of heinous war crimes committed 50 years earlier. Remember - With the aid of a fellow Auschwitz survivor and a hand-written letter, an elderly man with demntia goes in search of the person responsible for the death of his family. (shown at the 2017 UJA campaign opening event) Munich - Inspired by real events, Munich reveals the intense story of the secret Israeli squad assigned to track down and assassinate the 11 Palestinians believed to have planned the 1972 Munich massacre of 11 Israeli athletes - and the personal toll this mission of revenge takes on the team and the man who led it. Son of Saul - October 1944, Auschwitz-Birkenau. Saul (Géza Röhrig) is a Hungarian member of the Sonderkommando, the group of Jewish prisoners forced to assist the Nazis. While working, Saul discovers the body of a boy he takes for his son. As the Sonderkommando plans a rebellion, Saul decides to carry out an impossible task: save the child’s body, find a rabbi to recite the mourner’s Kaddish and offer the boy a proper burial. (shown at the 2017 UJA campaign opening event) The Book Thief - THE BOOK THIEF tells the inspirational story of a spirited and courageous young girl who transforms the lives of everyone around her when she is sent to live with a new family in World War II Germany. The Jolson Story - THE JOLSON STORY is classic Hollywood biography at its best; a fast-paced, tune-filled extravaganza following the meteoric rise of legendary performer Al Jolson. THE JOLSON STORY was nominated for six 1946 Academy Awards , winning two, (Best Musical Scoring and Best Sound Recording). The Other Son - As he is preparing to join the Israeli army for his national service, Joseph discovers he is not his parents’ biological son and that he was inadvertently switched at birth with Yacine, the son of a Palestinian family from the West Bank. This revelation turns the lives of these two families upside-down, forcing them to reassess their respective identities, their values and beliefs. Woman in Gold - Based on the true story of Maria Altman, played by Helen Mirren, who sought to regain a world famous painting of her aunt plundered by the Nazis during World War II. She did so not just to regain what was rightfully hers but also to obtain some measure of justice for the death, destruction and massive art theft perpetrated by the Nazis. (Donated by Dr. and Mrs. David Malinov) Non-Feature Films 2016 Above and Beyond - In 1948, just three years after the liberation of Nazi death camps, a ragtag group of skilled American pilots - both Jewish and non-Jewish, answered a call for help. In secret and at great personal risk, they smuggled planes out of the U.S., trained behind the Iron Curtain and flew for Israel in its War of Independence. This band of brothers not only turned the tide of the war, they also embarked on personal journeys of discovery and pride. (Shown at the 2016 UJA campaign opening event) Everything is a Present: The Wonder and Grace of Alice Sommer Hertz - This is the uplifting true story of the gifted pianist Alice Sommer Hertz who survived the Theresienstat concentration camp by playing classical piano concerts for Nazi dignitaries. Alice Sommer Hertz lived to the age of 106. Her story is an inspiration. Follow Me: The Yoni Netanyahu Story - Yoni Netanyahu was a complex, passionate individual thrust into defending his country in a time of war and violence. The older brother of Benjamin Natanyahu, the current Israel Prime Minister, Yoni led the miraculous raid on Entebbe in 1976. Although almost all of the Entebbe hostages were saved, Yoni was the lone military fatality. Featuring three Israeli Prime Ministers and recently released audio from the Entebbe raid itself. Hava Nagila (The Movie) - A documentary romp through the history, mystery and meaning of the great Jewish standard. Featuring interviews with Harry Belafonte, Leonard Nimoy and more, the film follows the ubiquitous party song on its fascinating journey from the shtetls of Eastern Europe to the kibbutzim of Palestine to the cul-de-sacs of America. If These Knishes Could Talk tells the story of the New York accent: what it is, how it’s evolved, and the love/hate relationship New Yorkers have with it. It features writer Pete Hamill, director Penny Marshall, attorney Alan Dershowitz and screenwriter James McBride, along with a cast of characters from Canarsie to Tottenville. In between, it explores why New Yorkers eat chawclate and drink cawfee, and how the accent became the vibrant soundtrack of a charming, unforgiving and enduring city. Israel: The Royal Tour - Travel editor Peter Greenberg (CBS News) takes us on magnificent tour of the Jewish homeland, Israel. The tour guide is none other than Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The viewer gets a chance to visit the land of Israel from his own home! Jews and Baseball: An American Love Story (narrated by Dustin Hoffman)- This documentary portrays the contributions of Jewish major leaguers and the special meaning that baseball has had in the lives of American Jews. More than a film about sports, this is a story of immigration, assimilation, bigotry, heroism, the passing on of traditions, the shattering of stereotypes and, most of all, the greatest American pastime. Nicky’s Family - An enthralling documentary that artfully tells the story of how Sir Nicholas Winton, now 104, a British stockbroker, gave up a 1938 skiing holiday to answer a friend’s request for help in Prague and didn’t stop helping until the war’s beginning stopped him. He had saved the lives of 669 children in his own personal Kindertransport. The Case for Israel - Democracy’s Outpost - This documentary presents a vigorous case for Israel- for its basic right to exist, to protect its citizens from terrorism, and to defend its borders from hostile enemies. The Israel Course - A 7-part Israel education series that sheds light on the Holy Land through the ages. Featuring biblical scholars and Middle East experts, including Harvard professor Alan Dershowitz, Emeritus Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, Ambassador Dore Gold, Princeton professor Bernard Lewis and many others. The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg - As baseball’s first Jewish star, Hammerin’ Hank Greenberg’s career contains all the makings of a true American success story. Unmasked: Judaophobia - the Threat to Civilization – This documentary exposes the current political assault against the State of Israel fundamentally as a war against the Jewish people and their right to self-determination. JULY 27, 2017 ■ THE REPORTER 15 NEWS IN BRIEF From JTA the past downplayed the amount of assistance it has provided for the country’s civilians ADL petition calls on Trump administration to fill on the border. The first activities coordinated by the Northern Command headquarters took place in August 2016, the IDF said in a statement, and since then there have been antisemitism envoy post more than 110 aid operations. The primary recipients of the aid are the approximately The Anti-Defamation League sent a petition to the U.S. State Department calling 200,000 residents of the Hauran region of southwestern Syria. About 400 families live on President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to fill the position of in tents near the Israel-Syria border, with the rest living in villages or out in the open. A special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism as quickly as possible. As of July 18, third of the aid recipients are displaced persons or refugees and half of them are under when the petition was presented, the ADL had collected 4,830 signatures. The envoy the age of 18, according to the IDF. More than 4,000 people have been brought to Is- position, mandated by the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act of 2004, has been vacant since rael to receive medical treatment, among them hundreds of children, the IDF said. The the start of the Trump administration. In the petition, the ADL highlights that in addition military also transfers medicine, supplies and equipment to Syrians across the border. to working with the State Department, the envoy is pivotal in “diminishing anti-Jewish An internationally managed field hospital has also been established at an Israeli outpost hatred overseas.” “We know firsthand that this role is critical to fighting antisemitism near the border, according to the IDF. “Based on my 20-year medical career, I can truly and it is vital that the United States continue to manifest its leadership in fighting hate say that the medical care we have provided to our neighbors here in the north of Israel around the world,” Jonathan Greenblatt, the ADL’s CEO said. “And we are not alone. is one of the most significant efforts to treat those in need that I have ever witnessed,” Thousands of Americans have signed our petition urging the State Department to act Col. Dr. Noam Fink, the chief medical officer of the Northern Command, said in a quickly to fill this essential diplomatic post. There’s simply no reason to postpone this statement. “I deeply hope that our contribution will have a direct impact on the lives of decision for even one more day.” In June, Tillerson testified before Congress that the our Syrian neighbors.” Dozens of mortars and gunfire from Syria have landed on Israel, administration had yet to make a decision about whether the position would be filled. most in the Golan Heights, believed to be accidental spillover from the country’s civil Brazilian Jews protest anti-Israel Islamic cleric speaking at war. The IDF has responded to those with return fire.The Wall Street Journal reported in June that Israel has been secretly providing aid to Syrian rebels on the border in the anti-terrorism conference Golan Heights for several years, including cash, food, fuel and medical supplies, and Brazil’s leading Jewish organizations have called for a boycott of a lecture by an has established a military unit that oversees the support in Syria. Iranian cleric who openly preaches the destruction of Israel. Ayatollah Mohsen Araki, a Jamaica’s first kosher restaurant serves spicy jerk cuisine Shiite, was announced as keynote speaker at an Arab-led event titled “Muslims and the Jamaica has its first kosher restaurant. Kosher Hot Spot, run by Chabad of Jamaica, Fight against Radical Terrorism” to be held July 29 in Sao Paulo. “We cannot allow the will serve the island nation’s jerk cooking in which meat is dry-rubbed or wet mari- import of the conflict to our lands, as well as the speech of hatred and discrimination, nated with a hot spice mixture called Jamaican jerk spice. The eatery, which opened taking into account the harmony between our Arab and Jewish communities,” B’nai the week of July 14, is located on Montego Bay’s “hip strip,” which is home to dozens B’rith said in a statement released on July 19, pointing out Araki’s “alleged involve- of restaurants and shops. In addition to traditional Jamaican food, the restaurant will ment” in the AMIA Jewish center bombing in Argentina in 1994 and his “close ties” to serve Israeli specials such as falafel. The restaurant also sells Judaica and Jewish the terrorist Hezbollah organization. The statement emphasized that Latin America’s Jamaican souvenirs. largest nation defends the two-state solution and called for the Brazilian government to speak up. “In a moment where polarization takes over society, hate speeches only ignite worrisome sparks in our country,” said Bruno Laskowsky, president of the Sao Paulo Jewish Federation. “We cannot allow dangerous manifestations of discrimina- New to the Federation’s tion, destruction and wrath to be sown in our country, importing here a conflict that we do not want to see in our land.” Araki, who was born in Iraq, is an Iranian scholar Jewish Film Library and politician. He is a member of the Assembly of Experts in Iran and a prominent Denial Iranian cleric. He was the personal representative of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Based on the acclaimed book Denial: Holocaust History on Ali Khamenei, in London and also the head of the Islamic Center of England until 2004. He regularly urges Muslims to form a united front against Muslim radicals. But Trial, Denial recounts Deborah E. Lipstadt's legal battle for at a conference of Islamic clerics in Beirut in 2015, Araki declared that “annihilation historical truth against David Irving (BAFTA nominee of the Zionist regime is a sure thing and Quranic pledge,” according to the pro-Iranian Timothy Spall), who accused her of libel when she declared Taghrib News Agency. Jean Wyllys, who has positioned himself against the Boycott, him a Holocaust denier. In the English legal system, in cases Divestment, Sanctions against Israel following a recent visit to the Jewish state, wrote of libel, the burden of proof is on the defendant, therefore it “No to fundamentalism” in a Facebook post liked by nearly 1.3 million followers. was up to Lipstadt and her legal team, led by Richard Wyllys is the only openly gay member of Brazil’s Congress. “He is a key figure in Rampton, to prove the essential truth that the Holocaust the Iranian dictatorship, a regime of terror that persecutes and executes homosexuals, oppresses women, persecutes opponents, curtails freedom of expression and thought, occurred. Denial is directed by Emmy Award winner Mick supports international terrorism and has links to murderous organizations like Hamas Jackson ('Temple Grandin') and adapted for the screen by and Hezbollah,” he wrote. “Mohsen has also made absurd and antisemitic statements BAFTA and Academy Award nominated writer David Hare. by preaching hatred against the Jews and characterizing the state of Israel as ‘a cancer Producers are Gary Foster and Russ Krasnoff. that should be expelled from the Middle East.’ I regret that our country welcomes such a harmful character. Fundamentalism and hate speech as something normal: they have The Zookeeper’s Wife already led humanity into the worst tragedies of its history.” In 1939 Poland, Antonina Zabinska (two-time Academy Guide at Anne Frank Center in Berlin compares Jewish Award nominee Jessica Chastain) and her husband suffering under Nazis to Palestinians under Israel successfully run the Warsaw Zoo and raise their family in an idyllic existence. Their world is overturned, however, The Anne Frank Center in Berlin has distanced itself from the statement of a freelance guide who compared the suffering of Jews under the Nazis to that of Palestinians under when the country is invaded by the Nazis and they are Israeli occupation today. At issue was a profile of Nesreen Hajjaj, a 24-year-old Berliner forced to report to the Reich's newly appointed zoologist of Palestinian background, in the July 19 online English version of Al Arabiya. Hajjaj is (Daniel Brühl). To fight back on their own terms, the one of 25 freelance guides who introduces visitors to the exhibition at the Anne Frank Zabinskis risk everything by covertly working with the Zentrum Berlin. Hajjaj told the interviewer that “many things that happened to the Resistance and using the zoo's hidden tunnels and cages Jews during the Nazi rule are happening to the Palestinians now. Jewish people were to save families from Nazi brutality. kicked out of their homes and denied an education. Today Palestinian lands and houses are being conquered,” she told the online publication. She said she had been called an Norman “infidel and a hypocrite” on social media for taking the job with the center. Her answer Norman Oppenheimer (Richard Gere) lives a lonely life in to critics: “We must be open-minded toward different people, especially if you live within their societies.” Patrick Siegele, director of the Anne Frank Zentrum, told JTA the margins of New York City power and money, and that Hajjaj’s comparison as stated in the Al Arabiya article was “incorrect and painful strives to be everyone’s friend. His incessant networking ... and does not reflect the official position of the Anne Frank Zentrum. Furthermore, leads him nowhere until he ends up befriending a young the Anne Frank Zentrum distances itself from this position.” He said his staff would but charismatic politician, Micha Eshel (Lior Ashkenazi), at discuss the issue with Hajjaj and others who bring guests through the exhibit in central a low point in his life. Three years later, the politician Berlin, which deals with the history of Anne Frank and the Holocaust, as well as current becomes the Prime Minister of Israel. Norman uses Eshel’s antisemitism and other forms of discrimination. Elke Gryglewski, too, recently had to name to leverage his biggest deal ever: a series of quid speak with guides at the House of the Wannsee Conference in Berlin, where she is di- pro quo transactions linking the Prime Minister to rector of education. The memorial is located in the villa where chief Nazis coordinated plans to exterminate European Jewry in 1942. After one guide compared the United Norman’s nephew (Michael Sheen), a rabbi (Steve States under President Donald Trump to the Third Reich and another compared certain Buscemi), a mogul (Harris Yulin), his assistant (Dan welfare regulations in Germany today to Nazi discrimination against Jews, Gryglewski Stevens) and a treasury official from the Ivory Coast. told her staff: “I don’t want comparisons in the exhibition, whether with Palestine, which Norman’s plans soon go awry, creating the potential for an is highly controversial, but also in general. Comparisons are not helpful and in general international catastrophe he must struggle to prevent. people don’t get the point. ...But if [the comparison] comes from visitors, we do have Norman: The Moderate Rise and Tragic Fall of a New York to react by going into the differences,” she stressed. Even if there are some “structural Fixer is a comedic and compassionate drama of a man similarities” between historical events, “in general there are more differences.” whose downfall is rooted in a human frailty all too easy to Israeli operation assisting thousands of Syrians harmed forgive—a need to matter. by civil war The Israeli military said an operation it started a year ago has treated thousands of For more information, Syrians and provided thousands of tons of aid to Syrians dealing with its nation’s civil please contact Dassy at war. The Israel Defense Forces announced its “Operation Good Neighbor” on July 19, 570-961-2300 x2 or saying it has a “moral imperative” to provide aid to the Syrians on the country’s northern [email protected] border. Israel has largely tried to stay out of the more than 6-year war in Syria and has in ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 16 THE REPORTER ■ JULY 27, 2017

2018 Is(Februarraely 11 to Februar Miy 22) ssion Northeast Pennsylvania is going to Israel next February!

Here’s some of what we’ll see

Day 1 - Sunday, February 11...... We depart and begin our journey that will take us 11,000 miles and back in time thousands of years to our ancient homeland.

Day 2 - Monday, February 12 ...... We arrive in Israel and travel by bus to our hotel in Tel Aviv where we’ll have dinner and take a walk along the Tel Aviv beachfront. Day 3 - Tuesday, February 13...... We leave Tel Aviv and head north, up the coast of the Mediterranean to ancient Caesaria – an ancient seaport built by King Herod which became the largest port city in the region. After our tour, we’ll head to Haifa, head east, and nally arrive in Tiberias where we’ll check into our hotel and have dinner that evening.

Day 4 - Wednesday, February 14...... We’ll travel into the mountains to the ancient city of Safed. This is the city where the Kabbala had its beginnings and is home to an outstanding artists’ colony. From there, we’ll journey to the Golan Heights and visit the cities of Katzrin and Har Ben Tal on the eastern side of the Golan Heights which will provide us with an opportunity to look directly into Syria. We’ll then visit the western side of the Golan Heights where we’ll have the view the Syrians had prior to the 1967 Six-Day War from where they red rockets daily into the Israeli towns below.

Day 5 - Thursday, February 15...... We’ll leave Tiberias and head to Jerusalem, but rst, we’ll stop at Beit Shean - the largest excavation in the country. From there, we’ll travel to a kibbutz in the Jordan valley - Sde Eliyahu. This Kibbutz has some unusual characteristics. First, it is one of the few religious kibbutzim. Second, this kibbutz pioneered organic farming in Israel, and we’ll hear of their achievements that have changed the entire agricultural world. Day 6 - Friday, February 16...... We’ll travel to Yad Vashem - the very moving National Holocaust Museum that was opened in 2008. We’ll then go to the Children’s Memorial and the Avenue of the Righteous Gentiles. We’ll end our day at Jerusalem’s open-air market on Ben Yehuda Street, and mix with the locals as they prepare for Shabbat. Shabbat Dinner will be in the Hotel. Day 7 - Saturday, February 17 ...... We’ll spend Shabbat in Jerusalem with the opportunity to go to the Great Synagogue. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Day 8 - Sunday, February 18...... We’ll travel from our hotel to the Western Wall in Jerusalem. First, we’ll get an overview of the city and then a brief history lesson as we sit outside the Jaa Gate - the main entrance into the Old City. Then, we’ll walk through the Jewish Quarter to view the Byzantine Cardo, pray at the Western Wall, and descend deep into an underground tunnel that runs parallel to the Wall to see the massive foundation stones of the original Temple Mount built King Solomon. Finally, we’ll sit on the original Southern Steps of the Temple Mount for a brief presentation by our guide Lee Glassman. In short, it will be an amazing day in Jerusalem. Day 9 - Monday, February 19 ...... We’ll start our day with an opportunity for each of us to leave a bit of ourselves in Israel by planting a tree in honor or in memory of a loved one. Then, after lunch, we will head o to an active archeological dig and join in the excavation. In the past, members of our Israel Missions have uncovered ancient pottery, coins, an amulet, and even a magni cent oil lamp – each of which had been hidden deep within the sand for centuries! This will be one of the most memorable days of our Mission. Day 10 - Tuesday, February 20 ...... We’ll leave Jerusalem and enter the Judean Desert on our way to the Dead Sea and what is arguably Israel’s most inspiring historic site - the ancient mountain fortress of Masada where our ancestors made their last stand against the Romans in 70 CE. Masada was also the winter palace of King Herod and one can still see the incredible opulence of what he built on that mountain-top in the desert. This will also be your chance to swim in the Dead Sea (the lowest point on earth and the saltiest body of water in the world) where you will oat like a cork. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss!

Day 11 - Wednesday, February 21 ...... We head back to Tel Aviv. First, we’ll visit the Machal Monument dedicated to those seless Americans and others who came to Palestine after WWII to help ght for the re-birth of the Jewish State in 1948. We’ll then visit a secret underground factory that existed under the nose of the British police for over two years - an amazing story! And nally, we’ll head o to Independence Hall where the State of Israel was declared by David Ben Gurion on May 14th, 1948. We’ll sit in the very room where the invited guests sat that day, and hear what they heard as Ben Gurion called into being the rst Jewish state in nearly 2,000 years. We’ll then go to dinner at a restaurant in Tel Aviv and head to the airport for our return home. Day 12 - Thursday, February 22 ...... We arrive back in the U.S. lled with the most wonderful memories of this trip of a lifetime!!!

Join us on our 2018 Israel Mission - February 11 - 22

The land cost is $3,350, and land and air is $4,475.

Please call Mark Silverberg at the Federation o ce for information - 570-961-2300, ext. 1