JUNE 10, 2021 News Analysis What Does a Bennett-Lapid Government Mean? by DAVID ISAAC Comes to Improving U.S.-Israel Ties

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VOLUME XIV, NUMBER 12 JUNE 10, 2021 News analysis What does a Bennett-Lapid government mean? BY DAVID ISAAC comes to improving U.S.-Israel ties. “It out discreet strategic talks with the (JNS) – Yesh Atid Party head Yair Lapid could certainly help the mood, initially,” American administration to achieve and Yamina Party head Naftali Bennett Daniel Pipes, president of the Middle East its results and not to turn differences announced on June 2 that they have se- Forum, told JNS, saying that the United into a public confrontation,” he said. cured an agreement to form Israel’s next States will be pleased with a government None see major policy changes in government, thereby likely ending the that includes left-wing members. Though the offing. Pipes notes that not only 12-year consecutive term of Benjamin he cautions, “I could well see the Biden do right-wing coalition members Netanyahu as the country’s prime minister. administration disappointed if the right- like Bennett, New Hope’s Gideon The new government will be unprec- wing parties – which are, in fact, more right Saar and Yisrael Beiteinu’s Avigdor edented in its composition, consisting of than Netanyahu – have their way.” Pipes Liberman share the same view of the seven parties spanning the entire Israeli expects the right-wing coalition partners to Iranian regime as Netanyahu, so do political spectrum, plus the backing of dominate, noting that in the negotiations on centrists like Lapid and Israel’s De- an Arab party for the first time. As such, forming the coalition, the three right-wing fense Minister Benny Gantz of Blue L-r: Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid in 2017. questions remain over the ability to suc- parties – Yamina, New Hope and Yisrael and White. “I don’t imagine there’ll (Photo by Gershon Elinson/Flash90) cessfully govern such a disparate group Beiteinu – “have been in the driver’s seat,” be large differences and maybe a of parties at a time when the country and Yamina, with only seven seats, has been fresh start,” said Pipes. “It’s quite clear going to change on any of the major is- faces serious security threats stemming given the premiership. that Meretz and Labor are side-lined.” sues confronting Israel, whether it’s the from Iran and its terror proxies, as well Other analysts are even more opti- Sandler agrees that “Iran will be a contin- Palestinian conflict, Hamas, Hezbollah as internal social discord between Jews mistic about an upswing in U.S.-Israel uation, more of the same. Everybody in the or the economy. and Arabs. relations, including Shmuel Sandler, government understands that Iran is the big Still, not all share a hopeful view of Nevertheless, most analysts JNS spoke professor emeritus of Bar-Ilan University enemy, a strategic threat to Israel’s existence.” this new government-in-waiting. “This with were hopeful, especially when it and current president of Emunah-Efrata He notes that the coalition’s ideological looks to me like a car with four different College; Eyal Zisser, vice rector of Tel differences act as a brake on major policy wheels, and every wheel is going in a Aviv University and professor of Middle moves. “You’re not going to see an Oslo different direction,” said Lt. Col. (res.) Eastern Studies; and IDF Col. (res.) Elad here or an annexation,” he said, referring Dr. Mordechai Kedar, senior research Shavit, senior researcher on U.S.-Israeli to the 1992 Oslo Accords, which handed associate at the Begin-Sadat Center for relations at the Tel Aviv-based Institute over parts of Judea and Samaria to the Strategic Studies. “The only thing today for National Security Studies. All three Palestinian Liberation Organization, and which they agree upon is the need to get believe that recent U.S.-Israel tensions, recent politically opposite efforts to apply rid of Netanyahu. This objective will be which they attribute to Netanyahu’s close sovereignty to sections of those territories. achieved in the first minute of this gov- Republican ties and more confrontational “The basic policy of Israel won’t ernment. So what will keep it together in approach, will subside. change,” agrees Zisser, noting also that the second minute?” Shavit disapproves of Netanyahu’s more much of Israel’s security policy is formulat- On the other hand, Sandler and Pipes Yamina Party head Naftali Bennett aggressive approach, noting as an example ed by the Ministry of Defense and the Israel see the government lasting precisely arrived at the president’s house in the prime minister’s remarks on June 1, Defense Forces. Even if Bennett or Lapid because of Netanyahu, assuming that he Jerusalem for talks regarding a possible when he said if the choice was between wanted to enact dramatic policy changes, remains the leader of the Likud Party in mandate to form the new government friction with the United States and confront- they wouldn’t have the political capital to the opposition. “As long as Netanyahu on May 5. (Photo by Olivier Fitoussi/ ing Iran, Israel would choose to clash with overrule those institutions, he says. stays in politics, I think they’re going Flash90) its staunchest ally. “Israel needs to carry All the pundits agree that nothing is to stick together. He’s the one who’s the glue,” says Sandler. Kedar acknowledges the logic of this th argument, though adds that “the question is Isaac Herzog elected Israel’s 11 president which is more powerful: the struggles inside the government or the fear of Netanyahu?” BY YORI YALON AND ically by last name, to cast his upon being elected to the esteemed He continues, saying there are too DANIELLE ROTH-AVNERI or her vote behind a curtain. position of president of the state of Is- many ideologically based issues and those (Israel Hayom and JNS All had the option of casting rael. I told him that he was continuing will lead to a “divorce in this unnatural staff via JNS) – On June 2, a white ballot, meaning a vote in the glorious tradition of his father, marriage.” He argues also that there’s no the Knesset elected Jewish for neither candidate. the late President Chaim Herzog,” said escape from ideology because the voters Agency for Israel Chairman Once the voting was over, Netanyahu in a statement. are watching, and anyone who concedes Isaac Herzog as Israel’s 11th Levin announced a recess for Chaim Herzog, who served as Israel’s his agenda will be seen “as some kind of president. The vote was con- the votes to be tallied. The sixth president from 1983-93, “represent- spineless invertebrate.” ducted in a special session ballot box was taken into a ed Israel in a way that inspired respect, Kedar foresees that the coalition during which Knesset mem- separate room where members even admiration, around the world and partners will find themselves caught in bers cast secret ballots for Israeli President- of the Knesset Ballot Commit- within the country,” said Netanyahu. an impossible situation. Sensitive issues either Herzog or Israel Prize elect Isaac Herzog tee – MK David Bitan (Likud), “I am certain, Bougie [Herzog’s nick- are embedded in the budget, he notes, laureate Miriam Peretz. at the Knesset in Yosef Taieb (Shas), Emilie name], that you will continue precisely like building roads in Judea and Samaria. The previous day, each can- Jerusalem on the Moatti (Labor) and Yoel Raz- in this manner. On behalf of myself, the “If Meretz agreed to such a thing, they’d didate had arrived at the Israeli day of the election, vozov (Yesh Atid) – performed government of Israel and – I am certain – actually be cutting off the branch on parliament with teams of up to June 2. (Photo by the count. all citizens of Israel, I would like to wish which they sit because according to their 50 relatives, friends and profes- Yonatan Sindel/ The president-elect is not you success,” he added. ideology, Israel should withdraw from sionals, who lobbied members Flash90) sworn in on the day of the The Israeli premier also congratulated those areas altogether.” to vote for them. voting. Incumbent President both Herzog and Peretz for conducting On the other side of the coalition are Ahead of the vote, Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin will remain in office until an “honorable race... There were two Bennett and Saar, who need to prove their Yariv Levin reviewed the secret-ballot July 9. His successor will be sworn in worthy candidates here and I think that right-wing bona fides precisely by building procedure, while Herzog and Peretz closer to that date. we can all welcome the choice, and we in those areas. “This is why I think this watched the proceedings from a special Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Net- are all certain that there will be something government will not last more than a few area of the plenum. anyahu congratulated Herzog, saying he important and good for the state of Israel weeks,” says Kedar. Knesset Secretary Yardena Mell- was following in his father’s footsteps. here in the Herzog family tradition. Many er-Horowitz invited each MK, alphabet- “I want to congratulate Isaac Herzog congratulations.” Candle lighting INSIDE THIS ISSUE June 11...... 8:18 pm June 18...... 8:21 pm Stopping rockets Flag football tourney News in brief... June 25...... 8:22 pm July 2...... 8:22 pm The IDF hopes to fast-track Israel will host the Flag Football FBI helping NYPD with uptick in a revolutionary approach to World Championships in Jerusalem antisemitic attacks; UAE opens a PLUS lessening future rocket fire. from December 6-8. Holocaust exhibit; and more. Opinion...... 2 Story on page 3 Story on page 5 Stories on pages 7-8 D’var Torah...... 6 2 THE REPORTER ■ JUNE 10, 2021 A MATTER OF OPINION How struggle enables Israelis to achieve difficult things BY JONATHAN FRENKEL Israelis understand that they need today’s high-flying entrepreneurs. startup. One that is scrappy, almost meet- Reprinted from Israel 21C to dream big and that Israel is always THE GIFT OF STRUGGLE ing its demise only to come out and win People often ask me how do you the test market. We see that especially When I was a young soldier in the in the end. build a technology ecosystem? They today in how founders are raising re- Golani Brigade of the IDF years ago, The country quickly came back from want to know how you build the next cord-breaking sums of VC money and going through this grueling mental and near defeats, and learned from its mis- Silicon Valley, and what are the ingre- in the many multinationals with offices physical challenge, I realized it was a takes, but many lives were lost as a result, dients a region needs to do so. They are in the “Startup Nation.” gift. I realized that going through my similar to a startup where early mistakes particularly interested in how they can Dreaming of what is possible to dispute service would prepare me mentally for can kill you. emulate what Israel, the startup nation, “obvious” logic or “common sense” has what challenges lay ahead. The idea of the underdog (the David) has developed. been at times the only way through. If the Oftentimes we must go through hell in is still part of the country’s DNA. De- But just as I don’t believe that other creators of the Iron Dome had believed order to get to heaven, but what is needed spite how the country is portrayed, we regions should copy the Bay Area, I don’t and internalized the idea that you could is perspective. You cannot have it both are still in an underdog position, though wish for other regions and people to go not stop rockets in mid-air, we would all ways; you need to go through the struggle you may not believe it by seeing the through the struggle we endure in Israel. have been worse off during these recent to grow and develop and become the best overwhelming hatred on social media Would Israel have been able to build trying days. version of yourself. The same applies to directed toward Israel. so many growth-stage companies and The big-picture thinking that often a business and to a country. Watching the current crisis unfold unicorns if not for the fact that everything happens in Israel runs in parallel to the If not for the security challenges, and on social media has been particularly is a fight and a struggle? I don’t think global thinking typical of Silicon Valley. the threats on the lives of its citizens, Is- challenging for those in the tech com- so. What may seem to be an obstacle We are constantly dissatisfied and rael would not have been able to become munity, many of whom don’t always can actually help us grow and prosper challenging the status quo. Contrarian the tech superpower it has become by agree with the government’s policies. against all odds. thinking was ingrained in the founders countering these threats. It’s not in spite of But seeing the world of social media When coal goes through intense of the country, such as David Ben-Gu- these challenges that Israel is the “Startup turn against Israel in a heartbeat has pressure to come out the other side as a rion, and in modern leaders such as Nation,” it is because of them. been difficult. diamond, there is always the fear that the Shimon Peres. They had the audacity While I don’t wish this on any person This is where resilience plays a role. coal will break along the way. But without to dream big. or state, we can interpret the challenges It’s knowing that you can overcome pressure, nothing of substance can be built. The country’s leaders understood that the world throws at us in a way that helps this challenge and be in a better place It’s worth exploring not just the traits there was no other choice, they could not us become better versions of ourselves or because of it. and ideas behind successful entrepre- fail. Ain brera (there is no choice) was we can be worse off by casting blame and Jonathan “Yoni” Frenkel heads neurs, but how struggle enables us to build not just a rallying cry, but a reminder of being perpetual victims. Partnerships at Tulsa-based Atento ourselves, self-actualize and achieve the pressing existential threats they faced That includes asking the right questions Capital. He leads the effort to assist difficult things. and we still face. and thinking how we can grow and learn U.S. and Israeli companies with hiring Below are some thoughts on how When there was so much at stake, the from a challenging security situation. highly skilled remote workers in Tulsa. the present conflict, and the ones which country’s leaders had to summon their THE MYTHICAL INNER He can be reached on LinkedIn at www. preceded it, are shaping this country’s inner strength and resourcefulness to meet RESOURCEFULNESS linkedin.com/in/jonathan-yoni-frenkel- entrepreneurs. the challenges, and we see that ethos in The story of Israel is the story of a 7a189562/. DREAM BIG It’s no secret that working with Israelis can be challenging, but that pushiness and drive makes Israelis who we are. That te- What The New York Times didn’t tell you nacity, that we-can-do-it-despite-the-odds mindset has shaped Israel. about the children BY TAMAR STERNTHAL Enrollment in Hamas camps in Gaza of- on the topic: “While most of the children (CAMERA via JNS) – “They Were fering military training is hardly a marginal were Palestinians killed by Israeli airstrikes, Only Children,” was the headline of the phenomenon; they attract tens of thousands there are exceptions. At least two of the unprecedented and pilloried front-page of participants. But the Times never said a children killed in Gaza – Baraa al-Ghar-

“ The Reporter” (USPS #482) is published bi-weekly by the New York Times feature recently. The piece word about how Hamas sets Gaza youth on abli and Mustafa Obaid – may have been Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, 601 Jefferson included pictures of the dozens of children the path of martyrdom. Here’s what “They killed when Palestinian militants fired a Ave., Scranton, PA 18510. killed in the recent fighting between Israel Were Only Children” did report about the rocket at Israel that fell short, according President: Esther Adelman and Hamas, and drove home the message children at risk: “Gaza is crowded and its to an initial investigation by Defense for Executive Director: Mark Silverberg that these kids had wanted to be “doctors, population skews young, with about half Children International-Palestine.” artists and leaders.” under age 18. So when Israeli warplanes Even given the still partial information Executive Editor: Rabbi Rachel Esserman According to the Times’ own belated hit homes and residential neighborhoods, available at this time about all of the Layout Editor: Diana Sochor Advertising Representative: Charlie Pritchett reporting, it turns out that at least one of the number of children at risk is extraordi- fatalities in the Gaza Strip, the Times has Bookkeeper: Kathy Brown them wanted to be a terrorist. Moreover, nary. Sometimes nearly entire households clearly grossly understated the phenom- Production Associate: TBA by the tender age of 17, he had fulfilled disappear with a single blast. enon. According to a detailed analysis his aspiration. “Israel blames Hamas for the high (Hebrew) carried out by the Meir Amit OPINIONS The views expressed in In their article, Adam Rasgon (one civilian death toll in Gaza because the center of the fatalities in the first days of editorials and opinion pieces are those of the three writers of “They Were Only group fires rockets and conducts military fighting (May 10-12), eight children aged of each author and not necessarily the views of the Jewish Federation of Children”) and Iyad Abuheweila reported: operations from civilian areas. Israel’s 17 and younger were killed by misfired Northeastern Pennsylvania. “After a 17-year-old was killed in the Gaza critics cite the death toll as evidence that Palestinian rockets. According to the LETTERS The Reporter welcomes conflict this month – one of 69 children Israel’s strikes were indiscriminate and center, they are: letters on subjects of interest to the killed in fighting between Israel and mil- disproportionate.” 1. Ibrahim al-Masri, 11, killed May 10, Jewish community. All letters must be itants – a militant group claimed him as Apparently, the Times does not regard Beit Hanoun. signed and include a phone number. a member, though would not say whether the indoctrination of impressionable youth 2. Marwan al-Masri, 7, killed May 10, The editor may withhold the name he was killed while fighting. to worship suicide bombers and other ter- Beit Hanoun. upon request. “The teenager, Khaled al-Qanou, was rorists as a risk factor worthy of coverage. 3. Rahaf al-Masri, 10, killed May 10, ADS The Reporter does not necessar- killed by an Israeli airstrike in the northern Also noteworthy is the fact that the Beit Hanoun. ily endorse any advertised products part of the Gaza Strip on May 13, according Times not only so cavalierly published 4. Yazan al-Masri, 2, killed May 10, and services. In addition, the paper to a statement from the militant group, unconfirmed information concerning Pal- Beit Hanoun. is not responsible for the kashruth of the Mujahideen Brigades. It is against estinian children killed in the Gaza Strip, 5. Hasin Hamad, 11, killed May 10, any advertiser’s product or establish- international law to recruit or use minors but gave the inflammatory story – replete Beit Hanoun. ment. in armed conflicts. with questionable information supplied by 6. Ibrahim Hassanain, 16, killed May DEADLINE Regular deadline is two “Mr. al-Qanou was among those pic- a terror-linked NGO and social media – 10, Beit Hanoun. weeks prior to the publication date. tured in a New York Times feature on all such prominent billing. 7. Mustafa Obeid, 17, killed May 10, FEDERATION WEBSITE: the children killed in the recent conflict, The revelation about al-Qanou’s terror Jabalya. www.jewishnepa.org but details about his death had not been affiliation is hardly the only indication so 8. Baraa al-Gharabli, 4, killed, May confirmed then.” far of poorly researched and unconfirmed 10, Jabalya. HOW TO SUBMIT ARTICLES: That 17-year-old al-Qanou was a information. As CAMERA previously The last two names were the only ones Mail: 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA member of a terrorist group is not at noted, the Times had embarrassingly that the Times identified as possible, un- 18510 all surprising. Palestinian terror groups published a stock photo of a random confirmed “exceptions” to what the paper E-mail: [email protected] have in the past swelled their ranks with Muslim girl, mistakenly identifying her claimed is the rule: “most of the children Fax: (570) 346-6147 teenagers, and even run popular summer as one of the children killed in the Gaza were killed by Israeli airstrikes.” Phone: (570) 961-2300 camps for them. Strip. While the girl in question, Rahaf The other six children were killed HOW TO REACH THE As a 2016 Hamas “Vanguards of Lib- al-Masri, was in fact killed, according to together by a misfired Palestinian rocket, ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: eration” camp promotional video said the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism according to the Meir Amit researchers. Phone: (800) 779-7896, ext. 244 (translation by MEMRI): “These young Information Center, the cause was a mis- Here’s how the Times reported their deaths: E-mail: [email protected] people tour this place and look at [pictures fired Palestinian rocket. “Around the same time, four cousins – of] the leaders, who sacrificed their souls Another unconfirmed element of the Yazan al-Masri, 2, Marwan al-Masri, 6, SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: as martyrs in jihad for the sake of Allah, “They Were Only Children” story is how Rahaf al-Masri, 10, and Ibrahim al-Masri, Phone: (570) 961-2300 leaders who will be their role models on many were killed by misfired Palestinian 11 – were killed in Beit Hanoun, Gaza. the path to liberation and martyrdom.” rockets. Here’s what the Times had to say See “Times” on page 4 JUNE 10, 2021 ■ THE REPORTER 3 IDF seeks to fast-track revolutionary approach to lessening future rocket fire BY YAAKOV LAPPIN and decrease the role of the civilian home front in future (JNS) – The Israel Defense Forces are seeking to combat, he argued. It would also be efficient in attacking fast-track a new system designed to remove Hamas’ anti-tank missile cells and mortar launchers that have tar- ability to terrorize the Israeli home front with mass geted Gaza-border communities during the latest conflict. rocket attacks in future conflicts. Writing in the IDF’s At the end of the future conflict envisaged by Haliva, military think tank, the Dado Center, Maj. Gen. Aharon 64 of Hamas’ multi-barrel rocket-launchers are destroyed Haliva, Commander of the IDF’s Operations Branch, within seconds of firing, 32 anti-tank missile cells and said it was time to accelerate the development of the 22 mortar squads are destroyed within seconds of their “rocket repressing blanket” approach, which has been attacks – and not a single one of those cells survived. envisaged by IDF planners since 2019. Subsequent efforts by Hamas to target Ashkelon end According to this method, forward interceptor mis- in failure, as well. Rocket attacks from Lebanon fail to sile batteries placed on the Gaza border can destroy set off sirens in Israel with the new system intercepting most rockets in their ascent stage over Gazan territory, Rockets fired at Israel by Hamas in the Gaza Strip on the projectiles and destroying two launchers rapidly. eliminating most warning sirens. This would leave Iron May 18. (Photo by Nati Shohat/Flash90) “A terrorist cell – members of a Palestinian organiza- Dome batteries inside Israel to “mop up” the minority tion located in Tyre [Lebanon] are killed. The northern of rockets that do get past and begin descending toward seconds of their launch over Gazan territory. All six of enemy [Hezbollah] receives a signal, very disturbing Israeli cities. the launchers were attacked within 10 to 15 seconds from its perspective, on Israel’s new ability to block the Meanwhile, a network of sensors, including radars from the launch, with each one still armed with the last rocket-launchers in enemy territory and to exact a price and specialized launch detectors, can be placed on rockets waiting for [further] launches. Massive secondary from those who fire.” large fleets of drones in the air and on the ground. This explosions rock Gaza City, and a rocket warehouse near A cease-fire quickly arrives in the simulation, and it network of sensors can then guide relatively cheap mis- the launcher belonging to the terror organization catches enables Israel to return to “routine preventative activities siles directly to the sources of hostile fire – the rocket fire and explodes. The last 12 rockets are intercepted by by Israel in the Gaza Strip, which will be focused from launchers – destroying them within 15 seconds of their the Iron Dome battery in Jerusalem. Since these threats now on the enemy’s force build-up,” wrote Haliva. “This attack on Israeli cities. were not about to hit the city of Jerusalem, only a few is not a fictional, unlikely tale.” The approach was detailed in a previous paper by sirens in Motza and Pisgat Ze’ev [on the city’s outskirts] Brig. Gen. Eran Ortal, who heads the Dado Center, under go off. The city’s routine is safeguarded.” the headline, “turning on the light, putting out the fire.” Formulated by the IDF General Staff, the “rocket In his recent commentary, Haliva wrote, “The rocket blanket” concept is part of the military’s multi-year DEADLINES arsenals are what separate terror-armies, which have the working plan dubbed “Momentum.” The following are deadlines for all articles and ability to manage a war, from terror organizations that “Its essence is positioning rapid interception and photos for upcoming Reporter issues. rely [only] on ‘high-quality’ terror attacks.” attack missile batteries on the borders of Gaza and the DEADLINE ISSUE He described the new approach as a “revolutionary north, connecting them to a new system of radars and development for taking away this capability from the launch sensors, and taking advantage of the proximity Thursday, June 10...... June 24 enemy; now this development and acquirement of the between the launch areas and the new system to intercept Thursday, July 8...... July 22 capability must be accelerated.” the rockets while they are still climbing and to attack Thursday, July 22...... August 5 Haliva sketched out a future escalation between Is- the launchers while they are still firing,” he explained. Thursday, August 5...... August 19 rael and Hamas in 2023, in which Hamas leader Yahya This would dramatically decrease warning sirens in Israel Sinwar orders a large-scale rocket assault on Jerusalem to improve Hamas’ standing in the battle to succeed Palestinian Authority head Mahmoud Abbas. The Menachem Begin Heritage Center mourns the “Six launchers, each with 12 barrels, are armed with the latest model of long-range missiles, with improved (ז’’ל) accuracy, in Hamas’ possession. They fire a coordinated passing of Alfred H. Reich barrage at the coordinates of the Israeli Knesset, the Prime Minister’s Residence, the Mount Scopus Campus, of Peckville, Pennsylvania, Machane Yehuda Market, Mount Herzl and the Presi- dent’s Residence,” wrote Haliva. “Seventy rockets are fired within 20 seconds, leaving a longtime friend and generous supporter of the Iron Dome battery stationed in the Jerusalem area ahead of time with low chances of intercepting the whole the Begin Center to honor his parents, barrage. Unlike the past, thanks to new technology, only a small part of the improved accuracy rockets would .(ז’’ל) have missed the built-up area,” he added. Louis and Anna Yet Sinwar and Hamas’ military-wing commander, Mohammed Deif, are in for a surprise in this simulated May his memory be a blessing! scenario. “Forty of the rockets were shot down within Jewish Federation Office Manager Position Full-time, weekdays. 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The visit www.nycjewishtours.org/event-log/ on Thursday, June 17, from 8-9:30 pm. The Although the broadcast is free, there is Reporter will publish additional listings this-is-the-catskills-part-2-borscht-belt. program will feature stories and perspec- a request of a donation to support ADI’s as they become available. The Koren Podcast Network has a new tives on Juneteenth from Jews of Color, Neuro-Orthopedic Rehabilitative Hospital Eric Cohen, executive director of the podcast called “Crises and Kings,” which including JTS rabbinical student Kendell in the Negev. For more information or to Tikvah Fund, will hold the virtual con- explores the biblical Book of Samuel. For Pinkney. Juneteenth is a modern holiday register, visit https://adi-il.org/campaign/ versation “Jews Without Apology: On more information or to listen to an episode marking the date confirming the freedom israel-philharmonic-adi-negev/. Jewish Literature and Jewish Courage” of the podcast, visit https://korenpub.com/ of the last remaining enslaved people in The Lower East Side Jewish Conser- with Ruth Wisse on Thursday, June 17, pages/crisis-kings. the American South. For more informa- vancy will hold the virtual talk “How the at 7:30 pm. For more information or to The Jewish Teen Education and En- tion or to register, visit https://crm.uscj. Other Half Lives: A talk about the Jews of register, visit https://tikvahfund.org/tik- gagement Funder Collaborative is holding org/civicrm/event/info?id=361&reset=1. the ‘Gold Coast’ of NYC” on Wednesday, vah-leaders-2021/. a “Virtual College Road Trip” during the The Temple Emanu-El Streicker Center June 23, from 7-8:30 pm. The talk will The YIVO Institute for Jewish Re- month of June. It offers student-led virtual will hold several virtual events: “Like No discuss the Jewish movers and shakers of search and the Bodleian Library will hold campus tours, information sessions with Other Country: The Remarkable Rescue of finance, commerce and retail who lived on the virtual program “Jewish Children’s college admissions staff and onsite Hillel Denmark’s Jews” on Tuesday, June 29, at the Upper East Side – the “Gold Coast.” Literature in Russian and Yiddish” on professionals, webinars, workshops and 11:30 am; “Gazoz: Sparkling Inspirations” For more information or to register, visit Tuesday, June 22, at 1 pm. Scholars, more. It will also offer interactive learning with Adeena Sussman and Benny Briga on www.nycjewishtours.org/event-log/how- archivists and curators will explore the sessions for both teens and parents on such Tuesday, July 6, at 11:30 am, about Israel the-other-half-lives-zoom. world of Jewish children’s literature in topics as how to pursue academic, social beverages; “Gabriel Allon is Back! Daniel “Raising Ruach: ALEPH Virtual Cab- pre-World War II Europe. The webinar and emotional success after high school. Silva’s ‘The Cellist” on Tuesday, July 13, aret” will be held on Thursday, June 24, outlines the contours of this body of work Past webinars covering the admissions at 11:30 am; and “From Nazi Prisoner to from 8-10 pm. Welcome and centering and discusses its features through the col- process, accessing financial aid and more Wall Street King: The Indefatigable Siggi will take place from 7:45-8 pm. The cost lections of the Bodleian Library and the are also available to watch on demand on Wilzig” on Tuesday, July 20, at 11:30 am. is pay-what-you-can (suggested donation YIVO Institute for Jewish Research. For its YouTube channel. For more informa- Some events are free; there is a charge for of $36). The second annual ALEPH Virtual more information or to register, visit www. tion, visit www.roadtriptocollege.org/. others. For more information or to register, Cabaret will be emceed by Rabbi Lex yivo.org/Jewish-Childrens-Literature. The conference “Restoring Jewish visit https://streicker.nyc/category/events. Rofeberg and Dr. Brielle Paige Rassler, The Center for Jewish History will Cemeteries of Poland 2021: The Task The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra will and produced by Rabbinic Pastor/Cantor hold several book talks: “East West Street Ahead” will be held virtually on Thursday, assemble in ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran’s Lisa Levine. The performers will share and The Ratline: Love, Lies and Justice July 1, from 10 am-noon. Simultaneous accessible amphitheater for a classical their songs and stories. For more infor- on the Trail of a Nazi Fugitive” with two-way Polish-English translation will music concert to highlight the impor- mation or to register, visit www.aleph. Philippe Sands on Tuesday, June 22, at be available. For more information or to tance of disability inclusion, equity and org/virtualcabaret. 4 pm (https://programs.cjh.org/event/ register, visit https://jewishheritagepo- access through music. Following the live For additional resources, see previous family-affairs-2021-06-22); “The Daring land.org/conference.html. performance earlier in June, an enhanced issues of The Reporter on its website, www. Life and Dangerous Times of Eve Adams” Jewish Women’s Archive will hold a program – including a behind-the-scenes thereportergroup.org. with Jonathan Ned Katz on Wednesday, “Global Day of Learning” to celebrate June 23, at 4 pm (https://programs.cjh. the launch of the expanded and renamed org/tickets/life-of-eve-2021-06-23); and “Shalvi/Hyman Encyclopedia of Jewish “David Ludwig Bloch: A German Jewish Women” from Sunday, June 27-Monday, Times Continued from page 2 Artist in Shanghai” on Monday, July 12, June 28. Six webinars presented by expert “‘It was devastating,’ said Mukhlis civilian losses when carrying out airstrikes at 4 pm (https://programs.cjh.org/tickets/ scholars will showcase the evolution of the al-Masri, a cousin. ‘The pain for our family against terror targets, with phone calls, out-of-the-box-2021-07-12). encyclopedia and provide a taste of the new is indescribable.’” text messages, pamphlets and warning Ritualwell will hold the virtual class content. People can register once and attend The “paper of record” gave no ad- “knocks,” and has also called off strikes “Rise and Rebuild: Tending our Individ- as many sessions as they like. There is a ditional information about Hamad and when children were found to be in the ual and Collective Grief” on Tuesdays, suggested $18 donation for those able to Hassanain beyond their names and ages. area. Civilian casualties are nevertheless June 22-July 13, at 7 pm. The series will contribute. For more information about in- Some of the casualties were the chil- inevitable in any armed conflict in which explore all the ways grief manifests in dividual sessions or to register, visit https:// dren of Hamas commanders and killed the combatants place their infrastructure our individual and collective lives. The jwa.org/events#globaldayoflearning. when their fathers were targeted. Thus, and attack from within densely populated cost for the class is $144 for the four The YIVO Yiddish Club will hold even Defense for Children International civilian areas, as the United States well sessions. For more information or to reg- “Yiddish Duolingo and Learning Yiddish Palestine, the terror-linked NGO upon knows from its experiences in Iraq and ister, visit www.tickettailor.com/events/ Today with Meena-Lifshe Viswanath, which the Times relied, acknowledged Afghanistan, among other places. The ritualwell/519904. Isac Polasak and Dovid Braun” on Sun- the following information regarding Times, however, has yet to run a feature The Lower East Side Jewish Conser- day, June 27, at 2 pm (https://yivo.org/ Muhammed Suleiman, 15, whom the identifying the children killed in American vancy will hold the virtual lecture “This YiddishClub4), and “Yiddish Theater Times identified only by name and age: airstrikes in these countries. IS The Borscht Belt! Resorts of the Jewish Music with Miryem-Khaye Seigel” on “Mohammad’s father was reportedly a As CAMERA previously noted, Israel’s Catskills Part 2” on Monday, June 14, from Sunday, July 25, at 2 pm (https://yivo. commander in Izz Ad-Din Al-Qassam record in minimizing the deaths of civil- 7-8:30 pm. One need not have attended part org/YiddishClub5). Brigades, a Palestinian armed group and ians in such conflicts compares favorably one to register. It will look at Jewish resorts The United Synagogue of Conservative the armed wing of Hamas, according to to that of other countries. Given Israel’s information collected by DCIP.” superior success in minimizing civilian Muhammed was killed when the Israeli casualties, the Times’ singular, unprec- military targeted his father Saber Ibrahim edented focus on the civilian casualties Mahmoud Suleiman. The two were togeth- of this conflict gives particular weight to er in a field. TheTimes clearly had access accusations regarding the paper’s “blood to that information, yet chose to conceal it. libel” against the Jewish state. The Times also provided no detail about The Times feature about the children Mina Sharir, 2, and her sister Lina, 15. opened thus: “When asked to describe how They were killed during a May 11 airstrike they felt, many parents answered with a targeting their father. The Times of Israel simple ‘It’s God’s will,’ their voice often reported: “A spokesperson for the Israeli reduced to a whisper, the words conveying military added that Israel also conducted resignation. They said their children had an additional targeted killing of a Hamas wanted to be doctors, artists and leaders.” commander, killing the head of the terror Imagine if the Times report had indi- group’s anti-tank guided missile unit in cated which and exactly how many young Gaza City. Iyad Fathi Faik Sharir had lives were snuffed out due to misfired led a number of attacks against Israel in Palestinian rockets, how many would-be recent years, the army said.” doctors, artists and leaders were wiped Meir Amit identified additional chil- out due to their involvement instead with dren killed when they were in close terror groups, and how many were trag- proximity to wanted Hamas leaders. They ically killed because they were in close include Hala Rifi, 13, and Zaid Talbani, 4, proximity to senior Hamas targets. If the killed when the military targeted Hamas paper had disclosed that key information, counterespionage chief Wail Issa. Also readers might actually understand that the killed in that airstrike was Zaid’s sister children’s deaths weren’t God’s will, or Miriam, 2. But the Times provides no rather Israel’s will, as the paper strenu- details concerning the circumstances of ously labors to convince. their deaths; stating nothing more than This article was first published by the their names and ages. Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Israel takes extensive steps to reduce Reporting and Analysis. Your ad could be here! For information, call Charlie Pritchett at 800-779-7896, ext. 244, or e-mail [email protected] JUNE 10, 2021 ■ THE REPORTER 5 After a tumultuous year, Israel set to host world flag football championship BY JOSH HASTEN hosting the World Championships. Israel has a strong IFAF President Richard MacLean said “the Kraft (JNS) – The International Federation of American organization and the backing of the Kraft Family and Family Sports Campus in Jerusalem is fast becoming an Football has selected Israel to host the Flag Football World other sponsors, and we saw an opportunity to host.” iconic venue for flag football. I look forward to seeing Championships at the Kraft Family Sports Campus in He explained that Israel was slated to host the World the world’s finest flag football players coming together for Jerusalem from December 6-8. The three-day tournament Championships in 2014, but the Gaza war forced the IFAF what will undoubtedly be a great event. The competition is expected to attract more than 40 teams from up to 30 to move the championships to Italy. Now, he said, “we is tremendous as teams compete to secure their place at countries competing for the world title and a spot in the have an opportunity to showcase Israel and Jerusalem the World Games, and only one team will earn the honor World Games 2022. to the top echelons of the sport we love. We have two of being crowned IFAF Flag Football World Champions.” The biannual tournament was originally scheduled huge challenges at the same time – to host the biggest Robert Kraft, chairman and CEO of the Kraft Group, to take place in Denmark in 2020, but was postponed and best FFWC ever held, and to finish in the top eight which owns the NFL’s six-time Super Bowl champion due to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic. The Kraft and qualify the Israeli teams for the 2022 World Games.” New England Patriots and has been the top supporter Family Sports Campus hosted one of the most successful Kenny Zwiebel, a longtime flag-football player who of football in Israel for nearly 20 years, along with his European Championships in 2019. is now the head coach of the Israeli Men’s National Flag late wife Myra, said: “We love the game of American The men’s and women’s teams that finish in the top Football team, told JNS that hosting the event “adds extra football and are so proud to see the sport’s popularity eight in Israel respectively will go on to compete in the incentive for the team, which is already excited to compete continue to grow internationally in its various forms, World Games in Birmingham, AL, in July 2022, when for a top finish and to do so in front of our home crowd. including flag football. the flag football competition will fall under the auspices We look forward to showing the world delegations what “When we invested in the Kraft Family Sports Cam- of the National Football League. Israel has to offer both on and off the field.” pus,” he continued, “it was with the hope that it would The Israeli men’s team is currently ranked fifth in the Both the men’s and women’s national teams have not only provide a location for daily exercise and com- world, while the women’s team is ranked 11th. had success in tournaments at venues worldwide in the petition for all Israelis, but that it would also become Steve Leibowitz, president of the Federation of past nearly two decades. At the 2019 Jerusalem Euro- a destination for championship-level competition for American Football in Israel and chairman of the 2021 pean Championships, the men’s team just missed the football leagues throughout the Middle East and Eu- flag Football World Championships Local Organizing podium finishing in fourth place, while the women had rope. It was an investment in both Israel and American Committee, told JNS that “the past year has been very a respectable sixth-place finish. football – two of my greatest passions.” tough for all sports, including American football. Here At the same time as Israel is being put on the inter- in Israel, we have been mostly off the field until [early national stage in flag football, Israel’s national tackle March]. First, Denmark and then Spain withdrew from football team has two European matches coming up as the squad gets ready to host Spain at the Kraft Family Sports Campus in August with an away game versus Hungary this September. Shana Sprung, the longtime women’s national team quarterback and one of the founders of the women’s flag football league in Israel back in 2004, told JNS that she is “simply in awe” that Israel was selected to hold this year’s world championships. Sprung, who was also the European Championship’s most valuable player in the 2014 tournament held in Italy, said that “by hosting the European Championships, we proved what an amazing organization the AFI is, and how Israel’s women’s flag football team (Photo courtesy of enjoyable it is to be in Jerusalem and in Israel. Now we Israel’s men’s flag football team (Photo courtesy of American Football in Israel) are ready for the rest of the world to see that as well.” American Football in Israel)

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With best wishes, Mark Silverberg, Executive Director Jewish Federation of NE Pennsylvania 601 Jefferson Avenue Scranton, PA 18510 ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 6 THE REPORTER ■ JUNE 10, 2021 D’VAR TORAH ABINGTON TORAH CENTER Rabbi Dovid Saks President: Richard Rutta Holiness comes from what is asked of us Jewish Heritage Connection BY RABBI MARJORIE BERMAN, SPIRITUAL a holy nation” is not a title of distinction, but rather a 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA 18510 DIRECTOR, RECONSTRUCTIONIST RABBINICAL reminder and a demand from God that as a people we 570-346-1321 • website: www.jewishheritageconnection.org COLLEGE are called to shoulder the responsibilities of fostering Sunday morning minyan 8:15 am at Elan Gardens, Korach, Numbers 16:1-18:32 holiness in the world. 465 Vernard Rd., Clarks Summit, PA As the heat begins to build and summer is on the cusp, The mistake, then, of Korah and the other “men of BETH SHALOM CONGREGATION the Torah presents us each year with the story of Korah, distinction” is to think that being a kingdom of priests Rabbi: Rabbi Alex Hecht yet another dramatic story of rebellion and punishment. and a holy nation is about the honor, the title, the power 1025 Vine St., Scranton, PA 18510 (corner of Vine & Clay Ave.) A famous passage is translated as follows: “Now and the status, rather than about the service. The role, 570-346-0502 • fax: 570-346-8800 Korah, son of Izhar son of Kohath son of Levi, took whether as a priest, a Levite, or an Israelite, is only holy Weekday - Shacharit: Sun. 8am; Mon., Thurs. & Rosh Chodesh it upon himself... to rise up against Moses, together in as much as it confers a duty and a responsibility to 6:30 am; Tue., Wed. & Fri. 6:45 am; Sat. & holidays 8:45 am. with250 Israelites, chieftains of the community, chosen respond to the call of God, and to the call of the needs Mincha during the week is approx. 10 minutes before sunset, in the assembly, men of repute. They combined against of the community. following by Maariv. Moses and Aaron, and said to them, ‘You have gone too We see this so often around us, when those in govern- CHABAD OF THE ABINGTONS/ far! For all the community are holy, all of them, and the ment or other positions of power mistake their position JEWISH DISCOVERY CENTER Lord is in their midst. Why, then, do you raise yourselves to be one of status and dominance, rather than one of Rabbi Benny Rapoport above the Lord’s congregation?’ When Moses heard this, service. Moses, unlike how he is portrayed in the mov- President: Richard I. Schwartz he fell on his face. Then he spoke to Korah and all his ies, is presented in the Torah as humble, a stutterer and 216 Miller, Rd., Clarks Summit, PA 18411 company, saying, ‘Come morning, the Lord will make a person who is often overwhelmed by the difficulties 570-587-3300 • JewishNEPA.com/minyan known who is His and who is holy, and will grant him that the people present him with. He’s constantly asking Weekly service for Shabbat and all Jewish holidays access to Himself; He will grant access to the one He for help, trying to figure it out and checking with God. Kabbalat Shabbat at sundown (summer at 7 pm) has chosen. Do this: You, Korah and all your band, take It is therefore ironic that Korah and those who stand Saturday mornings: 9:30 am, Kiddush 11:30 am fire pans, and tomorrow put fire in them and lay incense with him accuse Moses of holding himself above others. Call for more information. on them before the Lord. Then the man whom the Lord He is only accepting of his status as a leader in response CHABAD LUBAVITCH OF THE POCONOS chooses, he shall be the holy one. You have gone too to God’s demands. Rabbi Mendel Bendet far, sons of Levi!’” (Numbers 16:1-7) When viewed in this way, what can the story of Korah 570-420-8655 • website: www.chabadpoconos.com In the morning, when the assembly of Korah comes and his followers teach us? That when we are in pursuit Please contact us for schedules and locations. with their fire pans, the earth opens and swallows them up. of leadership for the sake of status or individual gain, we What is the problem and what is the lesson we are to are going astray. The need for status, recognition and a CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL learn from this dramatic and devastating punishment? “place” above others is understandable. This is the voice Affiliation: Union for Reform Judaism Nehama Leibowitz, a modern commentator, points to of the ego, and is a response to the need to believe that Rabbi Elliott Kleinman the phrase in which Korah states: “All the congregation President: Liza Roos Lucy we, as an individual, matter. But what is the context in Contact person: Cheryl Badner, Congregation Administrator are holy!” She points to the fact that he does not say which we matter? The Jewish question about leadership, 615 Court St., Honesdale, PA 18431 “is” holy, but “are” holy. She interprets this to mean the holy question, is, “What is demanded of me? What 570-253-2222 • fax: 570-226-1105 that Korah and his followers believe that each one of is asked of me? How can I serve?” And the context in them is holy, rather than the idea that the community is which we matter is as part of the web of community or CONGREGATION B’NAI HARIM holy. Not only that, but they understand this individual the broader web of life. Affiliation: Union for Reform Judaism holiness as conferring privilege and superiority. They, In the kedushah or “holiness” section of the Yotzer Rabbi Peg Kershenbaum in Leibowitz’s view, are seeing things from an entirely prayer that is traditionally part of the Sabbath morning President: Stacy Mitgang wrong perspective. To be a “kingdom of priests and See “Us” on page 7 P.O. Box 757, Sullivan Rd., Pocono Pines, PA 18350 (located at Rt. 940 and Pocono Crest Road at Sullivan Trail) 570-646-0100 • website: www.bnaiharimpoconos.org Shabbat morning services 10 am-noon; every other Saturday, Potluck Shabbat Dinner with blessings and program of varying topics, one Friday every month - call for schedule. JEWISH FELLOWSHIP OF HEMLOCK FARMS Rabbi: Johanan Bickhardt President: Gail Bergoffen Neldon 540 Forest Dr., 1516 Hemlock Farms, Lords Valley, PA 18428 570-775-7497 • e-mail: [email protected] Friday evening Shabbat service 8 pm Saturday morning Shabbat service 9:30 am MACHZIKEH HADAS SYNAGOGUE Rabbi Mordechai Fine President: Moshe Fink 600 Monroe Ave., Scranton, PA 18510 570-342-6271 OHEV ZEDEK CONGREGATION Rabbi Mordechai Fine 1432 Mulberry St., Scranton, PA 18510 TEMPLE HESED Affiliation: Union for Reform Judaism Rabbi Daniel J. Swartz Co-Presidents: Esther Adelman, Cheryl Friedman & Steve Seitchik 1 Knox St., Scranton, PA 18505 (Off Lake Scranton Rd.) 570-344-7201 • website: www.TempleHesed.org E-mail: [email protected] First Friday Shabbat 6pm, other Fridays 8 pm; Chanting Circle Saturdays at 11:30 am TEMPLE ISRAEL OF DUNMORE Contact person: Jay Schectman, 570-954-9354 515 East Drinker St., Dunmore, PA 18512 Saturday morning Shabbat 7:30 am, also services for Yizkor TEMPLE ISRAEL OF THE POCONOS Affiliation: United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Rabbi Baruch Melman • President: Shell Farber 711 Wallace St., Stroudsburg, PA 18360 (one block off Rt. 191 (5th Street) at Avenue A) 570-421-8781 • website: www.templepoconos.org E-mail: [email protected] Friday evening Shabbat 6 pm; Saturday morning Shabbat 10:30 am TEMPLE ISRAEL OF SCRANTON Affiliation: United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Rabbi: Rabbi Miriam Spitzer Cantor: Vladimir Aronzon • President: Howard Spizer 918 East Gibson St., Scranton, PA 18510 (located at the corner of Gibson & Monroe Sts.) 570-342-0350 • e-mail: [email protected] Mon. & Thurs. 7:15 am; Tues., Wed. & Fri. 7:25 am; Rosh Chodesh & Chagim weekdays, 7 am; Shabbat morning service 9:30 am JUNE 10, 2021 I THE REPORTER 7 NEWS IN BRIEF FROM THE U.S. From JNS.org July 23, 2019, and reached the Senate, but saw no action after it was referred to the “Antisemitism has no place on Facebook”: ADL says in letter Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Mast reintroduced his bill, H.R. 261, on Jan. 11 and it was referred to the House Foreign Aff airs and Financial Services committees. to Oversight Board This time, it received support from 47 co-sponsors from both parties. The Anti-Defamation League has called on Facebook’s Oversight Board to overturn the social-media platform’s decision to leave content online that the Jewish group FBI helps NYPD address increase in antisemitic attacks said “promote antisemitism in clear contravention of the company’s community The FBI is assisting the New York Police Department in combating the rise in standards” against hate speech. “Facebook’s inaction has helped spread [the] hatred antisemitic hate crimes against Jews following the recent Israel-Palestinian confl ict, of Jews and has contributed to historical[ly] high levels of antisemitism in America, reported The Wall Street Journal. The FBI said it held discussions and meetings and anti-Semitism online and offl ine across the globe,” wrote the ADL in a letter to the with Jewish groups and community leaders in May, and as a result, amped up a pub- Facebook Oversight Board on June 2. Included in the letter are seven public antisemitic lic-relations campaign that encourages reporting of antisemitic attacks to authorities posts that Facebook refused to remove, despite requests by the ADL. One features a in New York, including new posters that have instructions for reporting crimes in quote from Nazi propaganda chief Joseph Goebbels; another includes the statement Yiddish and Hebrew. It also worked in partnership with the NYPD in at least two “Hitler was right” in connection to Israel’s 11-day confl ict last month with Hamas in hate-crime investigations in May, according to law-enforcement offi cials. The NYPD the Gaza Strip. “We request that the Oversight Board overturn this decision and send counted 26 antisemitic hate crimes from May 2-23, two days before Israel and Hamas a clear message that antisemitism has no place on Facebook,” wrote the ADL. “We in the Gaza Strip agreed to a cease-fi re. “It’s obviously a tremendous uptick, which request that the Oversight Board put a stop to the implicit promotion of antisemitism is a problem,” said William Sweeney, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s New on Facebook by overruling Facebook’s decisions to permit such content to fl ourish.” York fi eld offi ce. The NYPD has also stationed additional police offi cers in Jewish The ADL argued that such posts “traffi c in long-standing conspiracies and tropes” neighborhoods and is working with community leaders about focusing more security that have been used for centuries “to justify persecution, from pogroms under czarist at schools and places of worship, and during events, according to offi cials. governments, to genocide under the Nazi regime, to shootings in this country.” Swastika stickers placed on Alaska Jewish Museum and Congress pursues bill to sanction entities aiding Palestinian Anchorage bar terror groups Police in Anchorage are asking for the public’s help after stickers with swastikas A group of 16 Republican senators signed on to a reintroduced bill that would were placed on the Alaska Jewish Museum and a local bar. According to the Anchorage require the imposition of sanctions on any individual, entity or state that provides police, the white stickers with the words “We are everywhere” and include the Nazi support for Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and other Palestinian terrorist groups. symbol in the middle, were discovered on the afternoon of May 26, fi rst at a bar called The “Palestinian International Terrorism Support Prevention Act” was reintroduced “Mad Myrna’s” and later in the day at the Jewish museum. “There is no place for hate by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) on May 27 and co-sponsored by Sens. Chuck Grassley in our community,” the police said, noting that it “takes these matters seriously.” Police (R-IA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Todd Young (R-IN), John Ho- noted as part of their ongoing investigation, they have partnered with the FBI to deter- even (R-ND), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Mike Braun (R-IN), John Boozman (R-AR), Rick mine “any potential state and federal violations.” “If anyone fi nds a swastika sticker, Scott (R-FL), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Roger Wicker (R-MS), James Lankford don’t remove or touch it,” the police also said, urging people to report the fi nding to (R-OK), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Bill Hagerty (R-TN) and Josh Hawley (R-MO). them instead. As of 2017, the Jewish population in Alaska was approximately 5,750. “As these terrorist groups continue to show zero regard for the loss of innocent lives and threaten our ally, Israel, I’m proud to reintroduce this bill which seeks to impose sanctions against foreign nationals and governments who are actively providing material Us Continued from page 6 support to these groups,” Rubio said in a news release. “We must hold accountable liturgy, we are told that the angels on high cernment. Otherwise, like Korah and his the individuals who are aiding the terrorist activities of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic come to perform the will of their Creator. band, we will follow the allure of fame, Jihad.” Besides imposing sanctions, the bill would also require the president to submit It describes them as ahuvim, berurim and status, wealth or control. In leadership an assessment to Congress of whether foreign nations were doing enough to counter giborim (beloved, clear in discernment and in daily life, we can keep ourselves the fund-raising, fi nancing and money-laundering activities of Palestinian terrorist and mighty). Perhaps this indicates to us, on the right path by asking constantly, organizations. Rubio previously introduced the bill in 2019 – the same one introduced as Rabbi Shefa Gold teaches, that before “What is my motivation? Am I serving on March 21, 2019, by Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) in the U.S. House of Representatives we exercise power, we must make sure out of love and discernment?” This is the that received bipartisan support from 44 co-sponsors. Mast’s bill passed the House on that we are coming out of love and dis- way of holiness. P A C E Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment Your gift to the Annual Campaign DOES A WORLD OF GOOD. Endowing your gift allows you to be there for the Jewish community of NEPA forever. A Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment (PACE) is a permanent fund that endows your Jewish community Annual Campaign gift as a lasting legacy. A PACE fund will continue to make an annual gift in perpetuity on your behalf. To determine the amount you need to endow your entire campaign gift, multiply your current annual gift by 20. You can fund your PACE by adding the JEWISH FEDERATION OF NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA to your will, or by making the Federation a benefi ciary of your IRA. All contributions to establish a PACE are tax deductible. Let your name be remembered as a blessing. Endowments can be created through a variety of vehicles, some of which do not necessitate funding during your lifetime yet still provide your estate with considerable tax benefi ts. They also enable you to perpetuate your commitment to the Annual Campaign in a way that best achieves your own personal fi nancial and estate planning goals. Examples Of Ways To Fund Your Pace Gift Are: * outright contribution of cash, appreciated securities or other long-term capital gain property such as real estate * charitable remainder trust * gift of life insurance Using appreciated property, such as securities or real estate, * charitable lead trust a ords you the opportunity to eliminate the income tax on the * gift of IRA or pension plan assets long-term capital gain, will in some instances generate a full * grant from your foundation income tax charitable deduction and will remove those assets * reserved life estate in your residence from your estate for estate tax purposes. * bequest

For more information contact Mark Silverberg at [email protected] or call 570-961-2300, ext. 1. Check out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or ﬁ nd it on Facebook 8 THE REPORTER ■ JUNE 10, 2021 NEWS IN BRIEF From JNS.org used in schools, as “unbalanced and partisan.” It argued that by providing these videos Nintendo apologizes for anti-Israel graffiti on video site to schools, the BBC was “encouraging illegal conduct” that is in contradiction of the 1996 Education Act, which forbids “political indoctrination at maintained schools” Nintendo recently apologized for anti-Israel graffiti visible in one of its video games, and requires schools to take measures to ensure that students “are offered a balanced as well as any resulting ramifications from the offensive message. A child playing the presentation of opposing views.” In response to UKLFI’s complaint, Helen Foulkes, video game Nintendo Splatoon 2 took a screenshot on May 18 of a wall in the game that head of BBC Education, said the videos were “part of Bitesize’s legacy content, which showed the phrase “Fxck Israel,” as if it was graffiti. After the group UK Lawyers for was migrated to the current site several years ago.” She added that “they are part of a Israel (or UKLFI) reached out to Nintendo’s legal board and the Entertainment Software range of content which we have begun to review to ensure that it remains compliant Ratings Board (or ESRB) about the incident, Rob Posgate, legal counsel to Nintendo with the most recent BBC editorial guidelines. The series will be suspended from the UK, said in a May 24 e-mail to UKLFI Director Caroline Turner, “We can assure you site whilst this editorial review is carried out. Once the review has been completed, we that the anti-Israel graffiti that the child saw was not generated by Nintendo as part of the will decide which content to retire permanently and which to reinstate and/or edit.” design of the game, Splatoon 2. We strongly condemn such statements and the sentiments behind them.” Posgate explained that the message was found in the game’s waiting area, CyberArk inaugurates a new R&D center in Beersheva where users decide which battle arena they want to join; there, players can create and The Israeli cyber company CyberArk inaugurated a new R&D center in Beersheva display content, such as graffiti. “The vast majority of our users generate harmless and fun at the Gav-Yam Negev Tech Park near Israel Defense Forces’ new C4I Corps Park and content,” he noted. “Unfortunately, a very small minority of users may from time to time Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. Other tenants in the burgeoning high-tech park use this functionality to post harmful and offensive messages. To protect our users from include Israel’s cyber campus, the National Cyber Directorate’s CERT center, and more this abusive behavior, we include a reporting functionality within the game.” He added than 70 development centers and startups. “The opening of an R&D center in Beersheva that “user-generated content that is displayed in this graffiti format is randomly posted is another step in CyberArk’ s long journey from a groundbreaking startup to a major and regularly rotated so that any such graffiti would only be displayed for a short while.” global corporation that continues to grow with a place at the forefront of technology, UAE opens Holocaust-education exhibit protecting the sensitive assets of the world’s leading corporations,” said Udi Mokady, CyberArk’s CEO and founder. Chen Bitan, general manager of CyberArk Israel and In a continuing cultural relationship with Israel and the United Arab Emirates as part of the company’s chief product officer, said “the new center at the capital of Israel’s south the Abraham Accords, a museum in the United Arab Emirates debuted an exhibition about is advantageous and valuable for us. We welcome the opportunity to join the construc- the Holocaust that also aims to raise awareness about antisemitism amid an increase in hate tion of this ecosystem of government agencies, academia and industry in the capital crimes against Jews worldwide. The “‘We Remember’: Holocaust Memorial Gallery” at of the Negev, reinforcing the Israeli high-tech industry and branding Beersheva as a Dubai’s Crossroads of Civilizations Museum is the first Holocaust exhibit in the Arabian global cyber center.” The company plans to recruit more than 200 employees in Israel Gulf. It opened the week after a cease-fire was put into place between Israel and Hamas in 2021. CyberArk, the second-largest Israeli cyber company trading on Nasdaq, is a in the Gaza Strip following an 11-day conflict. It features artifacts and testimonies from global leader in identity security. Holocaust survivors, as well as pays tribute to Holocaust victims. A press release for the gallery said it “explores the chain of events leading up to the Holocaust and uses personal Israel’s FM in Egypt to discuss Gaza reconstruction stories, many of which come from Jews in the Arab world. There is also a special tribute Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi landed in Cairo on May 30 for talks with his to Arab heroes – upstanders who defended and saved Jews.” The museum’s founder, Egyptian counterpart, Sameh Shoukry, centering on the cease-fire with Hamas and the H.E. Ahmed Obaid Al Mansoori, said, “We are concerned about the rise in antisemitism reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. Ashkenazi’s is the first formal visit to Egypt by an Israeli in Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States. By teaching and informing our foreign minister since Tzipi Livni met with then-Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in visitors about the Holocaust, we will create more awareness about the danger that this 2008. The two foreign ministers will discuss the establishment of a permanent cease-fire negative rhetoric and resulting actions can lead to. As a leading cultural institution in the with Hamas, as well as a mechanism for providing humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, UAE, it is very important to us that we focus on educating people about the tragedies of Ashkenazi said on May 30. A temporary cease-fire, which Egypt helped to negotiate, went the Holocaust because education is the antidote to ignorance.” into effect on May 21 following 11 days of fighting between Israel and terrorist groups in BBC deletes “unbalanced and partisan” videos about Israel, Gaza. However, he added, Israel remained “first and foremost” committed to securing the return of Israeli captives being held by Hamas in Gaza. Ashkenazi’s remarks echoed those Palestinians from its website made on May 21 by Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz, who told Israel’s Kan channel The BBC has removed a series of controversial videos about Israel and the Palestin- in an interview that the reconstruction of Gaza must be made conditional on the return ians from its website following a complaint from the group UK Lawyers for Israel (or of civilians and soldiers’ bodies being held by Hamas. Hamas has held the bodies of Lt. UKLFI), the pro-Israel group said on May 31. UKLFI described the BBC Education Hadar Goldin and St.-Sgt. Oron Shaul since “Operation Protective Edge” in 2014, and is series of “Bitesize” videos, which were aimed at schoolchildren and designed to be believed to also be holding two Israeli civilians: Avraham Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed. You Lif – You Legac... Wha ’ i You Hear

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