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VOLUME XI, NUMBER 14 JULY 26, 2018 A wave of progressives shows Israel criticism isn’t taboo anymore an “intersectional feminist” table criticism, the general trends it notes ANALYSIS and Israel an apartheid have been shown elsewhere. regime. In Virginia’s 5th Some credit Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) BY CHARLES DUNST Congressional District, with normalizing such criticism of Israel. NEW YORK (JTA) – After Alexan- Democratic nominee Leslie While the 2016 Democratic presidential dria Ocasio-Cortez shocked the political Cockburn is the co-author, candidate defined himself as “100 percent world by defeating longtime New York along with her husband, of pro-Israel,” he recently called on the U.S. Rep. Joseph Crowley in a Democratic “Dangerous Liaison: The to adopt a more balanced policy toward primary in June, Democratic National Inside Story of the U.S.-Is- Israel and the Palestinians. In late March, Committee Chairman Tom Perez quickly raeli Covert Relationship,” Sanders’ office posted three videos to Ilhan Omar at the premiere aligned himself with the former political a scathing 1991 attack on social media criticizing Israel for what outsider, saying on a radio show that “she the Jewish state. of “Time For Ilhan,” a film he deemed its excessive use of force in Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez about her congressional represents the future of our party.” “It seems to me that some appeared on “Meet the Gaza and the Trump administration for If so, that future appears to include criticism of Israel is part of a seat run, during the 2018 not intervening during the border clashes. Press” on July 1. (Photo the kind of sharp criticism of Israel once package among young pro- Tribeca Film Festival. Last year, Perez appointed as his DNC by William B. Plowman/ considered taboo in both major parties. gressives along with health (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/ deputy Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota, Ocasio-Cortez ran on a platform of care for all and jobs for all,” NBC/NBC NewsWire via Getty Images for Tribeca who, in addition to being dogged by ties Medicare for all, fully funded public Democratic strategist Brad Getty Images) Film Festival) to the antisemitic Nation of Islam leader schools and a universal jobs guarantee. Bannon told Newsweek. Louis Farrakhan, implied that U.S. foreign But she has also been critical of Israel, That puts Democrats who are both they sympathize more with Israel than the policy in the Middle East is “governed” by calling its military’s killing of Palestinian liberal and pro-Israel in a bind. Whether Palestinians has declined from 38 percent considerations of what is good or bad for protesters in May a “massacre.” The Dem- the result of “intersectionality,” which in 2001 to 27 percent in 2018 – the lowest Israel. (Ellison, who was the first Muslim ocratic Socialists of America, of which links Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians level of support on record. Support for Israel elected to Congress, is running for attorney Ocasio-Cortez is a member, supports to other left-wing causes, or a willingness further decreased among self-identified general in Minnesota and is not seeking the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions to call out its right-wing government, “liberal” Democrats from 48 percent in re-election. Omar is seeking his seat.) movement against Israel. Ocasio-Cortez progressive criticism of Israel may make 2001 to 19 percent in 2018. In the same Left-wing activists have also drawn has remained silent on the issue. for some hard choices come Election Day. time period, their support for Palestinians Democratic politicians into Israel con- In Minnesota, Democratic congres- According to a Pew Research Center rose from 18 percent to 35 percent. troversies. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of sional candidate Ilhan Omar calls herself survey, the percentage of Democrats saying Although the Pew survey received no- See “Progressives” on page 4 NEPA’s largest annual Jewish cultural event expands to week-long festival Jewish Food Festival to be held at Nay Aug Park in Scranton The annual Jewish Food Festival in through Thursday, August 2, at Nay Aug offer 100 percent all-beef hot dogs, spicy Scranton will be held Sunday, July 29, Park in Scranton. Opening day hours on Moroccan burgers and more, while the July 29 will be from 11 am-7 pm. From bakery tent will serve up chocolate babka, Monday through Thursday, hours will fresh-baked apple strudel and funnel cakes be 11:30 am-2 pm for lunch and 4-7 pm to complement the celebration of ethnic for dinner. kosher food. Organized by the Jewish Discovery The festival at Nay Aug Park will Center, the free-admission event will fea- continue all week featuring daily grill ture ethnic food, entertainment, kids-zone specials, including glazed beef ribs, play area, vendors and crafts. barbecue chicken, kosher sausages anad The menu will feature an assortment gourmet burgers. This year, the festival of traditional “Jewish favorites” such as will offer takeout orders with curbside corned beef on rye, stuffed cabbage, potato service. “Simply make your selections knishes and more. Lovers of Israeli and online or by phone and your order will Middle Eastern food will enjoy falafel and be ready within 30 minutes – brought to grilled shawarma made fresh on site, as your car,” said organizers of the event. Rabbi Yitzchok Goldberg sliced well as a “schnitzel” sandwich served on Nay Aug park, the city of Scranton’s shawarma off the vertical grill. a semi-hard roll. The barbecue grill will largest park, grants residents and vis- itors “a touch of nature” amid the city Richard Schwartz of Scranton prepared landscape. Walking trails, picnic areas, an order at the Jewish Food Festival. kid-friendly rides, playgrounds, Olym- pic-sized swimming pools and a waterslide At left: Festival complex are among the attractions. The patrons will be Everhart Museum is also located within Federation able to order the park. A gorge and waterfalls within the from a menu with park have been named a National Natu- a large selection ral Landmark. A pedestrian footbridge on Facebook of Jewish ethnic opened in 2007 to access parkland across The Jewish Federation of Northeast- foods. the Roaring Brook. ern Pennsylvania now has a page on For more information about the festival, Facebook to let community members to download an event map or to browse know about upcoming events and keep the menu, visit www.JewishFoodFest.com connected. or call 570-587-3300. INSIDE THIS ISSUE Candle lighting July 27...... 8:07 pm Beneath the surface Crete’s Jews News in brief... August 3...... 7:59 pm A look at some American arch- One of the last survivors of Crete’s Israel’s Nationality Law passes; August 10...... 7:51 pm eologists who have helped unearth Jewish community, destroyed in an Austrian state wants Jews to PLUS Israel’s history over the years. World War II, watches its rebirth. register for kosher meat; more. Opinion...... 2 Story on page 7 Story on page 9 Stories on pages 11-12 D’var Torah...... 8 2 THE REPORTER ■ JULY 26, 2018 A MATTER OF OPINION Any volunteers to be tomorrow’s Jewish doers and leaders? BY ELI OVITS Limmud Impact Study: curious about Jewish life and Judaism. leadership skills training and provides leader- (JTA) – “Ethics of the Fathers” includes Get them while they’re young Learning begets greater curiosity and ship opportunities, the deeper the impact on this bold advice from Rabbi Yishmael: It is essential to invest in younger people, more learning Jewish life. We found that the more senior “When we learn in order to act, we become including young families. The study affirmed Beyond creating a framework for learn- the leadership level in Limmud, the greater learners, teachers, preservers and doers.” the long-term value of attracting and investing ing throughout one’s lifetime, Limmud one’s Jewish life is impacted. Learning to act So many Jewish institutions are asking in younger people: 73 percent of volunteers also creates opportunities for relationships and acting to learn creates the preservers and how they might engage younger people, 40 or under agreed that “the Jewish life I live among an array of people. Indeed, volun- doers that Rabbi Yishmael promises. raise a new generation of leaders and is strongly impacted by my experience at teers made new friends (84 percent), met Of course, for volunteerism to thrive it appeal across age groups. How might Limmud.” Nearly 50 percent of those under Jews who were different from themselves requires us to hand over the keys to our com- they advance the Jewish journeys of their 40 were likely to report a change toward (82 percent) and deepened a sense of con- munity and share leadership opportunities. volunteers, followers and “users,” and take greater Jewish interest and commitment since nection to the Jewish people (68 percent). The bottom line: There are tangible them further toward greater interest in and their first Limmud. The earlier you become More than a third of Limmud volunteers benefits to volunteering. When your organi- commitment to Jewish life? involved in Jewish activism through Limmud, reported that Limmud had led them to be- zations hand over leadership, your activists Limmud, a global network of Jewish the deeper the impact on your life. come more involved in their communities. will be more committed to Jewish life and learning festivals, set out to find out from Yet we also found that for volunteers of all A full 20 percent reported that involvement their Jewish life will be richer. And by elim- its large and growing number of volunteers ages, their commitment and curiosity grew in Limmud even led them to set up (alone or inating as many barriers to leadership as what works and what doesn’t. Granted, we as they continued on their Limmud journeys. with others) a new Jewish initiative. These possible, you make it accessible for people had a favorable cohort: Volunteers make The vast majority of all volunteers surveyed include launching educational programs, of all ages and backgrounds to excel. Limmud happen, set strategy, determine the reported positive impacts on their lives. cultural events and new places of prayer. One note of caution from the study, vision, teach and deal with the multitude of It is important to recruit younger peo- This is the crux of Rabbi Yishmael’s however: Volunteers need support frame- tasks from which Limmud events are built. ple, take them a long way and change teaching: Learning leads to action – from works to avoid burnout. It is essential to Even those Limmuds that have paid staff their Jewish lives. At the same time, the prompting more learning, to building anticipate the costs of intense volunteer usually draw on a large cohort of volunteers. Limmud study also suggests that commu- relationships with other Jews, to getting involvement and plan for ways to encour- Limmud could not exist without volun- nities are most successful when they are active in the broader Jewish community, age succession planning, as well as sharing teers, but we wanted to know how volunteer- multigenerational. They should explore including launching new initiatives. of systems and best practices. ing helped people on their Jewish journeys. ways to promote intergenerational diver- Volunteers get from what they give By providing these kinds of practices What we learned about the benefits of volun- sity in leadership, team composition and Limmud volunteers form the founda- and opportunities, Jewish institutions teerism could help almost any institution in educational opportunities. This promises tion of the grassroots, cross-communal can further education and engagement, creating more effective communities. a richer communal experience for all. organization. Volunteering engenders not and inspire communal activism for all The British sociologist Keith Kahn-Har- Learning leads to action – just a deep connection to the Jewish people ages and backgrounds. By investing in ris surveyed Limmud volunteers in commu- and much more and Jewish learning, it also provides prac- volunteerism and diversity, they will have nities spanning seven countries; conducted Jewish learning encourages connections tical tools to take the connection further. more engaged Jewish leaders and one more two focus groups at Limmud Festival 2017; with other Jews and interest in the Jewish Significant proportions of volunteers solution to safeguarding Jewish continuity. and held conversations recently in Israel with community beyond Limmud. Eighty-nine reported that Limmud impacted on their Rabbi Yishmael would be proud. volunteers from 50 communities across 25 percent of Limmud volunteers who respond- career (41 percent), gave them a greater Eli Ovits is chief executive of Limmud, countries at Limmud Connect, Limmud’s ed agreed that Limmud increased their Jewish sense of confidence (55 percent) and which operates in 90 communities first global volunteer forum. Ezra Kopelow- knowledge and 68 percent agreed it exposed helped them develop their leadership skills spanning 42 countries. itz of Research Success Technologies in them to a wider variety of Jewish traditions. (55 percent). The volunteer experience The views and opinions expressed in Israel was the project adviser. Notably, 65 percent said Limmud led them offers added value for careers and raising this article are those of the author and do Here are three initial takeaways from to a greater engagement with Jewish learning volunteer’s leadership profile. not necessarily reflect the views of JTA and 62 percent agreed it made them more The more the Jewish community invests in or its parent company, 70 Faces Media. Is “non-Jew” an insult? “ The Reporter” (USPS #482) is published bi-weekly by the BY ANDREW SILOW-CARROLL from Hebrew for blemish or abomination, is ing away the inevitable waves of diversity Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, 601 Jefferson obviously beyond the pale. And Gentile just that come with a free society. Ave., Scranton, PA 18510. (JTA) – A few months ago I wrote a humor piece titled “Don’t eat off the seder feels so smug and fusty, like, I don’t know, For those of us who do write about Jews President: Douglas Fink plate, and other tips for non-Jews attending a 20th-century antisemitic swimming club. and their significant others, that means Executive Director: Mark Silverberg their first seder.” It drew a miffed response But what’s wrong with non-Jew? In- taking sides. Sort of. It’s not our job to Executive Editor: Rabbi Rachel Esserman from a rabbi friend who often works with terfaithFamily says it is about the feelings judge the debate between the tradition- Layout Editor: Diana Sochor interfaith families and suggested “it’s time of partners involved with Jews. alists and the activists. But our language Assistant Editor: Ilene Pinsker to drop terms like ‘non-Jew’ and Gentile.” “By constantly leading with the neg- has nonetheless evolved along with the Production Coordinator: Jenn DePersis At the time I scoffed. Yes, it is a little ative in reference to a Jewish person’s Jewish community. Non-Jews itself re- Advertising Representative: Bonnie Rozen partner, it can be perceived as derogatory,” placed Gentiles over the years. “Jewess” Bookkeeper: Kathy Brown weird that a people who represent less than 0.1 percent of the world’s population define according to the guide. “It can make the went the way of the corset; “goy” shows everybody else as “not us.” It’s like someone people it is referring to feel excluded and up only in a direct quote or if modified OPINIONS The views expressed in with lactose intolerance saying he doesn’t eat on the outside of the Jewish community.” by “Shabbos,” which is a term of art and editorials and opinion pieces are those “dairy ice cream.” Which is technically true, Instead of non-Jew, the guide suggests not a slur. We now use “haredi” instead of each author and not necessarily although it tends to over-privilege Tofutti. “partner who is not Jewish, partner from of “ultra-Orthodox.” And we long ago the views of the Jewish Federation of And yet non-Jew and Gentile have their another faith, not Jewish, person from a stopped assuming “rabbi” denoted a male, Northeastern Pennsylvania. different background, person who isn’t a “minyan” meant 10 men and “congress- LETTERS The Reporter welcomes uses, especially if you write about Jews for Jewish.” In other words, don’t reduce man” is the default for a lawmaker. letters on subjects of interest to the a living. Whether you are making demo- Jewish community. All letters must be graphic distinctions, writing about Jews in someone to what they are not, as if their We’ve been sharing around the office a signed and include a phone number. relation to their neighbors or talking about entire identity is defined by their inverse JTA dispatch from 1934 that is harrowing The editor may withhold the name Jewish practices that cross over into wider relationship with a Jew. in its casual racism. (Residents of Harlem upon request. culture, non-Jew comes in handy. Unless There are a few centuries of debate behind are referred to as “the dusky, happy-go- ADS The Reporter does not necessar- you want to pretend there are no distinctions the words InterfaithFamily hopes to retire. lucky denizens of Africa in Manhattan.” ily endorse any advertised products between people who identify as Jews and At the core of the debate is the traditional Wow.) How will we be judged in 84 years? and services. In addition, the paper people who identify as something else – taboo on interfaith marriage. Traditionalists What words will mark us as hopelessly is not responsible for the kashruth of and making such distinctions strikes me want to reinforce the notion that Jews should mired in the prejudices of our times? any advertiser’s product or establish- as about 85 percent of the entire Jewish marry Jews in the interest of continuity. So I am not scoffing anymore. I think we ment. enterprise, starting at Sinai – why would Isaac Herzog, the newly elected chairman can reduce the use of non-Jew, especially to DEADLINE Regular deadline is two you retire two perfectly serviceable words? of the Jewish Agency for Israel, announced refer to individuals. It still remains a useful weeks prior to the publication date. Who do you offend by keeping them? his membership in the traditionalist camp distinction if, for instance, we are reporting Then I met Lindsey Silken, the editorial recently when he referred to interfaith mar- on a study comparing Jewish communities FEDERATION WEBSITE: riage as an “actual plague,” adding “there to the mainstream, on subjects like religious www.jewishnepa.org director at InterfaithFamily, a resource for people in interfaith relationships. Lindsey must be a campaign, a solution. We have to practice, genetic differences and voting HOW TO SUBMIT ARTICLES: and I sat on a panel at a Jewish journalism rack our brains to figure out how to solve patterns. But if it avoids insulting someone, Mail: 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA convention recently, and she passed around this great challenge.” Other traditionalists why not refer to individuals as the “partner 18510 her inhouse style guide. It explained why nodded, noting that support for Israel and from another faith” or a “person from a E-mail: [email protected] they don’t use terms like “half-Jew,” engagement with Jewish life plunges outside different background”? Fax: (570) 346-6147 “shikse,” Gentile and, yes, non-Jew. of Jewish-Jewish marriages. As for humor? A little flexibility is Phone: (570) 961-2300 I get why half-Jew could be offensive in Interfaith activists want to make the called for. I am reminded of the Jewish that is assumes the subject can’t possibly community welcoming to mixed families. man who converts to Christianity and HOW TO REACH identify as fully Jewish. (And here I am They also talk the language of continuity, becomes a minister. Giving his first ser- THE ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: saying that mixed families certainly will mon, he stands before the congregation Phone: (800) 779-7896, ext. 244 obligated to quote the famous Groucho Marx not raise their children as Jews if they don’t and says, “Fellow ...” E-mail: [email protected] quip, when an antisemitic swimming club refused admission to his daughter: “She’s feel comfortable in Jewish settings. And Oh, wait. Never mind. It’s sort of of- SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: only half Jewish,” Groucho said. “How they talk the language of post-modernity, fensive. And kind of hilarious. Phone: (570) 961-2300 about if she only goes in up to her waist?”) saying Jews can’t stand at the shores of Andrew Silow-Carroll is editor-in-chief Shikse, that awful Yiddish term that derives multiculturalism like King Canute, wish- of JTA. JULY 26, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 3 COMMUNITY NEWS Congregation B’nai Harim annual golf outing Congregation B’nai Harim’s annual golf outing will The price per golfer is $120 if paid by Tuesday, Au- call the message center at 570-646-0100. Send your take place on Tuesday, August 21. The course will again gust 14; after August 14, the cost will be $130. The price check to: Congregation B’nai Harim, P.O.Box 757, be Pine Crest located on Sullivan Trail in Pocono Pines. includes dinner and appetizers with a cash bar. Dinner Pocono Pines, PA 18350. Include your name, your Dinner will be at Lake Naomi Club, on Miller Drive, only will be $55 per person. The dinner menu includes foursome members (or the golf pro will match you Pocono Pines. five choices: prime rib, herb and pistachio crusted rack up) or “just dinner,” phone number, e-mail address There will be contests, prizes, mulligan tickets and of lamb, chicken francaise, pan-seared salmon or stuffed and dinner choice. more, according to organizers, who noted, “This is always roasted acorn squash. Sponsorships of tees, holes and contests are available; a fun day that starts with a continental breakfast at 11 Reservations are required with payment in advance. call 570-646-0100 for further information. am and shot gun start at noon. Price includes breakfast, For further information, visit Congregation B’nai Congregation B’nai Harim is located at Rt. 940 and cart and dinner for the golfer.” Harim’s website, www.bnaiharimpoconos.org, or Sullivan Trail, Pocono Pines. Student rabbis to visit hundreds of households in Scranton, the Abingtons and across NEPA Jewish Discovery Center Launches regional Chumash project This summer, the Jewish Discovery Center will gift that may seem dry, repetitive, or confusing. What’s Jewish households in the Scranton/Abington area a more, each parasha (Torah reading) is preceded by a Kehot Chumash. Underwritten in part by private dona- concise introduction highlighting its particular theme as tions, student rabbis will be visiting homes and offices it considers the Torah’s message. Helpful introductions across the region to meet Jewish families, couples and precede each haftarah, designed to provide the reader individuals; offermezuzah checkups; and gift each home with historical and literary background as an aid to study with the Kehot Chumash. of the prophetic lessons of the haftarot and their relation The Five Books of Moses, also known as the Bible, to the weekly parasha.” Torah or the Pentateuch, has been said to contain the Rabbi Dovid Olidort, senior editor at Kehot Publication deepest divine wisdoms conveyed to mankind, yet the Society, said that the new Chumash corrects a miscon- coded and cryptic text remains oftentimes largely in- ception by which many assume that the Torah text can be comprehensible to some people. Judaism teaches that read independent of the accompanying interpretation of Moses presented the oral explanation known as “Torah the oral tradition. “Traditionally, Torah was meant to be sheb’al peh” alongside the written word, known as “Torah studied through the eyes of the oral tradition. According sheb’ksav.” This body of law was continuously taught to Maimonides, the Torah text was given together with a and transmitted from generation to generation in tandem ‘running commentary.’ The new Chumash, which blends Student Rabbis Yosef Rapoport, from Clarks Summit, with the written text, and later codified into themidrash the original text with the oral commentary as explained PA, and Reuven Kaminetzki from Dnepropetrovsk, and Talmud. Over the ages, numerous scholars have by Rashi in one narrative, is a first attempt to give the Ukraine, spent three weeks in Honduras and Guatemala written commentaries which were published alongside English reader that experience.” visiting Jewish homes across Central America. They the Torah text – including Rabbi Shlomo ben Yitzchak According to Rabbi Benny Rapoport, co-director will be in NEPA during August. (Rashi) – to help both the novice and experienced student of the JDC, the Chumash project was inspired by the navigate the Torah’s message. Lubavitcher Rebbe’s campaign to promote Torah-study The new Hebrew-English Kehot Chumash, published and to keep Jewish books in the home. “The real center by Chabad’s Kehot Publication Society, features an inter- of Judaism is not the synagogue, but the home,” he said. DEADLINES polated translation that seeks to weave the oral explana- “And the source of Jewish practice, tradition and wisdom The following are deadlines for all articles and tion into the English text itself. Instead of requiring the is the Torah. Having this beautiful treasure in Jewish photos for upcoming Reporter issues. reader to research the corresponding Torah commentaries homes across northeastern Pennsylvania will encourage DEADLINE ISSUE to better understand a specific verse, this translation people of all ages to seek a deeper understanding of Torah intends to render the Torah text itself intelligible to the and inspire a true quest to learn more.” Thursday, July 26...... August 9 reader, forming “a clear, smooth and easy reading body, To sponsor a Chumash, or if you wish to add a name Thursday, August 9...... August 23 accessible even to the beginner and informative to all,” and address for a Chumash gift, visit jewishnepa.com/ Thursday, August 23...... September 6 according to the Kehot Publication Society. “The transla- chumashproject or call 570-587-3300. Wednesday, Sept. 5, early...... September 20 tion is authentic with incontrovertible scholarly sources, but written in lively and contemporary style so the reader may understand what these writings mean for us today. It’s replete with footnotes, bibliographic information that YOUR explains the meaning of all works cited, and diagrams and charts for those passages in Jewish history and law AD COULD BE HERE! For information on advertising, contact Bonnie Rozen at 1-800-779-7896, ext. 244 or bonnie@ thereportergroup.org The 1,500-page volume includes illustrations, diagrams and maps with printing on custom paper bound with a hand-stitched and specially reinforced tear-free leatherette binding.

ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 4 THE REPORTER ■ JULY 26, 2018 Dr. David Abramowitz spoke at Congregation B’nai Harim’s Lox Academy On June 24, Congregation B’nai adult villagers and schoolchildren per year. At right: Rabbi B’nai Harim on Wednesday, August 22, Harim’s Lox Academy speaker was Dr. He described his experiences meeting and Gershom Sizomu will at 7 pm. “Mark your calendars for this David Abramowitz, who ventured into working with the residents of the village, speak at B’nai Harim important and interesting event,” said the Abayudaya community in Mbale, and showed the documentary he filmed on August 22. (File organizers of th event. “It is open to the Uganda, and established a dental center about his experiences there. He answered photo by Ken Hively/ public, but reservations are appreciated.” and a mobile outreach clinic in Nabugoye questions about the life and challenges Los Angeles Times via Congregation B’nai Harim is located Village to treat the local Jewish, Christian facing this Jewish community living in Getty Images) at 1543 Pocono Crest Rd., Pocono Pines. and Muslim population. In the process, the rainforests of Eastern Uganda. For further information, call the message he said he discovered a vibrant Jewish Rabbi Gershon Sizomu, the leader of first Jewish member of the Uganda parlia- center 570-646-0100 or visit the website community. Today, his missions provide the Abayudaya Jewish community, the ment, will be visiting the United States in www.bnaiharimpoconos.org. Interviews modern dental care to more than 4,000 chief rabbi of Uganda and Africa, and the August. He will be speak at Congregation with the speakers can be arranged.

Progressives Continued from page 1 New York, a potential 2020 presidential RJC spokesman Neil Strauss told ABC Jewish community’s values are represent- Rights, said the Pew study was flawed, candidate who has recently tacked left, News that anti-Israel rhetoric has become ed in the midterm elections. insofar as it suggested that support for penned a glowing Time magazine write-up mainstream in the Democratic Party. (JTA “Every election, Republicans attempt either Israel or the Palestinians implies of controversial progressive heroines and efforts to reach the Republican group for to use Israel as a partisan wedge issue, a lack of advocacy for the other. “The Women’s March leaders Tamika Mallory comment were unsuccessful.) and every year they fail to get a majority question of whether one is pro-Israel or and Linda Sarsour. Mallory, in a non-apol- “They’ve jumped right now from some of the Jewish vote. This year will be no pro-Palestinian is a false dichotomy. We ogy steeped in intersectional progressive cautionary-type language to outright different. The more Jewish voters who go need to stop asking questions, in polls terminology, has since defended her own hostile language on Israel,” Strauss told to the polls in November, the better the and otherwise, that suggest that one must relationship with Farrakhan following his ABC. “These people are becoming the result will be for Democrats,” said Soifer. choose between the human rights of Israe- recent antisemitic rants. Sarsour, who standard-bearers in the Democratic Party Although anti-Israel attitudes certainly lis or Palestinians,” Jacobs said. “The only argued that Zionism and feminism are and it’s unfortunate.” exist within progressive circles, some lib- defensible position is one that stands up incompatible, is a supporter of BDS. Halie Soifer, the executive director eral Jews believe they are on the margins. for the human rights of both – and insists “There’s a lot of evidence that defining of the Jewish Democratic Council of “I believe that support for Israel remains that these are not in conflict. liberalism through an intersectional lens America, said there is no contradiction as strong among both Republicans and “That means working toward two has had the effect of casting Israel as an between Zionism and Democratic politics, Democrats as ever,” said Rabbi Jack states, and opposing the occupation and ‘oppressor’ and thus a nation worthy of maintaining that the Democratic Party Moline, the executive director of the In- the growth of settlements that entrench condemnation even as its actual policies continues to best represent Jewish inter- terfaith Alliance and the former head of it. This is the position of the Israeli left on issues associated with intersection- ests. “Given President Trump’s alignment the National Jewish Democratic Council. who should be the natural partners for ality are infinitely better than those of with neo-Nazis and in his politicization of “With some few exceptions on both sides the Democratic Party – in contrast to the its neighbors,” KC Johnson, a history Israel as a partisan issue – not to mention of the aisle, the notion of a national home- Republican Party, which has allied itself professor at Brooklyn College, former his radically right-wing domestic agenda land for the Jewish people is accepted and with Likud, the Jewish Home party and the Fulbright instructor at Tel Aviv University – we are confident that the overwhelming secure. However, just as people who were rest of the pro-settlement, pro-occupation and regular Washington Post contributor, majority of the Jewish electorate will formerly on the margins of both parties are hard right.” told JTA in an e-mail interview. continue to support Democrats in the up- now considered part of a big tent, ideas Yet others see the Democrats’ contin- The Republican Jewish Coalition is coming election,” Soifer told JTA. “JDCA that were once marginal in Israel are being ued embrace of progressive figures and expected to make the rise of the Dem- is supporting Democratic candidates who entertained by mainstream leaders. Israel critics like Ocasio-Cortez, Omar, ocratic left a target of its activism. It share our policy platform and values, and “For a liberal Zionist like me, objecting Ellison, Sarsour and Mallory as further already has run ads in a Philadelphia-area we have, in some instances, spoken out to bad policy in Israel is an indication of divorcing their party – America’s liberal congressional district where the Dem- against candidates who are not aligned deeper concern, not lesser support,” he party – from Israel, leaving liberal Zionists ocratic candidate, Scott Wallace, faced with our views. JDCA is proudly serving said. “Consider it a victory for the reac- – a majority among American Jews – in heat after a charity he runs was shown as the voice of pro-Israel and socially tionary right that honest disagreement political turmoil. to have given to anti-Israel groups. (He progressive Democrats, and we will do with the current administration has been “Democratic base voters are more said he wasn’t aware and is pro-Israel.) everything in our power to ensure that the successfully depicted as betrayal.” hostile to Israel than at any point in Daniel Shapiro, the former U.S. am- decades, which will produce a less sup- bassador to Israel under President Barack portive House Democratic caucus next Obama, said there is no contradiction year,” Johnson told JTA. “As the 2020 between liberal values and Zionism, which presidential primaries take shape, it’s easy he said “is the expression of the wholly to imagine more ideologically flexible legitimate right of the Jewish people to contenders (such as Kirsten Gillibrand or sovereignty in their ancient homeland. Kamala Harris [the California senator]) “If there are those in the Democratic sharply criticizing Israel to boost their Party or the progressive coalition who standing with progressive activists.” misunderstand that – there may be some, “Liberal Zionists,” Johnson warns, “will but we tend to exaggerate the phenome- need to more effectively communicate how non – it is incumbent on people like me Israel’s policies on women’s issues, LGBT to educate them about Israel’s inherent rights and civil rights are consistent with legitimacy,” he said. a Democratic Party increasingly oriented Effective please The larger divide, Shapiro said, re- around identity politics.” immediately, send lates to the Palestinian issue, not Israel’s A Wider Bridge, a pro-Israel LGBT note! existence. “An Israel that is seen as still group, insists that it is doing just that: all articles and ads to seeking to keep a realistic two-state solu- making the progressive case for Israel. our new E-mail address, tion alive, where its security needs are met “Israel has long received broad support and it is recognized as a Jewish state – and from both Democrats and Republicans. I jfnepareporter@ even though Palestinian leaders have not believe that is still true today,” said Ronit jewishnepa.org. yet met their obligations to make that Bezalel, the group’s communications outcome possible – will not have trouble director. “Much of our work at A Wider retaining the broad, bipartisan support it Bridge is to make the case for Israel among has historically enjoyed,” he said. progressive allies. We do not believe that Rabbi Jill Jacobs, the executive director support of Israel excludes the concerns of T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human raised on behalf of the Palestinian people.” ewish Federa the J tion on ’s e u ma yoEffective immediately,il re lis A t? Jewish Federation of NEPA pleaseWe send send updated announcementsall articles and special & ads to event ourdetails weeklynew to those E-mail who wish address,to receive them.

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Facebook ® is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc JULY 26, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 5 Leading tech figures declare Israel the “epicenter of magic” BY ISRAEL KASNETT laboration, camaraderie and imagination.” strip of desert in the Middle East that (JNS) – Why sit behind a desk all day Ted Schilowitz, a futurist at Paramount really has made the most relevant tech of when you can explore Israel and meet Pictures, appeared full of energy and our generation. And what is ironic is that experts in your field at the same time? enthusiasm when he sat down with JNS. the countries that surround that little strip That’s where REALITY Experience, an “This is quite a week. It’s like a summer of desert are often trying to eradicate it initiative by the Charles and Lynn Schus- camp,” he said. “It’s not just to see Israel, from the planet using all the technology terman Family Foundation, comes in. The but to learn Israel, to really understand that was developed by that little strip of program, which offers 12 distinct journeys, what makes it tick. And to see, from the desert… And it’s troubling to me that each with its own focus, “brings inspiring particular bent of this group, why Israel those [countries] don’t realize that this is influencers from around the globe on a is such a hotbed of innovation, startup a jewel. It has to be treasured, regardless transformative journey through Israel to culture, startup mentality and why the of your political dynamics, because you reignite their passion and potential for output of success is so high. I thought I can’t execute anything without this little strip of desert. It’s fascinating, and it’s repairing the world.” had good insight on that, but now, after the L-r: Tyler Wunsch dnd Maddie Callander probably only getting started.” JNS was invited to meet with some of first couple of days [on this trip], I have a walked along Rothschild Boulevard the participants of Emerging REALITY, much better insight on this.” Schilowitz expressed amazement that “most of the eight billion humans on Earth in Tel Aviv. (Photo courtesy of the a program described on its website as “a Schilowitz related a story from years Schusterman Family Foundation) transformative leadership experience in Is- ago when he was interviewed by a maga- are touching multiple things that came rael specifically designed for leaders in the zine in Silicon Valley. When asked where out of Israeli innovation every single day, areas of augmented reality, virtual reality, he thinks the best innovation in the world multiple times a day, for many hours a day, been able to thrive despite everything.” artificial intelligence, robotics, computer comes from, he replied, “I know you want every single day of their lives – and they Goldfine also expressed her appreci- vision, blockchain and immersive media me to say Silicon Valley, but I’m telling have no idea that it came from Israel… ation for the program. “Everyone on the creation who appreciate the value of col- you it’s not Silicon Valley. It’s this little It’s just so extraordinarily relevant, and itinerary looks really impressive, and it’s it’s almost impossible to imagine that it sometimes the people you don’t expect all comes from this [tiny country].” that you end up learning the most from.” Amanda Goldfine, head of marketing Her best praise she saved for Israel: partnerships at Oculus, was equally en- “It’s really impressive that such a small thusiastic, telling JNS that this was her country is such a big tech powerhouse.” first time in Israel. “I’ve been wanting to Toshi Hoo, director of the Emerging come for a long time, so it’s exciting to Media Lab, Institute for the Future, told be here… I’m learning a ton.” JNS, “I’ve been to Israel before, and it Asked what appealed to her about blew my mind. joining the program, she mentioned a few “What really drew me,” he said, “was reasons. “Obviously, it’s great network- that I wanted to get out of Silicon Valley. ing to meet people who are in similar I need to understand more about AI, and industries with similar interests. We are I’ve got incredible experts on the tour learning a ton about each other and about with me.” ourselves in the process,” she said. “On the Hoo said he was looking forward to other hand, getting a chance to learn about all of the presentations the program set leadership, the industry in Israel, such a up. “It’s so well-curated. It’s not just huge tech scene… being able to learn about interesting, enriching, tantalizing and Ted Schilowitz and fellow participants herded goats to better understand their all the different aspects of life and culture delicious. You really feel the sense of roles as leaders at Neot Kedumim-Biblical Nature Reserve. (Photo courtesy of here… learning about different types of curation of the relationships, and I feel the Schusterman Family Foundation) leadership and how [people here] have See “Tech” on page 6

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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 ■ JULY 26, 2018 Home cooking classes where Israel and Jewish culture are always on the menu BY ALIX WALL salad, Russian blini with sour cream and SAN FRANCISCO (JTA) – In the caviar, Polish chopped liver, Russian Oliv- compact, open kitchen of the apartment ier salad, Egyptian majadara (a lentils and here that Dalit Gvirtsman shares with her rice dish with fried onions) and a Polish husband, about a dozen women are jos- noodle kugel. tling for space. One is chopping tomatoes, Gvirtsman’s curriculum is used by another is sauteing onions and another is all the groups, though once the program squeezing a few dollops of honey into expanded, the WZO hired Israeli chef cooked egg noodles. Just beyond, the Einat Abramovich Partin, who lives in dining room table is set; each place setting San Diego, as program manager. Partin features a napkin with the Israeli flag. A now helps with the recipes and trains each platter of bourekas with miniature Israeli facilitator via phone call or Skype. flags has already been demolished. There’s no rhyme or reason to where It’s another monthly installment of the groups pop up; it’s organic. Often an Mevashlim B’Ivrit, or “Cooking Up in Israeli with a love for cooking will contact Hebrew,” with this Thursday night event Greitzer-Gotlieb or Gvirtsman, having celebrating Yom Ha’atzmaut, or Israeli read or heard about the program elsewhere. Independence Day. This group of women, But Partin is well connected and knows all Israelis, have come together to cook, eat Israeli expatriates in many places. and schmooze – and then eat a little more. In front, l-r: Efi Asaf and Rachel Brown cooked matzah balls at a Mevashlim B’Ivrit For example, Boise, ID. Partin asked a The program is part of the World class in Boise, ID. (Photo courtesy of Efi Asaf) friend of hers living there whether she’d Zionist Organization’s Department for want to be a facilitator. While this friend Diaspora Activities. The get-togethers pluralistic Judaism to the Diaspora around But they don’t only cook. Gvirtsman was too busy, she said she knew the perfect are opportunities to learn a little about the world,” said Dana Greitzer-Gotlieb, plans each session and each one has a dif- person and introduced her to Efi Asaf by the Jewish calendar and Israel, explore the Bay Area regional director of the WZO ferent theme (her own group has a year’s phone. “When you talk to a person, you Jewish cultures through their cuisines, and the originator of the idea. “That is head start on the others, so they are the can tell in the first two minutes if it’s a and forge bonds among Israelis, local why we’re translating the curriculum and “guinea pigs”). The evening starts around match,” Partin said. “I’ve never met Efi Jews and sometimes non-Jews living in starting new groups in English.” the table with a few readings chosen by in person, but even over the phone, I fell various communities. But in another unanticipated outcome, Gvirtsman meant to foster discussion of in love with her right away.” San Francisco’s is one of 19 such non-Jews are wanting to take part, too. the theme. She has done fall soups, for Partin is looking for two qualities in a groups formed around the world, though Mevashlim B’Ivrit is in its third year example, cooking with the seasons and one facilitator. “She needs to love food and most of them are in the United States. in the Bay Area. Gvirtsman held it in session about yeast, never repeating a topic. she needs to love people,” she said. “Food Thirteen are for Hebrew speakers. There another woman’s home in Berkeley the The one for Independence Day had the brings people together and, if you love to are others in Poland (in Polish, mainly first year, but since then has used her women cooking seven dishes reflecting cook, you are cooking with your soul and for university students) and Uruguay (in own San Francisco home. Gvirtsman and the diversity of Israeli culture: maakouda, with love, people really feel that.” Spanish); both facilitators heard about Greitzer-Gotlieb cooked up the program a Moroccan savory pie, Algerian bulgur See “Cooking” on page 8 the program and volunteered to start it. during a brainstorming session when A new Hebrew-speaking group is being Greitzer-Gotlieb saw and smelled the formed in London next year, as are En- croissants that Gvirtsman pulled out of glish-speaking groups in Toronto, San her oven. Tech Continued from page 5 Francisco and Oregon. “You made those?” Greitzer-Gotlieb the encouragement to self-actualize on Like Goldfine, Wunsch expressed his Some of them are women only and asked. this trip. They’re bringing all this outside delight at being in Israel for the first time. serve as a kind of “girl’s night,” but men “Yes,” Gvirtsman answered. stimulation and incredible new relation- “If I were Jewish, I would have gone on also attend in some places. Some partici- “From scratch?” ships, so it’s transformative.” Birthright. I’m not, so I wasn’t able to. pants become such good friends that they Again: “Yes.” Tyler Wunsch, head of sustainability “This is a unique opportunity to come schedule time to see each other outside of “The wheels started turning,” Greit- at Tesla, found out about the REALITY to a country and experience the culture, the sessions. zer-Gotlieb said. program while he was in Morocco at a the food, but yet be on this curated journey What started as a way for Israelis to Gvirtsman, a Hebrew teacher at an fish market when an Israeli couple asked that allows you to meet with the locals, stay connected with their culture in a area Jewish day school, has a passion for to join him at his table. When he admit- allows you to meet with people hustling Hebrew-speaking environment has bur- cooking. “Food connects people,” she ted that he hadn’t yet been to Israel, they in business, who are really making things geoned in unexpected ways: With Israeli said. “Food is love. And the subject of told him about REALITY tour. When he happen,” he explained. “It’s probably food enjoying “unprecedented popularity Israeli food and Jewish food is so large.” returned home, he Googled it and became one of the most unique experiences that and interest” around the world, the groups “Plus, cooking allows a certain kind interested. “I’m here to learn about the I’ve had.” have become a way for others to connect of experience,” Greitzer-Gotlieb added. companies and the technology and the Schilowitz summed it up best when he with or learn more about Israel, too. “When you create something with your own overall culture that is Israel,” he told JNS. said: “If you think technology is magic, “Now the focus is to bring Israel and hands, you remember and enjoy it more.” “There’s a lot happening.” this is the epicenter of magic.”

Emerging REALITY group members participated in team building activities on Banana Beach in Michmoret. (Photo courtesy of the Schusterman Family Foundation) To get Federation updates via email, rregister on our website www.jewishnepa.org

Pledge or Donate online at www.jewishnepa.org/donate JULY 26, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 7 Beneath the surface: The untold story of Americans unearthing Israeli archaeology BY MAAYAN JAFFE-HOFFMAN of archaeological collaboration between the Armstrong (JNS) – Can archaeology bring biblical history to life? Foundation and Israel, Oren said that in Jerusalem, According to historian and Deputy Minister Michael archaeology serves as a tool for proving the Jewish Oren, it depends who you ask. people’s roots in the land. “By digging down into the Speaking at a June 10 Jerusalem event celebrating earth of the holy land and finding our answers in there, the opening of the “Seals of Isaiah and King Hezekiah we established our roots here and showed... we’re not Discovered” exhibit at the Armstrong International interlopers or migrants, we‘re not survivors of the Ho- Cultural Foundation in Oklahoma, as well as 50 years locaust that Europe dumped here,” as even Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas claimed as recently as a month ago. “We are indigenous people.” Archaeology, said Oren, is key to “our validity, le- gitimacy and security... Archaeology is not just about revealing the past. It is about acquiring the present and Herbert W. Armstrong college students dug on Ophel ensuring our future.” in 2018. (Photo courtesy of Eilat Mazar) Oren said this notion rings especially true with the most recent findings of Hebrew University biblical ar- The June 10 event was the first time the seals were open chaeologist Eilat Mazar: The seals of Hezekiah and Isaiah. to the media. They were on display via live video from In a rare public speech, Mazar explained the significance the Armstrong Auditorium in the city of Edmond, OK. of the 2,700-year-old royal seal impression of King Heze- The partnership between the Armstrong Foundation kiah and the purported seal of the Jewish prophet Isaiah, and Mazar goes back 50 years, to Mazar’s grandfather, both foundational pieces of the Oklahoma exhibit. The archaeologist Benjamin Mazar, who was commissioned seals were found 10 feet away from each other in the same by Israel in 1968 to run Hebrew University’s archaeo- layer of soil in 2009 and are dated to the eighth century. logical dig near the Temple Mount. At that time, Herbert The Hezekiah seal, upon which it is written, “Belonging Armstrong, an ambassador of the Worldwide Church of to Hezekiah [son of] Ahaz, King of Judah,” is the only God, and Mazar came into contact. seal impression belonging to an Israelite or Judean king According to Brad Macdonald, curator of the “Seals ever found in a controlled scientific excavation. of Isaiah and King Hezekiah Discovered” exhibit, Arm- It took several years for Mazar to complete her stud- strong and Benjamin Mazar struck up a friendship, and ies of the findings. The seal of Isaiah was only reported Armstrong started sending students to volunteer on the this year because Mazar and her team had difficulty excavation. Ultimately, hundreds volunteered and the interpreting it. excavations were supported by Armstrong financially There continues to be debate as to whether the seal for almost 10 years. really belonged to the prophet, but Armstrong Founda- When Armstrong died in 1986, his successors tion founder Gerald Flurry said he believes there’s no abandoned his legacy until, in 1989, Gerald Flurry, an question about it. He said the seal dates to precisely the Ambassador graduate and Worldwide Church of God time the prophet was alive in Jerusalem; it was found minister, opened the Philadelphia Church of God to near the royal Ophel area, where Isaiah served. Hezekiah continue Armstrong’s legacy. In 1996, he established and Isaiah are mentioned together in the same biblical the Armstrong’s Ambassador International Cultural Eilat Mazar at the Ophel site (Photo courtesy of Eilat verses 16 times. “Let the stones of Hezekiah and Isaiah Foundation and then Herbert Armstrong College. Mazar) speak,” said Flurry. “They have a thundery voice of hope.” See “Archeology” on page 12 P A C E Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment Your gift to the Annual Campaign DOES A WORLD OF GOOD. Endowing your gift allows you to be there for the Jewish community of NEPA forever. A Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment (PACE) is a permanent fund that endows your Jewish community Annual Campaign gift as a lasting legacy. A PACE fund will continue to make an annual gift in perpetuity on your behalf. To determine the amount you need to endow your entire campaign gift, multiply your current annual gift by 20. You can fund your PACE by adding the JEWISH FEDERATION OF NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA to your will, or by making the Federation a beneficiary of your IRA. All contributions to establish a PACE are tax deductible. Let your name be remembered as a blessing. Endowments can be created through a variety of vehicles, some of which do not necessitate funding during your lifetime yet still provide your estate with considerable tax benefits. They also enable you to perpetuate your commitment to the Annual Campaign in a way that best achieves your own personal financial and estate planning goals. Examples Of Ways To Fund Your Pace Gift Are: * outright contribution of cash, appreciated securities or other long-term capital gain property such as real estate * charitable remainder trust * gift of life insurance Using appreciated property, such as securities or real estate, * charitable lead trust affords you the opportunity to eliminate the income tax on the * gift of IRA or pension plan assets long-term capital gain, will in some instances generate a full * grant from your foundation income tax charitable deduction and will remove those assets * reserved life estate in your residence from your estate for estate tax purposes. * bequest

For more information contact Mark Silverberg at [email protected] or call 570-961-2300, ext. 1. ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 8 THE REPORTER ■ JULY 26, 2018 D’VAR TORAH Loving lima beans BY RABBI BENNY RAPOPORT, DIRECTOR, seems to be beyond one’s control, you either love it or JEWISH DISCOVERY CENTER hate it (and in my case it was the latter). Vaetchanan, Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11 How then can the Torah command one to feel an The Shema, one of Judaism’s most important and emotion, to love God with one’s heart, soul and might? central prayers, is found in this week’s parasha, Vaetchan- Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the first Chabad an. As Jews, we are commanded to read these words, Rebbe, in his fundamental book of Chabad philosophy, which affirm our faith and commitment to God and His the Tanya, explains that the commandment to love God Torah, every morning and evening, whether we are in is in actuality a directive to focus one’s mind and intel- the synagogue, at home or on the road. lect, to contemplate upon the greatness of the Almighty. Indeed, throughout our history, this prayer has been Knowledge and comprehension in the intellect can whispered by young children at bedtime; its words trickle down and feed into emotion. The power of our have been shouted in defiance by thousands in times of mind can “give birth” so to speak, to feelings. religious persecution; and even today, this affirmation is By studying and comprehending the inherent truths of the highlight of the closing service of Yom Kippur – the God’s all-pervading reality, that He is Master and Creator holiest day on the Jewish calendar. of all, that He is truly the source of all life and the entire It’s interesting, though, that in the first few words of universe exists only by virtue of His primary existence; the Shema, after we pronounce our faith in the existence by appreciating that God transcends the world, and at the of one God, we proclaim the commandment to love God same time, lowers Himself so to speak, allowing us to with all our “heart, our soul and our might.” bond with Him, and bestows upon us great kindnesses, Now, the Torah contains many do’s and don’ts that both deserved and otherwise, one develops an emotional dictate our daily behavior –613 laws that we are instructed attachment and longing, and yes, a love for God. to follow – and whether or not one can understand and While it is true that one can obey all of God’s directives appreciate the meaning and relevance of the mitzvot, we faithfully like a devoted servant, mindlessly observing can nonetheless incorporate them into our day-to-day the Torah’s laws, we can, and must, endeavor to enrich lives, to go ahead and simply fulfill them. If God asks our relationship with the Almighty by developing an us to do it, we can do it! emotional yearning and love for Him. But is it really possible to ask someone to feel a certain Serving God with genuine feeling is a bit of a longer way? To love something or someone that he or she may path. It does take quite a bit of study and effort to develop simply not love? Is it truly reasonable for the Torah to and cultivate a love for the Almighty. The Tanya calls command us to not only obey God, but to actually love this the longer-shorter way. Yes, it is a longer journey, Him as well? it is a path that takes a greater investment of time and When I was a young child, my mother told me that effort, but when properly pursued is sustainable and I must eat the lima beans on my dinner plate. I had no permanent, and will certainly lead to a greater, richer choice; I had to force those stale, tasteless, sorry-looking and deeper connection with God. legumes down my throat. But never once did she tell me Loving lima beans, though, might be a bit of a long to love those lima beans! Indeed, that is something that shot. Shabbat shalom!

Cooking Continued from page 6 Asaf taught a class about Passover to 20 women this year, none of them Jewish. All were “believers” of some kind, Christian and Mormon. Rebecca Baughman attend- ed the Passover class – and can’t wait for the next series. Baughman, who is Christian, studied in Israel for a semester in college. Besides the cooking, she appreciates being invited into the facilitator’s home – in this case Asaf’s – which adds so much to the experience. “What a precious woman Efi is,” Baughman said. “I want to be her friend. That she lets us come into her home to learn more about her and her culture and religion is so special. She lets us in on her life and what she believes. I don’t know how to make Jewish food, so it’s fun to have her walk us through recipes and then let us loose L-r: Jen Binford, Rachel Brown and Gabby Nordell in her kitchen, guiding us along the way.” cooked for Passover at a Mevashlim B’Ivrit class in Given that the Boise group is made up of non-Jews, Boise, ID. (Photo ourtesy of Efi Asaf) Asaf says she feels like a mini-ambassador for Israel, as other topics of discussion are bound to come up. “Some- cultures and religions, so they really like to hear about times they ask about politics or whatever’s happening other places. Food is also such a great connector because then, and I tell them how I feel about it, but we mostly most of us are moms and cooking all the time anyway.” keep it centered around food,” she said. This kind of food as diplomacy is taking root in Asaf has taught an all-Israeli group as well and said the all kinds of ways. One participant in the San Diego differences are huge. When explaining a dish to Israelis, English-speaking group that Partin hosts is Maryam they’ll all have several opinions about how to tweak the Tarsa, an Iranian immigrant who was raised Muslim. recipe, or share a memory about it. With non-Jews, she Tarsa attended Yeshiva University’s Albert Einstein has to explain the unfamiliar dishes in much more detail. College of Medicine and befriended many Orthodox “People really love Israel and our traditions in Boise,” Jews there. When she sent her children to the Jewish she said. “Most people here are very interested in other Community Center preschool in San Diego, she became friendly with Partin. She loves “Cooking Up in Hebrew” because “I’m not a good cook, I don’t really know how, and I figure it’s a good basic thing for me to know how to do at 48,” she joked. Plus, she loves the socializing. As for Israeli food, she said, “People from different countries bringing their food traditions from around the world means it’s not just one taste. That’s what makes the food so amazing and President: Merle Turitz taste so good.” Contact number: 570-421-8781 To start a group (in Hebrew or English), contact [email protected].

9:30 Mon. pm JULY 26, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 9 The last link to a doomed Jewish community in Crete watches its rebirth BY ROGER RAPOPORT Papadopoulos is the last of the survivors HANIA, Crete (JTA) – On June 17, 263 still living, Jewish historians working at candles were lit at a special interfaith memo- Etz Hayyim believe. I recently met him in rial service at this city’s historic Etz Hayyim Heraklion, Crete’s largest city, after a short synagogue. The names of local Jews who drive from the ship that brought me to Crete perished during the Holocaust were read from Piraeus. My overnight journey crossed before a delegation that was to include rabbis, the same waters where the Tanais and its Greek Orthodox and Catholic clergy, and hundreds of victims remain entombed. Pa- ambassadors from Italy, Germany and Israel. padopoulos, a dealer and appraiser of fine One person who wanted to be here will Christian art, spoke at Daedalou Gallery, be missing. His name is Kostas Papadopou- Kostas Papadopoulos his shop in the heart of an upscale shopping los, who may be the last surviving link to a was one of the few neighborhood where tourists love to haggle. 2,300-year Jewish lineage and the military survivors of Crete’s His survival traces back to his Jewish decision that virtually eliminated one of Jewish community mother Xanthippe’s decision to marry a A view of the southern coast of Crete in June 1943. Europe’s oldest Jewish communities. following the 1944 Christian during the German occupation. (Photo by German Federal Archive/Wikimedia His story dates back to May 29, 1944, British attack on the ship After Papadopoulos was born in 1942, his Commons) when he was just 2 years old. On that day, Tanais carrying most of Christian father moved to Athens, leaving German secret police singled out and rounded Crete’s Jews. (Photo by his young son with his mother and grand- Germans. “Customers are used to looking at knockoffs. up 263 people across Greece’s largest island. Roger Rapoport) mother. In 1944, when it became clear that When they see real art, some believe the prices are too All were arrested and carted off to Agia the Nazi roundup was imminent, the three high,” he said. After cultivating his reputation as an art Prison for the crime of being Jewish. Eleven days later, of them moved into hiding with a Greek farm family and antiquities appraiser, Papadopoulos has little patience they were forced at gunpoint into the hold of a Greek outside Heraklion. for customers who try to talk him down on valuable merchant vessel, the Tanais, set to sail for Piraeus. “My mother knew the Nazis were coming,” Papado- icons and jewelry. “A higher proportion of the Jewish community of poulos said. “Fortunately my family name was Greek, Several years ago, when a towering Chinese tourist Crete was deported by the Nazis toward a death camp which helped us escape the Germans. It also made it made a ridiculous offer of 10 euros for a valuable icon than of any country in Europe,” said Rabbi Nicholas easier to find a family willing to take the risk of hiding worth far more, Papadopoulos stood his ground. The de Lange, a professor emeritus of Hebrew and Jewish us. Some of the Greeks who heroically hid Jews were angry customer knocked him down. The art dealer is studies at the University of Cambridge who conducts executed as collaborators, but fortunately that was not the still recovering from the attack, saying it has limited High Holiday services here. fate of the family that protected us. They even returned his mobility and made it impossible for him to return to None of the prisoners would make it to Piraeus and a special paintings we had given them to hide.” Hania, two hours away, for the memorial. train bound for Auschwitz. When the ship left Heraklion For Papadopoulos, who grew up in Greece and learned While Heraklion’s defunct synagogue was destroyed by as part of an announced “civilian” convoy, a British his trade as an auction house apprentice in Europe and the Germans at the beginning of the Battle of Crete in May submarine captain, certain that the Tanais was piloted New York, returning to Crete in the 1970s was not a 1941, Papadopoulos says he has eagerly connected with Etz by a German military crew, targeted it near Santorini. quick or easy decision. “People who do what I do, selling Hayyim in Hania. The historic sanctuary was looted by the Unaware of the human cargo below deck, which also religious art, live in places like New York or Switzer- Nazis and fell into disrepair following the Holocaust. Years included Christian Greek and Italian prisoners of war, land,” he said. “But I wanted to be close to my friends, after graves were robbed and the synagogue site became he ordered the crew to blow up the ship. A direct hit with the people I grew up with.” a local dump, an international effort led to its rebuilding two torpedoes killed nearly everyone on board. The sole One of the challenges that comes with operating a under the leadership of the late Nikos Stavroulakis, former survivors were half a dozen Cretan Jews who escaped the first class gallery in a place like Hania is the flood of head of Athens’ Jewish Museum of Greece. Germans in May 1944 by hiding with Christian families. bargain hunters arriving by plane and ship, many of them See “Crete” on page 11

ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 10 THE REPORTER ■ JULY 26, 2018

July 2018

Feature Films *A Tale of Love and Darkness - Academy Award-winning actress Natalie Portman directs and stars in the emotional and thought-provoking story about Fania, a young wife and mother in war-torn Jerusalem, during the early years of the State of Israel. Stifled in her relationship and weary from the tedium of her new life, Fania creates fantastical stories for Amos, her 10-year-old son, amazing him with tales of adventure and beauty— stories that would influence the boy to become a writer himself. Based on the international best-selling memoir by Amos Oz. Denial - Based on the acclaimed book Denial: Holocaust History on Trial, Denial recounts Deborah E. Lipstadt’s legal battle for historical truth against David Irving (BAFTA nominee Timothy Spall), who accused her of libel when she declared him a Holocaust denier. In the English legal system, in cases of libel, the burden of proof is on the defendant, therefore it was up to Lipstadt and her legal team, led by Richard Rampton, to prove the essential truth that the Holocaust occurred. *Fanny’s Journey- In 1943, 13-year old Fanny and her younger sisters were sent from their home in France to an Italian foster home for Jewish children. When Nazis came to Italy, their caretakers organized the departure of the children to Switzerland. Based on a true story. Hidden in Silence- During the Nazi occupation of Poland,Catholic teenage Stefania Podgorska chooses the role of a savior and sneaks 13 Jewish into her attic. *Loving Leah: A Hallmark Hall of Fame Classic - A handsome Washington, D.C. doctor and a young New York woman fall in love at an unusual time...after they get married. Leah Lever is married to an Orthodox rabbi, Benjamin Lever, whose brother, Jake, is a successful cardiologist and a non-practicing Jew. Jake is stunned when Benjamin dies suddenly, but not as stunned as when he is told that, under an ancient Jewish Law, he is expected to marry the childless Leah to carry on Benjamin’s name. The only alternative is to go through a ceremony where Jake must deny his brother’s existence. For Jake, that’s unthinkable, so impulsively he suggests to Leah that they get married and maintain a secretly platonic relationship. Eager to pursue her own dreams, Leah gladly accepts. Their oversimplified plan to live separate lives under the same roof proves challenging when Leah’s suspicious mother shows up unexpectedly. The harder they try to disguise their “pretend” marriage, the more their appreciation for each other’s worlds grows - and out of understanding, a real love develops. Loving Leah is a heart-warming story. Munich - Inspired by real events, Munich reveal the intense story of the secret Israeli squad assign to track down and assassinate the 121 Palestinians believed to have planned the 1972 Munich massacre of 11 Israeli athletes. ( The Jewish Film Library also owns the movie “Twenty One Hours in Munich” about the massacre at the Olympics). Music Box - In this intense, courtroom thriller, Chicago attorney Ann Talbot agrees to defend her Hungarian immigrant father Mike Laszlo against accusations of heinous war crimes committed 50 years earlier. *Norman - Norman Oppenheimer (Richard Gere) lives a lonely life in the margins of New York City power and money, and strives to be everyone’s friend. His incessant networking leads him nowhere until he ends up befriending a young but charismatic politician, Micha Eshel at a low point in his life. Three years later, the politician becomes the Prime Minister of Israel. Norman uses Eshel’s name to leverage his biggest deal ever: a series of quid pro quo transactions linking the Prime Minister to Norman’s nephew ,a rabbi, a mogul, his assistant and a treasury official from the Ivory Coast. Norman’s plans soon go awry, creating the potential for an international catastrophe he must struggle to prevent. Norman: The Moderate Rise and Tragic Fall of a New York Fixer is a comedic and compassionate drama of a man whose downfall is rooted in a human frailty all too easy to forgive—a need to matter. Remember - Remember is the suspense-filled story of Zev, an Auschwitz survivor who discovers that the Nazi guard who murdered his family some seventy years ago is living in America under an assumed name. The Devil’s Arithmetic - Sixteen year old Hanna Stern was a typical American teenager who ignores her family’s heritage until a mystical Passover seder takes her back in time to German-occupied Poland on an emotional journey of life, death and survival. The Impossible Spy - The story of the life and death of Israel’s most celebrated spy, Elie Cohen. *The Last Butterfly -This World War II drama stars Tom Courtenay as the famous French Mime Antoine Moreau. Ordered by the Nazis to provide ‘the greatest show of his life’ for use as propoganda showing the kinder side of the Nazis as the war draws to a close, Moreau decides to risk everything to tell the world the real truth behind this monumental lie, and although as a mime he is pledged to keep his lips sealed, his voice must be heard. *The Women’s Balcony - Discover Israel’s #1 film of the year! An accident during a Bar Mitzvah celebration leads to a gender rift in a devout community in Jerusalem. *The Wedding Plan - A poignant and funny romantic comedy about love, marriage and faith in life’s infinite possibilities. *The Zookeeper’s Wife - In 1939 Poland, Antonina Zabinska (two-time Academy Award nominee Jessica Chastain) and her husband successfully run the Warsaw Zoo and raise their family in an idyllic existence. Their world is overturned, however, when the country is invaded by the Nazis and they are forced to report to the Reich’s newly appointed zoologist (Daniel Brühl). To fight back on their own terms, the Zabinskis risk everything by covertly working with the Resistance and using the zoo’s hidden tunnels and cages to save families from Nazi brutality. Non-Feature Films Above and Beyond - In 1948, just three years after the liberation of Nazi death camps, a group of Jewish-American pilots answered a call for help. As members of Machal- “volunteers from abroad”- this ragtag band of brothers not only turned the tide of the war; they also embarked on personal journeys of discovery and renewed Jewish pride. *Body and Soul: The State of the Jewish Nation - A powerful documentary sets the record straight eloquently and comprehensively. It not only shows the undeniable historical connection between the Jewish People and the Land of Israel, but also succeeds in debunking propaganda, myths and misinformation that have become accepted as truth by many people. Follow Me - The story of the fantastic rescue at Entebbe and the loss of Yonatan Netanyahu (brother of the Prime Minister). The Jewish Film Library also owns an Israeli film about the rescue at Entebbe entitled “Operation Thunderbolt” Hava Nagila (the Movie) - Hava Nagila is a documentary romp through the history, mystery and meaning of the great Jewish standard. *I’m Still Here - Real Diaries of young people who lived during the Holocaust. Jews and Baseball (narrated by Dustin Hoffman) Israel: The Royal Tour - A delightful tour headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and travel correspondent Peter Greenberg. Nicky’s Family - The amazing story of Sir Nicholas Winton who created, on his own, a Kinder-transport in Czechoslavakia saving 669 children from the Nazi inferno. No Place on Earth - The harrowing story of Esther Stermer and her family and friends who escaped extermination by the Nazis by hiding in an underground cave is unearthed by accident when cave explorer, Chris Nicola stumbles upon remnants left behind by the cave dwellers. *Rosenwald - Rosenwald tells the incredible story of Julius Rosenwald, the son of an immigrant peddler who never finished high school, who rose to become the President of Sears. Influenced by the writings of the educator Booker T. Washington, this Jewish philanthropist joined forces with African American communities during the Jim Crow South to build 5,300 schools, providing 660,000 black children with access to education in the segregated American South. The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg *The Prime Ministers: The Pioneers and Soldiers and Peacemakers - A two disc-set based on the international best-seller by Ambassador Yehuda Avner (New films denoted with an asterisk *)

JULY 26, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 11 NEWS IN BRIEF From JTA proceeding and without any admissible evidence. Along with Facebook, among the Germany blasts Mark Zuckerberg on Holocaust denial social media outlets that would be covered by the legislation are Twitter, WhatsApp, Telegram, YouTube and reddit. Under the bill, a post that violated any section of Berlin issued a withering critique of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg’s recent Israel’s penal code could be removed after an administrative hearing that would not announcement that he would not remove Holocaust denial posts from the widely used include a defendant or presentation of evidence. According to Calcalist, Netanyahu’s social platform, stating that such a policy was contrary to German law. “There must be Likud party issued a statement explaining that the law could lead to censorship of no place for antisemitism. This includes verbal and physical attacks on Jews as well as protected speech and was too broad to effectively be used as a tool for combating the denial of the Holocaust,” Justice Minister Katarina Barley said. “The latter is also terror-related incitement. The bill had stirred up intense opposition from civil rights punishable by us and will be strictly prosecuted.” In a statement to Politico Europe, a advocates. The Israel Democracy Institute had said the bill would “effectively create Justice Ministry spokeswoman said that what the Jewish tech entrepreneur “wishes or censorship” and “harm political speech in this country tremendously.” The president of demands for the American or international market is not possible in Germany,” where the Israel Internet Association, Karine Nahon, welcomed Netanyahu’s decision. “This Nazi symbols and Holocaust denial have been prohibited for decades. Social media was a draconian law that has been expanded far beyond what’s necessary,” Nahon companies operating in Germany are required by law to remove content violating the said, adding that she was “glad that the prime minister recognizes its problems. They ban. Zuckerberg ignited a firestorm earlier the week of July 20 when he told Recode, took an important issue of stopping online incitement of terrorism and expanded it an American technology news website, that Facebook prioritizes allowing people to to include all criminal activities. In effect, this would have allowed the state to take express themselves – even if they “get things wrong.” “I’m Jewish, and there’s a set of away our democratic right to express dissent.” Israel’s security services frequently people who deny that the Holocaust happened,” he told the interviewer, Kara Swisher. monitor Palestinians’ social media accounts and have arrested hundreds of people “I find that deeply offensive. But at the end of the day, I don’t believe that our platform over the past several years for posts that they say constitute incitement to violence. should take that down because I think there are things that different people get wrong. I don’t think that they’re intentionally getting it wrong.” Zuckerberg said that instead House panel considers recognizing Israeli annexation of of banning such items, the company would make sure they were not presented prom- Golan Heights inently in the News Feed, the posts that are seen most frequently by individual users. A key U.S. House of Representatives committee heard arguments for and against Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt challenged Zuckerberg, saying that recognizing Israel’s annexation of the Golan Heights. The hearing on July 17 of the Holocaust denial is “a willful, deliberate and longstanding deception tactic by anti-Sem- national security subcommittee of the Oversight Committee, convened by Rep. Ron ites that is incontrovertibly hateful, hurtful, and threatening to Jews. Facebook has a De Santis (R-FL), the subcommittee chairman, was not attached to any piece of leg- moral and ethical obligation not to allow its dissemination.” Greenblatt added that his islation. However, the push by De Santis, who in his remarks favored recognizing organization would “continue to challenge Facebook on this position and call on them Israel’s 1981 annexation of the strategic plateau, represents an “aggressive push” by to regard Holocaust denial as a violation of their community guidelines.” some pro-Israel groups, friendly Republicans and the Israeli government to consolidate Bipartisan group of senators discussing bill to keep Iraqi gains under President Donald Trump, whose closeness to the government of Prime Jewish Archive in U.S. Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is unprecedented. The Netanyahu government reportedly has pressed the White House in recent months to recognize the annexation with the A bipartisan group of senators is discussing a bill to keep a trove of Iraqi Jewish argument that the breakdown of order in Syria subsequent to the outbreak of civil war artifacts in the United States. An announcement was expected the week of July 20, in 2011 undergirded Israeli claims that the plateau is critical to maintaining security. a source with knowledge of the talks told JTA on July 18. A handful of Democratic Israel captured the Golan in the 1967 Six-Day War. “It would recognize the reality that and Republican lawmakers are involved in the discussions. Last year, the State De- the Golan Heights is part of Israel and is vital to its national security,” De Santis, whose partment told JTA that it would return the Iraqi Jewish Archive in September 2018. bid for Florida governor in this year’s election has been endorsed by Trump, said in the The archive was brought to the United States in 2003 after being discovered in the hearing. Democrats on the committee, led by Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA), tended to flooded basement of the Iraqi secret service in Baghdad. It contains tens of thousands oppose recognizing the annexation while supporting Israel’s continued presence. Lynch of Jewish items including books, religious texts, photographs and personal documents said that recognition could unsettle the region and pose security concerns to the United that activists say were looted or left behind by Jews forced to flee the country. Under States and other U.S. allies. Witnesses favoring recognizing the annexation included an agreement with the government of Iraq, the archive was to be sent back there. The Michael Doran of the Hudson Institute; Dore Gold of the Jerusalem Center for Public U.S. government spent over $3 million to restore and digitalize the archive, which Affairs, a former top adviser to Netanyahu; Eugene Kontorovich of the Northwestern has been exhibited across the country. The archive includes a Hebrew Bible with University School of Law; and Morton Klein, the president of the Zionist Organization commentaries from 1568, a Babylonian Talmud from 1793 and an 1815 version of of America. Speaking against was Daniel Kurtzer, a former U.S. ambassador to Israel the Jewish mystical text Zohar. Activists have urged the U.S. not to return the arti- who is now a professor of Middle Eastern studies at Princeton University. facts, saying they should be kept somewhere where they are accessible to Iraqi Jews and their descendants, and questioning whether Iraq would properly take care of the Austrian state mulls limiting kosher meat sales to items were they to be sent back. The Iraqi Jewish community was forced to leave registered Jews the country amid intense persecution by the late dictator Saddam Hussein. Iraq and A regional politician in Austria defended a plan to limit access to kosher meat, con- proponents of returning the archive say it can serve as an educational tool for Iraqis ditioning its sale on permits that would be individually issued to observant Jews. The about the history of Jews there and that it is part of the country’s patrimony. Wiener Zeitung daily reported on July 17 about the draft decree in the state of Lower Netanyahu nixes “’Facebook Law” allowing censorship of Austria, one of nine states that make up the federal Republic of Austria. Gottfried social media Waldhäusl, the Cabinet minister in the state government of Lower Austria in charge of animal welfare and several other portfolios, defended the plan as necessary “from an Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu surprised Israeli lawmakers on July 18 when animal welfare point of view.” Oskar Deutsch, the president of the Jewish Community he blocked a vote on a bill that would grant the government far-reaching power to in Vienna, warned that in practice, the plan would require compiling a list of Jews, remove or block content from social media sites. The so-called Facebook Law would which he called “like a negative Aryan clause,” referencing racist laws passed by Nazi delete the content for reasons that include incitement to terrorism without criminal Germany and implemented in Austria after its merger with Germany in 1938. The American Jewish Committee’s Berlin office also referenced Nazi decrees in opposing the plan. “Soon with a star on the chest?” a spokesperson for the group wrote on its Continued from page 9 official Twitter account. “This is an attack on Jewish and Muslim life! #Anti-Semitism.” Crete Jewish and Muslim religious laws require animals be conscious when their throats are The reconstruction, completed in 1999, This fraternity shares common values cut for the mean to be kosher or halal, respectively. Judaism imposes stricter limitations was largely the work of a Muslim and of Abraham despite their different reli- on how animals should be slaughtered to ensure a swift dispatching. Critics of the Christian crew from Albania. Rededi- gious affiliations. Even a pair of 2010 arson production of kosher and halal meat say it is cruel, though advocates of the practices cation led to the creation of a chavurah, attacks that destroyed many important argue they cause less suffering overall because they are designed to be as painless as an interfaith community including Jews, records failed to slow down the rebirth possible and cannot be fully mechanized. The Wiener Zeitung did not say whether the Christians and Muslims “enthusiastic of this interfaith community supported by draft decree extends also to halal meat. Waldhäusl, the animal welfare official from about” Stavroulakis’ work and inclusive donations from around the world. Lower Austria, is the state’s only Cabinet minister from the populist Freedom Party, approach. He defined Etz Hayyim as a Anja Zuckmantel, the synagogue which was created by a former Nazi SS soldier in the 1950s and opposes immigration “place of prayer, recollection and recon- administrator at the heart of the event from Muslim countries. The party has had many scandals involving antisemitism by ciliation,” making it open to everyone, in memorializing the 263 Tanais victims, its members and representatives, though its leaders say their party is not antisemitic the tradition of Hellenistic synagogues. moved here from Germany 10 years ago. and will not tolerate expressions of such sentiments in its ranks. Klaus Schneeberger, “Our congregation grows in part because the regional leader of the ruling Austrian People’s Party of Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, so many Jewish tourists want to come and told the ORF broadcaster that the plan will not be implemented. “Of course, nobody see what we have done,” she said. “At our will have to register to buy kosher meat. There will be no such thing,” he said. The summer Kabbalat Shabbat services, we Austrian People’s Party last year entered a coalition agreement with the Freedom Party have services with up to 60 participants. following a federal election. In Lower Austria, Gov. Johanna Mikl-Leitner is from the The number of Jews settling in Crete is Austrian People’s Party, along with seven out of the nine Cabinet ministers. “In Lower slowly but steadily growing as Crete is a Austria, we are not here to provide meat to the Viennese,” Waldhäusl told the daily beautiful place to live.” about his state, which contains vast farmlands and encircles the far smaller state of Papadopoulos may not make it to Hania Vienna, where the vast majority of Austria’s some 8,000 Jews live. for the annual Tanais memorial service, but he’ll be there in spirit. Items on just one Gaza Palestinians send bird into Israel to set fires table at his Daedalou Gallery are not for First it was kites and balloons. Now Gaza Palestinians are using birds to set fires sale. It is covered with Judaica, including in southern Israel. On the afternoon of July 16, Israel Nature and Parks Authority a menorah, Torah pointers, a samovar and personnel found a kestrel, a member of the falcon family and a common bird in Israel, other heirlooms. “To be happy,” he said, hanging from a burned tree wearing a harness attached to a wire wrapped around “I always have to see them.” flammable material. The bird was discovered after workers put out a fire that had Roger Rapoport is the producer of the broken out in Habesor National Park. It was the first time that an animal has been used feature films “Waterwalk” and “Pilot to ignite fires, according to a statement from the Israel Nature and Parks Authority. A view of the Crete Holocaust memorial Error” and the forthcoming “Coming Up The authority said it was considering the possibility of filing a complaint – under the on the harbor of Hania. (Photo by Etz For Air.” Contact him at rogerdrapoport@ appropriate international treaties – over the use of an animal for terrorism. At least Hayyim Synagogue) me.com. eight large fires burned in southern Israel near the border with Gaza on July 16. ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 12 THE REPORTER ■ JULY 26, 2018 NEWS IN BRIEF From JNS.org steps, including certain concessions, in order to advance peace with Israel. She wrote that Nationality Law passes vote, Israel enshrined as a Jewish state peace is a supreme human aim for which all peoples yearn, but that in order to achieve it there is a need for concessions and sacrifices. Noting that throughout history there with Jerusalem as its capital have been many conflicts among various countries, she stated that all of them eventually Working into the wee hours of the night late July 18 into the morning of July 19, the ended, no matter how terrible they were. The Arabs have missed too many opportunities Knesset passed a nationality law that enshrines Israel as “the national home of the Jewish to make peace with Israel, and this is stopping them from developing and advancing, she people.” The bill was approved in its second and third readings overnight, after hours said, adding that this is why she is calling on them to leverage the agreements that some of heated debate. The law, which passed by a vote of 62-55, will be added to Israel’s Arab countries have signed with Israel, such as the Egypt-Israel Camp David Accords, Basic Laws, the underpinning of the national legal system, which is harder to repeal the Israel-Jordan peace treaty and the Oslo Accords, into an opening for promoting a than regular laws. The law calls Israel a Jewish and democratic state, and declares “Je- comprehensive peace. She added that the collective interest of the Arabs today “requires rusalem, complete and united, is the capital of Israel.” It also makes the Jewish calendar rapprochement and understandings with Israel,” and therefore they must be more pragmatic. the official calendar of Israel, and recognizes Independence Day, Jewish holidays and This is not the first article in the Saudi press favoring improved relations with Israel. In Shabbat as national days of rest. Arabic, while not an official language of Israel, is given several of recent reports, MEMRI has noted the increased number of Saudi intellectuals, “special” status and will still be used in a public capacity for an array of public writings journalists and commentators expressing public support for Israel and even calling for and services. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu celebrated the new law as “a peace and normalization with it. The full report can be read on MEMRI’s website at www. pivotal moment in the annals of Zionism and the state of Israel.” “We enshrined in law memri.org/reports/saudi-journalist-calls-for-peace-with-israel. the basic principle of our existence. Israel is the nation-state of the Jewish people, that Israel puts forth massive plan to reinforce north against respects the individual rights of all its citizens,” he said. “This is our state – the Jewish state. In recent years, there have been some who have attempted to put this in doubt, to earthquakes, security issues undercut the core of our being. Today, we made it law: This is our nation, language and A joint team of Israeli government ministers, security experts and decision makers will flag.” “Uproarious” debates over the legislation included Joint (Arab) List Knesset mem- formulate a NIS 5 billion to upgrade the country’s security emergency and earthquake ber Jamal Zahalka ascending the podium and ripping a printed copy of the bill to shreds. preparedness, according to a Cabinet decision on July 16. The plan is to be prepared Fellow party member Ahmad Tibi decried the legislation as “the death of democracy.” for approval within 60 days and is expected to be put into place from 2019-30. The Though wording that would “authorize a community composed of people having the Cabinet instructed the treasury budget director and the director general of the Defense same faith and nationality to maintain the exclusive character of that community” proved Ministry to approve a budget of NIS 500 million (nearly $140 million) in the next 21 too controversial to remain in the law, a new clause celebrating and supporting “Jewish days to protect public and residential buildings. The move follows a week in which a settlement” as a “national value” in Israel was placed in the legislation. series of small earthquakes shook the Upper Galilee, causing concern that thousands Hamas refuses to work with Greenblatt, Kushner, calling them of Israeli buildings were unprepared in the event that a large earthquake should take place. Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman, who called the plan “Shield of the Home “spokesmen for the Israeli occupation” Front,” thanked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Finance Hamas has rejected working with the United States on fostering peace between Moshe Kahlon for a “historic decision for the residents of the north, for the cities on Gaza and Israel on July 20, despite U.S. agreements to work with the organization if the Syrian-African rift and for the entire Israeli home front.” it renounces terrorism. U.S. Middle East envoys Jared Kushner and Jason Greenblatt, Egypt to Hamas: halt flaming kites against Israel together with U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman, penned a Washington Post op-ed on July 19, saying that the United States and other countries wanted to offer Egypt issued a warning to Hamas to put a halt to launching of flaming kites and bal- humanitarian aid to Gaza, but were concerned about “the certain risk of enriching ter- loons into Israel from Gaza, according to a report in Ynet. The ultimatum followed Israel’s rorists. ...If Hamas demonstrates clear, peaceful intentions – not just by word but, more announcement on July 16 that it would close the Kerem Shalom crossing to gas and fuel importantly, by deed – then all manner of new opportunities become possible,” they supplies after Hamas launched a rocket into Israel earlier that afternoon. Also on July 16, wrote, despite having previously indicated a desire for the Palestinian Authority to take Egypt announced that it would temporarily close the Rafah crossing in the wake of a tech- over the area Hamas captured in a 2007 coup. “Until governance changes or Hamas nical malfunction. According to the Ynet report, Hamas told Egypt that it could not entirely recognizes the state of Israel, abides by previous diplomatic agreements and renounces eliminate the kites and balloons, though allegedly told Egypt that it was working to reduce violence, there is no good option.” They also accused Hamas of squandering aid money the number of incendiary balloons. Multiple fires broke out on July 16 along the Israeli meant to improve the lives of Gaza residents. “Despite the billions of dollars invested border with Gaza, but the IDF reported that the numbers were less than previously recorded. for the benefit of Palestinians in Gaza over the past 70 years, 53 percent of the people Knesset passes law banning Breaking the Silence from there live below the poverty level, and the unemployment rate is a crippling 49%,” they wrote. “The Palestinians of Gaza are stuck in a vicious cycle where corrupt and hateful entering Israeli schools leadership has provoked conflicts leading to reduced opportunities and the poverty and A law banning groups grounded in the criticism of Israel Defense Forces’ soldiers and the hopelessness that follow.” A Hamas spokesman said on July 20 that “Greenblatt and operations of the IDF passed on July 17 in the Knesset. Education Minister Naftali Bennett Kushner have adopted the Israeli position,” adding that the “ongoing attack against and Shuli Mualem-Refaeli, the Jewish Home Party co-authors of the bill, said the law would Hamas reflects the arrogance of the U.S. administration which has turned the senior also apply to institutions that attempt to delegitimize Israel abroad. The bill passed its second officials of the administration into no more than spokesmen for the Israeli occupation.” and third reading by a vote of 43-24. It was specifically aimed at Breaking the Silence, an Saudi journalist: “We must advance peace with Israel, even if organization that questions the actions and morality of the IDF, particularly in Judea and Samaria. The organization has come under criticism not just for attacking the actions of we have to make concessions” Israeli soldiers, but the Jewish state itself around the world, and for publicizing stories of (MEMRI via JNS) – In an article published on July 15 in the Saudi government daily the abuse of Palestinians that were later proven to be false. “Anyone who wanders around Al-Yawm, Saudi journalist Sukina Meshekhis called on the Arab countries to take bold the world attacking IDF soldiers will not enter a school,” Bennett affirmed in a statement.

Archeology Continued from page 7 Flurry got in touch with Mazar in 2005 after she allowing the past to empower the future.” He also not- started digging in the City of David. In 2006, Flurry ed that for him, these findings are among a long list of sent two college students. Macdonald said it went so artifacts found that directly relate to the Bible and prove well that since then, more than 50 have been sent by to him its validity. “In archaeology, there is all kinds of Armstrong College to Jerusalem to work on Mazar’s evidence the Bible is true,” said Macdonald. excavations. The students comprised most of the labor- Mazar said she’s not quick to jump to conclusions. ers on Mazar’s most recent dig, which was also fully While one might consider the Bible a historical source, funded by the foundation. she said that when an archaeologist starts digging, “you Together, Mazar and the students unearthed evidence must put aside what you think you know because when of King David’s palace, King Solomon’s royal quarters, the artifacts are found, they will teach you what you need the governor Nehemiah’s wall, the seals of two Judean to know. You cannot force your own ideas on them.” princes mentioned in Jeremiah 37, and most recently, the Still, her team found Hezekiah’s seal. And she said, golden Menorah Medallion and bronze coins. “You cannot argue with that.” Mazar said she remembers when the students support- Mazar added that “the result of my work is that such ed her grandfather’s work. “I was 10 or 11 at the time, The Isaiah Bulla. (Photo courtesy of Eilat Mazar) a huge percentage of the Bible turns out to be accurately and I used to go into the field and talk to them, which described. The power of archaeology is that you have helped me learn English,” she said. “They were so enthu- siastic, really amazing – just like they are now when they tangible evidence.” come to my excavations. Nothing has changed.” Mazar called Armstrong’s students Israel’s best archaeological collaborators no one knows about. Because the Herbert Armstrong College students helped Mazar uncover both the Hezekiah and Isaiah seals, the foundation was granted the honor of hosting the artifacts’ world premiere, said Macdonald. The exhibit will be open in Oklahoma until August 19 and then the artifacts will return to Israel. Flurry said the exhibit is the “story of repentance, redemption and national salvation. It is the story of how God, through a remarkable king-prophet alliance, saved a city and its people from terrorism, war and conquest. It is the ultimate story of hope.” Macdonald said the archaeological exhibition will illuminate how Jerusalem avoided annihilation at the Herbert Armstrong at a dinner with Dr. Benjamin hands of the Assyrian army at the end of the eighth Mazar in Tel Aviv (prior to September 19, 1974). (Photo century BCE. He said he hopes the exhibit will “bring courtesy of Eilat Mazar) biblical history to life and connect people to their roots, The Hezekiah Bulla (Photo courtesy of Eilat Mazar)