Even More Jewish Resources to Occupy Your Family During Social Distancing Ins and Outs of Israel's Unprecedented National Emer

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VOLUME XIII, NUMBER 9 APRIL 30 2020 News analysis Ins and outs of Israel’s unprecedented national emergency unity government

BY DOV LIPMAN Knesset member Yariv Levin, lead The deal was to be formally signed after (JNS) – Israel’s 15-month political negotiator for the Likud now slated to Yom Ha’aztmaut, Israel’s Independence stalemate, which led to three election serve as speaker of the Knesset in the new Day, celebrated this year on April 28-29. cycles within the course of a year, has government, told JNS that “this emergency The first order of business will be to pass come to a close with the signing of a government is the right thing at the right legislation to set the Netanyahu-Gantz unity government deal between Israeli time. We need unity to deal with the coun- rotation in motion. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, try’s health and economic challenges.” While Israeli law allows a prime min- head of the Likud Party, and Blue and The unity deal, which is structured as ister to serve while under indictment, it White Party head Benny Gantz. The two six months of an “emergency government” prohibits a minister from doing so. A law sides are calling it a “national emergency to be followed by a more permanent one, will be passed to enable Netanyahu to serve government” in large part to manage established Netanyahu as prime minister Election posters hung by the Blue and as vice prime minister (the official title the ongoing coronavirus crisis, which for the first 18 months, during which Gantz White Party show candidate Benny is “acting prime minister”) when Gantz has stymied Israel along with the rest will be vice prime minister and minister of Gantz and Likud candidate, Israeli becomes the prime minister, despite the of the world. defense, followed by Gantz taking over the Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on fact that he may be in middle of his trial Both leaders posted tweets upon the premiership for 18 months, during which February 18. (Photo by Miriam Alster/ on corruption charges at the time. signing. Netanyahu wrote that the deal Netanyahu will be vice prime minister. Flash90) A law will also be passed that says that is a fulfillment of his promise to form Knesset member Moshe Ya’alon, of if either of the two decides to leave and a “national emergency government that Yesh Atid-Telem, which used to be part of with checks and balances between its collapse the government, the leader of will work to save lives and the liveli- Blue and White but split off due to Gantz’s branches. Instead, we now have a dicta- the other party becomes prime minister hoods of the citizens of Israel.” Gantz partnering with Netanyahu, attacked the torship of one person: Netanyahu. Israel automatically, with new elections being tweeted that “we prevented a fourth deal, telling JNS that “this government is needs a leader who sets a personal example delayed for six months. This law addresses election. We will protect democracy. bad for Israel.” with no corruption. But now, we have a the fear in Blue and White that in order We will fight the coronavirus and care He insisted that “Israel needs leadership leader who only cares about himself and to prevent Gantz from becoming prime for all Israeli citizens.” that will rehabilitate Israeli democracy not the people.” minister, Netanyahu will simply pull Likud out of the government as the first 18 months come to an end, which would SPOTLIGHT leave the coalition with a Knesset minority and lead to an election. The agreement dictates that the emer- Even more Jewish resources to occupy gency government won’t move forward with any significant legislation not related to the coronavirus crisis, with one ex- your family during social distancing ception: Israeli sovereignty over Jewish communities in the West Bank. BY REPORTER STAFF ‹ The Jewish Journal offers the David the 75th anniversary of the end of World Levin told JNS that “we have a histor- A variety of Jewish groups are offering Suissa Podcast “Pandemic Times” every War II. The exhibition’s online collection ic opportunity to apply our sovereignty online resources – educational and recre- weekday. New and old episodes can be of artifacts relating to liberation cam be See “Unity” on page 4 ational – for those who are not allowed out found at https://jewishjournal.com/pod- found at www.yadvashem.org/artifacts/ of the house. Below is a sampling of those. casts/the-david-suissa-podcast/. featured/liberation.html. ‹ The Hadassah-Brandeis Institute is ‹ Jewish Women, Amplified, https://jwa. ‹ Reconstructing Judaism is offering 2020 UJA providing myriad resources on Jewish org/blog, is a blog found on the Jewish “Resources for Living in the Time of women’s and gender studies to the com- Women’s Archive website. The blog COVID-19” at http://evolve.reconstruct- Pay it forward & give to munity. All of the resources found at http:// features interviews, historical information ingjudaism.org/covid19resources. It also and more. offers a variety of other pandemic resourc- the 2020 Jewish Federation blogs.brandeis.edu/freshideasfromhbi/ of Northeastern Pennsylvania ‹ The Shalom Hartman Institute, https:// es, including a “Virtual Shabbat Box,” at hot-topic-of-the-week/ are free. Click on Annual Campaign! the links provided to read the articles. updates.hartman.org.il/, is presenting www.reconstructingjudaism.org/connect/ ‹ The Jewish Agency for Israel is of- Hartman@Home, which features online pandemic-resources. fering events and classes online. To find offerings, including virtual lectures and ‹ YIVO has announced a new initiative out more, visit www.jewishagency.org/ classes. The Israeli Rabbanut Program of to collect first-hand accounts of the effects coronavirus-activities-and-things-to-do/. the Shalom Hartman Institute is running of the COVID-19 pandemic on Jewish life. For information or to ‹ “The Western Wall Tunnels 360 LIVE,” a virtual Beit Midrash (in Hebrew). To The online form can be found at yivo.org/ make a donation call Goal: 570-961-2300 ext. 1 or $989,000 sponsored by the Western Wall Heritage find out more information, visit https:// share-your-story. send your gift to: Foundation, can be found at https://youtu. rabbanutbogrim.wixsite.com/website. ‹ Jewish Women Archive has a new sec- Jewish Federation $918,478 ‹ of Northeastern as of April 23, 2020 be/MccQtsHDWvY. The video, which Jewish Book Week has videos and tion of interactive tools for students and Pennsylvania is a hour and a half long, combines film podcasts of past events. They can be adults, https://jwa.org/teach/activities. 601 Jefferson Ave., found at https://jewishbookweek.com/ The worksheets can be downloaded and Scranton, PA 18510 clips and illustrations alongside a “real” (Please MEMO your three-dimensional tour. videos-and-podcasts/. printed. Answer keys are also included pledge or gift 2020 ‹ To learn about Jewish films available ‹ Masa Israel Journey, for young adults where applicable. New worksheets will UJA Campaign) online, visit www.youtube.com and search age 18-30, is offering virtual events on be added periodically. for “Jewish films online.” The videos its website. Visit www.masaisrael.org, ‹ Respectability, an organization that seeks feature trailers and full films. Some are scroll down and click in the box that says, to ensure children and adults with disabil- free, while there is a charge for others. “Masa Onlne.” ities receive education, training and em- ‹ The Charles and Lynn Schusterman ‹ Yad Vashem is offering a new online ployment opportunities, has been holding Family Foundation offers a variety of exhibition marking the 75th anniversary to virtual events. For more information, visit resources at www.schusterman.org/ the liberation of the Buchenwald Concen- www.respectability.org/category/events. covid-19-recommended-resources. tration Camp by U.S. Armed Forces and See “Resources” on page 3 Candle lighting INSIDE THIS ISSUE May 1...... 7:43 pm Aid for nonprofits Fiscal news News in brief... May 8...... 7:50 pm May 15...... 7:57 pm Jewish philanthropies create an Israel sells record $25B in bonds; Israeli math team wins medals $80 million fund for nonprofits “HoloCoin” cryptocurrency users in international event; “Celebrate PLUS during the pandemic. buy/sell ashes of Shoah victims. Israel” parade canceled; more. Opinion...... 2 Story on page 3 Story on page 5 Stories on page 8 D’var Torah...... 6 2 THE REPORTER ■ APRIL 30, 2020 A MATTER OF OPINION How COVID-19 has sparked antisemitic conspiracy theories BY FIAMMA NIRENSTEIN European Union in Brussels that Israeli of the blue, that “not unilateral action” outlet, for example, a man in a medical This article was first published by the rabbis were telling settlers to do the same (namely, the annexation of territory in gown and hood, wearing a mask and Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs. – and received a standing ovation. Judea and Samaria, and the Jordan Valley gloves, embraces a map of Palestine in (JCPA via JNS) – It’s easy to see how It is my opinion that such accusations that the U.S. peace plan foresees) but which there is no Israel, accompanied by the coronavirus pandemic has sparked can have dire political consequences and cooperation is needed to fight the virus. the text: “Stay at home so you can protect antisemitic conspiracy theories. They are must be fought politically. Yet there is no connection between the the homeland.” a part of the classical paradigm; the Jews The accusations coming from the P.A. two. Just because someone underlines the Now, classic antisemites throughout have again become what the Italian writer now are that Israel is spreading COVID-19 need to help Palestinians, they need not the world can flood social media accusing Alessandro Manzoni called “the plague and refusing to explain to the Palestinians automatically adhere to the Palestinians’ the Jews of having spread the virus, as did spreaders of 1630.” This has happened how to fight it, even though Israeli hospi- narrative. This appears to be a political the Austrian right-wing extremist Martin every time there has been a plague, for tals invited Palestinian doctors, including byproduct of the coronavirus campaign. Sellner, who accused billionaire Jewish example the Black Death, which swept those from Gaza, to briefings on preventive There have been numerous other cases philanthropist George Soros of spread- through the Middle East and Europe in measures. The accusations are manifold. of antisemitism in recent weeks that have ing the virus. As with other antisemitic, the years 1346-1353. Israelis, they say, are sending Palestinian not failed to mention Israel, including in neo-fascist attacks, such accusations will The Jews were blamed then as they are workers back to their towns and villages France and Germany. Iran has accused the not go undetected and uncondemned, yet today for COVID-19, but it could have from Israel to spark a massive surge in United States and Israel of spreading the they bring back the basic issues of “ille- been syphilis, tuberculosis or parasites. infections, and are intentionally infecting virus, and so, too, have Palestinian news- gal occupation” “racism,” “apartheid,” The bibliography is vast. The late schol- Palestinian prisoners and even children. A papers such as Al Quds – based in eastern “colonization” and “ethnic cleansing,” ar of antisemitism Robert S. Wistrich more abstract but sensitive accusation is Jerusalem – and Al-Hayat Al-Jadida – the which are spreading widely. These charges outlined conspiracy theories in the Arab that the pandemic is Allah’s answer to U.S. official daily of the Palestinian Authority, can become effective and dangerous, and world blaming Jews for theft, rape, the President Donald Trump’s recognition of which on March 16 published a cartoon throw a shadow on the morality of all Jews. slaughter of Gentiles and an alleged secret Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. depicting the coronavirus as a large tank The European Union is certainly right coalition of Jews and Freemasons seeking Such accusations are not an academic pursuing a Palestinian carrying an infant. to help the P.A. combat COVID-19. It world domination. exercise in antisemitism, but rather part This is today’s antisemitism, and this did well to give millions of euros for Today, however, such accusations are and parcel of an elaborate campaign to reservoir of stereotypes and mendacities is this purpose. But why does it not make directed at Israel. Doctors, soldiers and delegitimize Israel. The state of Israel lies dipped into by both to the right and the left. this aid conditional on the P.A. stopping nurses who fly across the globe to help at the heart of this antisemitism. However, there is a difference between the most vulgar antisemitic expressions? during emergencies such as earthquakes, We see here that even the most tradition- the degree of danger represented by Antisemitism is certainly a major topic tsunamis and cyclones are described as al demonization, with its blood libels and “traditional” and modern antisemitism, of discussion in Europe today, so why vampires whose true purpose is stealing age-old antisemitic tropes, finds expres- and therefore in the scale of priorities for hasn’t the European Union addressed the human organs for profit. I myself recall sion in the modern Israel-centered narra- fighting antisemitism. Palestinian and the Iranian insistence on Hillary Clinton being totally shocked tive. It even connects with the concept that Nobody in the civilized world will blaming the Jews for COVID-19? When during her first visit to the Gaza Strip lies at the core of the BDS movement’s agree – not governmental institutions, discussing the virus in Iran, why has it when Suha Arafat told her that the Jews sophisticated political machine, which those in positions of power, the media, not thought about the possibility of read- were poisoning wells. legitimizes its intention of eliminating or international institutions – with the dressing its sanctions against the country Another example, one among many, is Israel while presenting itself as a defender thesis that the Jews spread coronavirus in exchange for aid? when Palestinian Authority leader Mah- of human rights. Social media and other for their own interests. This is condemned In a recent letter, E.U. representative to moud Abbas told the Parliament of the platforms are used to spew the poison – all as a shameful expression of fascist or the Palestinian territories Sven Kuhn von in the name of freedom of speech. This Nazi antisemitism. Such purely archeo- Burgsdoff again cites the “occupation” rhetoric continues to include the terms logical, disgusting, Nazi-like antisemitic as being responsible for the P.A.’s poor “territories” and “settlers,” which have expressions are condemned and rejected performance, even if in a less harsh tone. always been at the center of the effort to by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, As conspiracy theories grow, they pose delegitimize the state of Israel. French President Emmanuel Macron, a danger to both the state of Israel and “ The Reporter” (USPS #482) is published bi-weekly by the P.A. Prime Minister Mohammed President of the Italian Republic Sergio to the Jewish people as a whole. Action, Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, 601 Jefferson Shtayyeh has not only insisted upon this Mattarella and others, and will eventually therefore, must be political, by identify- Ave., Scranton, PA 18510. lie, but has also accused Israeli soldiers be removed from social media. ing those responsible, and hitting them President: Esther Adelman of trying to spread the virus by spitting However, there is a more sophisticated with laws and consequences, despite the Executive Director: Mark Silverberg on the door handles of Palestinians’ cars. way to perpetuate antisemitism today, coronavirus pandemic. It has never been The Palestinian Authority’s spokesper- through clever propaganda against the so clear that antisemitism, according to Executive Editor: Rabbi Rachel Esserman Layout Editor: Diana Sochor son, Ibrahim Milhem, on the other hand, Jewish people in its most important ex- the “three D’s” definition of former Jewish Advertising Representative: Bonnie Rozen has said that “Israel is not exporting the pression: the state of Israel. Antisemitism Agency Chairman Natan Sharansky (dele- Bookkeeper: Kathy Brown virus to the Palestinians, but they are becomes dangerous when it becomes gitimization, demonization and double Production Associate: Christi Sturdevant agents of this epidemic which is called an organizing principle of a society, an standards against Israel), is present in this OPINIONS The views expressed in the occupation.” ideological thorn that intersects with basic new form of delegitimization. editorials and opinion pieces are those So, we have the settlers and the Israel issues which leaders and relevant groups There is nothing legitimate in blaming of each author and not necessarily Defense Forces as poisoners, and Israel consider important. Israel for COVID-19. It is antisemitism the views of the Jewish Federation of in its essence as the bad guy, according to The idea that COVID-19 is spread by pure and simple, and in order to fight it Northeastern Pennsylvania. the Palestinian narrative. The Jewish state the Jews is in itself old, obsolete and easy we must identify it more than ever with LETTERS The Reporter welcomes is politically and officially the protagonist to counteract, because no one who holds the fight against the anti-Israel slander letters on subjects of interest to the in these conspiracy theories. public responsibility will support it. No- that dominates public discourse. Jewish community. All letters must be The underlying message is that the body, including Western leaders or those Therefore, for any institution that signed and include a phone number. imperialist occupier state of Israel, inside institutions such as the European truly means to combat antisemitism, the The editor may withhold the name which represents perfidy, corruption and Union or United Nations, as well as the International Holocaust Remembrance upon request. the imperialism of the Jewish people, media, will share it. They will condemn Alliance definition of antisemitism is ADS The Reporter does not necessar- is responsible for all of the world’s ills, it. But when more reasonable arguments certainly useful, but it has to be used as a ily endorse any advertised products which it exploits in its quest for world are presented alongside it, for example weapon and not as a prayer, just as Trump’s and services. In addition, the paper dominance. It is the idea that Israel is the idea that Palestinian infection rates executive order does. Funds and help is not responsible for the kashruth of a “regime of occupation” (discussed by are connected to the occupation, then it cannot be distributed among dangerous, any advertiser’s product or establish- Asa Kasher in the volume “Israelophobia may be translated into more responsible active antisemites even if we want – and ment. and the West,” edited by Dan Diker) that political language. we do want – to help them fight against DEADLINE Regular deadline is two invites these negative views. It expresses a Among the political or the intellectual the virus. They can be stopped. weeks prior to the publication date. negative opinion from a moral, religious, classes, one hears that the Jews are not This new antisemitism threatens the life FEDERATION WEBSITE: or ethical perspective, affirms a discrim- directly responsible for spreading the of the state of Israel itself. It undermines www.jewishnepa.org inatory attitude in historical perspective infection, but that the Palestinians are at not only Israel’s national security, but also and refuses any comparative view. greater risk from it due to Israel. They the international support Israel needs in HOW TO SUBMIT ARTICLES: There is no legitimate criticism here suffer because they never had the oppor- order to ensure its political, economic Mail: 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA because, first of all, it is based on lies, tunity of organizing, in a word, because and military freedom. The first threat is 18510 and secondly because it uses the concept they are oppressed, like so many other to the nationalist nature of Zionism, to its E-mail: [email protected] of occupation incorrectly. This narrative sectors of the international community. necessity, and puts into question the very Fax: (570) 346-6147 promotes not only mythological an- Here, the aim is basically moral dele- existence of Israel. The second is to the Phone: (570) 961-2300 tisemitism, but also politically motivated gitimization of the state of Israel, which political, economic and military freedoms HOW TO REACH anti-Israel bias. will reverberate throughout international it needs in order to defend itself. Israel’s THE ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: Take the following prime example: Jewry. Israel-based media watchdog group national security can be compromised by Phone: (800) 779-7896, ext. 244 Nickolay Mladenov, United Nations Palestinian Media Watch shows us that the the never-ending campaign about “occu- E-mail: [email protected] special coordinator for the Middle East war around COVID-19 in the Palestinian pied Palestinian territory.” peace process, during a session in which media is closely connected with delegit- We have a strong example of that in SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: he praised the actions of Israel in helping imization of the State of Israel itself. In U.N. Security Council Resolution 2334, Phone: (570) 961-2300 the P.A. fight COVID-19, underlined, out one cartoon carried by a Palestinian media See “Theories” on page 3 APRIL 30, 2020 ■ THE REPORTER 3 Jewish philanthropies establish $80 million fund for nonprofits during pandemic BY JNS STAFF Schusterman Family Foundation, the Jack, Joseph and JFNA chief of staff and an experienced nonprofit and (JNS) – Seven Jewish foundations joined together Morton Mandel Foundation, the Jim Joseph Foundation, philanthropic professional, is serving as JFNA’s liaison to announce on April 20 the launch of the Jewish Maimonides Fund, the Paul E. Singer Foundation and to the program. JFNA will work with key national Jewish Community Response and Impact Fund, which will the Wilf Family Foundation. networks, including members of the National Emergency provide more than $80 million in interest-free loans “While this fund alone cannot address all of those Coalition, as well as independent Jewish nonprofits, to and grants as thousands of Jewish nonprofit organiza- challenges, we believe that investing together in these source loan applicants. tions are experiencing unprecedented needs due to the vital pillars of Jewish life will help ensure a stronger The aligned grant program will provide a combination coronavirus pandemic. future for American Jewry in the months and years to of emergency funding for immediate needs and strategic The challenges have affected every sector of Jewish come,” they said. funding to address organizational and sector-wide shifts communal life, including organizational closures, staff JCRIF includes two components: a loan program and catalyzed by the crisis. The program seeks to provide layoffs, canceled programs, a pivot to online education, an aligned grant program. The loan program will provide an efficient, simplified and accelerated application and an anticipated increase in financial-aid needs, a decrease short-term unsecured loans to alleviate cash flow chal- reporting system for both applicants and grant recipients. in fund-raising and and other operational interruptions. lenges and to enable organizations to maintain services It will supplement each foundation’s current grant making “We recognize the dire health and economic needs and/or make payroll in the coming three to six months. to Jewish organizations. that the pandemic has created and applaud the heroic The loan program will be based at the Nonprofit To create an efficient process that ensures quick efforts by so many to address them. We have also seen Finance Fund, which will act as the loan fund admin- turnaround and deployment of resources, both programs firsthand the acute challenges Jewish organizations istrator and lender of record. It will also partner with will proactively source funding opportunities rather across the country are facing,” said JCRIF’s funders, the Jewish Federations of North America, which will than accept unsolicited proposals. The fund welcomes which include the Aviv Foundation, the Charles and Lynn source and recommend loan applications. Shira Hutt, additional investors.

Theories Continued from page 2 which determined that the Western Wall in the Old City onism as condemnable antisemitism, in the name of the Journalist Fiamma Nirenstein was a member of of Jerusalem, among other sites, is in occupied Palestin- right to free speech. the Italian Parliament (2008-13), where she served as ian territory. The wide spread of anti-Israel/antisemitic Therefore, there are no excuses tied to the confusion vice president of the Committee on Foreign Affairs in politics that connects to the delegitimization of Israel and fear of COVID-19. The Jewish people can again be the Chamber of Deputies. She served in the Council brings antisemitism into institutions, as happened with delegitimized and considered deplorable in the name of of Europe in Strasbourg, and established and chaired U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MI), who tweeted: “Israel has the virus. This includes questioning its right to a state, and the Committee for the Inquiry Into Anti-Semitism. A hypnotized the world, may Allah awaken the people and moreover, to defend itself. The consequences of pandem- founding member of the international Friends of Israel help them see the evil doings of Israel.” She has never ics must never be undervalued. An epidemic can change Initiative, she has written 13 books, including “Israel Is paid a price for this. the course of history, bringing with it the devastation of Us” (2009). Currently, she is a fellow at the Jerusalem Those who maintain that they are not antisemites broad social, scientific, economic and strategic changes. Center for Public Affairs. must state clearly that they are not anti-Zionists. Most This has already happened, in the 14th, 17th, 19th and 20th of the European states that have adhered to the IHRA centuries. It is worth it today to invest in countering its definition have not adopted the part related to anti-Zi- effect on antisemitism as anti-Zionism. DEADLINES The following are deadlines for all articles and Resources Continued from page 1 photos for upcoming Reporter issues. ‹ The Yiddish Book Center has a podcast called “The ‹ The Book of Life is hosting the series “Books in the DEADLINE ISSUE Shmooze,” which “includes conversations with Jewish Time of Coronavirus,” which allow authors or illustra- Thursday, April 30...... May 14 culture makers, plus news and stories related to Yiddish tors of new Jewish books for children or adults to speak literature, language and culture.” Current and previous about their books. The podcast can be found at https:// Thursday, May 14...... May 28 episodes can be found at www.yiddishbookcenter.org/ jewishbooks.blogspot.com/2020/04. Wednesday, May 27, early...... June 11 language-literature-culture/the-shmooze/. ‹ The Zionist Organization of America has started a Thursday, June 11...... June 25 ‹ The Museum of the Jewish People at Beit Hatfutsot in ZOA Online Book Club. The club is open to anyone, Israel is offering online tours at www.bh.org.il/live-on- even those who have not read the books. To receive line-tour-beit-hatfutsot/. The tour is done over Zoom information, sign up for its newsletter at https://nyc.zoa. using an iPad, and lasts around 45 minutes. According to org/?s=Online+book+club. Visit the its website, “The tour works best if each participant has ‹ EarthCam.,www.earthcam.com/world/israel/ein- Jewish Federation a computer that they can sit at with headphones during harod/?cam=einharod, shows viewers the farms in Ein the tour. Due to time differences between Beit Hatfutsot Harod, Israel, with a live streaming webcam. on Facebook! in Tel Aviv and participants around the world, we will do our best to accommodate your schedule.” ‹ The Jewish Book Council is now holding virtual events. Visit www.jewishbookcouncil.org/events and click on the title of any upcoming event for further information and to register. Registration is free, but You Lif – You Legac... requested in advance. Wha ’ i You Hear You have poured your heart and soul into our Jewish community and made a di erence. Whether your greatest passion is your congregation, an organization, or a school, that commitment stands as a testament to your values.

Now is the time to take the next step in making it an enduring part of your Jewish legacy. As you plan for the future, think about what your Jewish legacy means to you. And please consider the institutions closest to your heart in your will or estate plan.

Pleas joi th Jewis Federatio o Northeaster Pennsylvani€ i ‚ecurinƒ th futur o th Jewis communit. Please contact Mark Silverberg at 961-2300 or [email protected] for more information. ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 4 THE REPORTER ■ APRIL 30, 2020 BOOK REVIEW Yiddish in America BY RABBI RACHEL ESSERMAN just a list of funny words. They want to works. My favorite sections were “Eat, Crisco. which appeared in a pamphlet I never learned to speak Yiddish, except show readers the true Yiddish – or perhaps Enjoy, and Forget” (about food) and originally published in 1933). for a few words almost everyone knows, Yiddish culture – that they think is sexy “The Other America” (about Yiddish The selections in “The Other America” for a reason that will resonate with many and radical. This is not a nostalgic look at culture outside the United States). The offer a different view of Jewish life. In “A people. Yiddish was the language that one’s grandparents or great-grandparents very short selection taken from Aaron Room Named Ruth,” novelist Ruth Behar my grandparents spoke when they didn’t – although the essays, articles and poems Lansky’s memoir “Outwitting History” presents a political and personal look at want my mother to understand what they feature authors from the late 1900s to con- reminded me how wonderful that book Jewish life in Cuba. Goldie Morgentaler were saying. My mother only knew a temporary times – but a way of showing was. Lansky tells of how, when recovering discusses teaching Yiddish in Canada in smattering of the language and that very that Yiddish is still alive. The editors also books from older speakers of Yiddish, “Bontshe Shvayg in Lethbridge,” which limited vocabulary was passed on to me. note that Yiddish language and culture they needed three people: two to carry the also includes a Jewish history of the area. However, Yiddish language and culture did was not monolithic: it was as diverse as books and one to sit with the owner and This section also offered my favorite short influence American life and, if you believe the number of Jewish immigrants who eat all the food they’d prepared. “Kosher story in the collection: “Camacho’s Wed- “How Yiddish Changed America and How came to the western hemisphere. These Chinese” by Matthew Goodman talks ding Feast” by Alberto Gerchunoff, a de- America Changed Yiddish” edited by immigrants and their offspring changed about the development of Jewish food lightful tale of thwarted love in Argentina. Ilan Stavans and Josh Lambert (Restless American culture, while also being in- in America, including those that became Many of the Yiddish short stories Books), America also influenced Yiddish. fluenced by that same culture. part of mainstream American culture. were not particularly cheerful, wheth- In their preface, the editors note that The book is divided into six sections, The section also included discussions on er it was the opening tale “A Ghetto Yiddish has been called a language without although the decision about what to place particular kinds of Jewish foods and two Wedding” by Abraham Cahan (which an address or homeland, or thought of as where seems arbitrary for some of the sets of recipes (some from the makers of See “Yiddish” on page 7

Unity Continued from page 1 in Judea and Samaria [the West Bank], The unity deal was signed after com- to allow the criminal defendant to appoint housing, environment, intelligence, re- and it is best to do so with a wide, unity promises were reached on the two issues the judges that will adjudicate his affairs.” gional cooperation, periphery, energy, government.” of greatest contention between the two As was expected, appeals were filed Jerusalem affairs and foreign affairs (for Blue and White, which had been against sides: judicial appointments and the with Israeli’s Supreme Court, asking the latter 18 months). In addition, Likud such a move, has compromised and agreed court ruling against Netanyahu serving its justices to prohibit Netanyahu from will hold the position of Knesset speaker that from July 1 – assuming that there is as prime minister. forming a new government and becoming for the full 36 months. Likud will give American support for it – Netanyahu can During the last five years, the justice prime minister while under indictment. the interior, health and religious affairs bring a vote for annexing parts of the West minister has come from the conservative Netanyahu asked Gantz to agree that if ministries to the ultra-Orthodox parties Bank to the Knesset, and that this legis- camp, and significant reforms were made the court does so, then Blue and White that are part of Netanyahu’s bloc. lation will be expedited by the Knesset to the system in an attempt to appoint would support a law to circumvent the A question mark remains regarding the committees. Blue and White members conservative judges to the bench. court’s decision and allow him to serve. Education Ministry. At the moment, the will be allowed to vote according to their Blue and White demanded that former Gantz compromised, agreeing that if the right-wing Yamina Party, led by current ideology, though a Knesset majority will labor-union chief MK Avi Nissenkorn be court issues such a ruling then that will au- Defense Minister Naftali Bennett, is not be required for this move. appointed justice minister. To counter the tomatically trigger a fourth election, with joining the administration. As a result, During the first six months, the gov- left-wing influence over the ministry and Gantz serving as interim prime minister. Likud will head the portfolio, but it will ernment won’t fill key vacancies, such as continue the move toward more conserva- The coalition agreement dictates be available for Yamina should the party positions of state prosecutor and police tive judges, Likud demanded veto power that the government will start with 32 choose to join the government. commissioner. During this period the over judicial nominations. The two sides ministers, divided equally between the The agreement gives Gantz’s bloc con- two sides will negotiate the platform for agreed that MK Zvi Hauser from Gantz’s two sides. Blue and White will hold the trol over the Foreign Affairs and Defense the remaining 30 months of the govern- camp would serve on the committee following portfolios: defense; foreign Committee, in addition to the House Com- ment’s term. for judicial appointments. Hauser is a affairs (for the first 18 months); justice; mittee, which controls the Knesset agenda. The agreement does address the con- conservative who served as Netanyahu’s immigration and absorption; culture Likud will head the Finance Committee troversial issue of the conscription of the Cabinet secretary in the past and who has and sport; communications; agriculture; and the special committee handling the ultra-Orthodox (haredim) to the Israel a “strong voice” for judicial independence; strategic affairs; tourism; social equality; coronavirus crisis. Netanyahu retains con- Defense Forces. The sides have agreed he is also vocal against right-wing attacks science and technology; and Diaspora trol over who will serve as ambassador to to pass a law that gives the government on the courts, making him a committee affairs. They will also create a Minority the United Nations, the United Kingdom, the power to set the annual quotas that member who satisfies both sides. Affairs Ministry, which will be led by a France and Australia for the entire lifespan must be met by this specific segment of This element of the agreement was professional minister from the Arab sector. of the government. The ambassador to the Israeli society, a victory for the ultra-Or- attacked harshly by the opposition, with The Labor Party will be joining the United States will be chosen by whoever thodox parties that wanted to maintain MK Yair Lapid, chairman of Yesh Atid, government as part of Gantz’s camp, is prime minister at the time. such control. tweeting that Blue and White has “agreed and will be given the economy and The 72-seat coalition will expand from welfare ministries. 32 to 36 ministries after the initial six- Likud will control the ministries of month emergency government, making it finance, public security, transportation, the largest government in Israel’s history.

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Send Dassy Ganz an email if you would like to join the list. Pledge or Donate [email protected] online at www.jewishnepa.org/donate APRIL 30, 2020 ■ THE REPORTER 5 “HoloCoin” cryptocurrency offers users to buy/sell ashes of Jews burnt in Holocaust BY SHIRYN GHERMEZIAN JEWS and [it] is up to you if you wanna save them or (JNS) – A antisemitic website that is now shut down let them burn.” offered users the opportunity to trade a cryptocurrency A thread on the website 4chan about the HoloCoin called the “HoloCoin,” a reference to the Holocaust, in discusses those who purchased the cryptocurrency, which Jews and the ashes of Jews burnt can be purchased saying, “Thank you to everybody who signed up and or sold. TheHolocoin.net, which was purchased on April received your initial shipment of 500 JEWS. While 2 and registered with the website-building platform initial shipments have ended, any wallet that registers SquareSpace, is no longer accessible. However, the according to instructions on TheHoloCoin.net will valueless virtual currency is still being traded on trading receive 50 JEWS every other week. JEWS may be platforms such as ForkDelta. purchased anytime.” StopAntisemitism.org was one of the first to draw A screenshot of a thread on the site 4chan discussing the The message continued saying, “Any JEWS neither attention to the antisemitic cryptocurrency. “This has “HoloCoin.” (Screenshot courtesy of StopAntisemism. airdropped nor purchased will continue to burn at the to be one of the most vile and atrocious antisemitic org) rate of 4,107 per day – the rate at which 6 million are incidents we have yet to come across,” Liora Rez, burned in four years. Thank you goyim for saving JEWS. executive director of StopAntiSemitism.org, told JNS. 20” token, which means it is designed for use on the Please cntinue to save JEWS, before they are burned “For someone to erect and orchestrate a plan where they Ethereum platform, an open-source blockchain-based and turned to ASH.” can buy the ashes of dead Jews as currency on a trading distributed computing platform, and may be transferred The 4chan thread also features the cryptocurrency’s platform clearly shows the blatant hatred of Jews that to a cryptowallet. emblem: a large circle with “Remember The 6 Million” exists in society today.” The cryptocurrency quickly found its way onto online around its border with a large blue Star of David in the Holocoin.net offered two currencies – “JEWS” and forums and social-media sites. A page on the website center, along with the letters “HC.” The banner photo “ASH” – and its founders are online users that go by the Reddit that promotes HoloCoin describes it as “a cryp- for HoloCoin’s Twitter page has a Star of David that usernames “Smaug Hitler” and “30YearOldHimmler.” tocurrency that recreates the Holocaust” and says that says “ash” around it, with a shadow in the background The virtual currency is being promoted as an “ERC- “15,300,000 JEWS were created, the team is airdropping of the Pepe the Frog meme. Israel sells record $25 billion in bonds as investors show confidence in economy BY ISRAEL KASNETT time the country offered 100-year or century bonds. in the strength of Israel’s economy, especially as the (JNS) – To cover the rising costs of the coronavirus Additionally, while the Israeli government initially only country copes with the coronavirus crisis.” pandemic, and a near total economic shutdown, Israel’s aimed to sell $5 billion in bonds, it instead attracted more The reason for this sale was due to Israel’s need to treasury sold a whopping $25 billion in long-term bonds. than $25 billion with 400 investors from 40 different fund a substantial stimulus package announced recently The sales, which took place as the world grapples with countries taking part in the offering. by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He said economic uncertainty, represent an indication of confidence Israel’s Accountant General Rony Hizkiyahu, the that his government plans to assist individuals and small by investors in the nation’s economy and future, experts say. man responsible for the offering, said, “The largest-ever businesses with a NIS 80 billion ($22 billion) package to Israel priced the three-part dollar transaction with bond issue in the history of the state demonstrated the help the economy weather the global pandemic. maturities of 10, 30 and 100 years, which was the first confidence among large and quality investors worldwide See “Bonds” on page 7

The Federation is asking members of its communities to support its “Friends of The Reporter” Campaign which seeks to raise $5,000 to assist in funding the newspaper. The newspaper is delivered twice of month (except for December and July which are single issue months) to each and every identifiable Jewish home in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Reporter is the primary intercommunal newspaper of the Jewish communities of Lackawanna, Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties. Supplementing synagogue newsletters, bulletins and e-mails, The Reporter is issued to hundreds of Jewish households throughout our region. Over the past several years, the publishing cost of the newspaper has increased dramatically although the newspaper continues to be provided at no charge to members of our Jewish communities in northeastern Pennsylvania. The Federation has assumed the financial responsibility of funding the newspaper at a cost of $23,990 per year and asks only that its readers assist it in raising $5,000 as part of its “Friends of The Reporter” Campaign to offset a small share of these expenses. Your gift to fund our regional Jewish newspaper matters a great deal to our readers and we would be very grateful for your finan- cial support. As always, your comments, opinions & suggestions are always welcome. With best wishes, Mark Silverberg, Executive Director Jewish Federation of NE Pennsylvania 601 Jefferson Avenue Scranton, PA 18510 ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 6 THE REPORTER I APRIL 30, 2020 D’VAR TORAH Love our neighbors as ourselves BY RABBI GEOFFREY BROWN, TEMPLE ISRAEL coronavirus-frontline-workers.html. Giving thanks and Achare Mot-Kedoshim, Leviticus 16:1-20:27 praising those who put themselves in harm’s way is the This week’s Torah portion (parasha) is the dynamic least we can do to show gratitude to our pandemic heroes. duo Achare Mot-Kedoshim(1). Translated literally, the You might ask, is it really possible to command one words achare mot mean “after the death of,” as in the to love another? If we adopt the wisdom of Rabbi Hil- deaths of Aaron’s two oldest sons, Nadab and Abihu, lel, our fi rst century sage, it may be easier to accept his and kedoshim means “holiness” as in the rituals and rewording of the commandment. Hillel wrote, “What ethical laws written in the Torah that, if followed, will is hateful to you do not do to your neighbor.” This make the Jewish people a holy people. The sages have negative formulation of the commandment may be a assigned a specifi c name to this section of Kedoshim: more practical manifestation of it because we can only “The Holiness Code.” know what actions we would abhor. Not doing what is In Kedoshim, we are commanded to love our neighbors distasteful to us in the world around us, although cast as ourselves. How appropriate an edict to be understood from a negative, yields an overall positive. Not helping in our COVID-19 pandemic outbreak era! It may be somebody in need is exactly what we would not want if easier to embrace the goodness of what the World Health we were personally in dire straits. A neighbor who cannot Organization or the Center for Disease Control mandate, safely go out to resupply their pantry and who receives as well as state and international country stay-at-home food left on their doorstep is what we would want for us. orders demand: be safe, maintain social distancing, wear If we take the tack proposed by Maimonides (Rabbi a mask and wash your hands. In all reality, we are not Moses ben Maimon, also known as the Rambam), our 12th being asked to do unreasonable actions. These basic century leader of Alexandria, Egypt, we read his clarifi - actions are logical, doable and necessary. It may come as cation of “love your neighbor as yourself” to mean that no surprise that our Torah explicitly states the importance you should love your neighbor with all the qualities and of personal health maintenance and protecting one’s life modes of love with which you love yourself. He further in the form of established commandments. reasons that it is this quality of our love, paralleling the But this is not loving our neighbor as ourselves. In interest we have in promoting our own welfare, that is a verse within Kedoshim (Leviticus 19:16), it states at the highest level possible. The Rambam’s realization that it is our moral obligation to care for others: “Do that human nature is hard-pressed to function at this high not stand idly by the blood of thy neighbor.” (Leviticus level consistently brings us all down to earth. He interprets 19:16) One is not supposed to remain passive if he/she “love your neighbor as yourself” to mean “visiting the sees another person in danger. For the internet-searching sick, comforting mourners, joining a funeral procession, public who needs a visual and audio representation of celebrating a marriage with bride and groom, off ering loving our neighbor as ourselves, especially at a time hospitality, caring for the dead and delivering a eulogy.” when the pandemic has us sequestered safely at home, His catch-all conclusion is that we should be mindful please go to this link: www.cnbc.com/2020/04/05/new- to do all the things that we would want others to do for yorkers-stop-and-give-daily-thanks-and-gratitude-for- See “Love” on page 7

President: Dr. Meredith Stempel P A C E Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment Your gift to the Annual Campaign DOES A WORLD OF GOOD. President: Dan Marcus Endowing your gift allows you to be there for the Jewish community of NEPA forever.

A Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment (PACE) is a permanent fund that endows your Jewish community Annual Campaign gift as a lasting legacy. A PACE fund will continue to make an annual gift in perpetuity on your behalf. To determine the amount you need to endow your entire campaign gift, multiply your current annual gift by 20. You can fund your PACE by adding the JEWISH FEDERATION OF NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA to your will, or by making the Federation a benefi ciary of your IRA. All contributions to establish a PACE are tax deductible. Let your name be remembered as a blessing. Endowments can be created through a variety of vehicles, some of which do not necessitate funding during your lifetime yet still provide your estate with considerable tax benefi ts. They also enable you to perpetuate your commitment to the Annual Campaign in a way that best achieves your own personal fi nancial and estate planning goals.

Examples Of Ways To Fund Your Pace Gift Are: * outright contribution of cash, appreciated securities or other long-term * capital gain property such as real estate * charitable remainder trust • President: Merle Turitz * gift of life insurance * charitable lead trust 570-421-8781 • Website: www.Templepoconos.org * gift of IRA or pension plan assets * grant from your foundation 6 * reserved life estate in your residence * bequest A liation: United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Cantor: Vladimir Aronzon • President: Ann Lebowitz Monsky Using appreciated property, such as securities or real estate, a ords you the opportunity to 918 East Gibson St., Scranton, PA 18510 (located at the eliminate the income tax on the long-term capital gain, will in some instances generate a full income corner of Gibson & Monroe Sts.) 570-342-0350 tax charitable deduction and will remove those assets from your estate for estate tax purposes. E-mail: o [email protected] Mon. &  urs. 7:15am; Tues., Wed. & Fri. 7:25am Rosh For more information contact Mark Silverberg at Chodesh & Chagim weekdays, 7 am; Shabbat Morning Service 9:30am [email protected] or call 570-961-2300, ext. 1. APRIL 30, 2020 ■ THE REPORTER 7 Bonds Continued from page 9 During a video conference arranged by the Israel “This was an important statement by investors that Wiener noted that historically, Israel bonds were not Democracy Institute, former governor of the Central they really believe in the Israeli economy,” she added. a very strong financial market, and that it took many Bank of Israel Karnit Flug commended the bonds offer, Zvi Wiener, professor of finance and the dean of the years for Israel to improve its financial situation. Along and told JNS that as the world is entering into recession Jerusalem School of Business Administration at the those lines, the sales represent “a strong indication of “it was a very important move to go ahead, not wait and Hebrew University of Jerusalem, told JNS that the sale the economy and market confidence. This is important issue bonds. of century bonds is “very not common” and “shows the because the other ways to raise funds, such as raising “We saw a very successful issuance of bonds by great confidence that the world financial market has in taxes, is difficult to do during a crisis.” the Ministry of Finance,” she said. “The issuance of the Israeli economy. Wiener emphasized that a great way to raise funds 100-year bonds is also a statement of confidence in the “It is great evidence of our ability to raise funds without placing additional stress on a financially strained Israeli economy.” even in difficult times, and the amount offered is very population during a crisis “is not to put an additional Flug said that the measure came as a result of a ne- important,” he said. burden on the Israeli population and businesses, but to cessity for financing the massive government, and “it “The economy is not going to do well in 2020,” allow foreigners to lend the state money.” was very well done.” he acknowledged. “For this reason, during such a While Israel is not the first country to sell century difficult time, the Israeli government must step in bonds – other countries such as Mexico, Argentina and and provide some support, and for this it needs a Austria have also done so – it is a milestone for the Jewish lot of funds.” state and demonstrates its financial stability, as well as Yiddish Continued from page 4 “The 100-year issue is a testament to the country’s the confidence investors have in its future. seems an accurate portrayal of the hard times immi- financial strength and its solidification in international In what is perhaps proof that world financial organi- grants faced), I. B. Singer’s “The Cafeteria” (with markets,” said Hizkiyahu. “The offering will be an zations have huge confidence in Israel’s financial future, its not-very-pleasant characters) or Blume Lempel’s important pillar in financing government activity in the Bank of America Securities, Barclays Bank, Goldman “Oedipus in Brooklyn” (that left me shuddering). My near future.” Sachs and Citibank acted as underwriters for the bond preference was the essays. For example, Paul Buhle’s The offering included $2 billion of 10-year bonds issuance. “Di Freifheit, A Personal Reflection” not only tells of at an annual interest of 2.75 percent and $2 billion of Credit ratings by Moody’s, S&P and Fitch standing his time at the Yiddish paper, but offers a fascinating 30-year bonds at an annual interest of 3.875 percent. at A+ Stable, AA- Stable and A1 Positive, respectively, look at Jewish politics, particularly the left who sup- Israel sold one billion of the century bonds at 4.5 percent demonstrate why Israel has gained the confidence of ported communism in Russia before learning just how annual interest. prominent investors. horribly wrong that experiment went. The selection Israel is now projected to increase its deficit spending from the play “Messiah in America” by Moyshe Nadir from between 3 percent to 4 percent to 8 percent to 9 was a satirical look at messiahs, show business and percent as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, forcing capitalism that left me wishing the whole play had Love Continued from page 6 the country to think about ways to cover the gap. been included. Cynthia Ozick’s “Sholem Aleichem’s us. Clearly, the great Rambam had not lived through the Revolution” offered not only an excellent look at the Bubonic Plague in 1347. This would have changed most writer and his work, but an analysis of how he made of his noble ideas on how to love neighbors and act on writing in Yiddish literarily acceptable. Several of the their behalf as we would want them to act on our behalf. essays about Yiddish as a language – from the section Parashat Kedoshim speaks to us in the most starkly “The Mother Tongue Remixed” – were also interesting. profound manner. Let us all find reason and action to “How Yiddish Changed America and How America express one of our Torah’s most sacred teachings. Let Changed Yiddish” contains a wide variety of material, us all find a way to reach our love out to those nearest some of which was more appealing than others. However, us during this pandemic, our neighbors, and know that the volume, which fills 400 pages, did show just how vital we are all in this together. Yiddish was and the potential it contains today. Lovers 1. Why two portions? Isn’t one a week the standard? of Yiddish will, of course, want to get their hands on Generally yes, but on seven occasions, two are read in this collection. Anyone curious about American Yiddish order for us to complete the entire Torah in one year. culture may also find it of interest.

ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 8 THE REPORTER ■ APRIL 30, 2020 NEWS IN BRIEF From JNS.org of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, which organizes the parade, Israeli team wins silver, two bronze medals in European all- was quoted by JTA saying that organizers are working on a virtual event to take place on the same day, a Sunday. De Blasio mentioned the “Celebrate Israel” parade, the New girls math competition York City Pride March and National Puerto Rican Day Parade as staples of New York Israel’s team won a silver and two bronze medals at the European Girls’ Mathe- City culture that must be temporarily suspended to protect public health, assuring that matical Olympiad 2020 recently, The Jerusalem Post reported on April 22. Because “they will be back. That joy and that pride that all of these events bring will be back.” of the coronavirus, the competition was held virtually with 204 participants from 53 UK Jewish newspaper “back to business” after anonymous countries. Each team was given a series of math problems they had to solve using a computer, with the answers graded by judges. Medals were awarded by the quality bidder saves it from folding of proposed solutions, meaning there were more than just three winners. The Israeli The Jewish News in the United Kingdom announced on April 22 that it “is back” team was comprised of silver-medal winner Nogah Friedman, bronze-medal winner after stating earlier in the month that, along with the Jewish Chronicle, it would fold Nicole Grosman, bronze-medal winner Maya Kleinstien and Roni Hazan. The girls as a result of both the state of print newspapers, coupled with the coronavirus pan- were supported and trained by Tel Aviv University, the Future Scientists Center and demic, which has negatively impacted sales and revenue. In a post on theJewish News the Education Ministry. CEO of the Future Scientists Center Eli Fried said these “Is- website, the outlet’s editor, Richard Ferrer, wrote that an anonymous bidder that “is raeli students make us all proud.” He assured that his center will continue to “fulfill poised to purchase the Jewish Chronicle this week … forced a sudden change of plan the potential of Israeli students of both genders so they could make breakthroughs on the part of our owner Leo Noe, who generously took Jewish News out of liquida- in all aspects of life in Israel and the world.” Israeli Education Minister Rafi Peretz tion to save jobs and stop it falling into unknown hands.” On April 20, Jewish News said the team’s accomplishments are “a ray of light in these complex times for the announced that it would be published on April 23 “as usual and until further notice. whole country.” Our website continues to be updated throughout the day.” The publication said it “is Israel freezes bill allowing phone tracking to enforce funded and talk earlier this month of going into liquidation was to accommodate a merger, which is not currently happening.” Meanwhile, the Jewish Chronicle, which coronavirus quarantine merged with the Jewish News in February, has been put in liquidation and will receive The Israeli Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee decided on April 22 support from a 10-member consortium that was created a few days after the outlet’s to freeze proposed legislation allowing police to use cellular phone tracking to enforce liquidation was announced earlier in April, according to the U.K.-based PressGazette, stay-at-home orders. Committee chairman and Knesset member Gabi Ashkenazi of the which also reported that “funding will also be provided by unnamed philanthropic Blue and White Party said in a statement after the meeting that reservations about the donors from the Jewish community, with the intention of giving the Chronicle and bill centered on wording that “would allow the practice to continue,” with government its staff a more sustainable future after years of financial challenges.” representatives present agreeing to “re-examine the wording of the [proposed] law,” Pompeo: Annexation of territory in Judea, Samaria an “Israeli according to The Times of Israel. Yamina Knesset member Ayelet Shaked, among others, backed the decision, tweeting: “The police carry out thousands of home visits decision” to those who need to be in quarantine, and so the benefit is outweighed by the harm to U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on April 22 that it was up to Israel whether privacy.” In March, the Israeli government separately authorized the country’s Shin or not to annex parts of the West Bank, and that discussions on the issue are taking Bet security service to utilize advanced surveillance technology ordinarily employed place through private channels with the Israeli government. “As for the annexation in counterterrorism operations to conduct contact tracing on confirmed coronavirus of the West Bank, the Israelis will ultimately make those decisions. That’s an Israeli carriers. That program is currently ongoing. decision. And we will work closely with them to share with them our views of this “Celebrate Israel” New York parade canceled, potentially in [a] private setting,” he said, according to a Reuters report. The comment was con- demned by Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas, who said the P.A. would replaced by virtual event view its agreements with Israel and the United States as “completely canceled” if It came as no surprise that due to concerns of exposure to the coronavirus that is Israel annexes land in Judea and Samaria. “We have informed the relevant international ravaging its way through New York City, the yearly “Celebrate Israel” parade expected parties, including the American and the Israeli governments, that we will not stand to take place in June has been canceled along with all other June parades, New York handcuffed if Israel announces the annexation of any part of our land,” Abbas said City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on April 20. “It’s not a happy announcement, on Palestine TV, according to the report. The coalition agreement signed on April 20 but it’s one we have to make,” he said. The festivities, scheduled for June 7, have tak- between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Blue and White Party head en place since 1965. Originally on Riverside Drive, marchers now walk down Fifth Benny Gantz, paves the way for the new government to apply sovereignty to Jewish Avenue with more than 40,000 participants, including thousands of Jewish day-school settlements in Judea and Samaria. The agreement states that Israel could begin to students, according to its website. Michael Miller, executive vice president and CEO extend its sovereignty to territory there, as well as the Jordan Valley, starting in July.

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