Jewish Federation of NEPA Non-profit Organization 601 Jefferson Ave. U.S. POSTAGE PAID The Scranton, PA 18510 Permit # 184 Watertown, NY Change Service Requested

Published by the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania

VOLUME XI, NUMBER 12 JUNE 14, 2018 NEPA Federation participants cheered during this year’s Celebrate Israel Parade in New York City On June 3, more than 35 members from was estimated by the media to be in the After the parade, the group proceeded and that they “look forward” to upcoming the Monroe, Pike, Wayne and Lackawanna thousands and, as NEPA Federation par- to Teaneck, NJ, where they ate kosher Federation programs. county Jewish communities representing ticipants marched by the parade stand with food at various restaurants and shopped The Federation extends its appreciation the Jewish Federation of Northeastern their blue and white streamers fluttering in local stores. Several newcomers par- to the organizational efforts of Dassy Ganz Pennsylvania and the Scranton Jewish in the wind and both the Federation and ticipated this year and noted they were and Leah Laury, and to the many mem- Community Center marched down New JCC banners held before them, supporters “particularly thrilled” with the opportu- bers of the communities in Northeastern York City’s 5th Avenue together with on both sides of 5th Avenue cheered and nity to march in support of the Jewish Pennsylvania who shared in “the joy and many Jewish organizations from the embraced them with a thumbs-up sign of homeland, to make new acquaintances pride” of this year’s Celebrate Israel Pa- Greater New York area to honor Israel’s support and appreciation,” said a NEPA from Northeastern Pennsylvania and to rade. “Their participation in this annual 70th anniversary. Federation representative. The parade “experience a larger Jewish community.” celebration was, is and always will be a “Under sunny skies, the massive crowd was covered by the national media and Attendees also expressed their gratitude statement of our communities’ support and that cheered as the Celebrate Israel Parade large portions of it appeared on national that the Federation subsidized the trip, pride for the state of Israel,” said a NEPA organizations marched down 5th Avenue television networks and YouTube. which made their participation affordable, Federation representative.

Northeastern Pennsylvania community members carried the banners for the Scranton Northeastern Pennsylvania community members who marched in the Israel Parade Jewish Community Center and Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania on June 3. at the Celebrate Israel Parade on June 3. Tens of thousands in New York cheer Israel’s anniversary with signs, song and wonder BY SHIRYN SOLNY friendship with China by featuring an Danon, New York City Public Advocate that same mission, “even when we’re (JNS) – Decorated signs were in full enlarged photograph of Israeli Prime Letitia James (who is running for New thousands of miles away.” display on June 3 at the “Celebrate Israel” Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and China’s York attorney general), Israeli chef Eyal Jewish rapper Kosher Dillz and singer parade, many of them paying homage to President Xi Jinping. Another banner held Shani and Israeli Consul General Dani Lipa Schmeltzer were among the event’s this year’s theme of “70 and Sababa!” by marchers read “70 years of turning Dayan. Earlier in the day, Israeli Consul performers. Many of the groups that Others held by the tens of thousands of desert land into green land,” and one group General of New York Dayan, said that marched in the parade played Israeli songs, people from the New York and elsewhere toward the end of the parade held signs outside of Jerusalem, New York is “the including the now ever-present “Toy,” the focused on Israel’s unity, strength and with the pictures of Lt. Hadar Goldin and capital of the world.” See “Anniversary” on page 6 freedom. One sign read “Israel @70: Still Sgt. Oron Shaul – two Israel Defense Force New York Govenor Andrew Cuomo, Putting Its Stamp on the Future,” while soldiers killed in action by Hamas during who is running for re-election, served another said “70 Years a Free People in Our Israel’s “Operation Protective Edge” in as the parade’s honorary grand marshal. Own Land.” Some marchers held signs that 2014. Written on the same signs was a “Too often today diversity is seen as a Federation said “70” or “sababa” in big, bright letters, Jewish phrase that translates to: “All of weakness, but we know it’s our strength. while others held posters that depicted Is- Israel is responsible for one another.” NY wouldn’t be NY without the Jewish rael’s innovations, such as the navigation The five-hour procession, which went community,” Cuomo said in tweet. on Facebook app Waze. Another group of marchers held up Manhattan’s 5th Avenue from 57th Street American Friends of Magen David The Jewish Federation of Northeast- a banner that featured pictures of Israel’s to 74th Street, included a number of guests, Adom, one of the sponsors of the parade, ern Pennsylvania now has a page on popular sites, such as the Western Wall, including Dr. Ruth Westheimer, New noted that the organization works along- Facebook to let community members Dead Sea and the open-air Middle Eastern York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, Israeli side the Israel Defense Forces, saving lives know about upcoming events and keep marketplaces known as “shuks.” Minister of Culture and Sport Miri Regev, 24 hours a day. The parade is important, connected. The America China Public Affairs New York Sen. Chuck Schumer, Israeli an MDA spokesman told JNS, because Institute had a float that boosted Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations Danny it helps New Yorkers feel connected to Candle lighting June 15...... 8:20 pm INSIDE THIS ISSUE June 22...... 8:22 pm What they knew Jews of Yemen News in brief... June 29...... 8:22 pm An new exhibit shows ordinary A recent exhibit, in conjunction JDC and Israel send aid to PLUS Americans knew a lot about the with a conference, highlighted Guatamala; STEM preschool to Opinion...... 2 Holocaust as it was happening. Yemenite Jewish culture. open in Jerusalem; and more. D’var Torah...... 8 Story on page 5 Story on page 9 Story on pages 11-12 Federation Annual Report...... Insert 2 THE REPORTER ■ JUNE 14, 2018 A MATTER OF OPINION The current administration can build trust and cooperation between Israelis and Palestinians – if it wants BY KENNETH BOB AND to install solar panels for homes in poor the Palestinian health care infrastructure. ians by immediately reinstating funding BRAD ROTHSCHILD communities in Gaza. The program has This is precisely the kind of program that to the U.N. Relief and Works Agency, (JTA) – The recent escalation of vi- also developed a portable solar pump builds trust and cooperation between which supports food supply, access to olence emanating from the Gaza Strip system to give Palestinian farmers im- Israelis and Palestinians, and can serve education, health care, social services and serves as a depressing reminder that the mediate access to water regardless of the as an important foundation for a future employment. Essential funding should Middle East lacks a peace process and electricity supply from the unreliable grid. peace process. also come from the collection of unpaid shows the hopelessness of the situation With funding from the European Union Gaza is in need of major infrastructure pledges made for the rehabilitation of in Gaza. It also reinforces the sinking and the Friends of the Arava Institute, and economic development, something Gaza after the 2014 war at the conference feeling that the United States is no lon- there will be training sessions for Gazans that can alleviate the sense of hopeless- held in Cairo. ger interested in or able to be an “honest to build technical capacity in the strip for ness that has caused thousands to resort to Additionally, serious consideration broker” in the region, which inevitably solar energy independence. desperate and violent attempts to change should be given to the various proposals to will have deadly consequences for both increase Gazan exports and imports, which Israelis and Palestinians. Given the current climate of mistrust and despair, it’s hard would create jobs. Israel’s minister of Given the current climate of mistrust to believe that behind the scenes, there actually had been a transportation recently proposed building and despair, it’s hard to believe that a Gaza offshore sea port, or alternatively behind the scenes, there actually had certain level of progress made by Jason Greenblatt, President expanding the Kerem Shalom crossing been a certain level of progress made Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, in returning trust between into a logistic trade hub and a source of by Jason Greenblatt, President Donald Israel and the Palestinian Authority. employment for adjacent communities in Trump’s Middle East envoy, in returning Gaza, Egypt and Israel. trust between Israel and the Palestinian De-escalating violence in the current Authority. Late last year, he brokered Interestingly, despite the overall cut in the status quo. It’s hard to envision Hamas climate will require a level of leadership a deal in which Israel began selling American foreign aid spending, USAID taking up the challenge of responsible that neither Israel nor the Palestinians water to the Palestinian Authority at has actually increased its grant programs leadership when it has failed to do so for seem to have at the moment. To bridge a discounted rate. The arrangement by 20 percent to support grassroots “people the 11 years it has had control over the this leadership gap the parties will need didn’t get a lot of media attention, but to people” organizations that strengthen area. But that doesn’t mean it can’t or a U.S. administration that resumes its it represents the type of cooperation on civil society. shouldn’t happen. traditional role as an honest broker. It is which more could be built given the One such initiative, Project Rozana, Another alternative is international time for behind-the-scenes deal making to right circumstances. focuses on health care, an area in which intervention that combines the efforts and create concrete efforts at public reconcil- Another example of American-backed Israelis and Palestinians interact in great resources of the U.S., European Union, iation. It has yet to be seen if the Trump Israeli-Palestinian cooperation is the numbers every day. Under this initiative, United Nations, Egypt and Gulf states administration is up to the task. Arava Institute’s Track II Environmental Israeli volunteers transport thousands along with Israel and the Palestinian Kenneth Bob and Brad Rothschild Forum. Working with local communities, of Palestinian children and their adult Authority to head off a humanitarian are respectively president and chairman regional governments and international chaperones each year to receive treatment catastrophe. There are some obvious of policy and advocacy of Ameinu, a donors to solve small-scale infrastructure in Israeli hospitals, and large numbers first steps that can be taken to kick-start progressive Zionist organization. problems, the Forum has developed con- of Palestinian health professionals train the process. The views and opinions expressed in crete proposals to build solar panel fields in Israeli medical facilities. Israelis and Following the ill-timed and poorly this article are those of the author and do to power wastewater treatment plants and Palestinians meet and interact with each conceived embassy move, the United not necessarily reflect the views of JTA other on a human level while improving States can rebuild trust with the Palestin- or its parent company, 70 Faces Media. Let’s abolish Jewish celebrities

“ The Reporter” (USPS #482) is published bi-weekly by the BY JONATHAN S. TOBIN nor cogent, about a person’s background tribute to the American working class. Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, 601 Jefferson (JNS) – Like any embattled minority or heritage, even if, in this case, she was a Others liked the new edition because Ave., Scranton, PA 18510. that needed positive role models, early- public figure whose work is fair game for her character, like the actress, voted for President: Douglas Fink and mid-20th-century Jews living in the criticism. Nor is the decision of ABC to Trump, and served as a touch of American Executive Director: Mark Silverberg United States embraced celebrities with cancel Barr’s recently rebooted hit television working-class realism that made many on Executive Editor: Rabbi Rachel Esserman any sort of tie to the tribe. In that era, Jews sitcom a question of free speech or related the left unhappy. None of that made her Layout Editor: Diana Sochor were still largely excluded from many to her support of President Donald Trump. an authority on the issues of the day, but Assistant Editor: Ilene Pinsker sectors of power and society, as well as No one has a right to a television show and, that didn’t stop many of us from cheering Production Coordinator: Jenn DePersis subject to antisemitism. So American if the network understandably doesn’t wish when her random comments on Twitter Advertising Representative: Bonnie Rozen to be associated with her, that is its choice. sometimes were supportive of Israel and Bookkeeper: Kathy Brown Jews were happy to treat any of their co-religionists who broke through to the What is worthy of discussion is the way vented anger at antisemites. big time – whether in entertainment, sports the Jewish world, especially in the pro-Is- That’s the thing about treating people OPINIONS The views expressed in or any other endeavor – as heroes of a sort. rael community, was willing to treat Barr who are famous for talents other than those editorials and opinion pieces are those Though most were not Jewish heroes as not merely noteworthy, but somehow rooted in knowledge and wisdom about of each author and not necessarily in the sense that they used their celebrity possessing some insight into the world contemporary social and political issues. the views of the Jewish Federation of to stand up for their people or to promote of politics or even the Middle East. As Perhaps it is human nature to do so, but Northeastern Pennsylvania. anyone who followed her Twitter account it seems to me that a Jewish community The Reporter welcomes Jewish values or faith, they were still LETTERS before the slur at Jarrett was published, that should have long ago outgrown its letters on subjects of interest to the lauded for somehow succeeding in a world Jewish community. All letters must be where the odds seem stacked against them. the nicest word one would apply to Barr infatuation with famous members of signed and include a phone number. Happily, over the decades, the circum- could be “eccentric.” (Most of the time, the tribe was particularly foolish to give The editor may withhold the name stances of American Jewry have changed “unhinged” was more apt.) someone like Barr this sort of treatment. upon request. for the better. Though the virus of antisem- The odd thing about Barr was that The object lesson to be learned is not ADS The Reporter does not necessar- itism persists and motivates much of the while she was once known as an ardent just that we are obligated to condemn ha- ily endorse any advertised products hatred expressed against Israel, the barriers liberal with little interest in Jewish issues, tred wherever we encounter it, especially and services. In addition, the paper to Jews throughout American society have in recent years she had become an open when it comes out of the mouths of those is not responsible for the kashruth of collapsed. Even as hatred continues to be a and vocal supporter of Israel and a critic who identify as Jewish. It’s that in a free any advertiser’s product or establish- factor, it’s also true that Jews do not cower of antisemitism. That was praiseworthy, society where Jews need no heroes in the ment. in fear at the power of enemies. We don’t but along with it came scads of tweets that way we once did, we should stop obsess- DEADLINE Regular deadline is two need Jewish baseball legends to prove that were either unintelligible or the product of ing over Jewish celebrities – whether it weeks prior to the publication date. we aren’t weak any more than we need conspiracy theories. While it was nice to see means making lists of Jewish actors or songwriters or comedians to prove that a famous Jew support Israel at a time when tallying up how many of those suiting up FEDERATION WEBSITE: so many Jewish celebrities are at pains to for Major League Baseball can count as www.jewishnepa.org we fit in, or Supreme Court justices and senators to establish the importance of our distance themselves from the Jewish state, Jews (halachically or not). HOW TO SUBMIT ARTICLES: many contributions to society. you didn’t have to scroll down very far in Difficult as it may be to do in a culture Mail: 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA So why are many Jews still obsessed her Twitter feed to realize that she was not that glorifies notoriety for its own sake, 18510 with Jewish celebrities and willing to exactly a reliable source of commentary. it’s especially important for Jews who care E-mail: [email protected] treat their utterances as important when Yet that didn’t stop her from being about the furtherance of Jewish values to Fax: (570) 346-6147 we ought to know better? booked at the annual Jerusalem Post con- eschew the cult of celebrity. Phone: (570) 961-2300 That’s the lesson some of us should ference in New York and treated not merely It may be a lot these days to ask to have learned from the self-destruction of as a star, but as someone whose voice should expect American Jews to find our heroes HOW TO REACH Roseanne Barr. be heard. I don’t so much blame the Post among the ranks of our great scholars and THE ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: The point here is not to add to the chorus for trying to exploit her celebrity as I do a thinkers. But when you realize what comes Phone: (800) 779-7896, ext. 244 Jewish community that still labors under from godding up the likes of Roseanne E-mail: [email protected] of condemnations of her disgusting and racist comment about Valerie Jarrett, a key the delusion that what Jewish celebrities Barr, perhaps it won’t be so difficult. SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: advisor to former U.S. President Barack say about politics or policy matters. Jonathan S. Tobin is editor-in-chief of Phone: (570) 961-2300 Obama. There’s no excuse for that kind of I know that to some, the original ver- JNS – Jewish News Syndicate. Follow him verbal ugliness, which was neither funny sion of her eponymous sitcom was a rare on Twitter at @jonathans_tobin. JUNE 14, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 3 COMMUNITY NEWS Congregation Bnai Harim progressive dinner on June 30 Congregation Bnai Harim will hold a progressive be at a third host. This is an evening of great eating tification information to Congregation B’nai Harim, dinner at congregants’ homes on Saturday, June 30, and mingling.” PO Box 757, Pocono Pines, PA 18350. “Please note starting at 5:30 pm. As the event approaches, those attending will your name, address, e-mail address, phone number “Come join the fun at the progressive dinner pro- receive the name and address of their first host. At and the number in your group with your check,” vided by the best cooks in the area,” said organizers. the cocktail party, they will receive the address of said organizers. “The fun starts with a get-together cocktail party at their dinner host and dessert host. Dietary requests, For more information, call the message center the first host’s home. From there, you will get your such as kosher or vegetarian, should be included at 570-646-0100. Congregation is located at 5349 assignment for your dinner and dessert hosts. A with reservations. Pocono Crest Rd., Pocono Pines, PA 18350. Visit delicious dinner will be served at the second home, The cost is $25 per person, paid in advance. Those www.bnaiharimpoconos.org for further information with conversation and fun as well. The dessert will planning to attend are asked to mail a check and no- on the synagogue. Congregation B’nai Harim presents the Janet Wile Lecture Series on July 8 On Sunday, July 8, at 2 pm, the Janet Wile Lecture career in communications. Sale,” which uncovered the dark side of public relations. Series will feature Ed Eisen, a motivational speaker. He was a Freedoms Foundation recipient and an “Come and listen, laugh and enjoy the stories Mr. He will speak about change, transformation, jobs, award-winning journalist at The Philadelphia Bulletin. He Eisen has to tell,” said organizers. A question-and-answer retirement, politics and some of the “famous and taught broadcast news journalism at Temple University, period will follow. infamous” characters he has met during his 52 year was a public relations consultant and authored “Soul For Admission is free and open to the public. Refresh- ments will be served. For more information, contact Congregation B’nai Harim, 5349 Pocono Crest Rd. (Sullivan Trail and Rt 940), Pocono Pines, PA 18350, JFS honors Jane Oppenheim at call the message center at 570-646-0100, or visit www. bnaiharimpoconos.org. Community Matters Event JFS honored Jane Op- DEADLINES penheim at the third annual Community Matters Event The following are deadlines for all articles and on May 23 at the Scranton photos for upcoming Reporter issues. Cultural Center. More DEADLINE ISSUE than 100 people attended Thursday, June 14...... June 28 the event. JFS would like Thursday, July 12...... July 26 to thank everyone who attended and helped to Thursday, July 26...... August 9 support this year’s annual Thursday, August 9...... August 23 event.

At right, l-r: Dan Visit the Cardonick, Jane Jewish Federation Oppenheim and Mark on Facebook! Silverberg

Seth and Sheryl Gross L-r: Jim Alperin, and Joel and Leah Laury

ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 4 THE REPORTER ■ JUNE 14, 2018 Torsella increases Pennsylvania’s Israel Bond holdings to $44 million total HARRISBURG, PA – Pennsylvania entrusted in our care,” said Torsella. “This reviews and processes payments for programs include Unclaimed Property, Treasurer Joe Torsella announced on June investment helps fulfill that mission, by state government custodian of more than PA 529 College Savings Program, and the 6 that he has increased Pennsylvania’s furthering a commitment to the state of $100 billion in state funds. Key Treasury Board of Finance and Revenue. Israel Bond holdings by authorizing the Israel that, in an era of low interest rates, allocation of additional funds to be com- will earn Pennsylvanians a solid return bined with the reinvestment of matured for a very-low risk. It’s an investment JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE NOTES bonds. The investment builds on previous that makes sense for Pennsylvania and holdings Torsella authorized last year. one I’m proud to make.” “As treasurer, one of my responsibili- Treasury’s has increased Pennsylva- Speak up ties is to protect and invest the hard-earned nia’s Israel Bond portfolio by 10 percent by money of Pennsylvanians that has been reinvesting $7.5 million of matured bonds BY NICOLE FRIEDMAN, L.S.W. So what can you do if you feel as if you and adding $4 million to the allocation. Sexual harassment is defined are being sexually harassed at The $11.5 million in three-year bonds pur- as “unwelcome verbal, visual, work? The first recommenda- chased on June 1 had a weighted average non-verbal or physical conduct tion is to speak to the harasser. yield of 3.52 percent. The move will bring that is sexual in nature and can Let them know that their be- the Commonwealth’s total investment to affect working conditions and havior offends you and demand Installation featuring $44 million with a yield of 2.60 percent. create a hostile environment” that they stop. Make sure that Pennsylvania is one of more than 90 (www.equalrights.org). Sexual you are clear and make a writ- Holocaust testimony state and municipal public employee pen- harassment can impact not only ten record of the conversation. The Museum of Jewish Heri- sion and treasury funds who have invested women, but men as well, and Start a paper trail, review your tage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust more than $3 billion in Israel Bonds as can happen by a supervisor, personnel file and report the offers “New Dimensions in Testimony,” an part of their investment strategy. co-worker, or even a non-em- harassment. Keep copies of interactive testimony installation created Israel Bonds, officially known as ployee. According to a survey Nicole Friedman, everything you send and receive by USC Shoah Foundation. The first of Development Corp. for Israel, was es- that was conducted in 2015 by L.S.W. from the harasser, obtain any its kind in the New York area, “New Di- tablished in 1951 to underwrite securities Cosmopolitan of 2,235 employ- copies of documents that you mensions in Testimony” allows visitors issued by Israel’s Ministry of Finance. ees, one in three women ranging from ages signed at work and review your job’s to have “virtual conversations” with Ho- Since the country’s inception in 1951, it 18-34 were sexually harassed at work with policy on harassment. Follow through with locaust survivors Pinchas Gutter and Eva has never missed a payment on principle 71 percent of those women stating they the agency’s procedures for reporting the Schloss. Schloss, the stepsister of Anne or interest. did not report it (timesupnow.com). Sexual incident and be aware of deadlines to make Frank, is a survivor of Auschwitz-Birke- For more information on Pennsylvania harassment has become prominent, and the report. Some states may give as few nau concentration camp who now lives in Treasury Department, visit www.patrea- here is what you can look for and what to as 180 days after the incident occurred to London, England. Gutter is a survivor of sury.gov or visit the Treasury’s pages on do if you were to experience harassment make a report. If you are part of a union, six German Nazi concentration camps who Facebook and Twitter. in the work place. report the incident to the union and file now lives in Toronto, Canada. Visitors ask The Pennsylvania Treasury is In the work place, sexual harassment a formal grievance. You can also contact questions and lifelike projections of Gutter an independent department of state can be verbal or written as well as physical. the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity and Schloss answer those questions in real government led by the state treasurer, Examples of verbal or written harassment Commission and file a lawsuit if you feel time – offering personal reflections about who is elected every four years. The include commenting about an employee’s the employer has not addressed your ha- life before, during and after the Holocaust. department’s primary duty is to safeguard clothing or body shape, making sexual rassment report properly. It is important to For more information, visit http:// and manage the state’s public funds. It jokes, or requesting sexual favors of an know that it is unlawful for an employer mjhnyc.org or contact the museum at 646- invests state money to generate income employee as the only way they can receive a to retaliate against an employee who is 437-4202 or [email protected]. on behalf of the citizens of Pennsylvania, raise or promotion. Physical sexual harass- filing a sexual harassment report. ment can include inappropriate touching of Over the past several months, sexual an employee’s body, blocking someone’s harassment has become more known, Effective please movement, or touching someone against whether it be talked about in Hollywood, immediately, send their will or consent. Looking up and down sports such as gymnastics or even our note! or staring at an employee’s body, making government. For more information or all articles and ads to derogatory gestures or expressions, and to report sexual harassment, contact the our new E-mail address, displaying posters or sending e-mails of a U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity sexual nature can be considered non-verbal Commission at www.eeoc.gov or toll free jfnepareporter@ and visual sexual harassment. However, at 800-669-4000. You can also contact sexual harassment does not always have JFS for further support at 570-344-1186. jewishnepa.org. to be sexual in nature. It can also be based Whether you are a man or a woman, sexual on a person’s sex or gender. For example, harassment is unlawful, and advocacy it is also considered unlawful when a and discussion needs to continue. Do not woman who does the same job as a man forget to speak up. is the one who receives harsh criticism or References: www.equalrights.org, is singled out. www.eeoc.gov and www.timesupnow.com. Effective immediately, please send all articles & ads to our new E-mail address, Jewish Federation of NEPA [email protected].

Facebook ® is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc

ewish Federa the J tion on ’s e To get Federation updates via email, u ma yo il re lis A t? rregister on our website We send updated announcements and special event details weekly to those who wish to receive them. www.jewishnepa.org

Send Dassy Ganz an email if you would like to join the list. [email protected] Pledge or Donate online at www.jewishnepa.org/donate JUNE 14, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 5 An exhibit shows ordinary Americans knew a lot about the Holocaust as it was happening BY RON KAMPEAS of Jewish exiles from Germany to come to WASHINGTON (JTA) – When Ho- the United States to live?” Spin the pillar locaust historians ask what Americans around and the answer is a resounding knew at the time, the focus often is on the “No” at 71 percent. Even until after the politicians and lawmakers whose votes war ended, the percentages opposing and initiatives may have mitigated the refugee intake consistently hover in the Nazi genocide against the Jews. An exhibit low 70s – a substantial majority. that opened in May at the U.S. Holocaust “Public opinion doesn’t move,” Memorial Museum here asks the question, Greene said in an interview while leading “What did Americans know?” On a more a reporter on a tour of the exhibit. (In literal level: What did American voters, the same poll, Americans were asked, the constituents who may have done more “Do you approve or disapprove of the to pressure their lawmakers to intervene, Nazi treatment of Jews in Germany?” know at the time? Ninety-four percent disapproved.) The answer – a lot – is less than com- An exhibit visitor accrues a sobering A meeting of the Board of Directors of the War Refugee Board in Secretary of forting to those who may harbor a senti- assessment of how Americans reacted to State Cordell Hull’s office, March 1944. From l-r: Hull, Henry Morgenthau, Henry mental belief that if only the common folk the news coming out of Europe. Sympathy Stimson and John Pehle. (U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum/Courtesy of Franklin knew, their leaders may have done more. for the plight of the Jews is a constant, D. Roosevelt Library) “Visitors will be surprised at how much but so is resistance to the measures that Americans knew about Nazism and the might mitigate the impending genocide, Rick’s in “Casablanca”? What drove them 1940, more than 90 percent of the public Holocaust and how early they knew it,” including military intervention and bring- across the Mediterranean, exactly? We opposed intervention. “On the refugee curator Daniel Greene said in a release ing in refugees. never know. Why is exposing the Nazi issue, he doesn’t lead, he follows,” Greene announcing the exhibit, which is titled It’s easier to pin the charge of apathy Bund in the United States so personal for said. “He spends his political capital on “Americans and the Holocaust.” on a select group of villains, and many Edward G. Robinson in “Confessions of a the war.” The exhibit, twisting chronologically historical accounts in recent years have Nazi Spy”? It’s never made clear. The exhibit attempts to explain the pop- along the museum’s first floor, is punctu- named them: State Department manda- Theories have been advanced recently ular reluctance to intervene, starting with ated by backlit pillars with poll questions rins, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, a to explain these anomalies – the Jewish ex- stark representations of America’s own spanning the period of Nazi rule in Ger- media hesitant to emphasize the plight of ecutives in Hollywood were hesitant to ap- racist legacy – depictions of lynchings, many and then throughout Nazi-occupied the Jews, a Hollywood system hesitant pear invested in any Jewish cause, or some coupled with restrictive anti-immigration Europe. Typical is the American Institute to identify Jews as the principal victims. of them maintained distribution deals in laws passed in 1924 – and of the profound of Public Opinion poll from November But the exhibit corrects these impressions, Germany. What is made clear through the economic uncertainties seeded among 1938: “Should we allow a larger number or at least places them in the context of exhibit, though, is that moviegoers were Americans during the Depression that populace that did not want to engage – at not left out of the loop: If “Casablanca,” would have fueled anxieties about taking least until it was too late. “Confessions of a Nazi Spy,” “Sergeant in large numbers of foreigners. Did The New York Times bury some York” and other movies didn’t mention the Haunting the exhibit are the similar of the more shocking reports? Yes, we Jews, the accompanying newsreels did. A isolationist trends that helped propel know it did. But the wire services were screening room at the museum runs the Donald Trump to the presidency and unstinting in covering the truth of the newsreels that moviegoers would have sat have mitigated action on behalf of the Nazis’ persecution of the Jews. Thanks through to get to the main feature – at a Syrians under massive assault by their to the results of a museum crowdsourcing time when two-thirds of Americans visited government and other populations in initiative launched in 2016, where high the cinema at least once a week. These crisis. Greene said the echoes are not school students and others researched current affairs updates do not hold back: intentional – the exhibit is five years in Holocaust coverage at local libraries, we The Nazis’ prime victims, it is made clear the making – but are inevitable. “The know these reports were given “prominent in the newsreels, are Jews. questions we ask are resonant today,” he play” across the country. The exhibit contextualizes – but does said. “They speak to American respon- “You didn’t have to live in a major not excuse – the Roosevelt administra- sibility here and abroad. What are our metropolitan area to know,” Greene said, tion’s failure to rescue and allow refugees responsibilities to refugees, when do we tapping his finger on the Midwestern por- into the United States. “FDR tries to lead intervene in a foreign war?” tion of an interactive U.S. map and pulling opinion on going to war,” Greene said, and The exhibit closes with an answer to up a front page of the Indianapolis Star, eventually succeeds in turning American these questions that is considered achingly among 15,000 articles in the database opinion in favor of intervention in Europe poignant. Raphael Lemkin, the Jewish reporting atrocities against Jews as they – quite dramatically: Even as late as May See “Exhibit” on page 7 happened. National news outlets, from The Rev. M. Edgar Lindsey of Connecticut Time to Cosmopolitan, covered not only denounced Nazism in the United States. the rise of Nazism, but its inherent threat (U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum to Jews. Collection/Gift of Lois Lindsay Brown, Did Hollywood erase Jews from fic- Carol Lindsay Hagy and Joan Lindsay tional depictions of the Nazi threat? It did: Redford) Why were those refugees hanging around

ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 6 THE REPORTER ■ JUNE 14, 2018 Anniversary Continued from page 1 song performed by Israeli Netta Barzilai that won this year’s Eurovision. Security was tightened at this year’s event, with double metal barricades placed on each block down the path of the parade – something not done in previous years. The New York City Police Department said that more than 1,000 officers, bomb-sniffing dogs, sharpshooters on rooftops and radia- tion-detection devices were used to secure the area surrounding the event, according to the Associated Press. Sanitation trucks filled with sand blocked streets, stationed to prevent vehicle attacks. NYPD Chief of Patrol Rodney Harrison noted that precautions were taken in response to threats of terrorism in Israel, the Middle East, Europe and around the world. Anti-Israel protesters at the parade were confined to a small area th on5 A large group of Jewish teenagers celebrated Israel’s 70th anniversary with a banner featuring Israel’s ReWalk, a bionic Avenue, south of Central Park. At the walking assistance system. (Photo by Shiryn Solny) end of the parade, they were escorted by police officers to a nearby parking year, and it always makes her emotional. that we’ve had,” she added. “Hashem is garage, where many of them had left their She told JNS: “I started to cry just now taking care of us. We are his people. His vehicles, to avoid any violence that may [watching the parade]. Every year, I get chosen people.” have ensued with Israel supporters. No so enamored. What we go through in life, Lior Arussy, also a New Yorker, said incidents were reported. and yet we survive. My dad was a Holo- he is proud of Israel’s innovation and Rachel [last name held on request], 75, a caust survivor. You realize the chutzpah how the country is making a change in native New Yorker who lives a few blocks and courage we have to survive anything the world. He told JNS, “I think Israel away from the site of the parade, said that we’re going through. has made a lot of impact on the world, she has been attending the parade every “We have survived all these attacks and the fact that such a small tiny place can do that, it’s cool… It’s all about the lax way in which Israel just makes it happen, even though it’s not disciplined and rigid. I think the country has shown a lot of flexibility in order to survive both the threats and the opportunities.” A young man displayed the Israeli flag. Menachem Jacob, a father of two, (Photo by Shiryn Solny) said he believes Israel’s greatest accom- plishment in the last 70 years is bringing by Israeli singer Shiri Maimon and DJ democracy to the Middle East. He added Omri Anghel. There was also a display that Israel provides safety net for those of Israeli innovation and a recap of the seeking refuge. He explained, “My parents country’s first 70 years across the screens are Holocaust survivors. So just to feel of Times Square. Dayan addressed the safe that my kids and their kids can grow hundreds of people who gathered there, up knowing that they have a country they talking about the significance of taking can go to if they get in the same kind of over the Manhattan hotspot and covering trouble my parents got into… that’s my it “in blue and white” to celebrate Israel’s favorite part about Israel.” 70 years of independence. Although the parade ended at 4 pm, And Danon said: “It’s gratifying to see additional celebrations were held in Cen- the support that Israel receives in New tral Park, with festivities continuing in York, throughout the United States and the evening in Times Square with music from all over the world.”

Parade marchers featured pictures of Lt. Hadar Goldin and Sgt. Oron Shaul – two Israel Defense Force soldiers killed in action by Hamas during Israel’s “Operation Protective Edge” in 2014. Written on the same signs was a Jewish phrase that translates to “All of Israel is responsible for one another.” (Photo by Shiryn Solny)

The America-China Public Affairs Institute float that boosted Israel’s friendship with China by featured an enlarged photograph of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and China’s President Xi Jinping. (Photo by Shiryn Solny)

At right: New York Governor Andrew Cuomo marched in the Celebrate Israel Parade as the honorary grand marshal. (Photo courtesy of Twitter) JUNE 14, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 7 Play ball! In Israel! With some hard-hitting American Jews BY HOWARD BLAS to Israel in January 2017 and to catch a glimpse (and (JNS) – There is a scene in the recently released maybe get an autograph) from some of their Jewish film “Heading Home: The Tale of Team Israel” where baseball heroes. Moshe Abutbul, the mayor of Bet Shemesh, invites the Some came clad in Team Israel blue-and-white hats and 10 visiting American baseball players from Team Israel shirts. (One fan made a beeline in the JCC entranceway and their significant others to help him dig a hole in the for team CEO Peter Kurz to ask him if Atlanta Braves ground on the site of a future baseball field and stadium. pitcher Max Fried is Jewish. Kurz proceeded to tell him He shares that in the Chasidic tradition, “If you want he was, and that he was a member of the gold-med- something to grow, you plant seeds.” Hopeful that the al-winning 2009 Maccabiah Games Team USA Juniors team’s success and baseball’s popularity in Israel will baseball team.) Others wore New York Mets gear in continue to grow, he and the Team Israel players “plant” honor of former New York Met and current Team Israel a fresh white baseball in the ground. player (in attendance) Ike Davis. At least one father and Judging from film footage showing the enthusiastic son carried white baseballs in anticipation of autographs L-r: Peter Kurz, president of the Israel Association of reception and request for autographs the rock-star-like during the celebratory rooftop reception. Baseball and general manager of WBC Team Israel; players received all over Israel – and from the cheers of The film begins with Kurz and assistant general former MLB player and Team Israel star Ike Davis; the audience that packed the Marlene Meyerson Jewish manager Margo Sugarman combing through birth, cir- and Team Israel pitcher Shlomo Lipetz. (Photo by Community Center in Manhattan for the New York cumcision and wedding documents as they attempt to Howard Blas) premier of the 85-minute film – Team Israel and Israel verify the “Jewishness” of potential players for Team baseball are off to a great start. Israel. Under the Heritage Rule, to represent a country a The film includes footage of all of Team Israel’s World The crowd came to relive the story of Team Israel’s player need only be eligible for citizenship of that country. Baseball Classic games, but mostly focuses on the trip to dramatic run in the World Baseball Classic – from win- For this reason, nearly the entire team is comprised of Israel (starting with the flight on casino mogul Sheldon ning the Qualifiers in Coney Island, NY, in September American players – most with a tenuous connection to Adelson’s private plane). The story is told through the 2016 through its perfect record in Round 1 in Seoul in Jewish religion and culture. The experience of playing eyes of Josh Zeid, Ike Davis, Ty Kelly, Sam Fuld and March 2017, to their games in Tokyo in Round 2. They for Team Israel and visiting Israel (for the 10 men who Cody Decker. Audience members spoke to seatmates as also came to hear about their 10-day Birthright-style trip went) has been called transformative. familiar sites such as the Dead Sea, Masada, Yad Vash- em, the Western Wall and the Arab shuk in Jerusalem appeared on the screen. The filmmakers captured scenes of the players doing karaoke, watching belly dancers and buying shirts of their former or current Major League At left: Team Israel teams – written in Hebrew. wore their kippot Following the film, MLB’s sportswriter Jonathon during the playing of Mayo moderated a question-and-answer session. Panel- “Hatikvah” before ists included all three directors – Daniel Miller, Jeremy the game against See “Ball” on page 8 Great Britain on September 22, 2016. (Photo courtesy Exhibit Continued from page 5 of Wikimedia refugee who coined the term “genocide,” is quoted in Commons) 1944 as saying “All over Europe the Nazis were writing the book of death … Let me now tell this story to the American people, to the man in the street, in church, on the porches of their houses and in their kitchens and drawing rooms. I am sure they would understand me.”

Each year at this time the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania calls upon members of our community to assist in defraying the expense of issuing our regional Jewish newspaper, The Reporter. The newspaper is delivered twice of month (except for December and July which are single issue months) to each and every identifiable Jewish home in Northeastern Pennsylvania. As the primary Jewish newspaper of our region, we have tried to produce a quality publication for you that offers our readership something on everything from opinions and columns on controversial issues that affect our people and our times, to publicity for the events of our affiliated agencies and organizations to life cycle events, teen columns, personality profiles, letters to the editor, the Jewish community calendar and other columns that cover everything from food to entertainment. The Federation assumes the financial responsibility for funding the enterprise at a cost of $26,400 per year and asks only that we undertake a small letter writing mail campaign to our recipients in the hope of raising $10,000 from our readership to alleviate a share of that responsibility. We would be grateful if you would care enough to take the time to make a donation for our efforts in bringing The Reporter to your door.

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

With best wishes, Mark Silverberg, Executive Director Jewish Federation of NE Pennsylvania 601 Jefferson Avenue Scranton, PA 18510 ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 8 THE REPORTER ■ JUNE 14, 2018 D’VAR TORAH Breaking societal laws and customs BY RABBI RACHEL ESSERMAN, EXECUTIVE holy – by following God’s laws. Yet when Korah laid EDITOR, THE REPORTER GROUP claim to the same mandate and legacy, he and the men Korach, Numbers 16:1-18:32 with him were devoured by God’s fire. This week’s parasha, Korach, tells the story of two The point of these stories was to prove that the social different rebellions that are based on societal laws and order of the time when the Torah was compiled was not customs. Interestingly, the final decisions on who has a only the correct and proper one: it was the one approved just claim for leadership are not the ones one would be by God, even if it did seem to contradict societal cus- led to expect from a study of the laws found in other toms or norms. Therefore, the kingship of David and his sections of the Torah. descendants, who were of the tribe of Judah – another The rebellions can be characterized in two ways. One of Jacob’s younger songs, was correct because it was could be called the rebellion of the first-born. This was blessed by God. Even though all Israel was holy, the led by Dathan and Abviram, who were members of the priests, who performed the sacrifices, were somehow tribe of Reuben. Reuben was the first-born of Jacob and, holier than everyone else and deserved the tithes (taxes) in the normal course of history, his descendants would that they received as their livelihood. This disposition, have been the leaders of the Israelites. In fact, leadership too, was God’s command. by the first-born is common not just in Israelite culture, but in most cultures. The Torah actually legislates that a double portion of an inheritance must go to the first-born. In Deuteronomy 21:15-17, the law states that a father Ball Continued from page 7 must give his first-born son this inheritance even if he Newberger and Seth Kramer – in addition to Kurz, Davis prefers the son of another wife. According to that law, and Israeli-born pitcher Shlomo Lipetz. Mayo noted some Dathan and Abviram seem correct in challenging the in attendance who were connected to the team, including authority of Moses and Aaron, since Moses and Aaron Jeff Aeder, a restaurant owner from Chicago, founder of are the descendants of one of Jacob’s younger sons. jewishbaseballmuseum.com and team supporter; Nate However, when we look at the stories of the patriarchs, Fish, the team’s first-base coach; and Dan Rootenberg, the another pattern emerges. strength and conditioning coach, and so-called “Mensch Neither Isaac nor Jacob were the first-born of their on the Bench” (AKA the team’s mascot and inspiration). fathers. According to standard inheritance practices, The filmmakers, who have been friends since their not only should their older brothers have inherited their days as campers in Young Judea, spoke about their father’s wealth, but they also should have inherited the experiences and observations. Miller noted that “it is covenant that God made with Abraham. However, God incredible how articulate they are. We all went to camp approved the younger sons inheriting in these cases, just and experienced our spiritual metamorphosis in our teens. as God approved the special status of Joseph (another These guys were playing baseball and went through it younger son). There is a multitude of such occurrences. later in life – through experiencing antisemitism and Jacob gave a greater blessing to Joseph’s younger son from feeling disconnected.” Ephraim rather than the older Manasseh. God also chose Davis spoke in the film about conducting family Moses and Aaron, descendants of another non-eldest son, history of his non-Jewish father and Jewish mother. He Levi, to lead the Israelites out of Egypt (which is what noted that he could go back five or more generations on caused this first rebellion). Later, David and his descen- his father’s side, but barely a generation on his mother’s dants would be chosen to rule as kings even though they side, as most were killed during the Holocaust. “The trip were from the tribe of Judah, yet another non-elder son. to Israel was a learning process, a spiritual journey,” he When God opens the earth to swallow Dathan, Abviram said. “We were representing family members killed for and their households, they learn the hard way that it is being Jewish.” not necessarily the letter of the common law, but God’s Lipetz, who was on Team Israel’s 2013 and 2017 approval that counts. teams, described playing baseball for the Jewish state as The second rebellion might be referred to as a rebellion “the best experience I’ve ever had on a personal level.” over the family business. Moses, Aaron and Korah were Prior to the screening, he told JNS that he recently got cousins who descended from Jacob’s son Levi. The family to see teammate Jeremy Bleich pitch for the Nashville business in this case was the priesthood and the running Sound. “I wish more guys [from the team] were still of the Tabernacle. Only Aaron and his descendants could playing ball – that’s the nature of the beast.” be priests (Kohens). The rest of the tribe of Levi were During the JCC’s rooftop after-party, with music by servants to the priests. Korah objected to this status, American Jewish rapper Kosha Dillz (his song, “Jews feeling all the Levites should have priesthood status and With Bats,” is featured in the film), Miller and Kurz were equally holy. In fact, his thoughts echo something opened up about the experience. Miller said he is de- that God said in an earlier Torah portion. In Leviticus lighted that the “response to the film has been electric,” 19: 1-2, God tells Moses to “speak to the congregation of with people “celebrating the team’s victories in real Israel and tell them that you shall be holy because I, the time.” He was also shocked to learn of the large number Lord your God, am holy.” Later, after the destruction of of Jews who didn’t know anything about Israel playing the Temple, this verse in Leviticus was used to say that in the World Baseball Classic. He acknowledged being all Israel must act like a nation of priests – and remain moved watching the players traveling to Israel for the first time: “They came in with negative experiences and returned with great pride.” Kurz said he’s pleased with the team’s success and its impact on baseball in Israel. He reported a 30 per- cent increase in Israeli children playing baseball since the World Baseball Classic. The film continues to play to crowds in Israel. And Kurz is looking to the future, saying “five WBC players are working on makingaliyah through Nefesh B’Nefesh. They are looking forward to helping Israel baseball in its quest for the Olympic qualifiers.” Kurz went on to explain the complicated process of qualifying for the Olympics and noted that “Israel loves the Olympics! If they qualify, it will be the first time since Montreal in 1976 when Israel qualified for a team sport.” He also noted that only six teams will make it there. Perhaps the baseball planted deep in the ground in Beit Shemesh will bear fruit in time for Tokyo 2020, so Israel can have a rematch against Team Japan.

9:30 Mon. pm JUNE 14, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 9 Multi-sensory exhibit explores Yemenite Jewish culture and history BY SHIRYN SOLNY and Arabs in Yemen. speakers is an OB-GYN in Israel who (JNS) – Arecent exhibition in New York The conference, held at the Center for enjoys collecting stamps. He owns one of City invited the public to see, smell, listen Jewish History at 15 W. 16th St., with the the first stamps produced in Yemen and and touch artifacts and items pertaining closing ceremony at the United Nations, ran offered to it to curators to have on display to the Yemenite Jewish culture. The from June 3-5, and featured presentations by as part of the exhibit. Afterward, Arussy American Sephardi Federation’s “The more than 35 scholars and artists from Yemen, and Ashkenazi discovered that another Teimani Experience,” which was done in Israel, the United States, the United Arab person had about 400 letters written be- partnership with E’eleh BeTamar and the Emirates, Germany, France and other coun- tween Yemen and Israel that they were Institute for Semitic Studies in conjunction tries. Also on tap were cultural workshops and willing to loan for the exhibit. with the Yeshiva University Museum, performances by Israel’s top Yemenite mu- “The idea for the exhibit came to be was a multi-sensory exhibit that features sicians, plus more than 70 Israeli-Yemenite after the conference program had already photographs, religious items, Yemeni dance-troupe and choir members. started to become finalized,” said Ashkenazi. wedding jewelry, clothing, fragrances, Many of the artifacts on display were “People were like, ‘I am speaking about this, music, voices and more. It was part of on loan from conference participants, and I kind of actually have it. Do you wanna the Yemenite Conference – the first-ever according to co-curators Drora Arussy and do something with it?’ Be it jewelry, letters, three-day symposium that focused on the Eddie Ashkenazi. For example, Arussy books. So we were like, ‘Sure!” and we shared cultural values and history of Jews explained that one of the conference slowly but surely turned it into an exhibit.” Among the literary, decorative and cul- tural materials were samples of trilingual letters in Hebrew, Aramaic and Arabic A young Jewish bride in Yemen wearing from Jews in Sana’a, the capital of Yemen, many pieces of bridal jewelry along with written to people in Israel; handwritten a headpiece. (Photo by Shiryn Solny) religious texts; mural art depicting the setup of a typical Yemenite Jewish home; of postpartum bleeding, which is consid- robes and head dresses worn by Jews in ered impure in Jewish tradition. The new Yemen; Yemenite spices to smell and mu- mother would sit opposite the entrance sic to hear; and recordings of Yemenites door, behind a triangular box, and receive reading biblical texts in three languages. guests from her secluded corner of the Visitors were also invited to touch jew- room, where she would sit in a solemn elry made by Yemenite Jews. Some of the position for several hours at a time, for 30 pieces were crafted by Jewish silversmiths days. The room was recreated in Israel by exclusively for the Jewish women of Sana’a, Yemenite women from Sana’a who wanted to be given to a bride by her father or future to continue the tradition. husband. At the wedding, it was attached to Symbolic items in the room were the sides of the bride’s headpiece. intended to ward off the “evil eye” The centerpiece of the exhibit was a from the mother. Green bottles lined up recreation of a “Birth Mother’s Room,” overhead, ostrich eggs and other objects a Yemenite tradition that celebrates a were used to confuse and dispel the “evil successful birth and healthy mother, but eye” from the new mother and enable her A recreation of a “Birth Mother’s Room.” (Photo by Shiryn Solny) also keeps her isolated during the state See ‘Yemenite” on page 11

You Lif – You Legac... 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 10 THE REPORTER ■ JUNE 14, 2018

June 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 *)

JUNE 14, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 11 NEWS IN BRIEF From JNS.org Lockheed Martin opens science, tech preschool in Jerusalem Riot breaks out at Eritrean demonstration against violence in The Jerusalem Municipality has announced that U.S. aerospace company and F-35 South Tel Aviv airplane manufacturer Lockheed Martin is opening a preschool in Jerusalem, focused on science and technology. The preschool is scheduled to open in the Kiryat Menachem An demonstration of Eritrean migrants in South Tel Aviv against violence erupted neighborhood starting in September. This is not Lockheed Martin’s first educational into rioting on June 6, leaving four people injured, one seriously. The clashes erupted program in Israel. It currently runs STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and between Eritreans who support the controlling regime in Eritrea and those who oppose Mathematics) schools called MadaKids for preschoolers in Beersheva and Kiryat it. Six people were arrested and security forces were sent to the area. The fights occurred Malachi. Lockheed President and CEO Marilyn Hewson issued a statement expressing after four days of violent protests in Tel Aviv, during which several people were injured the company’s hope that the new Jerusalem preschool “will further deepen investment and arrested for smashing windows of cars and nearby stores, as well as rock-throwing in the educational potential of Israeli children,” and praised Israel as a country that against each other. Some Eritreans and their supporters subsequently gathered to call “understands better than almost any nation in the world the importance of educating for an end to the violence, and for the overthrow of President Isaias Afwerki. Towards the next generation in science, technology, engineering and math.” The science-based the end of the event, pro-Afwerki Eritreans arrived with rocks and sticks, and a brawl preschools are an “inspiration” to nations around the world, according to Lockheed ensued. During the riot, two additional demonstrations took place – one supporting the Martin Israel CEO Joshua Shani, who said that Korea and Germany have sent delega- forced deportation of some 16,000 Eritreans, and the other against. Former Minister of tions to Israel to study the innovative schooling initiative. Kindergarteners in Lockheed the Interior and Education ministries Gideon Sa’ar took to social media to express his Martin schools are provided with computers, robotics experiments, construction kits outrage over the “absurd spectacle of street battles in Tel Aviv between supporters and and space-related coursework, which is steeped in STEM-related learning. Jerusalem opponents of the Eritrean regime,” and advocated returning them “to the homeland they Mayor Nir Barkat praised the initiative, calling Jerusalem the “capital of educational are fighting over … in our streets.” At a rally in support of the Eritreans in Israel, Shula innovation.” Other Lockheed programs in Israel include the first LEGO Junior League Keshet, leader of the Residents of South Tel Aviv Against Deportation group, called on finals, including 200 third- and fourth-graders; cyber summer camps for middle-school the police to stop the violence and to protect Israelis who oppose the deportation from girls; and a national cyber competition for high-schoolers, in partnership with the Israel “verbal abuse” by those who hope for deportation. Ynet news reported that Eritrean Defense Forces Cyber Command and the Rashi Foundation. Tomas Younes told the crowd that violent Eritreans in Tel Aviv’s streets “are people who the Eritrean embassy is sending to cause problems inside and around the commu- nity … so that the state of Israel will think we bring violence with us.” He said he left Eritrea to get away from violence, noting that he is “very sad that violence is entering Yemenite Continued from page 9 south Tel Aviv.” Eritreans noted that while some of them arrived to make new lives in to recuperate. The exhibit’s recreation Jews are known by scholars worldwide to Israel, others came just to find more lucrative work opportunities and had no intention included music that was traditionally be devotedly religious, having preserved of building their lives in the Jewish state. The asylum-seekers argued that the illegal played for a new mother. a distinctive Jewish history and culture workers are the source of threats and violence – and should be deported. “If I say that the exhibit grew around going back to the late Second Temple Young Gazan says flaming kites are the best terrorist weapon this, that’s 100 percent accurate,” ac- period. As many scholars – Sholomo Gaza Palestinians expressed their delight over the success of incendiary “terror kites” knowledged Ashkenazi. “We needed a way Goitein, Haim Rabin, Shelomo Morag, being flown into Israel, which have set fire to thousands of acres of agricultural and to showcase the beauty and this unique among others – have maintained no other protected lands along the border. In a candid interview with Ynet news, Palestinians custom of a ‘Birth Mother’s Room,’ and Jewish community has made such dis- told reporters that after they send the blazing kites into Israel – which they paint in it would look empty if there was nothing tinctive contribution in the preservation the colors of the Palestinian flag, and occasionally with swastikas – they tune into to support it and give additional insight of the language, religion and literature Facebook to watch the fires. “The kite is the best weapon and the most important into the life [of Yemenite Jews]. So this of Judaism like Yemenite Jews. They are weapon we have in Gaza, it’s better than all of the rockets and weapons we have,” led to the rest of the room.” the only Jews who to this day still read H. told reporters. “When a rocket is fired from Gaza, you have a response to it, but Artifacts in the exhibit also gave a the Torah and haftarah in both Hebrew for the kites you don’t have a response, they cause you a lot of damage.” According glimpse into the religious life of Jews in and Aramaic [Targum], as prescribed in to H., the “kites” unit is not connected to Hamas, but is a group of young Gazans Yemen. When Torah was read in the syn- the Mishnah, on Sabbath and festivals, divided into groups by area. “We have no aid from Hamas and we don’t need it,” H. agogue, it was said in Hebrew, followed and pronounce every letter of Hebrew said. “Preparing each kite, with its incendiary device, costs us three or four shekels.” by Aramaic and sometimes Arabic. Men distinctively in their readings.” “We watch TV and realize you have great fear of these kites,” H. added. “Because of would also study Torah in three languages; The exhibit explained that Ye- that, every Friday there are more and more youths who participate in this activity.” until this day, some communities in Israel menite-Jewish history started in the First On June 4, Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman said more than 2,200 acres of agri- read Aramaic alongside the Hebrew texts. Temple period. According to one tradition, cultural lands and nature reserves have been burned down since the arson kites were Because there was no printing press following the meeting between King Solo- first implemented as a terror tool. in Yemen until about the 1950s, the mon and the Queen of Sheba, the king sent country was a “manuscript culture,” said her home with a group of Jewish scholars Jewish aid group responds to Guatemala volcano disaster Ashkenazi, meaning that everything was and advisers. They represented the 12 The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee announced that it is has been written by hand. Many religious texts were tribes of Israel, and this group was at the supporting the aid efforts of the Guatemalan Jewish community amid the Fuego handwritten because ordering numerous center of Yemenite Jewry developing. An- volcano disaster. The Guatemalan Jewish community has been working to distribute printed books from out of the country was other tradition states that Yemenite Jewry critically needed relief items to those in the hardest-hit areas, and to help plan for expensive and often hard to obtain. Fathers emerged a short while later when a group the rebuilding of schools and clinics. The JDC said it has been in continuous touch taught their sons Torah and Jewish law of upper-class Jews left Jerusalem after the with the Jewish community to monitor changing needs on the ground in preparation either during or after work, and due to the prophet Jeremiah foresaw the Kingdom of for recovery and rebuilding projects, including deploying its experts to develop re- scarcity of books available, boys would Judah’s destruction. Their travels took them covery programs. “We join with those around the world mourning the loss of life in sit around one book and learn to read it to Yemen, where they eventually settled. Guatemala, and are privileged to join with the Guatemalan Jewish community as it from all directions, even upside-down. Jewish settlement in Yemen was not quickly moves to provide life-saving aid and rebuild their country even stronger than The co-curators said they gathered facts centralized, noted Ashkenazi. Jews were before,” JDC CEO David Schizer. “Our work today underscores not just the value about Yemenite Jewry from interviews, scattered throughout the entire country, of tikkun olam – repairing a broken world – but the sanctity of all human life, and their own research and that of the Diarna and communities tended to be very small, the role of the Jewish people as global citizens responding to tragedies that impact Geo-Museum of North African and Mid- with maybe two to 10 families in a village. our neighbors and loved ones.” With longstanding ties with the Jewish community dle Eastern Jewish Life, which digitally When there was a need to assemble for of Guatemala, the JDC activated its emergency response network to contact both the preserves the physical manifestations of schools or minyans, multiple villages Guatemalan Jewish community and other NGO partners to assess immediate needs Jewish history throughout the region. would come together. Some of the larger and implement a response following the eruption of the volcano, which killed more “The study of Yemenite Jews is semi- cities, however, did have Jewish quarters than 70 people with nearly 200 people still missing. The second round of eruptions nal to all aspects of Jewish studies,” said with multiple synagogues and places of in the last 24 hours is contributing to a rising death toll. Some 1.7 million people are Professor Ephraim Issac, founder of the study. Today, only about 100 Jews remain currently affected by the disaster. On June 6, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Net- Institute for Semitic Studies. “Yemenite in Yemen, concentrated in Sana’a. anyahu spoke with Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales to convey his condolences, as well as to offer medical and logistical assistance from Israel. “Netanyahu ordered that preparations be made for the immediate departure of a specialist medical team in coordination with the relevant agencies,” the prime minister’s office said. Russia to host its annual national-day celebration in Jerusalem Russia has announced that it will host an annual “Russia Day” reception in the Sergei Courtyard in Jerusalem, better known as the Russian Compound, on June 15. Prior to this year, the celebration was conducted in Tel Aviv. This will be the first year that the event will take place in Jerusalem. Russia recognized “West Jerusalem” as the capital of Israel in 2017, but has maintained that the eastern part of the city should be reserved as a capital city for a future Palestinian state. The event will take place at the newly refurbished Russian Compound complex built in the late 19th century by Russia’s Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society for Russian pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land. It was nationalized under the British Mandate, but gifted to Russia in 2009 as a show of good will by Israel. By contrast, the United States will not host its annual Independence Day celebrations in Jerusalem, the city it recently officially recognized as Israel’s capital. America inaugurated its embassy in Jerusalem on May 14. The 2018 Fourth of July celebration is scheduled to be hosted on the evening before America’s independence day by U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman at a large facility near Ben-Gurion Airport, outside Tel Aviv. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin are scheduled to attend. A U.S. A photo showing a Yemenite Jewish family sitting in the multi-function room of embassy official said the decision to host at “Airport City” was a practical one meant their home, which would be used for sleeping, eating and entertaining. (Photo by to account for weather, budget and security considerations. Shiryn Solny) ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 12 THE REPORTER ■ JUNE 14, 2018 NEWS IN BRIEF From JTA deal, wanted to ensure that Iran did not get a nuclear weapon and to discuss “how to Tel Aviv OKs plan for 100-story tower roll back Iran’s aggression in the region,” he told May. During the June 6 meeting, A Tel Aviv municipal committee has given the green light to construct a 100-story May also addressed the topic of Syria. “[W]e do recognize that there are other issues tower in the city. The Bein Arim Tower will be the tallest skyscraper in the city when that need to be addressed in relation to Iran – its destabilizing regional activity in it is completed, the business daily Globes reported. The Tel Aviv District Planning countries like Syria and Yemen and also the proliferation of ballistic missiles,” May and Building Commission passed the approval on June 4. The site for the building said. As part of his trip to Europe the week of June 4, Netanyahu also met with French is in the center of the city’s metropolitan area and conveniently located to highways President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. In May, Pres- and railway entrances. Plans for the site, which is owned by the municipality, also ident Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the 2015 agreement, despite includes more than 140,000 square yards of space for offices, hotels, commerce and pressure from France, Germany and England not to do so. public areas, according to Globes. Jewish British veteran of World War II honored by Queen Turkey Jewish community holds iftar dinner for Muslim A 101-year-old Jewish British veteran of World War II received an honor from Queen Elizabethfor his services to education. Mordaunt Cohen received the MBE, or neighbors Member of the Order of the British Empire, on June 1. Cohen told the Jewish Chronicle The Jewish community of Turkey hosted an iftar dinner marking the end of the he was “deeply humbled” to have been recognized for the years he spent teaching day’s Ramadan fast. About 1,100 people attended the dinner the night of June 4 in young people about the war and his experiences. Born in Sunderland, he joined the the Edirne province, near the landmark Selimiye Mosque, in the northwestern part British Army after hearing about the plight of the Jews in Nazi Germany. He served in of the country, the Daily Sabah reported. The Chief Rabbi Foundation joined the the jungles of Burma, now Myanmar, with the 251 West African Heavy Anti-Aircraft community members in sponsoring the dinner. Edirne Gov. Günay Özdemir called Unit, commanding Nigerian volunteers, attaining the rank of lieutenant colonel. After the dinner a good example of how people from different faiths can live together in the war, he became chairman of the Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen, through peace. It is the fourth year that a Jewish-sponsored interfaith iftar dinner has taken which he worked to ensure the memory of the thousands of Jewish soldiers who served place in the province. in the British Army was not forgotten. “As the years go by, there are less of us around Dallas-area church says Judaism, liberalism and alcoholism to tell our story. I look forward to continuing to educate as many people as possible are “dangerous isms’” in the years ahead, health permitting,” he told the Jewish Chronicle. A Dallas-area church has included Judaism among “dangerous isms” that includes Iran to step up production of centrifuges liberalism, alcoholism and pessimism. The items, defined in a flier as “a distinctive Iran has notified the international nuclear watchdog that it will expand its capacity practice, system or ideology,” will be discussed as part of the Greenville Avenue Church for uranium enrichment. The country’s nuclear chief, Ali Akbar Salehi, told the In- of Christ in Richardson, Texas summer lecture series. The lectures will “shed light on ternational Atomic Energy Agency, or IAEA, on June 5 that the Iran Atomic Energy these topics and provide a proper response by the Christian,” the promotional material Organization is opening a center for the production of new centrifuges for uranium said. Minister Shelton Gibbs III defended the series at the church. “We’re not here to enrichment at the Natanz nuclear site. Salehi added that the expansion does not vio- criticize or be antagonistic toward people and to beat them down,” he told the Dallas late the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or the Iran nuclear deal, signed in 2015 News. “There’s no threat. The people in the community should not feel a threat.” The with the world powers that President Donald Trump pulled out of in May. Under the church has been attacked on social media for appearing to equate Judaism with some agreement, Iran can build parts for the centrifuges as long as it does not put them into of the other items on the list. Islamism also appears on the list. One social media user operation within the first decade of the signing. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel responded to the news in a short Hebrew-language video posted on You Tube said on Twitter he had filed a complaint with the IRS, in order to threaten its tax-exempt and social media. “The day before yesterday Ayatollah Khamenei, the ruler of Iran, status. Several Muslim and Jewish leaders in the Dallas area offered to meet with Gibbs declared his intention to destroy the state of Israel,” Netanyahu said. “Yesterday he and other members of the church’s leadership in an effort to jumpstart a dialogue. explained how he would do this – with the unrestricted enrichment of uranium in May to Netanyahu: U.K. is committed to Iran deal order to produce an arsenal of nuclear bombs.” He concludes: “We are not surprised. U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May said her country was committed to staying in We will not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons.” On June 4, Iranian Supreme the Iran nuclear agreement in a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Net- Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei called for his country to increase its nuclear anyahu in London. “Along with France and Germany, the U.K.continues to believe capability. “Iranian nation & government will not stand being under both sanctions [the nuclear deal] is the best route to preventing Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. & nuclear restrictions,” he posted on Twitter. “The Atomic Energy Organization of We will remain committed to it as long as Iran meets its obligations,” May told Net- #Iran must immediately make the preparations for achieving 190K SWU– for now anyahu on June 6, according to The Guardian. Netanyahu, who opposed the nuclear within #JCPOA–starting tomorrow.” 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.