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VOLUME XIV, NUMBER 8 APRIL 15, 2021 Israel to reject jurisdiction of ICC, war crimes allegations BY JNS STAFF Benjamin Netanyahu on April 8. The option of Israel launching its own Netanyahu said, “It will be made clear (JNS) – Israel plans to formally reject The ICC’s intention to open an inves- investigation was rejected by senior mil- that Israel is a country with rule of law the International Criminal Court probe tigation was announced in March by ICC itary officials, fearing that it would set a that knows how to investigate itself,” ac- into alleged war crimes perpetrated Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda. precedent and inherently recognize the cording to Reuters. He also mentioned that by the Israel Defense Forces against Netanyahu held discussions with De- jurisdiction of Bensouda, who will soon Israel “completely rejects” any allegations Hamas in Gaza as part of “Operation fense Minister Benny Gantz, Attorney leave the position. Criminal lawyer and hu- that it carried out war crimes. Protective Edge” in the summer of General Avichai Mandelblit and others man-rights expert Karim Khan was elected The Palestinian Authority, which 2014, based on the fact it lacks authority before the April 9 deadline to respond to in February to take over, and is slated to requested the probe, welcomed the ICC over Israel, said Israeli Prime Minister the ICC, Ynet reported. begin his nine-year term on June 16. decision. In partnership with AJC, hundreds of U.S. mayors sign pledge to combat antisemitism BY JNS STAFF lead their cities in taking concerted steps said his organization has always called on Jewish state’s right to exist. Additionally, (JNS) – American Jewish Commit- to fight it,” said AJC CEO David Harris. mayors to speak out against hate crimes. the mayors also will support national, state tee and the U.S. Conference of Mayors The statement, Mayors United Against “By signing this statement, more than 525 and local efforts to eradicate antisemitism; announced on March 29 that more than Antisemitism, in part reads: “In a world mayors registered their opposition to the reject notions that Israel’s actions can jus- 525 mayors across the United States have of global communications, where anti-Se- dramatic increase in antisemitism we have tify or excuse antisemitic acts; and affirm joined their national effort to combat mitic ideas spread rapidly, a concerted and experienced in our country and pledged that a climate of mutual understanding and antisemitism. The two organizations are principled response is required to raise to work together to reverse it,” he said. respect among all citizens is the bedrock calling on mayors across the country to awareness, to educate and to ensure de- As part of signing the pledge, the may- of pluralistic communities. sign a statement declaring that antisem- cency prevails. As mayors and municipal ors agree to condemn antisemitism in all In 2019, the Conference of Mayors itism is incompatible with fundamental leaders, we have a unique responsibility its forms, including hatred and prejudice adopted policy condemning the disturb- democratic values. to speak out against the growing menace directed toward Jews; stereotypes or con- ing increasing trend of violence toward “Antisemitism is a growing societal of anti-Semitism.” spiracy theories about Jews; Holocaust individuals and institutions based on faith. menace, it comes from multiple sources, Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, pres- denial or distortion; and anti-Israel animus That resolution specifically condemned and mayors are uniquely positioned to ident of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, that crosses a line to target Jews or deny the See “Mayors” on page 5 SPOTLIGHT Yad Vashem online exhibit emphasizes the power of family BY DEBORAH FINEBLUM of the Third Reich is ignored,” says Steven By the end of 1943, more than 1.5 Kiev on erev Yom Kippur of 1941, where (JNS) – The world marked Yom Hasho- Katz, director emeritus of the Elie Wie- million Jews from the region – represent- 33,771 Jewish men, women and children ah – Holocaust Memorial Day – on April sel Center for Jewish Studies at Boston ing one-fifth of the six million Jews who were massacred. 7-8 with attention on the 80th anniversary University, who also holds the school’s perished during the years of the Holocaust “We want to show their faces, give of a campaign against the Jews of Eastern Alvin J. and Shirley Slater Chair in Jewish – had been murdered. The grisly routine, their names, remember them as human Europe that was nothing short of mass Holocaust Studies. “These countries may repeated over and over around the region, beings, as part of our Jewish family,” says murder. This deadly Nazi plot would put have responded a little differently from each consisted of rounding up a community’s See “Exhibit” on page 7 the close and loving Jewish family to other, but one thing they all had in common: Jews, taking them to a spot on the outskirts the most painful of tests. The tensile and They all wanted to get rid of their Jews.” of town or the local Jewish cemetery, and enduring strength of the Jewish family is One has only to look at pictures of forcing them to strip and surrender their 2021 UJA on full view in a new online exhibition German soldiers looking on while the valuables before gunning them down. They from Yad Vashem: The World Holocaust locals did the killing to grasp the idea, were then shoved into one of thousands of Pay it forward & give to Remembrance Center in Jerusalem called points out Katz. “The Germans gave the mass graves, many of which historians say the 2021 Jewish Federation “The Onset of Mass Murder: The Fate of locals the freedom to express their own have yet to be discovered. The most famous of Northeastern Pennsylvania Jewish Families in 1941.” antisemitism in the most deadly way.” of these killing sprees was Babi Yar near Annual Campaign! Timed to release the week of Yom Hashoah, the exhibition reveals a dozen never-before-published stories of Jewish families caught in the web of the Nazis’ Goal: “Operation Barbarossa,” an organized rout For information or to $970,000 of the Jewish communities in Soviet-con- make a donation call 570-961-2300 ext. 1 or $930,165 trolled countries beginning that summer. send your gift to: as of April 7, 2021 Carried out by Einsatzgruppen SS mobile Jewish Federation of Northeastern killing units teamed up with local au- Pennsylvania thorities and citizens, “Barbarossa” cut a 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA 18510 bloody swath across the Soviet-controlled (Please MEMO your lands of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, East- pledge or gift 2021 ern Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, Romania UJA Campaign) and Yugoslavia. Four years later, only the third of Eu- rope’s Jewish population who survived were left to tell their story of a love stronger than hate, stronger even than death itself. “Too often, the Holocaust is taught as one madman in Berlin while the cooper- The wedding of Zalman Jershov and Luba Pilschik in Zilupe, Latvia, on December ation of the so-called ‘conquered’ nations 26, 1937. (Photo courtesy of Yad Vashem) Candle lighting INSIDE THIS ISSUE April 16...... 7:26 pm April 23...... 7:34 pm Summer camps Digging up the past Ed. for girls in Ghana April 30...... 7:41 pm May 7...... 7:49 pm Jewish camps get $10 million to Evidence medieval British Jews World ORT has launched a STEM expand enrollment and incorporate kept kosher found; oldest ancient project for girls in Ghana with PLUS COVID protocols. tool found in northern Israel. UNESCO’s backing. Opinion...... 2 Story on page 2 Stories on page 4 Story on page 5 D’var Torah...... 6 2 THE REPORTER ■ APRIL 15, 2021 Jewish camps get $10 million to expand enrollment and incorporate COVID protocols BY JNS STAFF and our camp partners work diligently the Jim Joseph Foundation, Charles and could not rent out their grounds during the (JNS) – Jewish summer camps will be to ensure a safe and successful summer Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies, off-season months for events or programs, getting a financial boost to help expand 2021,” said Jeremy Fingerman, CEO of Aviv Foundation, Maimonides Fund, Paul losing yet another source of funding. their enrollment this summer while main- the Foundation for Jewish Camp, which E. Singer Foundation, and Jack, Joseph taining coronavirus safety regulations. The worked to secure the funding. and Morton Mandel Foundation, “were $2.6 million Capacity Expansion Grants Fingerman estimates that the fiscal impressed with the number of strong and from the Jewish Community Response dollars will allow camps to welcome more creative applications FJC received and are and Impact Fund (or JCRIF) will benefit than 3,000 new children this summer. proud to help enable even more kids than more than 30 Jewish camps. Additionally, another $8 million in grants ever to attend camp this summer.” “Camps want nothing more than to from other donors will be available to Last year, many, if not most, Jewish provide a safe, healthy and joyful Jewish camps that meet donor-specified criteria, camps that are part of the FJC network environment for campers, and although including geographical location. were closed due to the coronavirus pan- Celebrating Israel Day at Camp Yavneh many challenges and uncertainties remain, Felicia Herman of the JCRIF said demic. The closures significantly impacted in New Hampshire. (Photo courtesy Camp I feel optimism and anticipation as FJC the organization’s supporters, including the bottom line of the camps, which also Yavneh via Facebook) A MATTER OF OPINION Faculty foxes guarding the campus henhouse BY MITCHELL BARD said it is a “special concern of the First their views are attacked, but happy to were denied tenure and saw a pattern “of (JNS) – There is a new organization Amendment). The professorate invented it engage in their own McCarthyism when folks being weary of any critique of Israeli being heralded as a champion of free to pursue knowledge without interference addressing their critics. Many liberals, occupation.” Though he acknowledged speech that instead is a potentially danger- from their government, colleagues, bosses, especially, believe in freedom of speech that there might be other reasons he was ous group that may help further entrench taxpayers or students. for me, but not for thee. denied tenure (he doesn’t mention he was and defend academic negligence. The While it once may have been a reason- Look at the thousands of faculty BDS offered a 10-year contract with a pay raise), Academic Freedom Alliance is “dedi- able way to insulate scholars from inter- supporters who demand freedom to he said, “The neoliberal hegemony in the cated to protecting the rights of faculty ference in the free inquiry of ideas, it has promote this antsemitic campaign that universities is still very reluctant to have a members at colleges and universities to been perverted and turned into a shield to calls for Israel’s destruction. They see robust, respectful, free dialogue on what’s speak, instruct, and publish without fear defend academic malpractice. Practically, no contradiction in denying academic going on, past and present, when it comes of sanction or punishment… to design it has become a license to preach personal freedom to Israelis and Americans who to Israeli and Palestinian issues.” courses and conduct classes using rea- views, advance arguments unsupported by wish to engage in scholarly activities with He claimed he was denied tenure by sonable pedagogical judgment; and their evidence and to use institutional prestige Israel. More than 1,000 academics signed “powers that be at Harvard” for political right to be unburdened by ideological to gain credibility for ideas that may have a petition in support of the University of reasons and complained to Chronicle tests, affirmations, and oaths.” no merit. Michigan professor who refused to write of Higher Education that “any serious Put another way, the goal is to ensure The AFA website says, “what we defend a letter of recommendation for a student engagement around the issues of the faculty are unaccountable. is our members’ right to state what they who wanted to study in Israel. Israeli occupation are rendered highly Professors have arrogated for them- believe to be true.” What they “believe,” Consider what happened at New York suspect and reduced to anti-Jewish hatred selves a unique right that others do not not what they can demonstrate through University after the Department of Social or prejudice.” Since he didn’t think his have. “Academic freedom” was not research? Since when do personal beliefs and Cultural Analysis voted to boycott support for Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders ordained by god or enshrined in the Con- qualify as scholarship? NYU’s own satellite campus in Tel Aviv. explained the decision, the only political stitution (though the Supreme Court has What is supposed to distinguish uni- University President Andrew Hamilton reason must be “my deep Christian wit- versities is documented research – not responded, “NYU rejects academic boy- ness based on the idea that an ugly Israeli baseless claims, personal agendas or cotts of Israel, rejects calls to close its Tel occupation of precious Palestinians is as one-sided courses. The main deficiency is Aviv campus, and denounces efforts to wrong as any ugly Palestinian occupation that advocates typically ignore the “aca- ostracize or exclude those in the univer- of precious Jews.” demic” component of academic freedom sity community based on their location in West suggested that “Jewish elites” “ The Reporter” (USPS #482) is published bi-weekly by the and, hypocritically, apply it based on their Israel, their Israeli origin, or their political and “Jewish donors” were responsible, Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, 601 Jefferson own political views. feelings for Israel.” NYU’s chapter of but, apparently realizing the implication, Ave., Scranton, PA 18510. Is this group, for example, really pre- the American Association of University backtracked and said, essentially, “some President: Esther Adelman pared to defend whatever any professor Professors condemned the administration of my best friends are Jews” who also Executive Director: Mark Silverberg believes to be true? How about that Blacks and said it “strongly support the right of are critical of the “occupation,” and that Executive Editor: Rabbi Rachel Esserman are inferior to whites, that the earth is flat, individual departments and schools to when he talked about the money elite he Layout Editor: Diana Sochor that homosexuality is a choice, that the determine their own affairs.” meant those “who are Jewish, non-Jewish, Advertising Representative: Charlie Pritchett 2020 election was rigged? When Steven Thrasher gave a com- black, white, red, whatever, who do have Bookkeeper: Kathy Brown We know from experience that the mencement speech at NYU saying he a certain kind of tilt on that issue.” Production Associate: Christi Sturdevant politically incorrect is not protected. was “so proud” of the organizations that It is clear, however, who West believes OPINIONS The views expressed in There are lots of examples, but one that support BDS “against the apartheid state has a “tilt” regarding Israel, and it wasn’t editorials and opinion pieces are those comes to mind is when Harvard University government in Israel,” Hamilton apolo- red people. Is defending people like West, of each author and not necessarily President Larry Summers was pilloried gized “that the audience had to experience who tries to scapegoat Jews for not getting the views of the Jewish Federation of by faculty for discussing theories that un- these inappropriate remarks.” tenure, what this organization stands for? Northeastern Pennsylvania. derplayed discrimination against women The AAUP said the criticism was What right does the AFA have to tell LETTERS The Reporter welcomes and suggesting that few women were in “a grave threat to fundamental tents of non-faculty what their rights are? I have letters on subjects of interest to the the higher echelon of science because of academic freedom” and demanded Ham- just as many Ph.D.s as most professors, so Jewish community. All letters must be “issues of intrinsic aptitude.” ilton apologize. What really bothered the why should I be disqualified from judging signed and include a phone number. When faculty members object to the faculty, however, was the “punitive tone” the work of someone in my field? Even The editor may withhold the name views of a professor, they have no problem toward supporters of Palestinian rights. those without doctorates have their own upon request. arguing against the university giving them Freedom of speech does not apply to free-speech rights and should not be pre- ADS The Reporter does not necessar- a hechsher. Take the case of controversial anyone who has the temerity to criticize vented from challenging faculty engaged ily endorse any advertised products professor Charles Murray. His views on the Palestinians or their advocates. in malpractice. and services. In addition, the paper the relationship between race and IQ and is not responsible for the kashruth of For Jews, the misuse of academic Academic freedom is meritorious any advertiser’s product or establish- opposition to government intervention freedom has led to the normalization of an- so long as the word “academic” is not ment. to correct social problems are anathema tisemitism on campus as that is one of the forgotten, and it is applied equitably. DEADLINE Regular deadline is two to many. Before he spoke at Middlebury few “isms” that is considered acceptable. Professors who want to express what they weeks prior to the publication date. College, faculty objected to the presi- When it comes to Israel and Jews, profes- believe to be true have the First Amend- dent introducing him: “Rather than lend sors have lots of beliefs which are often ment right to speak on the street corner, FEDERATION WEBSITE: legitimacy to this event, we respectfully misleading, inaccurate, or antisemitic. If but should not be allowed to pontificate www.jewishnepa.org request you stand up for a campus that a professor uses “Israel” or “Zionist” as a in the classroom. is intellectually open and culturally di- euphemism for “Jews,” their antisemitic Faculty may object to outside pres- HOW TO SUBMIT ARTICLES: verse, but one that does not fall prey to views become kosher. sure, but, as in the case of police depart- Mail: 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA the designs of external organizations who 18510 Can you imagine a professor who said ments, it has become necessitated by an peddle partisan propaganda in the guise E-mail: [email protected] Hispanics are rapists and murderers being unwillingness to discipline themselves. Fax: (570) 346-6147 of ‘public scholarship.’” defended? Yet, a professor who speciously The last thing we need is an organization Phone: (570) 961-2300 Put simply, the campus must be open claimed that Israelis intentionally maim of faculty foxes guarding the university to everyone except those with whom they Palestinians was given an award. henhouse. HOW TO REACH THE disagree. If peddling partisan propaganda Perhaps all you need to know about Mitchell Bard is a foreign-policy ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: is the litmus test, then much of the Mid- the new organization is that one of its analyst and an authority on U.S.-Israel Phone: (800) 779-7896, ext. 244 dle East studies field teaching about the founding members is Cornell West, who relations who has written and edited 22 E-mail: [email protected] non-existent country of “Palestine” should was recently denied tenure at Harvard. books, including “The Arab Lobby, Death be disqualified from the classroom. What was his reaction? To blame the to the Infidels: Radical Islam’s War Against SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: Many of these free-speech advocates Jews. West told Haaretz that he remem- the Jews” and “After Anatevka: Tevye in Phone: (570) 961-2300 are quick to scream McCarthyism when bered other outspoken professors who Palestine.” APRIL 15, 2021 I THE REPORTER 3 Jewish online resources BY REPORTER STAFF Historical Ideals and Contemporary Realities,” given by pm. The program seeks to allow people to discover the A variety of Jewish groups are off ering educational Jonathan Sarna, as a virtual event on Sunday, May 16, wisdom of their body through a Jewish lens, utilizing and recreational online resources. Below is a sampling at 2 pm. The event will be on Zoom and on the Center’s Jewish themes, meditations, Kabbalah, prayer and yoga of those. The Reporter will publish additional listings Facebook page. To register for the Zoom event, https:// as a roadmap to deeper connections that unify body and as they become available. us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_G1yjAldeRx- soul. For more information or to register, visit www.  HUC Connect 2021 will hold several virtual classes iu7ix3xf0wDg. judaismyourway.org/yoga/. and lectures in April and May, including “Transcendent  The Lower East Side Jewish Conservancy will hold  The Cornell Jewish Studies Program will hold the Melodies: Exploring the Music and Cultural Context “A Virtual Exploration of the Culturally Rich Jewish virtual lecture “Israel in Black & White: The Centrality of Ishay Ribo” on Tuesday, April 20, at 6 pm; “The Upper West Side on Zoom” on Wednesday, May 19, from of Black Thought for Afro-Asian Jewry in Israel” with Presidents, the Press, and American Jewry” on Tuesday, 7-8:30 pm. Among the sites to be visited at the JCC of Assistant Professor Bryan K. Roby on Thursday, May April 27, at 4 pm; “Intersectional Jewish Identities” on Manhattan, Congregations B’nai Jeshurun and Rodeph 6, at 7:30 pm. For more information or to register, visit Thursday, May 13, at 3 pm; “Refl ections on the Signif- Sholom, Lincoln Square Synagogue, the Society for the https://cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ianFsnd- icance of Holocaust Memory in the 21st Century” on Advancement of Judaism and the Jewish Center. For more dToKo_sa5AYNSSw. Thursday, April 15, at 3 pm; “Every Book Has a Story: information or to register, visit www.nycjewishtours.org/  The Jewish Museum will hold a three-part class The Story of Alpha Betah of Ben Sira” on Thursday, event-log/jewish-upper-west-side-virtual-talk-on-zoom. “Scenes from the Collection: Exploring Identity at the May 20, at 1 pm; and “The World of the Cairo Genizah:  The Center for Jewish History will hold the virtual Jewish Museum” on Tuesdays, May 4, 11 and 25, from The Jews of Medieval Islam” on Tuesday, April 27, at 6 program “Contextualizing the Jewish Orphan Experience: 2-3 pm. The classes will discuss 19th and 20th century pm. For more information or to register, visit http://huc. Bernice Lerner’s ‘All the Horrors of War’ and Marlene Trest- painting, contemporary photography and sculpture, edu/huc-connect/huc-connect-2021. man’s ‘Most Fortunate Unfortunates’” on Monday, May 10, and broader themes of immigration and identity within  Tablet Magazine now off ers a digital recipe box at at 4 pm. For more information or to register, visit https:// the Jewish community. For more information or to www.tabletmag.com/recipes. The box can be searched programs.cjh.org/event/contextualizing-2021-05-10. register, visit https://thejewishmuseum.org/calendar/ by dish, diet or holiday.  The Pardes Summer Program will be held virtually events/2021/05/04/art-in-context-may-2021.  The Jewish Theological Seminary will hold the virtual this year. There will be two sessions: July 12-22 and For additional resources, see previous issues of The event “Dangerous Religious Ideas: The Deep Roots of July 26-August 5. The program will include the study of Reporter on its website, www.thereportergroup.org. Self-Critical Faith in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam” Talmud, Bible and Jewish thought, and seek to read and with Rabbi Dr. Rachel S. Mikva on Tuesday, April 20, analyze classic Jewish texts to explore their relevance. at 7:30 pm. For more information or to register, visit Students age 19 and older from all Jewish educational www.jtsa.edu/dangerous-religious-ideas. backgrounds are welcome. To register interest in the sum- DEADLINES  The Center for Jewish History will hold “A Tradition mer program and receive more information, visit www. The following are deadlines for all articles and of Talent: Jewish Opera Singers and the Patterns that pardes.org.il/program/shortterm/summer-program. photos for upcoming Reporter issues. Shaped Their Careers,” featuring Samantha M. Cooper,  Judy Batalion, author of “The Light of Days: The on Wednesday, May 5, at 4 pm. For more information Untold Story of Women Resistance Fighters in Hitler’s DEADLINE ISSUE or to register, visit https://programs.cjh.org/event/tradi- Ghettos,” is holding virtual speaking events in April, Thursday, April 15 ...... April 29 tion-of-talent-2021-05-05. May and June. For information about specifi c events, Thursday, April 29 ...... May 13  The Yiddish Book Center will hold the virtual event visit www.judybatalion.com/events. Tuesday, May 11, early ...... May 27 “The Dead Man” By Sholem Asch, translated by Caraid  Judaism Your Way will hold a virtual “Embodied Thursday, May 27 ...... June 10 O’Brien, with Asch’s play as a radio drama, on Sunday, Jewish Yoga” program on Thursday, April 29, from 9-10 April 25, at 7 pm. For more information or to register, visit www.yiddishbookcenter.org/events-and-store/ virtual-public-programs-calendar.  The event “Virtual Unpacking the Book: Rachel Bloom and Tovah Feldshuh – A Conversation Between a (Television) Daughter and Mother” will take place on P A C E Thursday, April 29, from 7-8 pm, on Zoom. The two women will discuss humor, family and writing. For more Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment information or to register for the event, visit www.jewish- bookcouncil.org/events/virtual-unpacking-the-book-ra- chel-bloom-and-tovah-feldshuh-a-conversation. Your gift to the Annual Campaign  Hazon will hold a #SoundtheCall for Climate Change on Thursday, April 22, for Earth Day. For more infor- DOES A WORLD OF GOOD. mation, visit https://hazon.org/calendar/soundthecall- this-earth-day/. Endowing your gift allows you to be there for the  The American Jewish Historical Society will present a Jewish community of NEPA forever. virtual “Book Talk: The Soul of Judaism- Jews of African Descent in America” with author Dr. Bruce D. Haynes A Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment (PACE) is a permanent fund that endows interviewed by Dr. Michael Alexander on Thursday, April 22, at 7 pm. For information and to register for your Jewish community Annual Campaign gift as a lasting legacy. A PACE fund will this and other programs, visit https://ajhs.org/programs. continue to make an annual gift in perpetuity on your behalf.  May is Jewish American Heritage Month. Informa- tion can be found at www.jewishheritagemonth.gov/. Its To determine the amount you need to endow your entire campaign gift, multiply your current “Exhibits and Collections” page off ers links to a wide annual gift by 20. variety of exhibits and documents from the Library of You can fund your PACE by adding the JEWISH FEDERATION OF NORTHEASTERN Congress, the National Archives, the National Endow- PENNSYLVANIA to your will, or by making the Federation a benefi ciary of your IRA. All ment for the Humanities, the National Park Service and contributions to establish a PACE are tax deductible. more. Audio and video links from the above organiza- tions can be found at www.jewishheritagemonth.gov/ Let your name be remembered as a blessing. audio-and-video/.  The Yiddish Book Center will hold the “2021 Me- Endowments can be created through a variety of vehicles, some of which do not necessitate linda Rosenblatt Lecture: Jews and American Politics: 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 welcomes * charitable remainder trust Charlie Pritchett * gift of life insurance * charitable lead trust as its * gift of IRA or pension plan assets Advertising * grant from your foundation * reserved life estate in your residence Representative! * bequest Using appreciated property, such as securities or real estate, a ords you the opportunity to Contact Charlie for all your eliminate the income tax on the long-term capital gain, will in some instances generate a full income advertising needs at tax charitable deduction and will remove those assets from your estate for estate tax purposes. 1-800-779-7896, ext. 244, or For more information contact Mark Silverberg at [email protected] [email protected] or call 570-961-2300, ext. 1. Check out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or fi nd it on Facebook 4 THE REPORTER ■ APRIL 15, 2021 Digging up the past Archaeologists discover evidence medieval Jews in Britain kept kosher BY JNS STAFF ologist at Bristol University who worked According to Dunne, this is also “the (JNS) – Archaeologists have discov- on the project, said that 171 animal bones first time a religious dietary signature has ered the first evidence that Jews living were found at the site – 136 were from been identified using pottery fragments.” in England in the 12th and 13th centuries poultry, and there were no bones from The opportunity to search the excava- observed Jewish dietary laws, reported non-kosher food, such as pigs or shellfish. tion site almost did not happen because The Jewish Chronicle on March 25. More than 2,000 fragments of ceramic commercial developers were nearly com- The findings revealed that week are cooking vessels were also discovered. plete in gaining planning permission to from a 2016 project on the site of demol- Using organic residue analysis, archeolo- build over the area, said the newspaper. ished shops that overlapped Oxford’s old gists identified the kinds of fats that were Only after intervention by historians Pam Jewish quarter. A team of archeologists absorbed into the pottery and sealed in it Manix and Evie Kemp, members of the was digging at a centuries-old outhouse through constant use. There were no traces Oxford Jewish Heritage Committee, was and an area where waste materials were of non-kosher fats in the pottery, and no development of the site put on pause for dumped when they made the discovery. evidence of meat and milk being used in four months so that archaeologists could A view of Oxford, England. (Photo by Julie Dunne, a biomolecular archae- the same vessels, wrote the Chronicle. excavate the area. Skowronek/Shutterstock) Jerusalem’s archeological tunneling efforts win top award BY NAAMA BARAK shallow tunneling in urban area, special (Israel21C via JNS) – Jerusalem’s Old excavation technologies are executed, City can now add another global feather such as custom-made drill machines to its cap: The archeological tunneling adapted to small spaces,” it added. “In to explore and excavate its history has addition to that, special measures are to just won worldwide recognition by the be taken in order to consider the archae- International Tunneling and Underground ological findings and to protect them Space Association (or ITA). during excavation. Unlike conventional Coming in at first place in the “Oddities excavation in which the muck is being of the Underground” category in the ITA’s moved away, the nature of this project sixth annual contest, the Old City digs is to keep the muck for further research were noted as “Tunneling in the service by scientists.” of archaeology,” and beat Norway’s Spiral Winners in other categories focused Tunnel (Drammen) to the top spot. on construction and railroads, such as the “The sensitive environment demands Sydney Metro City and Southwest Project great dexterity and flexibility. Unexpected in Australia, and the Chengdu-Guiyang finds can lead to sudden changes in the di- High-Speed Railway in China. The Visitors toured the underground Western Wall tunnels in Jerusalem’s Old City. rection of excavation, often accompanied Young Tunneller of the Year was Josh (Photo by Hadas Parush/Flash90) by low overburden heights and difficult Barry from Australia. ground conditions,” the ITA says of the Overall, the online competition re- Jerusalem digs. ceived 52 entries from 23 countries. Tool pre-dating modern humans “Due to site complexity derived This article was first published by from small excavation area and risks of Israel21c. identified in northern Israel BY DANIEL SIRYOTI (Israel Hayom via JNS) – The oldest tool identified to date, found in northern Israel, was revealed by a group of aca- demics at the University of Haifa to have been used by hominids before the advent of modern humans. In an article in the Journal of Human Evo- lution, Dr. Ron Shimelmitz, Dr. Iris Groman Yroslavski, Professor Mina Weinstein-Evron and Professor Danny Rosenberg – all from the university’s Zinman Institute of Archaeology The oldest-known grinding tool, found – described the artifact as a round dolomite in the Tabun Cave on Mount Carmel. See “Tool” on page 6 (Photo courtesy/Iris Groman Yroslavski)

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Pledge or Donate online at www.jewishnepa.org/donate APRIL 15, 2021 ■ THE REPORTER 5 World ORT launches STEM project for girls in Ghana, backed by UNESCO BY JNS STAFF lation of around 35,000. It is marked by (JNS) – World ORT is leading an innovative training widespread poverty with many children not project in Ghana to promote computer courses led by attending school or completing their educa- women for young girls. Backed by a UNESCO grant, tion, moving instead into income-generat- the Women STEM Trainers program in the coastal town ing activities such as fishing or salt-mining. of Elmina will offer the skills and expertise needed for Even with low numbers of second- women and girls to get good jobs. The courses at the ary-school students, there are not enough Girls’ Technology Center for Learning will be led by classrooms to accommodate all those who female students from the local university and aimed at do attend, so schools operate in shifts. girls ages 9-12 in the community. Students attend either morning or after- Children from low-income families who lack access noon sessions and are often not taught the to computers and online learning will be the key bene- full curriculum, coupled with inadequate ficiaries. The course will seek to ensure they receive the numbers of teaching staff and a lack of skills to thrive through high-quality teaching and training, educational materials. and give them the best possible chances of employment. The community library opened almost a The project is also backed by the Nduom Group and decade ago and organizes annual spelling, A classroom for young girls in the coastal town of Elmina, Ghana. Coconut Grove Hotel, whose philanthropic and opera- reading and essay competitions for local (Photo by World ORT) tional support ensure the Nduom Community Library’s schools. The free lending library is used continued operation. by hundreds of children and adults from the town and Elmina, in the central region of Ghana, has a popu- surrounding villages to access books and magazines, NEWS IN BRIEF as well as to use five aged desktop computers in poor From JNS.org working condition. Celeste Angus, director of World ORT’s International Sudan repeals 1958 boycott law against Mayors Continued from page 1 Cooperation program, said: “ORT plans to revolutionize Israel “antisemitic acts and statements as hateful expressions the facility by converting the computer room into a dy- Sudan’s cabinet decided on April 6 to repeal a law of intolerance that are contradictory to the values that namic technology center. It will include a smartboard, dating back to 1958 that barred diplomatic or business define the people of the United States.” projector and other modern teaching materials. The relations with Israel, it said in a statement, according to The AJC-USCM initiative comes as incidents of new center will offer a variety of free computer-based Reuters. The decision still needs to be confirmed in a antisemitism, some of them violent, continue to rise courses every day for children and young adults, with joint meeting between its sovereign council and cabinet across the United States, confirmed in FBI reports and an emphasis on age and skill-level appropriate courses.” before going into effect, though it is being seen as key AJC public-opinion surveys. She added that girls, “who typically lack access to such to paving the way for more official ties. According to American Jews, who make up less than 2 percent of technology, will be given greater opportunities and encour- the report, Sudan’s military is behind the move. Sudan the U.S. population, were the victims of 60.2 percent aged to use tablet devices to take after-school and weekend was one of several Arab countries that normalized rela- of anti-religious hate crimes, according to the FBI 2019 courses in graphic design, game design, coding, video editing tions with Israel after the initial U.S.-brokered Abraham Hate Crimes Statistics report. and academic subjects, including math and science.” Accords with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain in AJC’s 2020 State of Antisemitism in America report Professionals from the Elmina community will lead September. Morocco also followed suit shortly afterwards found that 88 percent of Jews considered antisemitism the courses, and university student volunteers will be to solidify ties with the Jewish state. Israel’s Intelligence a problem today in the United States, 35 percent had brought in to aid the younger learners, receiving college Minister Eli Cohen, who led a delegation to Sudan in personally been victims of antisemitism over the past credits and internship experiences in return. The courses January, said in a statement: “This is an important and five years, and 31 percent had taken measures to conceal will utilize a range of online learning programs, such as necessary step toward the signing of a peace accord their Jewishness in public. E-Learning for Kids, Duolingo and Coding for Kids. between the countries.”

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 ■ APRIL 15, 2021 D’VAR TORAH ABINGTON TORAH CENTER Rabbi Dovid Saks President: Richard Rutta The isolation imposed upon us Jewish Heritage Connection BY RABBI PEG KERSHENBAUM, B’NAI HARIM came to visit me in the hospital to hold her grandchild 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA 18510 Tazria-Metzorah, Leviticus 12:1-15:33 570-346-1321 • website: www.jewishheritageconnection.org and to hug me. And I remember how devastated my Sunday morning minyan 8:15 am at Elan Gardens, Tazria-Metzorah are joined this year, as they often are, mother-in-law was not to be there because of a fire in 465 Vernard Rd., Clarks Summit, PA but unlike in other years, perhaps these twin sections will her home on the same day! We crave the shared joy and seem relevant to us. They are certainly two of the “ickiest” support of family and friends at such times. BETH SHALOM CONGREGATION portions in the Torah and not the ones you’d want your Now we all can tell stories of missing hugs, births and Rabbi: TBA children to be assigned as their b’nai mitzvah parashot! birthdays, weddings, even funerals. We, like those afflicted 1025 Vine St., Scranton, PA 18510 (corner of Vine & Clay Ave.) The chapters from Leviticus 12:1-15:33 contain laws with tzara’at, wear masks and physically distance ourselves, 570-346-0502 • fax: 570-346-8800 pertaining to identification, isolation and reintegration of and wait until the danger of passing on the affliction has Weekday - Shacharit: Sun. 8am; Mon., Thurs. & Rosh Chodesh those who have contracted ritual impurity that has made passed. Our ancestors did not have even the comfort of Zoom 6:30 am; Tue., Wed. & Fri. 6:45 am; Sat. & holidays 8:45 am. them dangerous to others in the community. or phones to get them through their times of isolation. Only Mincha during the week is approx. 10 minutes before sunset, This year, as we continue to struggle with COVID-19 following by Maariv. carefully spaced visits from a Kohen would break up the and its terrible toll, perhaps our attention will turn from loneliness entailed by the diagnosis declaring one metzorah, CHABAD OF THE ABINGTONS/ the unpleasant signs of tzara’at – the serious plague that afflicted and ritually (and therefore socially) dangerous. JEWISH DISCOVERY CENTER afflicts people, clothing, objects and houses – and from the COVID-19 is not tzara’at; it is a physical virus Rabbi Benny Rapoport relatively mild cases of tum’ah – ritual impurity contracted that attacks without regard to goodness, status, wealth President: Richard I. Schwartz after childbirth, menstruation or seminal emissions – to or wisdom, and can leave permanent scars. Tzara’at, 216 Miller, Rd., Clarks Summit, PA 18411 the isolation imposed upon those bearing the pollution. according to our sages, is caused by arrogance or by 570-587-3300 • JewishNEPA.com/minyan Imagine the first case: that of a woman who has given slanderous gossip, two characteristics that are detrimental Weekly service for Shabbat and all Jewish holidays birth. Although she may be free of impurity in time for to relationships and to the social fabric. But both these Kabbalat Shabbat at sundown (summer at 7 pm) a newborn son’s brit milah, she won’t be able to rejoin afflictions insist that we isolate. During their isolation, Saturday mornings: 9:30 am, Kiddush 11:30 am her community for much longer if she bears a daughter. Call for more information. perhaps those with tzara’at reflected on the behaviors I know how I felt having my first child when my mother that set them apart and made them hideous to society. CHABAD LUBAVITCH OF THE POCONOS During our isolation, we have sometimes seen that there is Rabbi Mendel Bendet a type of tzara’at in our society that needs to be purified 570-420-8655 • website: www.chabadpoconos.com Tool Continued from page 4 lest it continue to work even more destruction. Please contact us for schedules and locations. stone that bears microscopic signs of grinding. Perhaps we will emerge from isolation determined CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL According to the authors, the rock – discovered at the to remove the ills of racism, economic disparities and Affiliation: Union for Reform Judaism Tabun Cave on Mount Carmel – was used some 350,000 ecological irresponsibility. Perhaps we will take the time Rabbi Elliott Kleinman years ago, before the advent of modern humans. They to help bring about healing of rifts between ourselves President: Liza Roos Lucy claimed that it dates back to some 150,000 years earlier and those with whom we disagree. Then we will emerge Contact person: Cheryl Badner, Congregation Administrator than any other tool used for grinding found to date. They stronger and closer and more worthy of the gift of living 615 Court St., Honesdale, PA 18431 also stated that the rare find indicates that hominids used together in a more perfect union. 570-253-2222 • fax: 570-226-1105 grinding as a way of processing various materials to CONGREGATION B’NAI HARIM improve the use of environmental resources. NEWS IN BRIEF Affiliation: Union for Reform Judaism “At such an early stage a very significant technology Rabbi Peg Kershenbaum was added to [the hominids’] ‘toolbox,’” the research- From JNS.org President: Stacy Mitgang ers said. “The small cobble is of immense importance Senior Israeli health official says virus is P.O. Box 757, Sullivan Rd., Pocono Pines, PA 18350 (located because it allows us to trace the earliest origins of the at Rt. 940 and Pocono Crest Road at Sullivan Trail) abrasion action and how cognitive and motor abilities that “dying out,” credits vaccine 570-646-0100 • website: www.bnaiharimpoconos.org developed during human evolution eventually evolved The head of Public Health at Israel’s Health Ministry, Dr. Shabbat morning services 10 am-noon; every other Saturday, into important phenomena in human culture to this day.” Sharon Alroy-Preis, said on April 6 that the coronavirus in Potluck Shabbat Dinner with blessings and program of varying The Tabun Cave is part of a complex of sites that make the country is “dying out” at a slower pace. “We currently topics, one Friday every month - call for schedule. up the UNESCO World Heritage Site on Mount Carmel. have a little over 300 daily COVID cases. This is a very JEWISH FELLOWSHIP OF HEMLOCK FARMS Evidence of human and pre-human activity during the significant decline. Most of the localities in Israel have low Rabbi: Johanan Bickhardt last 500,000 years has been uncovered in the cave, which morbidity. Meanwhile, there are almost no significant virus President: Dan Marcus has contributed to the understanding of human evolution. concentrations and no hotspots at all,” said Alroy-Preis, 540 Forest Dr., 1516 Hemlock Farms, Lords Valley, PA 18428 The rock, originally excavated in the 1960s, was identified according to Ynet. The health official said that this would 570-775-7497 • e-mail: [email protected] as part of a new project that Shimelmitz and Weinstein-Ev- allow the further opening of the economy, as well as events Friday evening Shabbat service 8 pm ron are leading to re-examine past findings from the site. such as weddings and concerts. She attributed this success Saturday morning Shabbat service 9:30 am “We concluded that the ancient stone was used for the to Israel’s aggressive vaccination campaign; 4,878,839 MACHZIKEH HADAS SYNAGOGUE grinding of soft materials, although we do not yet know Israelis had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as Rabbi Mordechai Fine which ones exactly,” said Groman Yroslavski. of April 7, with an additional 407,184 having received a President: Moshe Fink This article first appeared in Israel Hayom. single vaccine dose, according to Health Ministry data. 600 Monroe Ave., Scranton, PA 18510 570-342-6271 OHEV ZEDEK CONGREGATION Rabbi Mordechai Fine 1432 Mulberry St., Scranton, PA 18510 You Lif – You Legac... TEMPLE HESED Affiliation: Union for Reform Judaism Rabbi Daniel J. Swartz Wha ’ i You Hear Co-Presidents: Esther Adelman, Cheryl Friedman & Steve Seitchik 1 Knox St., Scranton, PA 18505 (Off Lake Scranton Rd.) 570-344-7201 • website: www.TempleHesed.org You have poured your heart and soul into our E-mail: [email protected] Jewish community and made a di erence. Whether First Friday Shabbat 6pm, other Fridays 8 pm; Chanting your greatest passion is your congregation, an Circle Saturdays at 11:30 am organization, or a school, that commitment stands TEMPLE ISRAEL OF DUNMORE as a testament to your values. Contact person: Jay Schectman, 570-954-9354 515 East Drinker St., Dunmore, PA 18512 Saturday morning Shabbat 7:30 am, also services for Yizkor Now is the time to take the next step in TEMPLE ISRAEL OF THE POCONOS making it an enduring part of your Affiliation: United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Rabbi Baruch Melman • President: Shell Farber Jewish legacy. 711 Wallace St., Stroudsburg, PA 18360 (one block off Rt. 191 (5th Street) at Avenue A) As you plan for the future, think about what 570-421-8781 • website: www.templepoconos.org your Jewish legacy means to you. And please E-mail: [email protected] Friday evening Shabbat 6 pm; Saturday morning Shabbat 10:30 am consider the institutions closest to your heart TEMPLE ISRAEL OF SCRANTON in your will or estate plan. Affiliation: United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Rabbi: Rabbi Miriam Spitzer Cantor: Vladimir Aronzon • President: Howard Spizer 918 East Gibson St., Scranton, PA 18510 (located at the Pleas joi th Jewis Federatio o Northeaster Pennsylvani€ corner of Gibson & Monroe Sts.) 570-342-0350 • e-mail: [email protected] i ‚ecurinƒ th futur o th Jewis communit. Mon. & Thurs. 7:15 am; Tues., Wed. & Fri. 7:25 am; Rosh Chodesh & Chagim weekdays, 7 am; Shabbat morning Please contact Mark Silverberg at 961-2300 or service 9:30 am [email protected] for more information. APRIL 15, 2021 ■ THE REPORTER 7 Exhibit Continued from page 9 exhibition curator Yona Kobo. “To go back and trace the envisioning meeting their loved ones again and going beginning of mass murder as Nazi policy, to see all the home together when all this was over.” professors, teachers, doctors they killed – and so many It was a trial by fire that forged strong women, enrich- babies – many of them murdered by their neighbors. ing those who survived with knowledge well beyond the “Of all the exhibitions I’ve worked on, this had been the generations of Jewish women before them, empowering hardest,” she adds. “I kept seeing my own grandchildren them to teach and transmit Jewish tradition to their chil- who are so cute and thinking if they lived in those days dren and communities. people would look at them and think they were scum This doesn’t surprise historian Katz. “All the jokes and had no right to live.” made about Jewish mothers don’t recognize the truth,” In 1933, young Ida Bernstein’s family encouraged he says. “The Jewish mother has made the survival of her to leave their home in Ylakiai, Lithuania, for the the Jewish people possible. In fact, more than anything, hard-scrabble existence of pre-state Palestine. “My moth- since the destruction of the Second Temple – when we er went with their full support,” says her son Yitzchak Six of the Bernstein siblings, photo taken in Ylakiai, had no temple and no state anymore – the rabbis knew Lev. “She was so attached to her family, and she knew Lithuania, February 1933. Top row (l-r): Arye-Leib, the Jewish home would be the key to our survival.” how much they worried about her being so far away.” Ida and Benzion. Bottom row: Rivka, Menachem and Tragically, there were times when family love and Indeed, a postcard written on May 9, 1941 – one side in Hinda. They were all murdered in the Holocaust except loyalty actually cost lives. The exhibition features the the Yiddish of her parents, Eta and Jacob, and the other in for Ida, who immigrated to Eretz Israel (Mandatory invitation and group photo for the wedding of Zalman Hebrew by her sister, Hinda – echoes these feelings. “Dear Palestine) on February 5, 1933, taking this photo with Jershov and Luba Pilschik on December 26, 1937. Four Ida, we are very worried about you,” her father wrote. “For her. (Photo courtesy of Yad Vashem) years later, all the Jews of their hometown of Zilupe, God’s sake, write often, we are waiting for good news from Latvia, including many in the photo, were ordered into the you. Mother doesn’t sleep and mentions you all the time.” by the Germans when their ship was stranded in Yugoslavia. market square. From there, they were taken out of town “My mother knew how much her family looked forward With so many men taken to work in forced labor camps, and shot by members of the local home-guard militia. to joining her here in Israel as soon as the war was over,” much of the family life-and-death decision-making fell On the way to the killing fields, Zalman, with his wife says Lev. But two months after sending the postcard, that squarely on the women. “It was a time when the job of and two small sons, was recognized by a local policeman dream died as her parents and four of their seven children the women became enlarged, they had to be the ones with whom he’d served in the Latvian army who offered were killed with Ylakiai’s other 300 Jews. By August to keep their families alive and ensure that Judaism to pull him out of line and save his life. A member of the 1941, not a single Jew was left in town. Since two more would continue,” says Rebbetzin Esther Farbstein, an militia reported that Zalman refused, saying he would of her siblings were murdered elsewhere during the war, Israeli historian who founded and directs the Center for remain with his family and the others, including his his mother was the only one of the family to survive. Holocaust Studies at Michlalah–Jerusalem College and brother Yisrael and his family. Within minutes of that The Bernsteins are among the dozen families featured is author of “Hidden in Thunder: Perspectives on Faith, fateful decision, they were all dead. in the exhibition – families whose stories and photos Halachah and Leadership during the Holocaust.” “‘Stay together,’ my mother said. We wanted to stay bring this time and place to life. Those left to tell the tale “Where did their hope and strength come from in together, like everyone else,” Nobel Prize-winning author typically fell into one of three groups, Kobo points out: such a horrible place? How did they do it?” she asks. and human-rights advocate Elie Wiesel wrote in “All Rivers Jews exiled to such far-flung Soviet outposts as Siberia By keeping their traditions as best they could, she says Run to the Sea.” “Family unity is one of our important or Kazakhstan, those who hid with groups of partisans – by lighting threads on Friday nights and saying the traditions … and this was the essential thing – families in the forests and others – many of them children – taken candle-lighting blessing over them, by fasting on Tisha would remain together. And we believed it. So it was that in by non-Jews. B’Av even when they knew they didn’t have to. “And the strength of our family tie, which had contributed to In such situations, untold thousands did the hardest by keeping pictures of their past in their minds and See “Exhibit 2” on page 8 thing any parent could ever do: Giving over their beloved child to strangers, entrusting them to people who, though they may feed and care for them, would not raise them in the time-honored ways of their forebearers. Halina Tenenbaum of Lvov, Poland (now Ukraine) was an only child who was born into wealth; her father, Jonasz, was a lawyer and professional violinist. She was 13 in the summer of 1942 when her father dropped her off at the home of a- Chris tian friend. Within the year, he’d been part of a roundup of Lvov Jews and taken to the Janowska concentration Halina Tenenbaum of camp, where he was killed. Lvov at the children’s Her mother, Stephania, sur- home in Zabrze, Poland, vived hiding with other Jews after the war. She in a movie theater until one immigrated to the Jewish month before liberation, state, where she changed when someone turned them her name to Ilana Ben- in. They were among the last Israel. (Photo courtesy Jews of Lvov to be killed. But of Yad Vashem) their sacrifice paid off: Their child survived. At war’s end, Halina immigrated to an Israeli kibbutz, where she lived out her years as Ilana. And, in the case of the Knesbach family of Vienna, there is a poignant moment in 1939 where Fanny, whose parents Osias and Jetti, in an effort to get her out of harm’s way, sent her to England after she’d finished her medical studies. Seeing them receding into the distance as the train took her away from home – and toward safety – she wrote, “I stuck my head out… I wanted to keep the imprint of my parents’ faces. For a few yards, they kept up with my window while the train was still moving at a walking pace. “‘Don’t cry, Fannerle, we rejoice that you are leaving!’ and tears were streaming down Mama’s cheeks. ‘B’shanah ha- ba’ah b’Yerushalayim!’ Papa shouted above the hissing steam. ‘Next year in Jerusalem!’ The train was gaining on them… I Fanny Knesbach (later held my handkerchief out Stang), Vienna, 1937. of the window at arm’s (Photo courtesy of Yad length and caught a last Vashem) glimpse of them. Two tiny figures. Then tears blinded me completely… I may never see them again! ‘Never, Never’ went the mocking rhythm of the train.” Sadly, Fanny’s fears proved to be well-founded. Her par- ents, trying to escape to Israel with other Jews, were murdered ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 8 THE REPORTER ■ APRIL 15, 2021 NEWS IN BRIEF From JNS.org by more than a dozen leading Jewish and pro-Israel groups, including the Anti-Defamation Symbolic synagogue, prayer space unveiled at Babi Yar League, B’nai B’rith, the Orthodox Union, the Zionist Organization of America, the Combat Anti-Semitism Movement and Christians United for Israel – calls on lawmakers to urge Marking Yom Hashoah – Holocaust Remembrance Day on the Jewish calendar – the “U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres to shield students in U.N.-run schools from lessons Babyn Yar Holocaust Memorial Center unveiled its very first Jewish prayer space on steeped in antisemitism and supportive of violence. ... It is critical that we stand together April 8. The symbolic synagogue structure was opened at a ceremony that included to demand systemic reform to educational materials used by … UNRWA before one more prayers led by Ukraine and Kyiv Chief Rabbi Yaakov Dov Bleich, alongside nine other child is taught from textbooks riddled with hateful lessons,” the letter states. It cited a recent rabbis. The event was addressed by Jewish world leaders and other dignitaries. Atten- report by IMPACT-se that discovered how UNRWA staff have authored and disseminated dance was limited due to ongoing coronavirus restrictions in Ukraine. A total of 33,771 educational content, which in some cases was “more egregious than that of the Palestinian Jewish victims were shot at the Babi Yar ravine by the Nazis during just two days, Sept. Authority.” It further adds that “Guterres can play an important role to ensure transparency, 29-30, 1941. Tens of thousands of Ukrainians, Roma, mentally ill and others were shot accountability and oversight that will stop the decades-long practice of teaching children to thereafter at Babi Yar throughout the Nazi occupation of Kiev. The estimated number hate.” The letter comes as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced it is restoring of victims murdered there is about 100,000, making it Europe’s largest mass grave. $150 million in aid to UNRWA that had been cut under the Trump administration. “For many years, [this place] has had no proper stone or memorial,” said Bleich. “I find it telling that the first structure of the memorial will be a place for introspection and Iowa’s student gov’t votes for “Jewish constituency senator” prayer designed symbolically as a synagogue. This will help visitors relate to the mass The Undergraduate Student Government at the University of Iowa passed a bill on murder that took place,” he explained, “and not forget the spirituality or the origins of April 6 to establish a Jewish constituency senator who will begin in the fall semester, those Jews murdered on the eve of Yom Kippur and Yom Kippur itself.” Designed by reported the student-run publication The Daily Iowan. The legislation was first rejected international architect Manuel Herz – whose previous projects include the Synagogue of on March 24 but brought back for a vote after Jewish students caused an uproar over Mainz and “Ballet Mécanique” in Zurich – the symbolic synagogue takes its inspiration the need for representation in student government. It passed with 95 percent voting from 17th- and 18th-century wooden Ukrainian synagogues. When closed, the building “yes” on April 6. “At its core, this is anti-discrimination legislation,” said Sen. Prakruti is a flat structure that’s manually opened, then unfolds into the three-dimensional Pancholi while introducing the legislation. “It is our job as USG to condemn all forms space of the synagogue structure. The design also features an interior that references of discrimination on campus that undergraduate students face.” The original bill was two destroyed 17th- and 18th-century Ukrainian synagogues. It forms part of a planned, amended to include the working definition of antisemitism by the International Ho- wider multifaith space for prayer and reflection, to be completed in due course. The locaust Remembrance Alliance. Another modification, proposed by Pancholi, moved symbolic synagogue is the first to be completed in the planned memorial complex. A the implementation of the new position from the 2022-23 school year to the current dozen buildings are planned for the complex, including a museum to commemorate the academic year so that a Jewish constituency senator will take office by the fall semester. Babi Yar massacre; a museum to commemorate the holocaust of Ukrainian and Eastern The Jewish constituency senator will be appointed by the school’s Hillel. Mollie Chez, European Jewry as a whole; a structure depicting the names of victims; a religious/ the president of Iowa’s Hillel, said there will be an internal election for the position. spiritual center; an educational and scientific research center; a multimedia center; a Israeli president tasks Netanyahu with forming next gov’t learning and recreational space for children; and an information and conference center. Israeli President Reuven Rivlin gave Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the man- Pro-Israel groups press Congress to help end “hateful date on April 6 to form the country’s next government. In his address, broadcast from the content” in UNRWA schools President’s Residence in Jerusalem, Rivlin noted that in the seven years since his election th Several pro-Israel and Jewish organizations are urging U.S. legislators to pressure the by the 19 Knesset, there have been five Knesset elections, four of them in just two years. United Nations to end antisemitic content found in the curriculum of schools run by the U.N. During his consultations with the representatives of all Knesset factions on April 5, he said Relief and Works Agency. The letter to Congress – spearheaded by Hadassah and signed 52 Knesset members had requested that Netanyahu be tasked with forming a government, while 45 recommended Yesh Atid Party head Yair Lapid. Seven MKs had requested that Yamina Party leader Naftali Bennett be asked to form a government, while 16 had made no recommendation, he added. “The results of the consultations, which were open to all, Exhibit 2 Continued from page 7 led me to believe that no candidate has a realistic chance of forming a government that the survival of our people for centuries, Holocaust and told me before she died that will have the confidence of the Knesset,” he said. “Given this state of affairs, when there became a tool in the exterminator’s hands.” the proudest moment of her life had been is no majority of 61 Knesset members supporting a particular candidate and without But 80 years later, the Jewish family when I joined the Israel Defense Forces. additional considerations indicating the chances of the candidates to form a government, lives on. “When I think of the power of ‘Now we’re not powerless anymore,’ she I have come to a decision based on the numbers of recommendations, which indicates family,” says curator Kobo, “I can’t help said. ‘And my daughter is one of the soldiers that MK Benjamin Netanyahu has a slightly higher chance of forming a government. but remember my mother, who survived the protecting us.’” Accordingly, I have decided to entrust him with the task of doing so,” he said.

Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania 2021 UJA Campaign WE CAN MAKE THE WORLD BETTER BY WORKING TOGETHER The mission of the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania is to rescue the imperiled, care for the vulnerable, support Israel and world Jewry, and revitalize and perpetuate Jewish life in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

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