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 XIV, NUMBER 4 MARCH 4, 2021 JFNP established Emergency Fund to assist Texas Jewish communities As each of you know, the Jewish Jewish Federation of San Antonio, as and strength of our people. by the freezing weather, allowing them to Federation of Northeastern Pennsylva- well as the smaller Network communities In response to this effort, Houston get through the immediate emergency and nia on many occasions has participated in Brownsville, Bryan/College Station, Federation President and CEO Kari Dunn rebuild from this disaster. in emergency fund-raising efforts in the Corpus Christi, Galveston, McAllen, Tyler Saratovsky commented that “there’s very The Jewish Federation of Northeastern U.S., in Israel and around the world to and Waco. Where there is need, they have little that is warm in Texas right now, but Pennsylvania is participating in this effort assist in responding to crises of all kinds. supplied warm blankets, bottled water and I can tell you that my heart is very warm, and invites each of you to join, as well. Unfortunately, events unfolding in Texas plumbing assistance. thanks to all of you! You are an incredible Please share this information with others as a result of the recent deep freeze are JFNA has already stepped up to help group of colleagues and friends.” who might be inclined to contribute to yet another instance when we are called their colleagues in Texas. Within a few In addition to this generous outpouring this cause. upon to assist our people. hours, the Large Intermediate Federa- of support, JFNA’s Emergency Com- We will continue to evaluate and ad- Our national Federation office in New tions of North America pulled together to mittee, a volunteer body that allocates dress the situation. In the meantime, we York has been in close contact with all of contribute funds to their peers in Dallas emergency funds contributed by the com- send our love and best wishes to all the the Texas Federations – Dallas, Shalom and Houston – enough to support 1,000 munity to address disaster relief, opened communities affected by the storm. Austin, the Jewish Federation of Greater Shabbat packages along with kosher hot a national mailbox (https://form.jotform. Mark Silverberg, El Paso, the Jewish Federation of Fort meals at multiple locations. Our national com/210493421444954) to ensure that Executive Director Worth and Tarrant County, the Jewish Federation office was proud to contribute additional contributions flow to commu- Jewish Federation of Northeastern Federation of Greater Houston and the to their effort, which highlights the beauty nities throughout Texas and elsewhere hit Pennsylvania Texas Jewish communities mobilize to get food, medicine to those in need BY FAYGIE HOLT Both initiatives have allowed the Gold- walls and through ceilings. At least 30 (JNS) – On any given day, people com- feders to supply even more food – the people have died since February 14 from ing into the Kosher Palate in Dallas do so plan was to provide meals at least through the cold. Power has been restored to much know they are going to be spending money February 19. The GoFundMe effort proved of the state, although clean water and even on groceries or prepared foods. However, so successful that the couple has been able food in some areas remain scarce. hundreds of people were treated to free hot to set aside some of the funds to provide It was amid these conditions – and meals made by the staff of the supermarket/ Passover items to Jews in need, as well despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic catering company amid the recent week as sending funds to help people in Austin – that members of the Jewish communities of brutally cold winter weather. who are in need. throughout the Lone Star State mobilized “My husband being the kind of guy Additionally, a truck filled with addi- to help people in need. They opened their he is, he likes to feed people, and he said tional kosher-food provisions for Shabbat doors to friends without power, cooked there are people who are at home and no arrived in Dallas on February 19 from meals, arranged for medication pickups way to get hot food, so we have to feed the Lev Rochel Bikur Cholim – a Jewish for those homebound, and, in one extreme Members of a Jewish family got them,” said Miriam Goldfeder, who, along organization in Lakewood, NJ – while a case, mobilized to ensure that hundreds vaccinated at a Texas synagogue after with her husband, Chaim, owns Kosher chef friend of Chaim Goldfeder flew down of doses of critically needed coronavirus a freezer lost power. (Photo by Rabbi Palate. “That was Tuesday night [February on February 18 from his home in New vaccines would not go to waste. Barry Gelman) 16], and we have fed about 1,000 people Jersey to help with the on-site cooking. “Many members of our community each night since. I saw people who came A massive plunge of arctic air and have been without power,” said Rabbi in that I have never seen before.” winter storms throughout Texas knocked Ari Sunshine of Congregation Shearith 2021 UJA Goldfeder, who also opened their home out power for nearly 4.5 million residents Israel in Dallas. “We’ve also heard about to family friends who had no heat, ex- the week of February 14 as the state’s a number of folks who had pipes burst, plained that “we have a full kosher kitchen, power grid was unable to keep up with and in some cases, had flooding damage Pay it forward & give to so we have the cooking capability, as well demand brought on by the record cold. ranging from minor to quite major. the 2021 Jewish Federation as cases full of meats and chicken. Plus, Power-generation stations and the elec- “At Shearith Israel, we have been trying of Northeastern Pennsylvania we are preparing for Pesach, so we have tric grid in Texas – separate from the rest to match up congregants in need of resources Annual Campaign! more on hand than usual.” of the country, and as such, unable to (hot food, warmth, a warm place to sleep, etc.) A GoFundMe account was established get help from neighboring states – were with other congregants who have not been to help offset the costs of the meals. The not properly winterized to handle the affected,” said Sunshine, who, along with Goal: Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas also below-freezing temperatures. The precip- his family, took advantage of a member’s $970,000 For information or to contributed funding and arranged for itation made travel outdoors dangerous hospitality as he had no power for two days. make a donation call $914,032 three communal food distribution sites while indoors, water pipes froze and then Now back at home, Sunshine said his 570-961-2300 ext. 1 or as of Feb. 25, 2021 send your gift to: in different parts of the city. ruptured, sending floods cascading down congregation is continuing to look after Jewish Federation others. “We have initiated an emergency of Northeastern Pennsylvania fund-raising effort tied into the mitzvah of 601 Jefferson Ave., matanot l’evyonim for Purim to raise money Scranton, PA 18510 (Please MEMO your to help those in our Jewish community and pledge or gift 2021 larger Dallas community who are in most UJA Campaign) acute need,” he said, “with 50 percent of the funds going to Jewish Family Service of Greater Dallas and 50 percent going to the North Texas Food Bank.” In the first 24 hours of the campaign, which was scheduled to run until Purim started on February 25, the synagogue had Long lines at an HEB grocery store in Austin, TX, following power outages and already raised nearly $20,000. frigid temperatures on February 16. (Photo by Wienot Films/Shutterstock) See “Texas” on page 10 Candle lighting INSIDE THIS ISSUE March 5...... 5:40 pm March 12...... 5:48 pm Cyber-attacks Digging up the past Holocaust March 19...... 5:24 pm March 26...... 7:04 pm A former IDF intel officer says Fabric fragments, dating to the Polish court’s ruling in libel case foreign cyber-attack units are Iron Age, with royal purple dye causes concern; childhood friends PLUS targeting the U.S. and Israel. have been found; and more. Zoom after decades of separation. Opinion...... 2 Story on page 5 Stories on page 6 Stories on page 10 D’var Torah...... 8 2 THE REPORTER ■ MARCH 4, 2021 A MATTER OF OPINION Unmasking Palestinian “human rights” groups BY HILLEL FRISCH “human rights” organizations covering venerable organization Al-Haq (founded Human Rights. A medicine shortage for (BESA Center via JNS) – Recently, an Israel and the Palestinians – probably the in 1979) did not investigate, condemn or which Israel is blamed and a press release Arab Christian gynecologist, Dr. Salamah highest density of human rights organi- even mention the incident. A search for entitled “Israel Deprives Gaza Population Qumsiyeh, was brutally attacked in Beth- zations in the world relative to the size the terms “Christian” and “Christians” on of COVID-19 Vaccine” figure prominent- lehem. His assailant attempted to slash his of their beat – investigated these claims. its website was no more fruitful. ly on the site’s home page. On the attacks wrists (there is a video that documents the An internet search revealed that no or- The name of Addameer, an organiza- in the Bethlehem area, or the claims made wounds the doctor sustained – it is not for ganization other than Jihad Watch covered tion closely linked to the Popular Front around them, there is not a word. the faint of heart). This was the second the attack on Qumsiyeh or the allegations for the Liberation of Palestine, means The European Union and its member attack on a physician in the Palestinian of systematic maltreatment of Christians in “conscience” in Arabic. Despite its name, states are major if not dominant contrib- territories within a year. the Bethlehem area, where Christians are this “human rights” organization has few utors to these organizations, which are The internet site Jihad Watch, which is now a minority. The search only revealed moral qualms about multiple brutal attacks long on “lawfare” against purported Israeli run by a former resident of Beit Jalah (a the “occupation forces’” alleged attacks by a well-known gang leader with Isla- human rights violations, but highly choosy Christian town neighboring Bethlehem) on Christians several years ago. mist tendencies. Like Al-Haq, Addameer about which human rights violations who was until recently an anti-terrorist The Israeli “human rights” organization made no mention of these incidents. No should be investigated. investigator at the State Department, B’Tselem takes its name from the biblical condemnation, no investigation, no call What moral values can justify disregard claims the attack was committed by Khadr verse stating that man is made in God’s upon the P.A. to look into them. for the welfare of Christian Arabs living Odeh from the Aida refugee camp. Odeh image. While the organization’s self-de- A symbol long associated with the exer- under the P.A., which the European Union is a gang leader with close links to the clared aim is to cover Israeli violations cise of justice in an impartial manner, the and its numerous bodies and member Palestinian Authority security apparatus. in the “occupied territories,” still, it must Scales (Al-Mezan), is the name of another states finance to the tune of hundreds of The motive appears to have been alleged surely acknowledge that Christian Arabs Palestinian “human rights” organization. millions of euros each year? malpractice involving the physician’s are also made in His image. The possible Justice, in this organization’s worldview, Nor is Israel above criticism, as it treatment of the assailant’s wife. violation of their rights should be a matter does not apply to the small and diminish- prefers to stay silent about the plight of a Qumsiyeh admitted, in a short inter- of concern to the group. ing Christian minority in its midst. Here, minority that lives just a few kilometers view from his hospital bed, that he knew Again, the purpose of my search was too, there was no mention made by this away in order to maintain security coop- his attacker, but did not name him, prob- not to determine whether other investiga- organization of the incidents. eration with the P.A. ably out of fear. His brief remarks mostly tions confirmed the claims made by Jihad Its press releases instead noted the The costs of politically motivated law- comprised a plea to the P.A. to take action. Watch, but whether other investigations “landmark” decision of the International fare organizations masquerading as human According to Jihad Watch, Odeh and took place at all. Criminal Court that it had jurisdiction to rights organizations, such as B’Tselem and his gang have committed a spate of attacks The answer is simple: Not only were investigate alleged Israeli war crimes, Al-Haq, are borne by far more Palestinians on Christians in the Bethlehem area. The there no other investigations, but no condemned a suspect accompanying a than only the Christian Arab minority. head of the P.A.’s Bethlehem District mention was made of either these grave cancer patient from Gaza for treatment Ironically, the people these organizations acknowledged Odeh’s involvement in incidents or the claims that the P.A. is in Israel, and made an appeal against are supposed to protect have become the four brutal attacks in the past year, but complicit in attacks on Arab Christians. Israeli demolitions during the pandemic. victims of their discriminatory focus. did not mention that the victims were all Checking all the Palestinian human Al-Mezan did declare its opposition to the Hillel Frisch is a professor of political Christians. The official P.A. and PLO line rights organizations is far beyond the lack of due process in Gaza courts and two studies and Middle East studies at Bar- is that all Palestinians are treated equally scope of a short article. The Palestine death sentences carried out by the “Gaza Ilan University, and a senior research and that brotherly love prevails between Human Rights Organizations Council authorities,” a reference to Hamas, which associate at the Begin-Sadat Center for Muslims and Christians in the Bethlehem lists 12 of them. We’ll make do with the controls the area. Strategic Studies. area and elsewhere. best-known ones. Much the same picture emerges regard- This article was first published by the There are, of course, two sides to every An internet search revealed that the ing the Gaza-based Palestinian Centre for Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies. story. The question is whether the many Make Israel education about the learner BY MOSHE LENCER earned my master’s degree through the class, arts and/or cultural events or any (JNS) – We must always remember program. other experience that enables people to that where we are today is because of the One of the program’s unique aspects, build their own meaningful relationships “ The Reporter” (USPS #482) is published bi-weekly by the people who came before us. especially for an Israeli, is the Israel with Israel. Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA 18510. In my life, this is easy. As the youngest travel experience. In the summer of Following my graduation from The of four, I was always able to try more 2019, my cohort flew to Israel and iCenter’s program, my sister enrolled. President: Esther Adelman Executive Director: Mark Silverberg new activities at an earlier age because spent a week of unforgettable adven- Her cohort was the first to bring together my sisters trailblazed the path. More im- tures (and even a random meet-up with Israeli and American students. She said, Executive Editor: Rabbi Rachel Esserman portantly, my desire to learn and educate the musician Jon Bon Jovi in the hotel “The program gives me an opportunity Layout Editor: Diana Sochor came from my sisters, too. lobby), seeing my country through a to share my educational experience in the Advertising Representative: Kathy Brown Growing up in Is- Jewish world, and Bookkeeper: Kathy Brown Production Associate: Christi Sturdevant rael afforded my sib- As educators, we need to always be learning, especially from brings my authentic lings and me unique those around us. Israel education, when done right, is about the point of view as an OPINIONS The views expressed in experiences; we all Israeli educator to editorials and opinion pieces are those served in leadership people learning, not just the people teaching. In this approach, the Israel education of each author and not necessarily roles during our time Israel is a cornerstone of identity development. ecosystem.” the views of the Jewish Federation of in the Israel Defense As an alumnus, Northeastern Pennsylvania. Forces. After our service, all four of us new perspective and, of course, visiting experiencing the program through my LETTERS The Reporter welcomes were accepted into the Jewish Agency for my family. sister’s eyes – and seeing where it al- letters on subjects of interest to the Israel’s Summer Shlichim Program to vol- A year ago, Moran and I utilized our ready has evolved – reinforces both how Jewish community. All letters must be shared experiences gained from the Jew- complex and rewarding Israel education signed and include a phone number. unteer at Jewish summer camps in North The editor may withhold the name America. This experience introduced us ish educational world. At her son Yona- is. As educators, we need to always be upon request. to the concept of Israel education for the tan’s bar mitzvah, we co-led a ceremony learning, especially from those around ADS The Reporter does not necessar- first time. that blended ancient Jewish traditions and us. Israel education, when done right, ily endorse any advertised products My oldest sister, Moran, pioneered texts with more contemporary readings is about the people learning, not just and services. In addition, the paper this adventure in our family. After her and practices. Moran added personal the people teaching. In this approach, is not responsible for the kashruth of summer at the Chicago Heller Jewish and modern interpretations to the cel- Israel is a cornerstone of identity devel- any advertiser’s product or establish- Community Center, she spent a year ebration. We used one of The iCenter’s opment. While it may play a variety of ment. volunteering at the Jewish community in fundamental values of a “learner-centered roles in the different identities of young DEADLINE Regular deadline is two Helsinki, Finland, and then three years as approach” to education. The entire ex- people, Israel should be a part of any weeks prior to the publication date. a JAFI shlicha in Michigan. She directed perience was designed with Yonatan’s Jewish education. Learners should be the Habonim Dror youth movement in involvement based around his greatest encouraged to engage with that aspect FEDERATION WEBSITE: the U.S. Midwest and worked for the passion – surfing – and his bar mitzvah of their identity. www.jewishnepa.org Israel and Overseas Department in the Torah portion Terumah, which covers How do we encourage this? A deft HOW TO SUBMIT ARTICLES: Metro Detroit Federation. Now she is the the construction of the ancient Jewish approach and extensive knowledge base Mail: 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA partnerships director at Machshava Tova, Temple. We drew out lessons from the enable us to adapt to any learner’s interests 18510 an Israeli nonprofit that aims to narrow portion that paralleled what becoming and strengths, allowing individuals to E-mail: [email protected] social gaps by bringing more technology an adult looks and feels like. Yonatan create meaningful connections to Israel. Fax: (570) 346-6147 to underprivileged populations. began to understand the biblical text My sister and I think about and experience Phone: (570) 961-2300 My own journey as an Israel educator because we helped make it meaningful Israel in different ways, just as our students included returning for a second year to and relevant to his experience at this do. Israel education – like the state, land HOW TO REACH THE my North American summer camp, and specific stage of life. and people – is an ever-changing learning ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: then working for Alpha Epsilon Pi as the Approaching Israel education through opportunity that we, as educators, can Phone: (800) 779-7896, ext. 244 director of Jewish enrichment and educa- the learner’s experience opens more possi- design for anyone. E-mail: [email protected] tion. It was in this role that I participated bilities for educators. We are no longer just Moshe Lencer graduated from The SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: in the inaugural cohort of The iCenter’s confined to dates in Israel’s history that we iCenter’s graduate degree in Israel Phone: (570) 961-2300 Graduate Certificate In Israel Education feel compelled to transmit. Instead, Israel education program at George Washington at George Washington University. I then education can occur through a cooking University. MARCH 4, 2021 I THE REPORTER 3 Jewish resources to occupy your COMMUNITY NEWS family during social distancing – Bais Yaakov holding part 22 BY REPORTER STAFF ‹ The Jewish National Fund is holding $100,000 raffl e A variety of Jewish groups are off ering virtual tours of Israel. The cost is $50 Bais Yaakov of Scranton announced a online resources – educational and recre- per Zoom spot. For more information, $100,000 grand prize raffl e opportunity. ational – for those who are not allowed visit www.jnf.org/visit-israel/jnf-virtu- One ticket for $100 is an entry into its out of the house. Below is a sampling of al-tours-to-israel. raffl e to win the grand prize, as well as a those. The Reporter will publish additional ‹ The National Council of Jewish Women chance at 10 other prizes. “Due to the fact listings as they become available. will hold the virtual event “#RuthsRev- that our school was unable to engage with ‹ The Tikvah Fund off ers Ruth Wisse’s olution Continues: An Exploration of the public in our usual fund-raising events course on “‘Daniel Deronda’: George Reproductive Freedom in Honor of Justice this year, your support is needed now more Eliot’s Novel of Jewish Nationalism.” Ginsburg” on Monday, March 15, at 4:30 than ever,” said organizers of the raffl e. The eight lectures can be found at https:// pm. For more information, visit /www. The deadline for entries is Monday, March tikvahfund.org/course/daniel-deronda/. ncjw.org/events/ruthsrevolution-contin- 8. To purchase a ticket, visit https://100k- There is no charge to listen to the lectures ues-an-exploration-of-reproductive-free- sweepstakes.com/byscranton/. “Help us and registration includes a study guide. dom-in-honor-of-justice-ginsburg/. reach our goal,” organizers added. ‹ LIBERATION75 will hold virtual ‹ The Center for Jewish History will Bais Yaakov of Scranton is a private Jew- programs to commemorating the 75th an- hold the virtual program “Family History ish high school for girls located in the heart niversary of liberation from the Holocaust Today: Location, Location, Location – of Scranton’s historic hill section. Founded from May 4-9. The programs will include Historical Maps in Genealogy Research” in 1968, the Bais Yaakov stresses academic lectures, fi lms, interactive exhibits. There on Wednesday, March 17, at 4 pm. Ed excellence in both limudei kodesh and lim- is no cost to attend. For more information Mitukiewicz, map consultant for the udei chol, with an emphasis on character and to see the schedule, visit www.liber- documentary fi lm “Raise the Roof,” will development, chesed and responsibility ation75.org/conference. demonstrate how to use historical map to the community. It seeks to prepare its and delivering challahs at other senior resi- ‹ YIVO is off ering courses in Yiddish websites and geographic information students to excel in institutions of higher dences. With challah and soup in hand, they language, Jewish history and Jewish cul- databases. For more information, visit learning both in the U.S. and eretz Israel. brighten hospital stays. They run Shabbos ture that are open to the general public. https://genealogy.cjh.org/events. “Bais Yaakov of Scranton has shown youth groups and a homework help program, For course listings and more information, ‹ JTA and the Israel Democracy Insti- what a diff erence an individual can make,” as well. Given its success in education, its visit www.yivo.org/classes. tute are holding the series “Present: The said Esther Elefant, the principal of the warm, nurturing environment and its loca- ‹ The Herb Alpert School of Music will Future of Israel.” Upcoming lectures in- school. “The girls are a veritable whirlwind tion in a small, wholesome community, the hold the free program “Album Drop: clude “Why does Bibi Keep Winning, and of good-hearted energy, off ering smiles and school has become a place for girls from out Clarinetist and Composer Michael Whatever Happened to the Israeli Left?” comforting words. They visit, entertain and of town who have benefi tted from this envi- Winograd” on Thursday, March 25, at on Wednesday, March 10, at noon; and assist at meal times in the Jewish Home of ronment. How can one school accomplish 8 pm. For more information or to reg- “Israel’s Arab Citizens at a Crossroads” Eastern Pennsylvania, as well as visiting, so much? It’s really miraculous!” ister, visit https://schoolofmusic.ucla. on Wednesday, March 17, at noon. Visit edu/resources/lowellmilkenmaje/cel- https://www.myjewishlearning.com/ ebrating-klezmer-and-yiddish-music/. the-hub/jta-and-the-israel-democra- NEWS IN BRIEF ‹ The ICenter is off ering a certifi cate pro- cy-institute-present-the-future-of-israel From JNS.org gram in “Experiential Israel Education,” a for more information and to sign up for Israel, Germany ink deal to equip tanks with Israeli protection systems six-week hands-on program that “invites the lectures. each of us to render our own color palettes ‹ The virtual program “For the Love of Israel and Germany have signed an agreement to supply the latter’s fl eet of Leopard 2 and design new educational frameworks Opera: Celebrating RBG’s 88th Birthday” tanks with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems’ Trophy active protection system, the Israeli for deepening relationships with Israel will be presented by the National Museum Defense Ministry announced on Feb. 23. The agreement includes the provision of systems and Israelis.” For more information, visit of American Jewish History, Opera Phila- for a company of tanks, interceptors and spare parts, as well as operational and technical https://certifi cate.theicenter.org/, phone delphia and the Lowell Milken Center for training, according to the ministry. The systems will be delivered over the next several years. 847-418-8336 or e-mail Ari Berkowicz Music of American Jewish Experience at ([email protected]). The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music. ‹ Halah, https://jerusalism.com/halah/, It will feature commentary, as well as off ers contemporary Israeli literature in performances recorded in NMAJH’s Dell DEADLINES English. Theater and UCLA’s Schoenberg Hall The following are deadlines for all articles and ‹ Americans for Peace and Tolerance will on Monday, March 15, at 8 pm. It will photos for upcoming Reporter issues. hold the webinar “The Failure of Jewish air via Facebook Live on the NMAJH DEADLINE ISSUE Leadership: ‘Where’s the ADL?’” on Facebook page, the Opera Philadelphia Wednesday, March 10, at noon. Charles Facebook page and the Lowell Milken Thursday, March 4 ...... March 18 Jacobs will interview Prof. William A. Center for Music of American Jewish Thursday, March 18 ...... April 1 Jacobson, of Cornell Law School, and Experience and The UCLA Herb Alpert Thursday, April 1 ...... April 15 Jonathan S. Tobin, the editor-in-chief of School of Music Facebook pages, with a Thursday, April 15 ...... April 29 the Jewish News Syndicate. For more limited number of Zoom slots also avail- information or to register, visit https:// able. The production will be available zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XQKN- on-demand after the event on the above FpmySbO6gXp70CEy4A. Facebook pages, NMAJH’s website and ‹ IAC36 will hold a virtual “Yom on the Opera Philadelphia Channel. For Congregation B’nai Harim presents Hazikaron Ceremony” on Tuesday, more information, visit www.nmajh.org/ April 13, at 8:30 pm. The ceremony events/for-the-love-of-opera/. a Passover Baking Class will commemorate fallen Israeli sol- ‹ ISGAP – The Institute for the Study Join us on Monday, March 8, at 1 p.m., on Zoom diers and victims of terror. For more of Global Antisemitism and Policy will information, visit https://iac360.org/ hold several virtual programs, including event/yom-hazikaron-ceremony/. “Antisemitism in the Middle East,” featur- Tired of the same old Passover recipes? Join us as chef ‹ Hadassah sponsors two podcasts: “Ha- ing Dr. Najat Al Saied, professor, Zayed extraordinaire Nancy Dressel teaches us to make four dassah On Call” goes behind the scenes at University in Dubai, on Monday, March new and delicious Passover desserts. Hadassah’s hospitals and “The Branch” 22, at 11 am (https://us02web.zoom.us/ shares stories of Jews and Arabs who webinar/register/WN_EOQL5gdrSaO- All Gluten Free and some Dairy Free, too. are creating a shared society. For more IVGh0ytfnuA); and “The Holocaust Appropriate for beginner as well as advanced bakers. information, visit www.hadassah.org/ from the Arab People’s Point of View” Th e program will be facilitated by Honi Gruenberg. news-media/podcasts. See “Resources” on page 4 Friends and family are welcome. Th e Zoom link will be sent prior to the March 8th zoominar.

Please pre-register at [email protected] with your name and e-mail address.

B’nai Harim is pleased to off er these zoominars at no charge. Voluntary contributions to support B’nai Harim’s eff orts during these diffi cult times are appreciated. Please visit B’nai Harim’s website and consider joining our welcoming congregation, http://www.bnaiharimpoconos.org. Check out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or fi nd it on Facebook 4 THE REPORTER ■ MARCH 4, 2021 Negev Bedouin volunteers fix vandalized Jewish Israeli graveyard BY ABIGAIL KLEIN LEICHMAN (Israel21c via JNS) – After two Bedouin teenagers bragged on TikTok about vandalizing a Jewish graveyard at Moshav Nevatim about five miles south of Beersheva in the Negev Desert, a group of about 20 young adults from a variety of Bedouin villages sprang into action. Armed with paint and brushes, they headed to the cemetery the next morning – even though it was Friday, the Muslim Sabbath – and worked for hours to repair damaged tombstones, scraping and paint- ing over hateful graffiti. All these volunteers are recent alumni of Desert Stars, a nonprofit organization that creates a cross-tribal network of young The Bedouin volunteers who fixed up a vandalized Jewish graveyard in the Negev. Bedouin leaders in the Negev. At left, in white shirt, is Yochai (last name held on request), the cemetery’s caretaker. “Because they are connected to social (Photo courtesy of Desert Stars) media, they saw the post on TikTok and Bedouin men fixed broken tombstones at soon, there was a message that went out sides – to Jewish society but also inward their studies. Approximately 250,000 Arab a Jewish cemetery in the Negev Desert. on our alumni WhatsApp group,” said to the Bedouin society – so that everyone Bedouins live in nine Bedouin municipal- (Photo courtesy of Desert Stars) Desert Stars co-CEO Yousef Abu Jaffar. will know that we condemn vandalism ities and dozens of herding and farming That was on the afternoon of January 14. and that the youth of our society would villages scattered throughout the Negev. They took the time to clean and paint and “They called me when I was on my see that such acts give them no prestige, “We thought about 10 volunteers would put everything right as well as they could.” way home, and by seven in the evening, but rather the opposite. We will not accept come, and in the end, it was much more. This article first appeared in Israel21c. everyone was ready,” said Abu Jaffar. “I it, and we will not let such things slide.” said I would join them in the morning.” Alumni program manager Adam al-As- When he got to Nevatim at 8 am on sad bought the supplies the night before Friday, with fresh bourekas for everyone, and brought them to the cemetery. “We Resources Continued from page 3 they were almost done with the fix-up. would like all of Israeli society that has with Dr. Edy Cohen, researcher, Bar-Ilan Jewish Identity in Complex Times,” on Several volunteers posted on Desert heard about the vandalism to hear about University, on Monday, April 12, at 11 am Wednesday, March 17, from noon-1 pm, Stars’ Facebook page about why they the rectification as well,” wrote al-Assad. (https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regis- with Ambassador Fitzgerald Haney; “Being decided to make a show of solidarity. “We feel that showing the beautiful face ter/WN_YwLHjGS9QtuXZQruFR-0jg). Heumann: Promoting Everyone’s Abili- “Our actions are making a statement be- of Bedouin society is news that is just as ‹ The Jewish Council for Public Affairs ties” on Wednesday, April 7, from noon-1 yond the immediate impact,” wrote Saad important and that we can continue to will hold a virtual conference from April pm, with Judith Heumann, international Abu Ayad, an alumnus who now works spread a message of unity.” 25-26. For more information, visit https:// disability rights activist; and “Working for as an instructor in the Desert Stars high Abu Jaffar notes that the 20-somethings jcpa2021.org/. Diversity” on Monday, May 10, from noon-1 school’s informal education program. who volunteered came from different vil- ‹ JewishFiction.net announced that its pm, with Rabbi Isaiah Rothstein. All events “We are sending a message here to both lages, and all have jobs or are continuing Passover issue is now online. There is will be moderated by Dr. Erica Brown. For no charge to read the material, which can more information or to register, visit https:// be found at www.jewishfiction.net/index. docs.google.com/forms/d/1lz59BU8S- php/current-issue/. pQGyVZ0dGNKkfY231xUfR0c8wPP5x- At left: Bedouin men ‹ The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage 0cz1WQ/viewform?edit_requested=true. painted over graffiti at will hold a virtual program connected to ‹ The Lower East Side Jewish Conser- a Jewish cemetery in the exhibit “Notorious RBG.” On Wednes- vancy will hold the virtual “Nooks and Moshav Nevatim. (Photo day, March 24, at 4 pm, there will be a Crannies of New York City – a reprise courtesy of Desert Stars) program called “I Dissent: Discussion on presentation” on Wednesday, March 17, Election and Voting Rights” with Hon. from 7-8:30 pm. For more information or Patricia A. Blackmon, Eighth District to register, visit www.nycjewishtours.org/ Court of Appeals, and Elizabeth Bonham, event-log/nooks-and-crannies-of-nyc- ACLU. There is a $10 general charge. talk-on-zoom-wbtwd. The program qualifies for CLE credit ‹ The Center for Jewish History will hold through the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar “The Last Million: Europe’s Displaced Association for $40. To register, e-mail Persons from World War to Cold War,” fea- Congregation B’nai Harim presents [email protected]. turing author David Nasaw in conversation ‹ The Jewish Museum of Florida will with Atina Grossmann, on Wednesday, author Roger Price discussing his book hold “Color and Jewish Identity in India: March 24, at 4 pm. For more information A Conversation with Dr. Nathan Katz” on or to register, visit https://programs.cjh. “When Judaism Meets Science” Monday, March 15, from 7-8 pm. For more org/tickets/the-last-million-2021-03-24. information or to register, visit https://se- ‹ Pardes Institute for Jewish Studies will Thursday, March 18, at 7 pm, on Zoom cure.qgiv.com/for/jmoffiu/event/827303/. hold “Ma Nishtana: How are WE different ‹ The Mayberg Center for Jewish Leader- this Passover?” on Sunday, March 14, Author Roger Price will provide a timely dialogue ship will hold “Conversations on Inclusive from noon-4:30 pm. There will be three Leadership” featuring “Negotiating a Black sessions with several different options from his book “When Judaism Meets Science” and be offered each session. There is no charge interviewed by Dr. Richard Berkof. YOUR AD to attend, but a donation is requested. For more information or to register, visit www. Friends and family are welcome to join this COULD BE HERE! pardes.org.il/calendar/ma-nishtana-how- For information on advertising, are-we-different-this-passover/. fascinating program. call 1-800-779-7896, ext. 244 or e-mail [email protected] For additional resources, see previous issues of The Reporter on its website, www. “When Judaism Meets Science” by Roger Price can be purchased thereportergroup.org. from online book sellers.

Please pre-register by e-mailing [email protected] with your name and e-mail address.

The Zoom link will be sent to registrants prior to the March 18th program.

B’nai Harim is pleased to offer these zoominars at no charge. Voluntary contributions to support B’nai Harim’s efforts during these difficult times are appreciated. Please visit B’nai Harim’s website and consider joining our welcoming congregation, http://www.bnaiharimpoconos.org. MARCH 4, 2021 ■ THE REPORTER 5 Hundreds of foreign cyber-attack units are targeting U.S. and Israel, says former IDF intel officer BY YAAKOV LAPPIN the same time, companies are getting hacked, including (JNS) – The growing risks of cyber attacks faced by At left: Menny Barzilay, big companies… We have to ask ourselves: Is there a all organizations and individuals around the world is a chief technology way to be secure in today’s world? If those companies reflection of the fact that “for the first time in history, officer of the Blavatnik are being hacked, what should we do?” crime is being led by the smartest people in the world Interdisciplinary Cyber In the coming future, it is clear that “more of our – smart and creative people,” a leading Israeli cyber-se- Research Center at Tel Aviv data” is going to be stolen,” and that cyber incidents curity expert has warned. University (Photo courtesy will become more prevalent, he cautioned. Menny Barzilay, chief technology officer of the of JNS) There are multiple reasons for this trend, including the Blavatnik Interdisciplinary Cyber Research Center at Tel way the Internet is designed, which creates an inherent Aviv University and the co-founder of several compa- things, we are considered to be secure in today’s world.” asymmetry in cyberspace. Due to this design, it is easier nies, previously served as the chief information security The rule of thumb, he said, is that cyber security will to be a hacker than a cyber defender – much like it is officer in the intelligence services of the Israeli Defense become increasingly important with time, and that with easier to be a terrorist than a government. “If you’re Forces. He has also held several tech-related managerial change come new opportunities and new threats – all an attacker, you only have to succeed once. If you’re a positions in the largest Israeli banking group. part of a single inevitable two-sided coin. security person, you have to succeed 100 percent of the Speaking during a recent webinar, Barzilay said it was As new technology such as autonomous vehicles, time,” said Barzilay. vital to recognize that “everything is hackable; given robotics and smart cities become available, new cyber-se- “Attackers can attack whenever they want. Security has to enough time and money, nothing is safe. That does not curity solutions will also be necessary. “The challenge be 24-7,” he explained. “Attacking is very cheap. Security is mean we cannot be secure in today’s world. But the first is how to stay ahead of the problem,” said Barzilay, very costly. The hackers have no rules. Security has so many step is to acknowledge that everything is hackable. Pre- comparing obstacles to being a hockey player that goes rules and regulations. It’s like trying to guard a balloon with vention is not enough. We have to be able to prevent most “where the puck is going to be, not where it is now.” bare hands and the hackers have a pin, only needing to get it of the attacks, and also detect those that we did not stop In an age where there are so many cyber-security through the defender’s fingers once to blow up the balloon.” and respond effectively. If we know how to do those three startups, “it seems like we’re doing a great job, but at See “Cyber” on page 9 “Harry Potter” star narrates new Holocaust documentary for British students BY JNS STAFF The documentary “teaches students about the Ho- to schools and colleges until May 31. It fulfills the (JNS) – A new Holocaust documentary narrated by locaust as it contextualizes the survivor testimony and educational requirements of British students regarding British actor and “Harry Potter” star Jason Isaacs debuted references subsequent genocides and identifies suffering Holocaust education. recently for students in the United Kingdom. Holocaust where the victims are selected on the basis of being Teachers will be provided a video introduction Learning UK commissioned the hour-long film “Out of ‘different’ or ‘other,’” explained the charity. “‘Out of the from the Holocaust Education Trust, and educational the Darkness,” which features the testimony of Janine Darkness’ is fundamentally about encouraging students resources can be found on the Holocaust Learning Webber, a survivor of the Lvov Ghetto. to learn the lessons from the past to help build a better, UK website. Isaacs, 57, who played Lucious Malfoy in the “Harry safer future for everyone.” The charity typically invites students to synagogues Potter” series of films, is Jewish and has spoken about Students and Rabbi Aaron Goldstein of the Northwood to hear the testimony of Holocaust survivors, but due experiencing antisemitic attacks as a teenager in London and Pinner Liberal Synagogue in the United Kingdom to the coronavirus pandemic, all in-person events have by the far-right group National Front. are also featured in the film, which is available free been canceled.

ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 6 THE REPORTER ■ MARCH 4, 2021 Iron Age fragments of cloth dyed with Royal Purple found in Israel BY JNS STAFF find, he said, should revolutionize our concepts regarding (JNS) – In a groundbreaking discovery, Israeli archae- nomadic societies in the Iron Age. ologists have recovered scraps of fabric dyed in royal “The new finds reinforce our assumption that there was purple, also known as true purple, dating back to the an elite at Timna, attesting to a stratified society. In addition, era of the biblical King David. The remnants of woven since the mollusks are indigenous to the Mediterranean, fabric, a tassel and fibers of wool, were uncovered in this society obviously maintained trade relations with other a heap of industrial waste at “Slave’s Hill,” an ancient peoples who lived on the coastal plain,” he said. “However, copper-smelting site in the Timna Valley. we do not have evidence of any permanent settlements “The color immediately attracted our attention, but we in the Edomite territory. The Edomite Kingdom was a found it hard to believe we had found true purple from kingdom of nomads in the early Iron Age.” such an ancient era,” said professor Erez Ben-Yosef of When thinking of ancient kings, we often imagine mag- the Jacob M. Alkow Department of Archaeology and nificent stone palaces and walled cities, said Ben-Yosef, Ancient Near Eastern Cultures at Tel Aviv University. “yet in certain circumstances, nomads can also create a Direct radiocarbon dating confirms that the finds date complex socio-political structure, one that the biblical from approximately 1000 B.C.E, corresponding to the Wool fibers dyed with Royal Purple, dating to writers could identify as a kingdom.” biblical monarchies of David and Solomon in Jerusalem. approximately 1,000 B.C.E., found in the Timna Valley This topic, he notes, has repercussions regarding our The dye, which is produced from species of mollusk in southern Israel. (Photo by Dafna Gazit, courtesy of understanding of ancient Israel. found in the Mediterranean more than 300 kilometers the Israel Antiquities Authority) “We know that the Tribes of Israel were originally (184 miles) from Timna, is often mentioned in the Bible nomadic and that the process of settlement was gradual and appears in various Jewish and Christian contexts, found in minute quantities in the body of mollusks, all and prolonged. Archaeologists are looking for King for example, in the following quote from the “Song of made it the most highly valued of the dyes, which often David’s palace. However, David may not have expressed Songs” (3:9-10), which states: King Solomon made for cost more than gold.” his wealth in splendid buildings, but with objects more himself the carriage; he made it of wood from Lebanon. Ben-Yosef noted the “exceptional state” of preserva- suited to a nomadic heritage such as textiles and arti- Its posts he made of silver, its base of gold. Its seat was tion at the Timna site, paralleled only by that at much later facts,” he said. “It is wrong to assume that if no grand upholstered with purple, its interior inlaid with love.” sites such as Masada and the Judean Desert caves. “As a buildings and fortresses have been found, then biblical This is the first time that purple-dyed Iron Age tex- result of the region’s extremely dry climate, we are also descriptions of the united monarchy in Jerusalem must tiles have been found in the entire Southern Levant. able to recover organic materials such as textile, cords be literary fiction. Our new research at Timna has shown The findings were published on January 28 in the PLOS and leather from the Iron Age, from the time of David us that even without such buildings, there were kings ONE journal. and Solomon, providing us with a unique glimpse into in our region who ruled over complex societies, formed “This is a very exciting and important discovery,” life in biblical times. If we excavated for another hundred alliances and trade relations, and waged war on each said Dr. Naama Sukenik of the Israel Antiquities Au- years in Jerusalem, we would not discover textiles from other. The wealth of nomadic society was not measured thority. “In antiquity, purple attire was associated with 3,000 years ago,” he said. in palaces and monuments made of stone, but in things the nobility, with priests and of course with royalty. The According to Ben-Yosef, the copper-production facil- that were no less valued in the ancient world, such as gorgeous shade of the purple, the fact that it does not ity at Timna was part of the biblical kingdom of Edom, the copper produced at Timna and the purple dye that fade, and the difficulty in producing the dye, which is which bordered the kingdom of Israel to the south. The was traded with its copper smelters.” Israeli archaeologists unearth 1,300-year-old church near Mount Tabor BY JNS STAFF The excavation was conducted by the Israel Antiquities (JNS) Israeli archaeologists have announced that they Authority, in collaboration with the Kinneret Academic have unearthed a 1,300-year-old Byzantine-era church College and local volunteers. The head of the Greek in the Lower Galilee in the village of Kfar Kama near Catholic Church in Israel also personally visited the Mount Tabor, which Christians believe is the Mount of site, which was conducted prior to the construction of Transfiguration where Jesus performed one his miracles. a playground, at the initiative of the Kfar Kama local council and Jewish National Fund. According to lead archaeologist Nurit Feig, “the church, measuring 12x36 [meters], includes a large courtyard, a narthex foyer and a central hall. Particular to this church is the existence of three apses (prayer niches), while most churches were characterized by a single apse.” Additionally, Feig noted that the aisles of the church were paved with mosaics that have partially survived. “Their colorful decoration stands out, incorporating Mosaic floor of the ancient church. (Photo by Alex geometric patterns, and blue, black and red floral pat- Wiegmann, Israel Antiquities Authority) terns,” she said. Feig also said that a “special discovery” was the small yet to be excavated, leading researchers to believe that reliquary, a stone box used to preserve sacred relics. this large complex served as a monastery. Additional series of rooms were also partially uncov- In the early 1960s, a church was excavated inside Aerial view of the church remains. (Photo by Alex ered adjacent to the church. Ground-penetrating radar of the village of Kfar Kama, which archaeologists now Wiegmann, Israel Antiquities Authority) indicated that there are more rooms at the site that have believe was probably the village church, while the newly discovered church was probably part of a monastery on the outskirts of the village. The latest discovery in Kfar Kama highlights the importance of the Christian village settled during the Byzantine period near Mount Tabor. According to the Christian Gospels, Jesus and three of his apostles – Peter, James and John – go to the Mount of Transfiguration to pray. While on the moun- tain, Jesus began to shine with bright rays of light with the prophets Moses and Elijah appearing next to him and speaking with him. Jesus is then called “son” by Each year at this time the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania calls upon members of our community to assist in defraying the a voice in the sky, assumed to be God. Today, several expense of issuing our regional Jewish newspaper, The Reporter. major Christian traditions commemorate the event as The newspaper is delivered twice of month (except for December and July which are single issue months) to each and every identifiable the Feast of Transfiguration. Jewish home in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Later in the late 19th century, Circassian tribes settled As the primary Jewish newspaper of our region, we have tried to produce a quality publication for you that offers our readership something in Kfar Kama and used the stones of the ancient village on everything from opinions and columns on controversial issues that affect our people and our times, to publicity for the events of our to build their houses. affiliated agencies and organizations to life cycle events, teen columns, personality profiles, letters to the editor, the Jewish community The discovery of the church in Kfar Kama will con- calendar and other columns that cover everything from food to entertainment. tribute to the extensive research project on the Christian The Federation assumes the financial responsibility for funding the settlement in the Galilee that is being carried out by enterprise at a cost of $26,400 per year and asks only that we Professor Moti Aviam and Jacob Ashkenazi of the Kin- undertake a small letter writing mail campaign to our recipients in the neret Institute of Galilean Archaeology in the Kinneret hope of raising $10,000 from our readership to alleviate a share of Academic College. 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. no matter how

As always, your comments, opinions & suggestions are always welcome. You look at it...

With best wishes, Your ad should be here! Mark Silverberg, Executive Director For information, Jewish Federation of NE Pennsylvania please contact Kathy Brown 601 Jefferson Avenue at 1-800-779-7896, ext. 244 or Scranton, PA 18510 [email protected] MARCH 4, 2021 ■ THE REPORTER 7 Israel scrambles to save animals hurt in massive tar spill BY ABIGAIL KLEIN LEICHMAN The spill also appears to be responsible for the death (Israel21c via JNS) – A catastrophic tar spill washing of a young 55-foot fin whale found on Nitzanim Beach up along Israel’s entire Mediterranean coast may be the on February 18. An autopsy found black liquid in the worst environmental disaster in Israeli history. creature’s lungs. While government authorities investigate the source The Israeli Wildlife Hospital at Ramat Gan Safari of the offshore leak of at least 1,000 tons of sticky, toxic Park is treating many types of animals affected by the tar, many Israeli civilians and soldiers are helping with disaster. The Israel Nature and Parks Authority is helping cleanup efforts that will likely take months. to rescue animals and bring them there for treatment. “Over the weekend I, together with thousands of “Animals come with multiple injuries, and many of volunteers, were at the beaches cleaning sticky, black them suffer from hypothermia due to the tar that wraps tar oil off of dead and dying animals,” Iris Hann, CEO their bodies and prevents them from warming up on of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, these cold days,” the hospital posted on Facebook. “In wrote to supporters. “My heart broke as I found dead the hospital, our dedicated caregivers clean the animals baby turtles, birds, fish and other marine animals stiff gently with special oils that are not dangerous to their and lifeless. Their bodies were completely coated with health. In addition to cleaning, they receive fluids and a sticky, toxic tar that gave them no chance.” vitamins, and treatment against infections and weakness Israelis stood around a 17-meter-long fin whale that The Israel National Sea Turtle Rescue Center in that can develop from poisoning. We very much hope washed ashore on the Nitzanim beach near the city Mikhmoret reported on February 20 that it had received that these animals will also be rehabilitated and can of Ashkelon on February 19. (Photo by Yossi Aloni/ and treated 10 injured sea turtles in the previous two return to nature, like the thousands of animals treated Flash90) days, five of them covered in tar. Volunteers are working at the wildlife hospital every year.” around the clock to care for them. Beaches remain closed as Israeli officials assess the “We call on the public to look for sea turtles that damage, formulate a long-range cleanup plan and inves- have washed up on shore and report immediately to the tigate the source of the spill. Experts fear the damage 3639* hotline,” the center posted on Facebook. “Live could take years to undo. turtles must come for treatment at the rescue center as Israeli Environmental Protection Minister Gila Gam- soon as possible, while the dead turtles are important liel said the incident highlights “how necessary it is to get to document so that we learn the scope of the disaster.” rid of polluting fuels and move to renewable energies.” This article was first published by Israel21c.

Israel Defense Forces soldiers cleaned tar off the Israeli President Reuvan Rivlin (far right) visited a Palmachim beach on February 22 following an offshore beach in Herzliya polluted with tar with Herzliya Mayor oil spill that polluted much of the Israeli coastline. Moshe Fadlon (second from right) on February 22. (Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90) (Photo by Amos Ben Gershom/GPO)

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.

Name: ______Address: ______City: ______State:______ZIP: ______Home phone: ______Work phone: ______Cell phone: ______E-mail address:______

J I’m enclosing a gift of $ ______J I’ll pledge $ ______* * J One-time * J Quarterly installments (1/4 of total) * J Monthly installments (1/12 of total) 2021 UJA Campaign - Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania Payment options: 601 Je erson Avenue, Scranton, PA 18510 • Telephone: 570-961-2300 (ext. 3) J Please bill me at the above address. J Enclosed is my check payable to “UJA/Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania” J PayPal (www.jewishnepa.org – “Donate” – “Donate Online”) J Stock sales (www.jewishnepa.org – “Donate” – “Donating with stock”) J On-line banking (payment designated through my bank to “UJA/Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania”) My company (______) has a matching gift program. I’ll obtain the form and forward it to the Federation

Authorized signatureDate MARK SILVERBERG AND DASSY GANZ, CO-CHAIRS OF THE 2021 UJA CAMPAIGN. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT. ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 8 THE REPORTER I MARCH 4, 2021 D’VAR TORAH ABINGTON TORAH CENTER Rabbi Dovid Saks Finding holiness even when things go wrong President: Richard Rutta Jewish Heritage Connection BY RABBI MIRIAM T. SPITZER, TEMPLE ISRAEL, was given the gift of fi nding “holiness,” fi nding value, 601 Jeff erson Ave., Scranton, PA 18510 SCRANTON fi nding worth, in the actions of the people that he led, 570-346-1321 • website: www.jewishheritageconnection.org Ki Tisa, Exodus 30:11-34:35, Numbers 19:1-22 even when it was hard to do so. Sunday morning minyan 8:15 am at Elan Gardens, When it came time for Moshe to go up the mountain The Yalkut Eliezer suggests that the ability to see the 465 Vernard Rd., Clarks Summit, PA again to receive the Ten Commandments a second time, inner sparks of holiness even when they are not imme- BETH SHALOM CONGREGATION God said to him: “Pesol lekha shnei luhot avanim kar- diately obvious is worth its weight in sapphire. Rabbi: TBA ishonim.” “Carve for yourself two tablets of stone like We say that mistakes are learning experiences, but do 1025 Vine St., Scranton, PA 18510 (corner of Vine & Clay Ave.) the fi rst ones.” (Ex. 34:1) we mean it, or do we get angry with ourselves when we 570-346-0502 • fax: 570-346-8800 Our Torah commentators are ever on the alert for an mess up? We say that we value trial and error, but do we Weekday - Shacharit: Sun. 8am; Mon., Th urs. & Rosh Chodesh unusual turn of phrase in the Torah. Why does the Torah mean it, or do we catch our children before they have a 6:30 am; Tue., Wed. & Fri. 6:45 am; Sat. & holidays 8:45 am. say “pesol lekha/carve for yourself”? Surely it would chance to make mistakes? Sometimes standing by and Mincha during the week is approx. 10 minutes before sunset, have been enough to have said “Pesol/Carve two tablets letting others make mistakes is one of the hardest things following by Maariv. of stone like the fi rst ones.” What is the word “lekha” for us to do. But as parents, as teachers, as managers, as CHABAD OF THE ABINGTONS/ doing in that sentence? leaders, we have to do just that. JEWISH DISCOVERY CENTER Rashi brings a midrash to explain this phrase. Ac- May we learn, like Moshe, to see value even when it Rabbi Benny Rapoport cording to the midrash, when God said “pesol lekha,” is not immediately obvious, to fi nd holiness even in the President: Richard I. Schwartz God was saying that the pesolet, the cast-away chips discards, in even our mistakes, even when things go wrong. 216 Miller, Rd., Clarks Summit, PA 18411 from the carving, should be “lekha,” for Moshe. Moshe 570-587-3300 • JewishNEPA.com/minyan could personally own the pieces that fell off the tablets Weekly service for Shabbat and all Jewish holidays as he carved them into the tablets. And since the Ten NEWS IN BRIEF Kabbalat Shabbat at sundown (summer at 7 pm) Commandments were made from sapphire, a precious From JNS.org Saturday mornings: 9:30 am, Kiddush 11:30 am stone, Moshe got quite wealthy from the pesolet of the IDF approves procurement of two KC-46 Call for more information. Ten Commandments. CHABAD LUBAVITCH OF THE POCONOS Moshe got rich off the Ten Commandments? Now Pegasus tanker jets Rabbi Mendel Bendet that is a bizarre midrash! Israel formally approved plans to procure two KC-46 570-420-8655 • website: www.chabadpoconos.com The Yalkut Eliezer, writing in the 1800s, has an in- Pegasus tanker jets, the government announced on Feb. Please contact us for schedules and locations. teresting take on Rashi. He explains that “the ‘wealth’ 22. The Letter of Off er and Acceptance signed by Israel of Moshe was that he was able to take even the discards Defense Forces Brig. Gen. (res.), Mishel Ben-Baruch CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL of Israel and to extract from it sparks of holiness – and kicks off a $9 billion procurement drive approved by Affi liation: Union for Reform Judaism this is a great wealth!” It is easy to fi nd holiness in the Israel’s Cabinet on Feb. 7. The aircraft, the fi rst of a Rabbi Elliott Kleinman President: Liza Roos Lucy fi nished product. Of course the chiseled tablets of the planned fl eet of eight, are to be manufactured by the Contact person: Cheryl Badner, Congregation Administrator Ten Commandments were holy. But the chips that fell by Boeing Corporation but fi tted with unique Israeli systems 615 Court St., Honesdale, PA 18431 the wayside, what was holy about them? Of course, our in accordance with the operational requirements of the 570-253-2222 • fax: 570-226-1105 successes are “holy,” but what of our mistakes, what of Israeli Air Force. The fi rst KC-46 is expected to arrive in the false starts and the wrong turns that we leave on the Israel by 2025. The cost of the tanker fl eet is estimated CONGREGATION B’NAI HARIM cutting room fl oor as we go through our lives? Moshe at $2.4 billion. Affi liation: Union for Reform Judaism Rabbi Peg Kershenbaum President: Stacy Mitgang P.O. Box 757, Sullivan Rd., Pocono Pines, PA 18350 (located at Rt. 940 and Pocono Crest Road at Sullivan Trail) 570-646-0100 • website: www.bnaiharimpoconos.org Shabbat morning services 10 am-noon; every other Saturday, P A C E Potluck Shabbat Dinner with blessings and program of varying Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment topics, one Friday every month - call for schedule. JEWISH FELLOWSHIP OF HEMLOCK FARMS Rabbi: Johanan Bickhardt Your gift to the Annual Campaign President: Dan Marcus 540 Forest Dr., 1516 Hemlock Farms, Lords Valley, PA 18428 570-775-7497 • e-mail: jfh [email protected] DOES A WORLD OF GOOD. Friday evening Shabbat service 8 pm Endowing your gift allows you to be there for the Saturday morning Shabbat service 9:30 am Jewish community of NEPA forever. MACHZIKEH HADAS SYNAGOGUE Rabbi Mordechai Fine President: Moshe Fink A Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment (PACE) is a permanent fund that endows 600 Monroe Ave., Scranton, PA 18510 your Jewish community Annual Campaign gift as a lasting legacy. A PACE fund will 570-342-6271 continue to make an annual gift in perpetuity on your behalf. OHEV ZEDEK CONGREGATION To determine the amount you need to endow your entire campaign gift, multiply your current Rabbi Mordechai Fine 1432 Mulberry St., Scranton, PA 18510 annual gift by 20. TEMPLE HESED You can fund your PACE by adding the JEWISH FEDERATION OF NORTHEASTERN Affi liation: Union for Reform Judaism PENNSYLVANIA to your will, or by making the Federation a benefi ciary of your IRA. All Rabbi Daniel J. Swartz contributions to establish a PACE are tax deductible. Co-Presidents: Esther Adelman, Cheryl Friedman & Steve Seitchik 1 Knox St., Scranton, PA 18505 (Off Lake Scranton Rd.) Let your name be remembered as a blessing. 570-344-7201 • website: www.TempleHesed.org E-mail: [email protected] Endowments can be created through a variety of vehicles, some of which do not necessitate First Friday Shabbat 6pm, other Fridays 8 pm; Chanting funding during your lifetime yet still provide your estate with considerable tax benefi ts. Circle Saturdays at 11:30 am They also enable you to perpetuate your commitment to the Annual Campaign in a way that TEMPLE ISRAEL OF DUNMORE best achieves your own personal fi nancial and estate planning goals. Contact person: Jay Schectman, 570-954-9354 515 East Drinker St., Dunmore, PA 18512 Saturday morning Shabbat 7:30 am, also services for Yizkor Examples Of Ways To Fund Your Pace Gift Are: TEMPLE ISRAEL OF THE POCONOS * outright contribution of cash, appreciated securities or other long-term Affi liation: United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism * capital gain property such as real estate Rabbi Baruch Melman • President: Shell Farber * charitable remainder trust 711 Wallace St., Stroudsburg, PA 18360 * gift of life insurance (one block off Rt. 191 (5th Street) at Avenue A) 570-421-8781 • website: www.templepoconos.org * charitable lead trust E-mail: [email protected] * gift of IRA or pension plan assets Friday evening Shabbat 6 pm; Saturday morning Shabbat 10:30 am * grant from your foundation TEMPLE ISRAEL OF SCRANTON * reserved life estate in your residence Affi liation: United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism * bequest Rabbi: Rabbi Miriam Spitzer Cantor: Vladimir Aronzon • President: Howard Spizer Using appreciated property, such as securities or real estate, a ords you the opportunity to 918 East Gibson St., Scranton, PA 18510 (located at the eliminate the income tax on the long-term capital gain, will in some instances generate a full income corner of Gibson & Monroe Sts.) tax charitable deduction and will remove those assets from your estate for estate tax purposes. 570-342-0350 • e-mail: offi [email protected] Mon. & Th urs. 7:15 am; Tues., Wed. & Fri. 7:25 am; Rosh Chodesh & Chagim weekdays, 7 am; Shabbat morning For more information contact Mark Silverberg at service 9:30 am [email protected] or call 570-961-2300, ext. 1. MARCH 4, 2021 ■ THE REPORTER 9 SCIENCE SNIPPETS From JNS.org its material.” The scientific team hopes to expand their developed, assembled and tested independently in an Radio emissions from galaxy challenge research to detect radio interceptions from other galaxies. Israeli university by researchers and students. After the Tel Aviv University launches new NASA rocket docked with ISS, the astronauts released black hole theories, say Israeli scientists the nanosatellite into orbit. It is expected to be active Israeli scientists said in research published on Feb. 22 artificial-intelligence center for several months. TAU-SAT1 was created at the uni- that they intercepted radio emissions that may challenge Tel Aviv University launched its new Multidisciplinary versity’s Center for Nanosatellites, an interdisciplinary the assumptions of how black holes behave. As part of Center for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science on endeavor between the Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty the research, which was published by the peer-reviewed Feb. 24 during the university’s AI week to encourage of Engineering, the Porter School of the Environment journal Nature Astronomy, physicist Assaf Horesh of research that uses the most advanced methods of both and Earth Sciences, and the Soreq Nuclear Research the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, senior lecturer disciples. The center’s aim is to train a new generation Center. It was completed about four months ago and in astrophysics Iair Arcavi of Tel Aviv University and of researchers and industrialists who will take Israel to sent for pre-flight testing to the Japanese space agency NASA Swift space telescope director Brad Cenko said the forefront of the “global AI revolution” in the coming JAXA. “It’s a big day for TAU,” said Professor Colin that they observed optical radiation from the destruction years. “[AI] is expected to impact our way of life in every Price, head of the Porter School. “We have now joined of a star in a galaxy 700 million light-years away in 2015 aspect – from drug development and data-based person- the ‘Civil Space Revolution’ called New Space, in which, and then began searching for radio emissions, expecting alized medicine to defense and security systems, financial unlike the Old Space, not only giant companies with to detect them shortly after. After a star collapses into a systems, scientific discoveries, robotics, autonomous huge budgets and large teams of engineers can build black hole, the process can cause shockwaves that cre- systems and social issues,” said Professor Meir Feder, and launch satellites.” Data collected by TAU-SAT1 ate radio transmissions. It was previously believed that who will head up the center. “It is very important to train will be extracted using a satellite station built on the those emissions can be intercepted not long afterward. human capital in this area, and therefore, the center will roof of the university’s engineering building, said Dr. However, the Israeli scientists detected radio transitions provide all TAU students with basic AI education,” he Ofer Amrani, head of TAU’s Miniature Satellite Lab. six months later, followed by a second flare years later. added. The center will work with hundreds of researchers The data it collects will help scientists design protective The discovery of radio emissions so long after a star is that include scientists on campus and beyond, as well equipment for astronauts and space systems, which can consumed could change the way scientists consider the as collaborate with the military, public institutions, and be easily damaged by cosmic radiation. behavior of black holes, particularly how they destroy leading universities and research institutes around the Second Israeli astronaut to head to ISS stars and absorb the material. “We saw optical radiation world, said Feder. The new center follows the recent after the star was destroyed, and then no radio emissions launch at TAU of a multidisciplinary epidemic research (Israel Hayom via JNS) – Eytan Stibbe, a former for months,” said Horesh, The Times of Israel reported. center. Other multidisciplinary centers, which will address Israeli fighter pilot, will soon become the second “We decided to give it what we thought would be one climate change and aging, are in the planning stages, astronaut in the country’s history, the Israel Space last shot. Suddenly, six months later there was radio according to university President Ariel Porat. Agency announced. Stibbe is slated to take off for the emission, which faded away for a year. Then, four years Israeli nanosatellite hitches ride on International Space Station in late 2021 for a mission after the initial observation, we found that once again of a little more than a week. The 2021 mission is there was a very strong signal.” The discovery of radio NASA rocket to ISS slated to last for 200 hours, which Stibbe is meant emissions after so much time shows that the process of A nanosatellite from Tel Aviv University began its to use to conduct a series of experiments intended to a black hole consuming a star is more drawn out “and travel to the International Space Station when it launched advance Israeli technologies and scientific develop- somewhat more chaotic” than previously believed, ex- from Wallops Island, VA, on a NASA resupply space- ments by researchers and startups, according to the plained Horesh. “There seems to be a physical process craft on Feb. 20. The TAU-SAT1 nanosatellite, which ISA. Stibbe is slated to travel into space on a shuttle we don’t understand yet that causes a long delay between is approximately the size of a shoebox and weighs launched from Florida. His training is expected to the star being destroyed and the black hole accreting less than six pounds, is the first to be wholly designed, begin in early 2021.

Cyber Continued from page 5 Cyber attacks generated an estimated $1.5 trillion per year, making this form of crime is extremely lucrative, and creating incentives for criminal organizations to form around cyber attacks. Some of these organizations even have their versions of CEOs and CTOs, with salaries and bonuses. “Some viruses even have phone numbers for customer support. This is a business; this is a startup,” said Barzilay. Addressing the specific threat of ransomware, Barzilay said that such attacks favor bitcoin because it greatly resembles “cash money that you can send on the Internet. Criminals have always preferred cash money; you never hear of crim- inals saying, ‘transfer funds to my account’… and bitcoin solved the biggest problems criminals had, which is how to monetize cash money on the Internet without being caught.” Barzilay also called attention to the “Darknet,” an online zone he defined as a “place on the Internet where people can do whatever they want anonymously. It is a marketplace to buy drugs, guns, identities or anything else,” he said. He described it as a place where “the darkest most terrible things” occur, such as pedophilic activity. The Darknet also created crime “as a service,” where hackers can be hired and people employed to “help sell you stolen information” or buy ransomware instead of having to develop it. Stolen PayPal account details, fake passports and fake driver’s licenses are all on sale. Barzilay gave a glimpse into the prices in the Darknet: A stolen credit card is on sale there for between $1.5 to $3; a stolen ID is available for the same price; and a person’s entire life’s digital profile, including e-mail and Social Security details, is on sale for between $5 to $20. Stolen bank-account details are significantly more expensive, “depending on the bank and how much money is in the account,” he added. “What if someone wants to buy everything – all of the above together? That costs between $1.5 to $3. First, they purchase the stolen credit card and then use it to buy everything else.” “This is the problem,” he emphasized. “Our brains are programmed to deal with problems like lions leaping at us. We are not very good at dealing with threats on cyber- space. We are good with identifying and creating a sense of urgency with threats that can be identified through our senses. If you hear, see, touch, smell or taste the threat, your brain is willing to create a sense of urgency. “But the threat on cyber space; we cannot touch,” he continued. “Right now, at this moment, there are hundreds of cyber-attack units working for governments around the world, engaged in attacking the U.S., Israel and other countries.” In fact, he pointed out, some people’s accounts were probably under attack while he spoke during the webinar, and yet, “the brain isn’t creating a sense of urgency” about it. ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 10 THE REPORTER I MARCH 4, 2021 Polish ruling on Holocaust libel case causes profound concern among Jewish groups BY FAYGIE HOLT of their countrymen abused and even killed originally included criminal penalties, but Alliance, of which Poland is a member, (JNS) – A ruling issued by a court in Polish Jews during World War II. They only was amended after an international outcry has taken a stand.” Poland on February9 is meeting fi erce want to remember the horrors wrought from Jewish groups, as well as outrage Gideon Taylor, president of the Claims criticism from Jewish groups and others on the Polish nation by the Nazis, while in Israel, which led to strained relations Conference and WJRO’s chair of opera- who claim that the decision will silence denying this sordid truth,” Rabbi Abraham between the countries at the time. Despite tions, added that, “Poland must encourage further examination of the role of Polish Cooper, associate dean of the Simon Wi- the passing of some 75 years since the end open inquiry into its history, both the posi- citizens during the Holocaust. esenthal Center and global director of its of the war, Poland still struggles to come tive and negative aspects, in order to build a The criticism comes after a court found Ed Snider Social Action Institute, told JNS. to grips with its history from 1939 to 1945. society for the future, based on solid ground that the authors of “Night Without End: “The Jewish people simultaneously In 1939, the country was home to 3.3 and a genuine understanding of the past.” The Fate of Jews in Selected Counties revere the memory of thousands of Righ- million Jews; in 1945, it had been reduced by Prior to the ruling, offi cials from the of Occupied Poland” – Jan Grabowski, teous Poles who, often at great personal 90 percent to an estimated 300,000 survivors. United States Holocaust Memorial Mu- professor of history at the University of risk, saved Jews during this period, while The Conference on Jewish Material seum weighed in on the case and said that Ottawa in Canada, and Barbara Engelk- at the same time denouncing the people Claims Against Germany and the World lawsuit “raises serious concerns about the ing, director of the Research Centre for who abused and killed Polish Jews. Polish Jewish Restitution Organization issued future of independent Holocaust scholar- the Extermination of Jews – must issue a history is complicated, and the only ones a joint statement on February 9, saying, ship in Poland and elsewhere. This is one retraction of their work and apologize to who should be apologizing are those who in part: “The history of the Holocaust of several troubling trends in the region and the niece of Edward Malinowski, a Polish seek to rewrite it,” he said. requires independent scholarly research beyond … . Honestly reckoning with Ho- man, who was briefl y mentioned in the The libel case in Poland stems from that must not be subject to inappropriate locaust history is essential to the health of book as being complicit in the murdering a controversial 2018 law passed by the eff orts at pressure by politicians and the societies. Unfettered scholarship and open Jews during the Holocaust. Polish government that made it a civil courts. This verdict is a concerning exam- public discourse are necessary in order to “There are those in today’s Poland who off ense to make false accusations about ple of Holocaust distortion against which uncover the full scope of Holocaust history want to deny or defl ect the fact that some Polish history in the Holocaust. The law the International Holocaust Remembrance and understand its continued relevance.” Reunited childhood friends torn apart by Holocaust now Zoom regularly BY JNS STAFF fall, they saw each other again via Zoom (JNS) – Two Jewish friends from for the fi rst time in 82 years. Berlin who believed that each other had “In her [USC Shoah Foundation] tes- At right, l-r: Betty been killed during World War II and the timony, Betty said she had been actively Grebenshikoff and Ana Holocaust recently reunited with the help searching for her long-lost friend for her María Wahrenberg are of the USC Shoah Foundation. entire life; she even specifi cally mentions speaking on Zoom after 82 After Ana María Wahrenberg and Ana María’s name in the hopes that this years apart. (Photo by USC Betty Grebenschikoff said good-bye to will help her fi nd her best childhood Shoah Foundation) each other in a German school year in friend,” said Rachael Cerrotti, who works May 1939, Wahrenberg’s family fl ed to as a creative producer for the USC Shoah Chile, while Grebenschikoff traveled to Foundation, which has more than 55,000 the United States via Shanghai. This past See “Friends” on page 11 Texas Continued from page 1 In Houston, the winter weather and said, pointing out two particularly emo- 2021 resultant issues proved a test of the tional moments. The fi rst found dozens of PASSOVER Jewish Federation of Greater Houston’s volunteers stepping in to deliver kosher March 18 (Deadline: 3/10) relatively new Jewish Response and Ac- meals to homebound seniors – provided Passover is traditionally a time for sharing with family, friends and strangers. While your seder tion Network. “One thing about living through the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish table may not be large enough to t all these people, you can share the warmth of this holiday with Community Center – when the regular the entire local Jewish community by placing a Passover greeting in e Reporter.You may choose in Houston is that we have had plenty of from the designs, messages and sizes shown here - more are available. You may also choose your practice when it comes to natural disas- volunteers couldn’t make it in. own message, as long as it ts into the space of the greeting you select. (Custom designs available ters,” said Jackie Fisherman, director of “It’s amazing that people were able upon request.)  e price of the small greeting is $20 (styles C & D), the medium one is $38 (styles A government relations at the Federation to come out – even though we were in & B), and the next sizes are not shown.  e next actual size is 3.22” x 2.958” and is $57.  e largest and organizer of JRAN. “This is diff erent. the middle of an ice storm, the power size is 3.22” x 3.95” and is $74. To ensure that your greeting is published, simply ll out the form Even in Hurricane Harvey, there were was out, there were no street lights – and below and choose a design that you would like to accompany your greeting, or contact Kathy Brown deliver the food. These deliveries,” she at 1-800-779-7896, ext. 244 or [email protected]. Checks can be made payable to areas of Texas that were unaff ected” and e Reporter and sent to: e Reporter, 500 Clubhouse Rd., Vestal, NY 13850. could send aid. “This is widespread. But continued, “also served as a well-check we were prepared, and we have risen to on the homebound seniors, most of whom Wishing you and your family the situation as best we could.” were OK, but cold.” peace, health Passover Part of JRAN’s mission was to create The other particularly inspiring act, and happiness a network of Jewish communal leaders – said Fisherman, was how a house of this Pesach synagogue rabbis, heads of local organiza- worship, United Orthodox Synagogues, Blessings tions, etc. – who could provide real-time, mobilized in mere minutes to become a Your Name(s) Your Name(s) on-the-ground feedback on emergency vaccine-distribution center when a freezer conditions and what was most urgently at the local health department holding doses of the COVID-19 vaccine failed. Style A•$38 Actual Size: 3.22” x 1.975” Style D•$38 Actual Size: 3.22” x 1.975” needed. That network was put to the test during this storm. For instance, when “It made such a big impact. It was open 2021 word came that a senior residence was to everyone – Jew, non-Jew – they used PASSOVER about to run out of fuel for its generator, every last drop of vaccine.” And they did March 18 (Deadline: 3/10) Fisherman was able to connect them to it not once, but twice. Name ______the proper authorities to make sure they In recounting the experience on got what they needed. Facebook, Rabbi Barry Gelman of the Address ______“It’s been so heartwarming to see how United Orthodox Synagogues wrote that City ______the community has come together,” she the synagogue was notified at 9:30 am Your that hundreds of doses of the Moderna State ______Zip ______Phone ______Name(s) Greeting Style ______vaccine “had to be used, as some of the county freezers malfunctioned.” Know- Message ______ing they needed to be used within hours ______Style C • $20 of being removed from the freezer, there How you would like it signed ______Actual Size: was no time to waste. The rabbi called the 1.5278” x 1.975” synagogue’s president to get permission ______to use the building as a vaccine-distri- We accept Ì Visa Ì Mastercard Ì American Express Ì Discover (if applicable) bution site. Within 35 minutes of that Print Name on Card ______initial call, members of the synagogue community had established a working Card Number ______distribution site with spaces for check- Expiration Date ______ins, screenings, vaccinating and the Address, City, State, Zip (Registered billing address of card) ______requisite 15-minute, post-vaccination ______waiting spot. Your Name(s) ______A truck fi lled with kosher-food provisions “We distributed over 350 vaccinations. Checks can be made payable to Style F • $20 for Shabbat arrived in Dallas from the E-mails and WhatsApp [messages] were e Reporter, March 10 Actual Size: Lev Rochel Bikur Cholim, a Jewish sent, and folks from all walks of life 500 Clubhouse Rd., Deadline Vestal, NY 13850. 1.5278” x 1.975” organization in Lakewood, NJ, on fl ocked to UOS,” said the rabbi. “We February 19. (Photo courtesy of JNS) saved lives today!” MARCH 4, 2021 ■ THE REPORTER 11 NEWS IN BRIEF From JNS.org one of the three commissions that dealt with the affair will be able to file their claims AJC, National Association of Attorneys General to hold between June and November of this year, according to the Prime Minister’s Office. training session on antisemitism Hate mail to French Parliament member: “Soon the camps again” The American Jewish Committee and the National Association of Attorneys General The Paris prosecutor’s office opened an investigation after a Jewish member of the were to partner for a virtual training session on Feb. 24 about combating antisemitism National Assembly, France’s lower house of parliament, received antisemitic hate mail, in the United States. The AJC-led session, titled “The People v. Hate: Standing Up for according to the European Jewish Congress. Parliament member Yael Braun-Pivet pub- Humanity through Combating Antisemitism,” interlocks with District of Columbia lished the offensive e-mail on Twitter. “Yid, prepare yourself, soon the camps again,” it Attorney General Karl A. Racine’s 2021 NAAG Presidential Initiative to have attorneys read in part, referencing Nazi German concentration camps during World War II and the general in the U.S. train against hate crimes and hate-related violence. Participants were Holocaust. Replete with threats and insults, it also evoked international Jewish financial tto learn about antisemitic conspiracy theories, tropes and symbols, and the range of conspiracies. In response, Parliament member Yael Braun-Pivet posted: “Faced with antisemitism stemming from religious extremists, as well as from the right and left such filth: denounce, file a complaint, never let anything go.” Fellow parliamentarians sectors of politics. They were also be presented with the findings of AJC’s “The State of came to Braun-Pivet’s defense, as did Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti, who said Antisemitism in America 2020” report and “Translate Hate,” the committee’s glossary of “these words are to be vomited … these insults are addressed to the whole nation. I commonly used antisemitic terms and tropes, both to help identify and respond to such wish it with all my heart [that] justice will be done.” French Interior Minister Gerald incidents. “Educated, motivated law enforcement agencies are critical for effectively Darmanin also tweeted: “Infamous and unbearable. All my support to Yael Braun-Pivet.” combating rising antisemitism in the United States,” said Melanie Maron Pell, AJC’s Braun-Pivet, an attorney whose family came to France to flee the Nazis in the 1930s, chief field operations officer. “Attorneys general are elected officials uniquely positioned said she was “particularly moved” to see “the national representation united” for the day. to lead in confronting this societal problem, the hate targeting Jews.” Blinken stresses importance of two-state solution in call with Syracuse U. tables resolution to adopt IHRA definition Israeli counterpart Syracuse University’s Student Association tabled a resolution on Feb. 22 to adopt U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken stressed the importance of the two-state solution in the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemi- a phone call on Feb. 22 with his Israeli counterpart, Gabi Ashkenazi. Blinken emphasized tism after several members expressed concern regarding the definition’s language. SA U.S. President Joe Biden’s belief that “the two-state solution is the best way to ensure President Justine Hastings, along with others, said antisemitism should not be equated Israel’s future as a Jewish and democratic state living in peace alongside a viable and with anti-Zionism and worried about how the IHRA definition affects Palestinian democratic Palestinian state,” said the U.S. State Department. The Biden administration rights. Some members were also concerned about a clause in the bill that denounces has promised to improve relations with the Palestinians, including reopening the PLO’s the BDS movement. The bill was introduced on Feb. 15 by SA member Noah Wag- mission in Washington and restoring aid that was cut off by the Trump administration. ner. Hastings and SA members suggested that the bill adopt only certain parts of the Israel’s National Library gifted 15th-century scroll of Esther IHRA’s definition, but Wagner and the bill’s co-author, Kate Berman, co-president One of the world’s oldest scrolls of Esther was recently gifted to the National Library of the Chabad House at Syracuse University, were unwilling to change the language. of Israel in Jerusalem, the library’s blog announced on Feb. 22. The scroll, dating from “Anti-Zionism is antisemitism. Not denouncing BDS is antisemitism,” said Wagner. medieval times, was a gift from long-standing supporters of the library Michael Jessel- The bill will be tabled until May, which is when the next legislative session begins. son and his family. Scholars have determined that the scroll, known as Megillat Esther Israeli Cabinet approves proposal to recognize, compensate in Hebrew, was written by a scribe on the Iberian Peninsula around 1465, prior to the for Yemenite “children affair” Spanish and Portuguese expulsions that happened at the end of the 15th century. Their The Israeli Cabinet on Feb. 22 approved a proposal to recognize the “Yemenite, estimation was based on both stylistic and scientific evidence, including Carbon-14 dating. Mizrahi and Balkan children affair” and provide financial compensation to the IAF founding member, 105, promoted to colonel affected families, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement. The “children Israel’s top military brass was on hand on Feb. 19 for the promotion of Alex Ziloni, affair” refers to the disappearance of an estimated 1,500-5,000 babies and toddlers 105, to the rank of colonel in honor of his “many decades of dedication to the state of of new immigrants who arrived in Israel between 1948 and 1954. The majority of Israel,” the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement. Ziloni, who arrived in the coun- these hailed from Yemen, though a considerable number were from the Balkans, try from Poland when he was just 5 years old and served as an engineer in the Royal Iraq, Morocco, Tunisia and Libya. Jews from these latter countries are known as Air Force during World War II, went on to become a founding member of Israel’s air mizrahim, or “eastern.” The parents of the missing children have claimed over the force. In May 1948, the same time the country was born, 95 percent of the air force’s decades that they were told by authorities that the infants had died, either at birth or combat-ready crews were World War II veterans, mainly from English-speaking coun- subsequently, yet were given no documentation and were informed of no places of tries. Ziloni served in the corps until 1960, participating in aerial operations during the burial. This aroused suspicion that the children had been taken and put with families Suez Crisis. He retired with the rank of lieutenant-colonel and went on to serve as a of European origin – Ashkenazim – particularly Holocaust survivors. “This is among military attaché in Washington. In January 1948, Ziloni negotiated the purchase of 21 the most painful affairs in the history of the state of Israel,” said Israeli Prime Minister single-engine, lightweight Auster planes from the British despite a British embargo on Benjamin Netanyahu. “The time has come for the families whose infants were taken the shipment of planes and equipment to Israel, while continuing to supply armored from them to receive recognition by the state and government of Israel, and financial cars, machine guns, artillery, fighter planes, anti-tank guns and anti-tank shells to Egypt, compensation as well.” Such compensation “will not atone for the terrible suffering Iraq and Jordan “in preparation for the conflict to come,” explained Machal. that the families went through and are going through,” said Netanyahu, adding that he has asked the education minister to include the “Yemenite children affair” in the school system’s textbooks. The compensation approved by the Cabinet, according to Netanyahu’s office, totals 162 million shekels ($50 million), to be allocated as follows: 150,000 shekels ($45,977 ) to the families of children whose death, or cause of death, was not revealed in real time or whose burial place was not disclosed. In the case of children whose fate remains unknown, the families will receive up to 200,000 shekels ($61,300). Those families determined to be eligible for the compensation by

Friends Continued from page 10 video testimonies from Holocaust survi- point in my life, I am boundlessly grateful vors and witnesses, reported the Times for,” declared Wahrenberg of reuniting of Israel. with her childhood friend in November. After hearing Wahrenberg speak at “Betty and I have had several encounters a virtual Kristallnacht event, Holocaust by WhatsApp and Zoom. We [now] talk testimony indexer Ita Gordon remembered every Sunday for about an hour … we Grebenschikoff’s testimony given to the will never catch up! Our conversations are foundation 24 years ago and made the con- great; we still have common interests and, nection between the two women. Cerrotti of course, many, many memories that we said “what followed was a series of phone still share,” she said. “As soon as we get calls” to put the two women back in touch. out of this horrible pandemic, we will try to “This has been a great gift, which, at this get together in some corner of the world.”

To get Federation updates via email, rregister on our website www.jewishnepa.org

Pledge or Donate online at www.jewishnepa.org/donate ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 12 THE REPORTER ■ MARCH 4, 2021