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VOLUME XI, NUMBER 11 MAY 31, 2018 “Friends of The Reporter” Campaign The Federation is asking members of its newspaper of the region, the publication columns covering other topics, from Fed- Pennsylvania, 601 Jefferson Ave., Scran- communities to support its “Friends of The offers its readers a variety of material, from eration’s free Jewish Film Loan Library ton, PA 18510, and mark it “Friends of Reporter” Campaign, which seeks to raise opinions and columns on controversial to food and entertainment. The Reporter.” Donors can also use the $9,500 to assist in funding the newspaper. issues that affect the local communities, The Reporter can also be read online response portion from the “Friends of The The regional Jewish newspaper, The Israel and world Jewry; to publicity for at the newly designed Federation website, Reporter” ad in this and every edition of Reporter, is the primary communica- events and programs held by Federation’s www. jewishnepa.org. the newspaper. tions tool of the Jewish communities of affiliated agencies and organizations; to The Federation is asking each member “Your gift to F regional Jewish news- Lackawanna, Monroe, Pike and Wayne life-cycle events, personality profiles, of the community to become a “Friend paper matters a great deal to us and we counties. Supplementing synagogue letters to the editor, holiday recipes, the of The Reporter.” To do so, send a check would be most grateful for your support,” and temple newsletters and bulletins, Jewish community calendar and other to the Jewish Federation of Northeastern said a Federation representative. The Reporter’s circulation now stands at more than 800 families. Throughout this period of time, costs in publishing the paper have increased dramatically, Campaign contributors thanked although the newspaper continues to be provided to members of our commu- The Federation expresses its “deepest community as an insert in The Reporter. nities in Northeastern Pennsylvania at thanks” to those who made a gift in sup- The Annual Report will detail how your no charge. The Federation assumes the port of its annual 2018 UJA Campaign. Campaign gifts benefit the Jewish institu- financial responsibility for funding the The 2018 Campaign Honor Roll will tions and educational, cultural, religious newspaper at a cost of $26,000 per year be published during the summer in The and recreational agencies that comprise and asks only that its readers assist in Reporter as a token of the community’s the Jewish communities of Northeastern raising $9,500 as part of its “Friends of appreciation. Pennsylvania, as well as serve Israel and The Reporter” Campaign – to alleviate In addition, the Federation’s forthcom- world Jewry. a share of those expenses. ing 2017-2018 Annual Report will be “Thanks again for your generosity,” The newspaper is delivered twice a issued in June and presented at the Fed- said a Federation representative. “Our month (except for July and December, eration’s Annual Meeting on Thursday, Jewish communities, institutions and which are single-issue months) to every June 7, at 7 pm, in the Linder Room of agencies in Northeastern Pennsylvania, identifiable Jewish home in Northeastern the Scranton Jewish Community Center. It Dr. Joel and Leah Laury, co-chairs, 2018 Israel and around the world are deeply Pennsylvania. As the primary Jewish will also be distributed to the entire Jewish UJA Campaign indebted to you for your kindness.” paign Updat Cam e 2018 UJA U.S. dedicates Jerusalem embassy amid Campaign Update jubilation, violence Our sincerest thanks BY MARCY OSTER We made it! historic and sacred land to each of you for JERUSALEM (JTA) – The United of Jerusalem,” Trump making this States dedicated its newly established said. Its opening, he said, achievement embassy in Jerusalem in a high-profile was “many, many years possible! ceremony attended by Trump administra- ahead of schedule.” tion officials. Both Israeli Prime Minister The dedication came Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reu- as Gaza’s Health Minis- ven Rivlin pronounced the Shehechyanu try reported that Israeli prayer during the May 14 afternoon cere- For information or to make defense forces had killed a donation, please call mony, which is said when one is thankful at least 50 Palestin- 570-961-2300 ext. 3 or for a new or unusual experience. ians during protests by send your gift to: “Today we officially open the United tens of thousands of Jewish Federation of States embassy in Jerusalem. Congrat- Northeastern Pennsylvania, Palestinians who were The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem sits on a traffic circle 601 Je€erson Ave., ulations it’s been a long time coming,” massed on the territo- recently named for President Donald Trump. The compound Scranton, PA 18510 President Donald Trump said in a video ry’s border with Israel. (Please MEMO your is in the middle of Arnona, a residential neighborhood in pledge or gift – 2018 greeting. “Israel is a sovereign nation with More than 2,400 were UJA Campaign) the city’s south. (Photo by Ben Sales) the right like any other nation to determine injured. Thousands of its own capital. Palestinians also marched in protest in to the President Jason Greenblatt, who “Today we follow through on this the West Bank. serves as Trump’s special envoy to Middle recognition and open our embassy in the A large stage with an American flag East negotiations. Trump’s senior adviser motif was erected in Jerusalem’s Arnona and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, was also neighborhood, where the existing U.S. in attendance, along with his wife, Ivanka consular headquarters will take on many Trump, who also serves her father as a top of the embassy functions. Previous admin- presidential advisor. Federation istrations declined to move the embassy The Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995, from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, preferring which passed both houses of Congress by not to buck the international consensus overwhelming votes, recognized Jerusa- on Facebook that the city’s status was disputed until lem as the capital of Israel and called for The Jewish Federation of Northeast- resolved by negotiations between Israel relocating the embassy from Tel Aviv to ern Pennsylvania now has a page on and the Palestinians. Jerusalem. A presidential waiver signed Facebook to let community members A newly hung sign pointing to the U.S. Among the administration members at- every six months until now has allowed know about upcoming events and keep Embassy in Jerusalem, which was tending the May 14 ceremony were Deputy successive administrations to suspend connected. inaugurated on May 14. (Photo by Ben Secretary of State John Sullivan, Treasury moving the embassy on the grounds that Sales) Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Assistant See “Embassy” on page 4 Candle lighting June 1...... 8:12 pm INSIDE THIS ISSUE June 8...... 8:16 pm “Makers for Heroes” High-tech summit On the silver screen June 15...... 8:20 pm Teams from Israel’s high tech The world’s young entrepreneurs Spike Lee’s Jewish characters PLUS industries help wounded combat were in Israel recently for the have evolved; a gory Holocaust Opinion...... 2 vets with innovative devices. “Forbes Under 30 Global Summit.” film is popular in Russia. D’var Torah...... 8 Story on page 6 Story on page 7 Stories on pages10-11 Annual Meeting...... 16 2 THE REPORTER ■ M AY 31, 2018 A MATTER OF OPINION UJA/Federation 2018 Campaign Honor Roll to accept requests for anonymity The Jewish Feder- made a financial gift to our annual lores Gruber, the Federation’s office ation of Northeastern UJA Campaign this year manager, at 570-961-2300 ext. 3, or Pennsylvania will thereby continuing our at [email protected] publish its 2018 UJA FROM THE DESK OF THE community’s tradition of and your request for anonymity will Campaign Honor tzedakah. be honored. Roll during the sum- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Should any contributor On behalf of Jews everywhere who mer as a thank-you to our 2018 UJA Campaign will benefit from your generosity to to those commu- MARK SILVERBERG wish to remain anony- our annual UJA Campaign, please nity members who mous, please contact Do- accept my sincerest thanks. To fight antisemitism, first you have to define it BY ANDREW BAKER Racism and Xenophobia, or EUMC. Now, America has also seen a significant Definition could help. And the answer is (JTA) – In recent years we have with proposed congressional legislation increase in antisemitic incidents. Civil a resounding “Yes, but ...” witnessed anti-Israel demonstrations and various state and local initiatives, there discourse is becoming more inflammatory Yes, college and university adminis- that have turned overtly antisemitic and are calls for employing a definition here. and polarized. Raw and hateful antisemitic trators are challenged daily to maintain even violent, but police ignored initially The need for such a definition in Europe invective abounds on social media and a hospitable environment for critical and as only political activity. We have seen became evident after the EUMC conduct- physically in the public square, as we even controversial thinking while insuring prosecutors and judges rule that an arson ed its first analysis of antisemitism in the witnessed last summer in Charlottesville. that the discourse is civil and respectful attack on a synagogue is not antisemitic European Union in 2004 showing that We all feel the need to confront this and of a diverse student body. They must be because the perpetrator was motivated few of its monitors had any definition of naturally seek new methods to do so. mindful when racism or antisemitism or by anti-Israel sentiments. And we have antisemitism to guide them in preparing The Working Definition has received homophobia or other forms of intolerance been confronted by traditional antisemitic the report. I am proud that I was able special scrutiny because of its description threaten to upend this balance. As such, an invective where only the word “Zionist” to play a role, working with the EUMC of antisemitism as it relates to the state of awareness of antisemitism and the various has been substituted for “Jew,” as though director and Jewish organizations at the Israel. Claims that Israel is a racist state ways it presents itself today can be helpful. that somehow makes it permissible. time, in the development of what has come and comparing contemporary Israeli But the Working Definition is not in- What guidance can we offer police and to be known as the Working Definition of policy to that of the Nazis can be exam- tended to be a speech code, and it certainly other law enforcement officials in respond- Anti-Semitism. It offers a succinct core ples of the ways in which antisemitism must not restrict or inhibit our constitu- ing to antisemitic hate crimes and to raise definition along with clear and practical manifests itself. tionally protected freedom of expression. public awareness of antisemitic discourse examples, including Jewish stereotypes, It also cites the problem of holding Jews Proposed congressional legislation in its ever-changing forms? conspiracy theories, Holocaust denial and, responsible for the actions of the state known as the Anti-Semitism Awareness Thirteen years have passed since a notably, ways in which anti-Zionism can of Israel. At the same time, it states that Act calls on the Department of Education comprehensive and updated definition mask antisemitism. criticism of Israel cannot be considered to “take into consideration” the defini- of antisemitism was drafted and adopted Since then we have seen a steady antisemitic. tion when evaluating under Title VI of by the European Monitoring Centre on and significant increase in incidents of This was both the most controversial the Civil Rights Act if Jewish students antisemitism in Europe, including verbal, section of the Working Definition and the are facing a pattern of harassment and a physical and even lethal attacks. It re- most necessary. hostile environment. Even though the bill mains a constant presence on the internet Critics on the left claim that the mere only offers the definition as an additional and social media. While not a solution mention of this definition is intended to tool when assessing the overall campus to the problem, the Working Definition muzzle criticism of Israel on campus. In environment, opponents believe it will be “ The Reporter” (USPS #482) is published bi-weekly by the has become a useful and important the face of proposed legislation in South misused. They fear that organizations on Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, 601 Jefferson educational tool. It helps government Carolina, several of the critics, including the right will use the Working Definition to Ave., Scranton, PA 18510. and civil society organizations in their the Arab American Institute and Jewish demand an end to the Boycott, Divestment President: Douglas Fink work of monitoring antisemitism, and Voice for Peace, have gone so far as to and Sanctions campaign targeting Israel Executive Director: Mark Silverberg law enforcement respond to and define claim that endorsing the definition “will and other anti-Israel activities. That may antisemitic hate crimes. legitimize censorship of and punish- well happen, and those of us who believe Executive Editor: Rabbi Rachel Esserman Layout Editor: Diana Sochor In the years since its drafting, there has ment for political speech supportive of in its utility will need to guard against it. Assistant Editor: Ilene Pinsker been growing recognition of its practical Palestinian human rights.” They have Yet we cannot let these extreme pos- Production Coordinator: Jenn DePersis value. The Working Definition has been further maintained that it would lead to sibilities serve as reason to reject an im- Advertising Representative: Bonnie Rozen adopted by the 31 nations that constitute government “surveillance” of Muslim and portant educational tool in these difficult Bookkeeper: Kathy Brown the International Holocaust Remembrance Arab students. Such action would be rep- times. Instead they remind us that we must Alliance, it was endorsed by the European rehensible and illegal, and surely no one employ it with care and consideration. OPINIONS The views expressed in Parliament and was formally adopted by can realistically believe it would happen. Rabbi Andrew Baker is the American editorials and opinion pieces are those seven European governments. A version At the same time, Jewish students say Jewish Committee’s director of of each author and not necessarily of this definition has long been used by the that anti-Israel protests have sometimes International Jewish Affairs. the views of the Jewish Federation of U.S. State Department when monitoring turned into harassment and intimidation. The views and opinions expressed in Northeastern Pennsylvania. antisemitism internationally. This may not be widespread, but it is this article are those of the authors and LETTERS The Reporter welcomes Can something that has such obvious real. In such situations it is reasonable do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA letters on subjects of interest to the merit in Europe be used in the United States? to ask whether employing the Working or its parent company, 70 Faces Media. Jewish community. All letters must be signed and include a phone number. The editor may withhold the name upon request. “Schindler’s List” at 25: How Steven Spielberg’s ADS The Reporter does not necessarily endorse any advertised products and services. In addition, the paper is not deeply Jewish story spoke to the masses responsible for the kashruth of any advertiser’s product or establishment. BY MICHAEL BERENBAUM best picture, best director, best adapted even by experts. For years, Leopold Page DEADLINE Regular deadline is two (JTA) – The year 1993 was a dramatic screenplay and best original score. The would tell his story to people who walked weeks prior to the publication date. year in the memorialization of the Holo- overture to “Schindler’s List,” written into his Beverly Hills luggage store hop- caust. In April, the United States Holocaust by John Williams, is routinely played ing that one of his prominent customers Memorial Museum opened its doors; 45 whenever Holocaust events are held. Its would bring it to the screen. Australian FEDERATION WEBSITE: million visitors later it is a fixture adjacent haunting tones evoke not only the motion writer Thomas Keneally walked in one www.jewishnepa.org to the National Mall in Washington, DC, picture, but the event itself. day. The result was his 1982 historical Expected to lose money, “Schindler’s novel “Schindler’s Ark.” For decades, HOW TO SUBMIT ARTICLES: not only telling the story of the Holocaust, List” was probably greenlighted by two New Jersey developers, Murray Mail: 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA but demonstrating the ongoing signifi- 18510 cance of this Jewish event – this European Universal Studios because Spielberg Pantirer and Abraham Zuckerman, named E-mail: [email protected] event – to the American people, to Western was Spielberg, a director’s director. He a Schindler Drive or Schindler Road in Fax: (570) 346-6147 civilization and to the world. personally vowed not to make money on each of their New Jersey developments, Phone: (570) 961-2300 In November of that year, Steven Spiel- the film, saying his task was sacred, not honoring the man who saved their lives. berg, widely recognized as the most influ- entrepreneurial. Yet despite its length of Only later – much later – did residents HOW TO REACH ential director of this generation, released over three hours, which made two screen- of their developments understand who THE ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: his monumental work “Schindler’s List” ings an evening difficult, it grossed $321 was being honored and themselves feel Phone: (800) 779-7896, ext. 244 to international acclaim. Forsaking many million in its initial release, more than 14 honored by their address. E-mail: [email protected] of the tools of his profession, including times its original cost. Spielberg donated Schindler, a Sudeten German, was an his entire share to charity. unlikely Holocaust hero. A philandering SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: the beautifying effect of color, Spielberg Phone: (570) 961-2300 created a masterpiece. Nominated for 12 The story of Oscar Schindler was cher- Nazi war profiteer, he used Jewish money, Academy Awards, it won seven, including ished by its survivors, but little known See “Schindler” on page 10 M AY 31, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 3 COMMUNITY NEWS Congregation B’nai Harim announces a celebration of 10 years with Rabbi Peg Kershenbaum BY LEE EMERSON Dan Schidlow as cantor and Mark Arzon singing. Many the luncheon at 12:45 pm. Lake Naomi Clubhouse is On the weekend of June 2-3, the members of Congre- friends and greetings will be included. An extended located at 155 Miller Dr., Pocono Pines. RSVPs were gation B’nai Harim will celebrate their 10th anniversary kiddush lunch will follow services. There is no charge required for this event. with Rabbi Peg Kershenbaum. “We have grown and for the kiddush lunch and friends are invited. Congregation B’nai Harim is located at 1543 Pocono learned over the past 10 years and Rabbi Peg has been On Sunday, June 3, there will be a luncheon and cock- Crest Rd., Pocono Pines PA 18350. For more information our mentor and friend,” said organizers of the event. tail party at Lake Naomi Clubhouse with entertainment and other news, visit www.bnaiharimpoconos.org. To The celebration will begin with a Saturday morning provided by Danny Price, Elan Manba and other guests. arrange interviews with Kershenbaum, call the message service on June 2, at 10 am. The service will include The cocktail reception will start at noon, followed by center at 570-646-0100. American Joint Distribution Committee representative Sean Goldstone spoke to Jewish Federation of NEPA Shaun Goldstone of the American branch of the Joint poverty, such as in the former Soviet Union, and during Distribution Committee spoke to a group of Federation times of crisis no matter where, including the aftermath members from Scranton and the Poconos on May 17. of earthquakes and other natural disasters. Goldstone opened his program by screening a brief video Goldstone further explained how the JDC helps the on the work of the “Joint,” or JDC, in Eastern Europe. Jews in Israel through financial and educational means. He informed all assembled that this video was just viewed Currently, 28 percent of the Jewish Federation’s at a private gathering with Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg fund-raising UJA Campaign goes to help JDC and other at the U.S. Supreme Court. agencies in their mission to help Jews all over the world. He then continued to further explain the role of the “All who attended found it an informative evening,” JDC throughout the Jewish world during times of chronic said organizers. Shaun Goldstone (center) was welcomed by Mark Silverberg (left) and Irwin Schneider (right).

At left: View of the community members who DEADLINES attended the presentation The following are deadlines for all articles and by Shaun Goldstone. photos for upcoming Reporter issues. DEADLINE ISSUE Thursday, May 31...... June 14 Thursday, June 14...... June 28 Thursday, July 12...... July 26 Thursday, July 26...... August 9 Trip to the Museum of Jewish Heritage: A Living Memorial to the Holocaust On a rainy May 16, close to 30 people from Scranton Denis; Al Tragis; Seth and Sheryl Gross; Merwyn and and the Poconos headed to New York City to the Museum Harlean Blatt; Aryeh Rosenberg; Rhoda Mellner; Shirley of Jewish Heritage: A Living Memorial to the Holocaust and Friedman; Jay Roseman; Myra Goldberg; Stanley, Donna the outdoor memorial at the 9/11 museum. The trip was spon- and Stan Shimko; and Michael and Phyllis Weinberg. sored by the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania. At right: Among The tour group was greeted at the door by museum the museum representatives, who led the group to a private area where a pre-ordered lunch (paid by the individuals) was prepared exhibits is a for some while others had lunch at other venues. The Hungarian 28 members were divided into smaller, more intimate hand-painted tour groups and headed off to experience the museum, tapestry sukkah which is divided by floor into pre-war Jewish life, the wall covering Holocaust and post- Holocaust. adorned with The rain deterred many from venturing over to the Jewish prayers 9/11 outdoor memorial, but some did go and spent time for the sukkah there as well. and a biblical and Participants thanked Dassy Ganz and the Jewish Fed- familial motif. It eration for coordinating and sponsoring this trip to New was buried during York City. Federation thank those who participated in the Holocaust the trip, including Katherine Burkavich; Barry, Michelle and retrieved and Alana Linson; Neil and Arlene Weinberg; Miriam in “excellent Banicky; Joe and Norma Fisch; Ann Monsky; Laney condition.” YOUR AD COULD BE HERE! For information on advertising, contact Bonnie Rozen at 1-800-779-7896, ext. 244 or bonnie@ thereportergroup.org

ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 4 THE REPORTER ■ M AY 31, 2018 As night falls, Jerusalem’s old-school Jewish market transforms into a hipster hangout BY BEN SALES The story of Frig’s family shop has been JERUSALEM (JTA) – In another life, happening across Mahane Yehuda, known Kobi Frig would have been sitting behind to locals simply as the shuk, Hebrew for vats of spices in Jerusalem’s bustling, market. By day, it’s a traditional Middle labyrinthine Mahane Yehuda market, Eastern bazaar that serves the residents At right: Employees of hawking paprika, zaatar and cinnamon like of Israel’s capital city. But by night, it is Sus Ye’or, a Mexican his grandfather and father did before him. increasingly becoming a tourist attraction restaurant in Instead, Frig obeyed his father’s wishes, filled with cafes, bars and sit-down restau- Jerusalem’s Mahane went to college and started a chain of rants. The change, which began about a Yehuda market, pose events that transformed the market and led decade ago, is thrusting Mahane Yehuda’s behind the counter. to the closure of his family’s shop. He be- older merchants into a new era. Small eateries have came a community activist, organizing art “It’s changed from end to end,” said taken the place of and music fairs in the market that opened Yosi Avrahami, who has sold nuts in the many traditional food it up to a young clientele and brought in market for more than 40 years. “You shops in the market. a wave of cafes and restaurants. used to see stores with vegetables and (Photo by Ben Sales) Last year, when Frig’s father retired, food – tons of vegetable stores – I think he shuttered the spice shop and leased that will be disappointing, if it will all the space to a bar. “The third generation become beer.” didn’t see itself selling nuts and wanted Covering a network of a dozen streets to make a change,” said Frig, 42, an in central Jerusalem, the shuk is a crowded event producer. “There’s no question pedestrian mall with hundreds of shops. something changed. Whether it’s for the Since the market began operating in the best is a matter of perspective. You have late 19th century under Ottoman rule, most good relationships between the stores and of those shops have sold staple foods like Embassy Continued from page 1 the restaurants. The food businesses buy produce, baked goods, meat, fish, spices, this was “necessary to protect the national Israel’s measures, which were drawing [ingredients] from their neighbors, so the dried fruit, nuts and household items. security interests of the United States.” sharp criticism from human rights groups market is maintaining itself.” See “Market” on page 12 The U.S. president asserted that the and a number of U.S. lawmakers. “The United States continues to “support the responsibility for these tragic deaths status quo at Jerusalem’s holy sites, in- rests squarely with Hamas,” White cluding the Temple Mount, also known House spokesman Raj Shah said at the At left: A dried fruit as Haram al Sharif.” daily briefing for reporters. “Hamas is and nut seller gave Kushner asserted that the embassy intentionally and cynically provoking change to a customer move shows that the United States can this response and as the secretary of state in Jerusalem’s be trusted and that, “When President [Mike Pompeo] said, Israel has the right Mahane Yehuda Trump makes a promise, he keeps it.” to defend itself.” market on May 7. Trump, he said to applause, also kept Several of the speakers, including U.S. (Photo by Ben Sales) his promise in exiting the “dangerous, Ambassador to Israel David Friedman flawed and one-sided Iran deal.” Kushner and Rivlin, reminded the audience that added: “Iran’s aggression threatens the exactly 70 years ago, nearly to the moment many peace-loving citizens throughout of the ceremony, the United States under the region and the entire the world,” and President Harry Truman became the first that “in confronting modern threats and country to recognize the new state of Israel. pursuing common interests previously The ceremony opened with a prayer by Effective please unimaginable alliances are emerging.” Baptist Pastor Robert Jeffress, who praised immediately, send Netanyahu thanked Trump “for having Trump’s “tremendous leadership,” and note! the courage to keep your promises,” and ended with a benediction by Pastor John all articles and ads to called the opening of the embassy a “great Hagee, the founder of Christians United our new E-mail address, day for peace. ...You can only build peace for Israel. Ivanka Trump and Mnuchin, the on truth. And the truth is that Jerusalem highest-ranking White House official, -un jfnepareporter@ has been, and always will be, the capital veiled the official U.S. seal on the building. of the Jewish people, the capital of the Also during the ceremony, Israeli jewishnepa.org. Jewish state,” he said. fighter jets struck five Hamas targets in a Netanyahu praised the Israeli soldiers military training facility in northern Gaza. protecting the country’s borders “even “The strike was conducted in response to as we speak,” an acknowledgment of the the violent acts carried out by Hamas over day’s unrest. last few hours along the security fence,” The White House wholly backed the IDF said. Effective immediately, please send all articles & ads to our new E-mail address, Jewish Federation of NEPA [email protected].

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Send Dassy Ganz an email if you would like to join the list. [email protected] Pledge or Donate online at www.jewishnepa.org/donate M AY 31, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 5 NEWS IN BRIEF FROM ISRAEL From JNS.org Knesset committee urges Netanyahu to ask Trump to change part of U.S. aid deal Knesset members on May 21 told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that up to 22,000 workers in Israel’s defense industry could lose their jobs to the tune of $1.3 billion in annual losses if he does not convince U.S. President Donald Trump to reverse a clause in a military funding deal signed with the United States in 2016. The aid package signed between Netanyahu and President Barack Obama provided Israel with $38 billion in military assistance for 10 years, starting in 2019. But one of the clauses would gradually reduce and then eliminate the ability for Israel to spend any of that funding in the Jewish state. Up until the signing, Israel was able to spend 26.3 percent of the funds in Israel. The Knesset members expressed concern that the destruction of Israel’s military industry would threaten Israeli independence in times of emergency and make Israel reliant on America. They urged the prime minister to discuss the clause with Trump in the hopes that the more sympathetic administration would amend it to enable Israel to spend the aid money in country. A representative of the 200 local companies involved in building Israeli-made Merkava tanks and Namer armored personnel carriers told the committee that the aid deal would slash almost 40 Featuring the largest kosher selection of fresh meat, poultry, percent from the Defense Ministry’s production budget in Israel. A representative of the Israeli aircraft industry said 95 percent of the workers, suppliers and subcontractors dairy, frozen & grocery in the Central New York area. for its production were in Israel. Knesset member and Finance Committee Chairman Moshe Gafni (United Torah Judaism) said the aid posed “unacceptable harm” that would cause society to “crumble from within.” –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Israel is world’s first country to attack with F-35s 4.375 oz. 12 oz. Israel Air Force commander Maj. Gen. Amikam Norkin told foreign air-force Season commanders on May 17 that Israel was the first country in the world to carry out Manischewitz Sardines military attacks with F-35 stealth fighter jets. At a conference in Herzliya, Norkin Noodles in Olive Oil showed commanders in attendance a photo of an Israeli F-35 jet circling over Beirut and revealed that Israel’s response to an Iranian attack against Israel on May 10 2 $ 2 $ came after the Iran fired 32 missiles at Israel from Syrian territory – more than the

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6 THE REPORTER ■ M AY 31, 2018 How Israel’s tech scene is helping wounded combat veterans BY BEN SALES almost every day,” he said. “If I avoid going down nar- TEL AVIV (JTA) – When Elad Horovitz was shot row streets, it’s just because I’m a little scared. Now I’ll in the head during Israel’s 2014 war in Gaza, his first stop avoiding it. So these are things you can overcome concern was survival, not how to maintain peripheral and that reduces the presence of my wound day to day.” vision while driving. Horovitz, then 20, was shot through The Horovitz project was one of 14 showcased at his left ear and right eye. Somehow he survived, losing “Makers for Heroes,” a Tel Aviv event at which wounded half of his hearing and sight, and underwent two years former soldiers worked with 150 Israeli tech engineers to of rehabilitation before he was able to return to normal devise solutions to problems posed by their disabilities. life. Now he’s a psychology student at the Hebrew Uni- After two months of prepping, the veterans and their tech versity in Jerusalem. teams met in the basement of a WeWork office and spent He has a driver’s license, but his vision problems pro- much of the next 72 hours building their products with vide obstacles: Horovitz can’t see past the right corner of code, 3-D printers, polymers and the electronic guts of the car, making it difficult to drive on the narrow streets medical devices. that crisscross Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities. Some of their innovations seemed like they would That, however, changed recently. be helpful to a broader clientele. One team created a Elad Horovitz, whose vision was affected after he was At a South Tel Aviv garage, Horovitz watched as a wristband that could sense the advent of a panic attack shot during Israel’s 2014 war in Gaza, tests a device couple of computer engineers worked on his car. One by measuring the wearer’s pulse and the moisture on that will make it easier for him to drive. (Photo by bent under the open hood while the other crowded the their skin, then playing a soothing song or providing a Ben Sales) left side of the steering wheel with electronics. One different distraction. Another project aimed to prevent small rectangular screen was connected to sensors on the blood clots by wrapping a veteran’s legs in blood pressure diers also receive public benefits following their rehab. front-left corner of the car, blinking if it got too close to sleeves and pushing blood back up the veins. Restart’s mission is to support the soldiers after the anything. A camera similar to the now-common rearview The teams were drawn from Tel Aviv’s tech eco- government scales back its obligations to them, providing cameras was for Horovitz’s blind spot. system. Some took off three days from their jobs to them with benefits to ease their daily lives. One program “Today, I can do almost everything and I drive a lot, participate in the “make-athon,” while some local start- matches 15 wounded veterans with professional mentors ups sent teams to participate. “These soldiers gave us who can help them find jobs and burnish themselves everything they can – their health, their entire life,” said professionally. “Makers for Heroes,” which has taken Shoshi Rushnevsky, a former Israeli tech worker and the place twice, aims to bring Israeli tech prowess to bear At left: Shoshi founder of Restart, an organization that aids wounded on helping the veterans. Rushnevsky, the Israeli veterans and organized the event with the Reut “There’s an inclination after the war to neglect founder of Restart, Institute think tank. “Let’s take our connections, our the wounded soldiers,” said Niv Efron, an Israeli hopes “Makers knowledge, our experience, and help the wounded get veteran who was shot in the chest and hand in the for Heroes” will out of the cycle of injury. The injury cycle can really 2014 Gaza war and underwent six surgeries. Efron make the lives of get you stuck. That feeling of immobility is what we participated in the first iteration of “Makers for He- wounded veterans want to set free.” roes” two years ago, where his team built a device a little easier. The Israeli government funds rehabilitation for its to help him do pull-ups. (Photo by Ben 51,000 living wounded veterans – a population that “You can’t blame them,” Efron said of Israelis Sales) receives public sympathy in a small country where most who stop paying attention to the wounded. “They citizens are subject to a mandatory draft. Wounded sol- need to go back to work. But the wounded soldiers are still there.” The engineers brought experience ranging from bio- medical tech startups to Israel’s security tech industry. For the most part, the veterans themselves did not take part in the tech development. They were there to test out their teams’ innovations and guide them on what would be most helpful. They also helped figure out which projects would be possible to complete within a three-day period. Horovitz, for example, decided not to pursue creating a hearing aid that would alert him when someone was speaking to his deaf ear. “I told them my problem, we discussed it, they came up with the idea and they banged it out,” said Assaf Dory, an Israeli American who had his leg amputated after being wounded twice on police duty in Florida. His team was fashioning a cushion that would allow the ex-Israeli soldier to sit in any chair. “It’s amazing to see all these professionals dancing, doing their thing,” he said. None of the products will end up being licensed by a tech firm. Instead, they will all be uploaded online, complete with plans and open-source code. The idea, Dory said, was to help the veterans and empower them. If someone wants to copy any of the ideas, he said, they can go ahead. “It’s the ability to do something you couldn’t or thought you couldn’t,” Efron said. “We find a product to enable [a veteran] to do what he wants to. It will also show him that even with his limitations, he can still do things.” M AY 31, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 7 Forbes global summit showcases Israeli high-tech to the world BY MAAYAN JAFFE-HOFFMAN strategies. After about two hours, they (JNS) – Randall Lane, editor of Forbes presented their pitches to the team. The magazine, said it loud and clear: “Bringing winner gets to present their startup at the the entire world together in one place is first-ever “Under 30 Summit Europe” in something I always wanted to do. Israel Amsterdam later this year. “Too many has been a global crossroads of culture, events come to a country, do their thing religion and commerce, so I figured it was and leave,” said Lane. “We want to leave the natural spot to make it happen.” To our host country better for being here.” that end, some 700 of the world’s “most Erel Margalit, founder of Jerusalem influential” young entrepreneurs from 38 Venture Partners, spent the day with the group and offered advice about numerous countries converged on Israel recently for Dr. Ruth Westheimer, the first-ever “Forbes Under 30 Global topics. He told JNS that what he is looking arguably the world’s Summit.” for in a young entrepreneur is passion, new “Israel is a young country that is known most well-known sex ideas and the ability to work with others. as ‘the startup nation,’ so it is the perfect educator, addressed the He also mentioned that today’s entrepre- home,” Lane told JNS. young entrepreneurs neur needs to be open to change. “Every Participants spent four days straddling Some 700 of the world’s “most influential” young at the “Forbes Under business category is changing,” said Mar- Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, hearing from entrepreneurs from 38 countries converged on Israel 30 Global Summit.” galit. “Insurance, retail, the hotel business, Israeli and international speakers. The recently for the first-ever “Forbes Under 30 Global (Photo by Maayan Jaffe- mobility, artificial intelligence, health care, conference opened at the Tel Aviv Stock Summit.” (Photo by Maayan Jaffe-Hoffman) Hoffman) food-tech – there are new industries and Exchange, where women participants rung evolving industries. The pyramid is flipping the bell to open the financial markets. with David Fialkow, co-founder of Gener- Yehuda open-air market in Jerusalem, and on its head, and people need to show that “Seeing the women on the podium, that al Catalyst, talked about the next steps for the spice and produce stalls were turned they can flip with it. Those are the people was a really exciting message,” said Lane. attendees who “made it” at such a young into a dance club of sorts. The magazine who will run great companies.” “It showcased the people we have to and age. Their message was what career pro- arranged for Solomon Souza, Israeli Of course, the people at this summit want to accelerate.” fessionals do today does not define what muralist and U.S. artist, to paint a portrait have already made it in some way. “If On May 7, they heard a keynote address they do tomorrow. of B.C. Forbes in the shuk. Participants you look around, you are going to see from Dr. Ruth Westheimer, arguably the The group also heard from the father painted a quote by his mural that says, “It three future billionaires, a future prime world’s most well-known sex educator. of Israeli high-tech Yossi Vardi and Waze is only the farmer who faithfully plants minister of some country – these people She is also a veteran of the 1948 Israeli founder Uri Levine, who spoke together seeds in the spring, who reaps a harvest are the future,” said Lane. War of Independence, having joined the with supermodel Bar Refaeli about how in the autumn.” Luke Massie from the United Kingdom Haganah as a teenager after moving to she made the pivot from fashion to fashion Lane noted that the last day of the said meeting the people was the most British Mandate Palestine from her native entrepreneur. “Under 30s are just driven program, however, offered participants a exciting part. “People are trying to find Germany. The 89-year-old shared how she to succeed,” said Lane. “They want real chance to give back to Israel. They took answers to the most intractable questions helped start a country – she was trained as change, and they know that entrepre- part in simultaneous pitch competitions at and challenges,” Massie told JNS. “Back a scout and sniper – and then went about neurship is one of the best ways to make Jerusalem Venture Partners in Jerusalem home, a lot of people complain and leave trying to revolutionize how people talk it happen.” and the Palestinian tech capital, Rawabi, it at that. Not here. These people highlight about sex and relationships. A highlight was what Forbes calls the where local startups worked with the and challenge, and try to come up with a Later, former NBA All-Star and serial “Legendary Shuk Food and Bar Crawl,” “Under 30s” to hone in on their mes- number of different answers.” entrepreneur Amar’e Stoudemire, together where participants took over the Machane saging and solidify their “go to” market See “Forbes” on page 8

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With best wishes, Mark Silverberg, Executive Director Jewish Federation of NE Pennsylvania 601 Jefferson Avenue Scranton, PA 18510 ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 8 THE REPORTER ■ M AY 31, 2018 D’VAR TORAH You can’t have it all BY RABBI MOSHE SAKS, TEMPLE ISRAEL OF prophet. All the other prophets experience the word of SCRANTON God in dreams and riddles, while Moshe sees God face BeHa’alotcha: Numbers 8:1-12:16 to face and experiences a clear message. Two stories in this week’s parasha peaked my interest. For acting in this manner, for attacking Moshe, Miriam First, Numbers 11, in which we read that the Israelites is stricken with leprosy, the punishment for speaking are once again unhappy and complain to Moses: evil of others. They wanted a bigger role and they were “We remember the fish that we ate for nothing in “cut down to size.” Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions The rabbis tell us in Pirkei Avot: “Who is rich? He who and the garlic. Now our gullets are shriveled. There is happy with his portion.” When dissatisfied, grasping is nothing at all! Nothing but this manna to look to!” for more seldom results in happiness. One of the greatest The Torah makes clear that they are not suffering for problems facing us in the modern world is that we want lack of food nor was the food they had uneatable! too much. We want everything. “The manna was like coriander seed, and in color it Look what we want for our children. We want them was like bdellium.” The people would go about and to play sports, learn to dance, play an instrument, go to a gather it, grind it between millstones or pound it in a school for arts or gifted, learn Hebrew etc. etc. All of this, mortar, boil it in a pot and make it into cakes. It tasted and then we want them to be healthy and well-adjusted. like rich cream. Men and women want to be at the top of their field, It is not that they are lacking, nor that what they have spend appropriate time with their family, be involved in isn’t good; it just isn’t good enough for them. They community programs and have some time to play golf. want something else, something more. God accedes to Somehow, we want to do all of this in what is still their request. He sends them quail to eat. They gorge only a 24-hour day with only seven days in the week. themselves until they are literally sick. They were not We want it all, even if parts conflict with each other. It satisfied with the good they had. Instead, they sought doesn’t work. I hate to be a spoil sport, but none of us more, suffering the consequences. can have it all, not if we want to maintain sanity. In chapter 12, we are told that Miriam and Aaron The rabbis said it wisely: “If you grasp too much, you spoke against Moshe because of the Cushite woman haven’t grasped anything.” We must set priorities in our whom he had married. It is not clear from the text what lives. We must decide what is truly important and what this incident is all about, but it is clear that it was just is nice but secondary. Without prioritizing we will make a pretext. In the next verse the Torah records: “They our kids crazy and drive ourselves insane. said: Has the Lord spoken only through you? Has he I see this when parents come to me to talk about Jew- not also spoken through us. And the Lord heard.” They ish education for their youngsters and requirements for are jealous. Something has transpired and they feel Shabbat bar/bat mitzvah. Frequently, I am asked about slighted. Aren’t they as good as Moshe? Hasn’t God tutoring that will allow a youngster to study less than our spoken through them as prophetic figures? Moshe, per- minimum requirement. This, while the child is taking haps because of his humility, does not respond. He may dance lessons or playing sports in the early morning not have even heard their remarks, but God heard. His several days a week; not including the weekend skiing. response is clear. He tells Miriam and Aaron that there “When we grasp too much, we run the risk of losing is a qualitative difference between Moshe and any other it all.” Don’t let it happen to you.

Forbes Continued from page 7 Israeli participant Orel Hershkovitz thriving ecosystem with creative ideas said “the networking is amazing. Each and companies that have not been afraid one of these people brings something to take creative risks – it is exciting.” good to the table, and you can learn Margalit said Israeli startups tend from him, share your own experiences to be international from the get-go and share connections.” because the local marketplace is so The summit was also an opportunity small. As such, a summit likes this one to showcase the best of Israel. Massie, opens young Israeli entrepreneurs to for example, said he was struck by new opportunities to mesh their own Tel Aviv’s diversity. “Reading media, culture and ideas with those of people I would have expected a completely from other countries. different experience,” he said. “This When he founded Jerusalem Venture place is really cool.” Partners 20 years ago, there were few Julius Bachmann from Germany said high-tech jobs in Jerusalem, and young Jerusalem surprised him in that “it is a Randall Lane, editor of Forbes people were leaving the city in droves. cultural, old town, but it is really far magazine, addressed the Today, more than 20,000 people work in ahead” of its time. “Forbes Under 30 Global Jerusalem tech—and the prospects only Even Andrew Maximo, a Jewish Summit.” (Photo by Maayan seem to be growing. “It is a city that has entrepreneur from Los Angeles who has Jaffe-Hoffman) a history, but it needed a new narrative,” been to Israel as a tourist many times, acknowledged Margalit. “If innovation can said the trip expanded his horizons. “The business side of change a city, it can change a county, and it can be a bridge Israel is a different side,” he said. “Seeing such a vibrant, between countries in the region and, ultimately, the world.” For information on advertising, please contact Bonnie Rozen at 1-800-779-7896, ext. 244 or bonnie@ thereportergroup.org

9:30 Mon. pm M AY 31, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 9 Berlin volunteers hand out 6,000 kippahs at public parks in solidarity with Jews BY TOBY AXELROD Marco [last names held on request] joined Anne – re- BERLIN (JTA) – In an unusual sight, the people ceived support from the Berlin Jewish community, the lazing about or strolling down the paths in several Foundation Remembrance, Responsibility and Future, parks here on a sun-drenched Sunday were wearing the Friedrich Ebert Foundation and the Amadeo-Antonio gleaming white kippahs. Seventy volunteers handed Foundation, as well as from private individuals. They out some 6,000 of the satin yarmulkes in total at five asked that their last names not be used to avoid people parks in the German capital to counter a recent antise- trying to contact them at work; they can be contacted mitic incident targeting a man wearing the Jewish head through their Facebook page. covering. Three non-Jewish friends planned the event, The volunteers started handing out the yarmulkes dubbing it “Kopf Hoch” – literally “Keep your head early Sunday afternoon. Within an hour, the green high,” or “Cheer Up.” lawns of Monbijou Park in the Mitte District were “It’s always important to do something against an- dotted with kippah wearers lounging on the grass, tisemitism, and for the safety of our city in general,” picnicking or otherwise enjoying the day. Anne [last name held on request], one of the organizers, Janin Viviane Ahnefeld, a German-Israeli at- told JTA. “But with the last incident, it clearly is not torney, took a break from work to hand out the Belgian tourists posed in yarmulkes with Pete the dog the job of Jews alone – all of us have to watch out for free yarmulkes. She was accompanied by the best in the Monbijou Park in Berlin on April 29. (Photo each other.” ice-breaker: her kippah-wearing golden retriever, by Toby Axelrod) Initially, more parks were included in the plan. But Pete. Ahnefeld said her best customers were “tourists Anne said the Berlin police advised the organizers not from other countries. On April 17, an attacker shouting “Jew!” in Arabic to carry out their action in the Kreuzberg and Neukoeln “I had people from Denmark, France, Poland, Britain,” assaulted a non-Jewish man wearing a yarmulke on a districts, as both areas have large Arab populations. she said. “And they were all very open, they wanted to Berlin street. The victim was an Israeli Arab who said he Some of the recent antisemitic incidents here have been join in and they gladly took a kippah.” And they posed donned the kippah to test whether it had actually become attributed to people of Arab background. for photos with Pete and Ahnefeld. dangerous to wear one in Germany. The organizers of the kippot action – Jannik and Locals tended to be more reluctant, she said. “I had a Critics say the solidarity actions and even govern- conversation with one German guy who said, ‘I am not ment promises are too little – and almost too late. But religious, and don’t want to have anything to do with these events get people to “come out of their bubble it.’ I told him it has nothing to do with whether you are and talk about what is happening in our city,” Anne religious or not, but he was not interested,” Ahnefeld said, and also can help people overcome fear of others said. It’s a kind of “looking away,” which is “too bad,” and stereotypes. she said. On April 29, she met with some Arab families in the Anne said she only had two negative reactions, “but park. In one case, Anne said, “Someone translated for they weren’t bad. One person said ‘no,’ and another me, and the father of the family said, ‘Of course! We nearby said, ‘Then I’ll take it!’” will do it with you.’” She added: “Other Arab families Some said they were not religious, but added, “I find reacted differently, but always respectful.” what you are doing totally good.” Though by far not all park-goers were wearing kippahs The event follows a kippah “flash mob” and a recent by the end of the day, there was a distinct impression of rally that drew some 2,500 concerned Berliners to the door- something unusual going on. “One woman came over and step of the Jewish Community Center in the former West asked if a Jewish festival was being celebrated today,” Visitors at the Mauerpark in Berlin wearing kippahs Berlin. The recent increase in antisemitic incidents has said Anne, laughing. “It was a moment of normalcy” for on April 29. (Photo by Adam Berry/Getty Images) been met by calls for tougher action against perpetrators. yarmulkes in Berlin.

Celebrate Israel Parade Join thousands walking down New York City’s Fifth Avenue followed by dinner and shopping in Teaneck, New Jersey Sunday, June 3, 2018 Please contact Dassy at 570-961-2300 x2 or [email protected] for further information or to make your reservation

ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 10 THE REPORTER ■ M AY 31, 2018 On the silver screen Spike Lee’s Jewish characters have gotten better since “Mo’ Better Blues” BY RON KAMPEAS he was listening to Jews and trying to understand what ‹‹ “Mo’ Better Blues” (1990) (JTA) – Spike Lee is it was to be Jewish in the American landscape. His Jew- Jewish characters: Moe and Josh Flatbush, played by releasing a new “joint” ish characters morphed from offensive stereotypes into real-life brothers John and Nicholas Turturro, who are in August. “BlacKk- thoughtful considerations of complicated people. (His not Jewish. (John Turturro, who’s Italian, often plays Klansman” is a buddy treatment of women underwent a similar trajectory, from Jewish characters in Coen Brothers’ films.) cop film purportedly playing anal rape for laughs in “She’s Gotta Have It,” Jewish quotient: The Flatbushes speak with broad based on real events, his first movie made fresh out of New York University New York Jewish accents as they ruthlessly exploit the in which a black officer film school in 1986, to “Chi-Raq,” his 2015 take on the jazz musicians who are the film’s protagonists. (John David Wash- feminist ancient Greek play “Lysistrata.”) “The Flatbush brothers are the film’s villains, their ington, of the HBO Here’s a review of Spike Lee’s Mo’ Better Jews: See “Characters” on page 15 show “Ballers”) and a Jewish officer (Adam Spike Lee at the Cannes Film Driver, of “Girls,” Festival on May 15. (Photo “Star Wars” sequels by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Schindler Continued from page 2 and more) team up to Images) Jewish talent and Jewish slave labor to build his metal- publisher of the antisemitic Dearborn Independent and infiltrate a Colorado works business and his fortune. His transformation was the American disseminator of the “Protocols of the Elders Springs branch of the Ku Klux Klan, led by David Duke gradual. He saw too much evil and then used the same of Zion,” was honored personally by Hitler. (Topher Grace, of “That ‘70s Show”). From the trailer, cunning, and daring, to save his endangered Jews. He “Schindler’s List” had a monumental unintended Washington and Driver appear to cultivate the easy-going moved them from Krakow to Czechoslovakia along with consequence. Survivors kept coming up to Spielberg bromance common to such films. his factory, and they survived the war. More than 1,200 and saying, “have I got a story to tell you,” and the Lee’s depiction of the black-Jewish relationship Jews were rescued due to his interventions. filmmaker listened with ever-growing fascination. As a has come a long way since the release of “Mo’ Better Spielberg resisted the temptation to valorize Schindler, man who could move millions with his work and was Blues” (1990), his second major film after his breakout, who was portrayed brilliantly by Liam Neeson, warts at the forefront of technological innovation, Spielberg “Do the Right Thing” (1989). The film’s depiction of and all. Spielberg couldn’t quite end the film, perhaps vowed to record the testimonies of 50,000 survivors and two conniving Jewish impresario brothers was widely because he didn’t want to, so he gave filmgoers four preserve them for posterity. Naturally he chose video. condemned at the time as antisemitic. endings: Schindler’s final speech wishing he had done The result was what was then called the Survivors of In ensuing interviews, Lee doubled down and insisted more; the Jewish workers walking away into an uncertain the Shoah Visual History Foundation, which took the he was not antisemitic, but often by advancing antise- future; a segment in color featuring real-life survivors testimony of 52,000 Holocaust survivors in 57 countries mitic arguments: Jews controlled Hollywood, and they visiting Schindler’s grave; and a closing title card reading and 32 languages, compiling the largest collection of wouldn’t let him be antisemitic, right? What’s more, simply, “There are fewer than 4,000 Jews left alive in oral history of any historical event. there was no stereotype: Like the Jewish characters in Poland today. There are more than 6,000 descendants At first, Spielberg envisioned disseminating the col- the film, Jews do exploit blacks! of the Schindler Jews.” lection in its entirety to five major research centers. In the “In the history of American music, there have not been The film is widely recognized as one of the finest ever years since, the collection has not only been disseminated Jewish people exploiting black musicians?” he said to made and gained such a moral stature that it was aired in its entirety, but community after community has made New York Magazine in 2006. “In the history of music? by NBC without commercial interruptions. Ford’s spon- use of the testimonies of local survivors to create films How is that being stereotypical?” sorship of the broadcast was perhaps an act of atonement and educational material. And yet, in his subsequent films, there was evidence or posthumous justice: Company founder Henry Ford, Examples abound: In my own work with the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, the testimonies of Chicago-area survivors were turned into a dozen films. Macedonia has used Macedonian testimonies, Mexico City Mexican testimonies. It is the gift that keeps on giving as scholars have made use of it for their research. Legacies For Life Program Even great document scholars, such as Christopher Browning, learned the historical importance of oral Lewis and Gerry Sare’s charitable giving in establishing a history. Related films have been made on death marches $100,000 Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment (P.A.C.E.) Fund with the and Sonderkommandos, the prisoners who worked in the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania says a lot about them vicinity of the death camps, areas where documents are Lewis and Gerry Sare (of blessed memory and a UJA “Lion few and memories deep. Now housed at the University of Southern Califor- of Judah” benefactor for decades) of Scranton are part of nia, the renamed Shoah Foundation Institute for Visual America’s “greatest generation.” History and Education is pioneering a video dialogue with survivors using voice recognition software. It al- Their charitable causes over the years have included the lows a genuine conversation with holographic images Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, the Jewish of survivors, drawing on their actual testimonies. It is Federation of South Palm Beach (Florida), Jewish Home of taking testimony from other genocides, Cambodia and Eastern Pennsylvania (Scranton), Hospice of Palm Beach Rwanda and Bosnia, as sadly the list grows. And insti- County (Florida), Jewish Family Service of Northeastern tutions throughout the world are creating educational programs from this work. Pennsylvania (Scranton), Anshe Emuna Congregation of Spielberg himself has become a major moral voice of Delray Beach, Florida, Congregation Beth Shalom (Scranton), Scranton Jewish Community our generation, a voice that only grew with time and with Center, Temple Israel (Scranton), Florida Atlantic University Foundation (Boca Raton, Florida), St. new works such as “Saving Private Ryan,” “Lincoln” Joseph’s Center, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism, and most recently “The Post,” to name a few – films Temple of Israel (Dunmore, PA), Jewish War Veterans, Hadassah, Jewish National Fund, World that grapple with racism and slavery, war and memory, freedom of the press and the courage to take a stand. Jewish Congress, Tifereth Israel Congregation (Judy Sare Nursery School, Bensalem, PA), Jewish Spielberg himself grew more comfortable and more Heritage Connection, The ARC, Scranton Area Foundation, Geisinger-Commonwealth School of profound in his Jewish identity and his ability to embrace Medicine, Elan Gardens, Maccabi USA and the Jewish Agency for Israel, North America. that identity without being narrowly parochial or limiting the audiences for his films. His name is synonymous A portion of the income from their new P.A.C.E. Fund will be added in their names to the with excellence – film excellence and moral excellence. annual UJA Campaign of the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania each year in And his stature poses a challenge to filmmakers of all perpetuity and will be used to perpetuate Jewish life in Northeast Pennsylvania, sustain our generations to engage their own tradition and speak many Jewish institutions and support Israel and our People in 57 countries around the through that experience to the world. Like the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, “Schin- world - wherever Jews are in need or under threat. dler’s List” demonstrated that a Jewish story could remain Our community is eternally grateful to Lewis and his late wife Gerry for their Legacy. deeply Jewish and yet speak to the mainstream not only of American society, but the contemporary culture as well. Write your prescription today for a better Jewish future by remembering the Jewish In Krakow, I recently stood in line with hundreds of Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania in your estate planning. visitors at Schindler’s factory, where a museum has been created. It attracts visitors from throughout the world, all For more information, please call Mark Silverberg, Executive Director at 570-961-2300 (ext. 1) of whom were drawn to the place because of the story or e-mail him at [email protected] if you have any questions. Spielberg told as only he could: of a scoundrel who over time became noble. For after all, “he who saves a life, For our Community. saves the world entire.” For our Posterity. Michael Berenbaum, professor of Jewish studies and director of the Sigi Ziering Institute: Exploring the For Israel. Ethical and Religious Implications of the Holocaust, was Forever. president of the Survivors of the Shoah Visual History Foundation from 1997-2000. M AY 31, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 11 On the silver screen Why a gory Holocaust film is a blockbuster in Russia BY CNAAN LIPHSHIZ prominently in national media, the war drama “Sobibor” (JTA) – A decade ago, relatively few people in Russia is a box-office hit with $2 million in ticket sales – an even knew about the existence of Sobibor, the small- unprecedented success for its genre in Russia, especially est-scale facility of the six killing centers that the Nazis for a movie unsuitable for children. built in occupied Poland. This relative obscurity persisted The two-hour Russian-language film – a multi-million for decades in Russia, Israel and beyond despite the fact dollar production with state funding – features Konstantin that the camp is tied to a dramatic story of heroism: In Khabenskiy, one of Russia’s best-known actors. It has 1943, Russian inmates led a successful escape, one of an international cast and convincing visuals, but its main only two such occurrences during the Holocaust (the significance is that it goes into finer detail and nuance other happened that same year in Treblinka). than any feature film made before about the camp, ac- Following the Sobibor uprising, however, the Nazis cording to Michael Edelstein, a lecturer at Moscow State razed the camp so that little more than a forest clear- University and the film’s scientific consultant. ing remained in the remote area where SS guards and Visually, the film is one of the goriest of its kind. Its Ukrainians murdered 250,000 Jews. This is why Sobibor opening scene features the death throes of hundreds of Christopher Lambert, right, portraying a German receives a fraction of the visitor traffic observed at the naked women in a gas chamber. There’s a rape scene, Nazi officer in “Sobibor.” (Photo courtesy of Rosiya Auschwitz or Majdanek camps, whose gas chambers immolation, savage beatings, floggings, stabbings, a Segondiya) and other structures remained intact and were turned bludgeoning to the head and firearm executions. into museum exhibits. “It’s a very difficult film to watch,” Rabbi Alexan- Jews, whom they call “kikes” in the film. Ten years on, though, Sobibor has made a huge splash der Boroda, president of the Federation of Jewish Under Pechersky, a dozen-odd men and a few wom- in Russia thanks to a government-led commemoration Communities of Russia, told JTA. en eliminated the Nazi chain of command by stealthily campaign that culminated this year, the uprising’s 75th The film also goes further than any previous produc- assassinating several camp officers, who were lured into anniversary, with the recent commercial release of Rus- tion – including the 1987 British television film “Escape a trap with promises of exquisite possessions taken from sia’s largest-ever Holocaust movie production. Featured from Sobibor” staring Alan Arkin – in exploring the victims. With weapons they stole, the rebels then engaged internal politics within the camp. In the days before the the watchtower guards as more than 300 people exited uprising, its conspirators suffered violence and feared through the main gate. Only 57 escapees, including Pech- betrayal by other inmates – including kapo, Jews who ersky, avoided being murdered in the subsequent manhunt. worked for the Nazis as camp police. Eleven German officers were killed in the uprising. Whereas the 1987 film ignores this issue, it is ever-pres- But while these acts of bravery at Sobibor highlight the ent in the Russian production, informing at every step the rebels’ resourcefulness and determination, they and the mov- viewer’s interpretation of the actions and dilemmas of ie also underscore how Jews’ relative obedience at Sobibor the film’s main protagonist, the partisan and Red Army created total complacency among the Nazis – who were veteran Alexander Pechersky, who led the revolt and famously vigilant, disciplined and effective in countering whose character is played by Khabenskiy. threats by enemies, partisans and even prisoners of war. The film even features one scene of a kapo practicing “A body has two hands, and so does this story,” said the Nazi salute – a reference to Herbert Naftaniel, a Ger- Edelstein. “On the one hand, there was the dehumaniza- man Jew nicknamed Berliner. According to testimonies tion and mechanized killing. On the other, the heroism. from Sobibor, Naftaniel was crueler to inmates than the And I think Sobibor is remembered for the heroism “Sobibor” explores the Nazi camp’s internal politics. German and Ukrainian guards. It also shows the hostility thanks to the rebels’ actions.” (Photo courtesy of Rosiya Segondiya) harbored by some Russian Jewish soldiers toward other See “Film” on page 13

ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 12 THE REPORTER ■ M AY 31, 2018

Market Continued from page 4 Other stores sell inexpensive clothing, Judaica, sweets or movement checked his phone milk in their refrigerators. souvenirs. It has been the target of at least seven terrorist while manning a table with a “What I like the most about attacks since 1968. It invariably opened for business the pair of unraveled tefillin. the shuk is the combination of next day, if not the same afternoon. But a side street looked like the old-school Middle Eastern It has undergone a few renovations since its founding: it came straight out of the city’s vibes and the hipster up-and- Merchants now sell their food from physical stalls, rather Zagat guide. A stand near the coming young vibes that we than tarps spread on the ground, and many have hung entrance sold fresh-pressed have going together,” said signs above their shops. But it’s still far less formal than juice and smoothies – advertis- Bromberg, 24, an Australian a grocery store. Sellers will sit on stools at the front of ing an acai bowl in English and expat. “We’re best friends. We their stores, hawking tomatoes, halva or chicken in loud, Hebrew. Nearby was Fishen- make them coffee – obviously, hoarse, competing voices. Regulars from all walks of chips, one of the shuk’s first it’s all free – because we’re all Jewish Jerusalem life conduct business on a first-name small sit-down places geared just neighbors and friends.” basis – and pay in cash. The food is kosher – and the toward 20-somethings. Far- But some of Bromberg’s entire market shuts down for Shabbat before sundown ther along was a gelato shop, A nut and spice seller stood in front of his shop in neighbors feel differently. on Fridays. and there were bars around Jerusalem’s Mahane Yehuda market on May 7. The market’s older occupants On a recent weekday evening, the shuk’s central the corner. Young people sat (Photo by Ben Sales) do not all appreciate the new avenue looked like it has for decades. Shoppers lugged chatting over meals and beer atmosphere and clientele, who collapsible carts from stand to stand, doling out money at elevated tables. sometimes come along with loud music, drunkenness and and accumulating plastic bags of fresh food. Counters “It’s an amazing atmosphere – good people, always loud conversation. Worse, they said, tourists are there piled with olives, challahs, dried apricots and rice sea- smiling, a fantastic atmosphere, bro,” said Dima Kasa- to stroll, gawk and take selfies – not to actually buy the sonings beckoned locals and tourists alike – though a chuck, 20, who worked behind the counter at a Mexican food they’re selling. “It used to be good, now it’s not,” branch of Israel’s largest coffee chain, Aroma, has also restaurant and sported bleached hair, ear gauges and a said Chai Noach, a produce merchant. “It’s becoming taken up shop there. long-sleeve t-shirt emblazoned with a skull. “I worked an entertainment zone. People don’t come to buy. They In the center of the street, a young girl in a pink fleece in lots of other restaurants, but it was a lower-key at- come to hang out, to travel.” played the recorder in front of a donation basket. Off to mosphere there. There were more serious people, less Some new stores have tried to bridge the gap between the side, an emissary of the Chabad Chasidic outreach fun, less chilling, fewer jokes, just serious work, and old market and new. The front of Beer Bazaar, which it’s not fun.” opened in 2015, could almost pass as a Middle Eastern The transformation began in 2006, when Frig persuad- market for Israeli craft beer. It’s narrow and crowded, ed merchants to remain open late one night for a party on advertising a wide range of Israeli breweries and sell- the Jewish holiday of Purim. It ended up drawing 4,000 ing varieties that can be hard to find elsewhere. But the people. In subsequent years, he put on a series of art, back looks like a comfortable pub, where patrons can music and culinary festivals in the shuk that exhibited order dinner along with their drink. One sandwich on its potential as a communal space for the city’s youth. the menu is named after filmmaker Quentin Tarantino, Restaurateurs soon began renting out storefronts and in honor of the time he ate there with his Israeli fiancee, replacing traditional sellers. Daniella Pick. Even the merchants that have remained have con- Yarden Rivlin, who works at Beer Bazaar, pointed out tributed to the market’s new feel. Many of their gates that the bars and restaurants tend to keep different hours are painted with graffiti portraits of Jewish historical than the food stands, so there is not too much conflict. figures, so when the stores close, the market becomes a He feels the shuk has retained its character – even if the public art exhibit. offerings have changed. Baristas and waiters at the market’s newer shops “In the shuk, everyone needs to be friends with ev- say they love their workplace and its fusion of old and eryone,” said Rivlin, 25. “Everyone brings a different Beer Bazaar, a craft beer shop in Jerusalem’s Mahane new. At Roasters, a third-wave café, Esther Bromberg kind of personality. During the day, the stores are open Yehuda market, aims to combine the variety of a bazaar said she loves hearing neighboring merchants yell their and there are fruits and vegetables and nuts and sweets, with the atmosphere of a chic pub. (Photo by Ben Sales) cappuccino orders to her – while she feels free to store and at night we open up the tables and the atmosphere P A C E Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment Your gift to the Annual Campaign DOES A WORLD OF GOOD. Endowing your gift allows you to be there for the Jewish community of NEPA forever. A Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment (PACE) is a permanent fund that endows your Jewish community Annual Campaign gift as a lasting legacy. A PACE fund will continue to make an annual gift in perpetuity on your behalf. To determine the amount you need to endow your entire campaign gift, multiply your current annual gift by 20. You can fund your PACE by adding the JEWISH FEDERATION OF NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA to your will, or by making the Federation a beneficiary of your IRA. All contributions to establish a PACE are tax deductible. Let your name be remembered as a blessing. Endowments can be created through a variety of vehicles, some of which do not necessitate funding during your lifetime yet still provide your estate with considerable tax benefits. They also enable you to perpetuate your commitment to the Annual Campaign in a way that best achieves your own personal financial and estate planning goals. 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For more information contact Mark Silverberg at [email protected] or call 570-961-2300, ext. 1. M AY 31, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 13 Film Continued from page 11 The film also addresses perceived passivity, exploring treads lightly through a political minefield. Surprisingly, the grinding effect of hard labor, hunger and trauma as perhaps, the film devotes very little attention to how well as the elaborate deception employed by the Nazis to Sobibor had Ukrainian guards or to the fact that many trick the condemned into submissively entering the gas of the escapees were betrayed by Poles – aspects of the chambers, which the killers said were showers. Victims’ story that would mesh comfortably with the Kremlin’s suitcases were tagged and they received slips to recover campaign of vilification against those nations, where them. Separation between the sexes was “temporary,” anti-Russian sentiment is rife. they were told. In recent months, Poland and the Netherlands have Pechersky, a Red Army prisoner of war who was worked to exclude Russia from a committee planning transferred to Sobibor because he was Jewish, realized a new museum on the Sobibor grounds, prompting within a few days that no one was meant to survive the protests by Israel. camp, he said in testimonies. But others wholeheartedly “Fortunately, the film doesn’t deal with these politi- believed they were about to be resettled. Some of the most Extras being filmed in Lithuania for “Sobibor.” (Photo cized issues,” Edelstein said. “Nor should it. The story poignant findings from Sobibor were discovered last year: courtesy of Rosiya Segondiya) of Sobibor is not only a Jewish story, but also a story name plaques that five Dutch-Jewish families had brought about the best and the worst of us as human beings. Its with them to Sobibor to install on their new mailboxes. Celebrating him was out of the question” during com- message needs to be universal.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refer- munism, Edelstein said. enced Sobibor’s dual legacy for Jews during a speech But that changed in Russia following Haimi’s ar- in January that he gave in a joint appearance Russian cheological excavations, which drew intense interest in President Vladimir Putin at a commemoration ceremony international media. The process that led to the film’s for the Sobibor Uprising at Moscow’s Jewish Museum creation began with a visit to Israel in 2012, Edelstein and Tolerance Center. “There were those who thought said. Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein, who is Michael’s that [Sobibor] was our history’s rock bottom, when in brother, proposed the two countries cooperate on com- fact it marked the opposite: Our will to never surrender memorating the 75th anniversary of the uprising. to those who want to destroy us,” Netanyahu said. “That Russian authorities have since facilitated the establish- Henryk Ross photos moment more than any other marked the turning point ment in Moscow of a foundation devoted to commemo- The Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York in the history of the Jewish people.” rating and researching the uprising. They also bestowed City is holding the exhibit “Memory Unearthed: But this modern view was not universally shared in Israel posthumous honors on uprising leaders and invited The Lodz Ghetto Photographs of Henryk Ross” in the years immediately after the Holocaust. In celebrating descendants of the Sobibor uprising leaders to official until June 24. It features the photos of Henryk Holocaust-era bravery, authorities highlighted the Warsaw events in Moscow – including the annual May 9 military Ross (1910-91), who was confined to the Lodz Ghetto in Ghetto uprising and other cases that did not carry Sobibor’s parade celebrating Nazi Germany’s defeat. Schools have Poland in 1940. He was put to work by the Nazi regime as complex mixture of heroism, passivity and treachery. For been named for Pechersky in Russia and monuments a bureaucratic photographer for the Jewish Administration’s decades, “the Sobibor Uprising was barely known in Israel,” built in his honor for the first time in decades. Haimi, the Statistics department. For nearly four years, Ross used his according to Yoram Haimi, the Israeli archeologist who archeologist, describes this as a cynical “appropriation” official position as cover to covertly document the lives in recent years unearthed parts of the gas chamber at the by Russian authorities of the story. of others. Sometimes forced to conceal his camera in his camp. The only commemoration it had was when survivors’ Pechersky, who died in 1990, was “never recognized overcoat, Ross took photographs to record the horrors and families gathered each year on the uprising’s anniversary at by the Russians. Only now they reinvent this story, complexities of life in the Lodz Ghetto and to preserve the home of Dov Freiberg for a dinner party that featured make it their own and recast him as some Red Army evidence of Nazi crimes. As liquidation began, Ross buried neither speeches nor ceremonies, he said. hero,” Haimi said. “He did what he did as a Jew trying an astonishing 6,000 negatives near his home. The exhibit Meanwhile, the Sobibor Uprising did not meet the to survive, not for Mother Russia.” features more than 200 of Ross’ photographs, supplemented Soviet Union’s standards for heroism either, according The film does carry some nationalistic Russian refer- by artifacts and testimony and presented in the context of to Edelstein, the film’s scientific consultant. “Pechersky ences, including one in which Pechersky is said to have Lodz Ghetto history. couldn’t be celebrated as a hero not only because he was “Stalin in his heart.” For more information, visit https://mjhnyc.org/exhibitions a Jew, but also because he let himself be taken prisoner. But for a state-funded movie, “Sobibor” generally or contact the museum at 646-437-4202. You Lif – You Legac... Wha ’ i You Hear

You have poured your heart and soul into our Jewish community and made a di erence. Whether your greatest passion is your congregation, an organization, or a school, that commitment stands as a testament to your values.

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

Pleas joi th Jewis Federatio o Northeaster Pennsylvani€ i ‚ecurinƒ th futur o th Jewis communit. Please contact Mark Silverberg at 961-2300 or [email protected] for more information. ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 14 THE REPORTER ■ M AY 31, 2018

May 2018

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

M AY 31, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 15 NEWS IN BRIEF From JTA glish-language video message. He also quoted Hamas commander Yahya Sinwar who IDF’s first blind officer owes it all to her mom before the May 14 riots was filmed saying that during the clashes, “we will tear down their border and tear out their hearts.” This, Netanyahu said, “is what we are defending Israel’s army received its first-ever blind officer. Hila Meudah, 24, was posted recently our families against. And you would do exactly the same.” Salah Al Bardawil, a Hamas to the Military Advocate General as a legal advisor to the Israel Air Force, the Makor lawmaker and spokesman in Khan Yunis, on May 16 said that 50 out of the 62 people Rishon daily reported on May 17. The Israel Defense Forces paid for her studies at Bar listed as killed on May 14 were members of his organization. Israel has identified only Ilan University to be a lawyer after she agreed to serve for several years as an officer 24 fatalities as belonging to Hamas. The United Kingdom, France, Canada and other following her graduation. Meudah, who lost her eyesight as a child, was exempt from countries have accused Israel of using excessive force in Gaza, though the United States, army duty, but insisted on serving anyway, she said. The guarantee of employment with Australia and several other countries have blamed Hamas for the bloodshed. Separately, the army appealed to her, she said, “because finding work as a lawyer isn’t simple, but I the United Nations Human Rights Council accused Israel of keeping Gazans “caged in would have insisted on serving regardless,” she added. Her assistance dog, Niels, is the a toxic slum” during a special session in Geneva on the Gaza border clashes. only animal that is allowed to enter Camp Rabin in Tel Aviv. The eldest of three daughters, Meudah and her sisters told Makor Rishon that their mother, Esther, devoted her life to Egypt opens Gaza border for month of Ramadan helping her overcome her disability. She also refused to have her disabled daughter attend Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi said he would open the border between the special education frameworks, insisting that she study in a regular school and classroom. Gaza Strip and Egypt for the month of Ramadan, citing the “burdens of the brothers” “Mom transcribed and updated entire math books in Braille so Hila can study like every- in the Strip, an apparent reference to the deadly protests on the Gaza-Israel border. Sisi one else,” Meudah’s middle sister, Liron, told the daily. “She built her life around making said on his Twitter account late May 17 that he sought to “alleviate the burdens of the Hila feel that she can do anything she put her mind to, no matter what anyone tells her.” brothers in the Gaza Strip.” It would be the longest period the crossing has been open Another 21 visually impaired soldiers currently serving in the IDF, but none as an officer. since at least 2013. Egypt under Sisi generally has joined Israel in seeking to hem in Hamas leader: Talk of peaceful protest is mere “deception” Gaza, which is controlled by the Hamas terrorist group, and which has ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, which Sisi reviles. Sisi also is trying to control terrorist activity in the A senior member of Hamas said that when his organization “talk[s] about ‘peaceful Sinai peninsula. Support for the Palestinians in the Arab world has been galvanized by resistance,’ we are deceiving the public.” Mahmoud al-Zahar, who according to some the weekly protests, which have seen more than 100 Palestinians killed by Israeli live is a co-founder of the Islamist group ruling Gaza, spoke on May 13 about protests fire, and by the opening on May 14 of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem. Ramadan, the organized by Gaza on its border with Israel. Dozens of Palestinians have been killed in Muslim holy month of fasting and introspection, began the week of May 18. demonstrations their leaders say is nonviolent; Israel points to evidence that demonstra- tors have been armed with Molotov cocktails and incendiary kites. “This is not peaceful British Muslim group denounces antisemitism in full page ad resistance. Has the option [of armed struggle] diminished? No,” Al-Zahar, former foreign Muslim leaders took out a full-page ad in a major British newspaper condemning minister in the Hamas government, said during an interview with Al-Jazeera. “On the antisemitism. “We understand that many in our country empathize with the Palestinians contrary, it is growing and developing. That’s clear. So when we talk about ‘peaceful and their right to a sovereign state,” said the ad on May 17 in the Telegraph, a national resistance,’ we are deceiving the public.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu broadsheet, and signed by a group called Muslims Against Anti-Semitism. “However, we on May 17 said Al-Zahhar’s remarks vindicate Israel’s firing of live ammunition on must be ever vigilant against those who cynically use international issues to vilify Jews some protesters amid an international outcry over Israel’s actions. “I agree. Shooting or promote antisemitic tropes.” The ad was signed by the leaders of groups including guns and lobbing explosives at Israelis isn’t peaceful at all,” Netanyahu said in the En- Faith Matters, a Muslim anti-extremism group; the Association of British Muslims, and Tell MAMA, a clearinghouse for complaints about anti-Muslim attacks. The Board of Deputies of British Jews praised the ad on Twitter. “Incredible solidarity – a full-page Characters Continued from page 10 ad by Muslim sisters & brothers in today’s @Telegraph,” it said. “Thank you. Together we will defeat the twin evils of antisemitism & anti-Muslim hate.” The week of May greed inseparable from their Jewish life. All I’m saying is that if this bus is going to 11, the Board of Deputies had joined Tell MAMA in condemning Islamaphobia, when identity,” The New York Times wrote at the Farrakhan march, I can’t be a part of that. that group on May 8 rolled out a report on anti-Muslim bias in Britain. the time. “And because there are no other George: This is not just Farrakhan’s march. Jews to offset them, they become tokens Rick: I don’t want to debate this thing. House panel OKs bills on antisemitism envoy, combating of an entire ethnic group.” He called Judaism a gutter religion; he genocide Key dialogue: Josh (Nicholas Turturro) said Hitler was a great man. I wouldn’t The U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee approved two bills says “I only trust my mother, sometimes,” expect you to drive a bus to a Ku Klux that have wide Jewish organizational backing, one to enhance the role of the antisem- and the brothers accuse an impoverished Klan rally, so don’t expect me to do this. itism monitor and the other, named for Elie Wiesel, to make combating genocide a client of “trying to take food out of our George: So now you’re comparing this U.S. policy. Both bills were approved Thursday with bipartisan support. The “Special kids’ mouths.” to a Klan rally. Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Act” was authored by Rep. Chris Smith th ‹‹ “Clockers” (1995) ‹‹ “25 Hour” (2002) (R-NJ), who helped author the 2004 law that created the position of the antisemitism Jewish character: Rocco Klein, played Jewish character: Jacob Elinsky, played monitor. It would elevate the position to ambassador level and require the president by Harvey Keitel, who is Jewish. by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, who to nominate someone for the position within 90 days of its passage. Lawmakers and Jewish quotient: The book is based was not Jewish. Jewish communal organizations have chafed at the Trump administration’s failure on a novel by the Bronx-raised Jewish Jewish quotient: Monty Brogan, played to name someone to the antisemitism monitor post since Donald Trump became novelist Richard Price. Rocco and his by Edward Norton, is a drug dealer sen- president, citing a perceived spike in antisemitism worldwide. Also approved by partner cop investigate a murder case tenced to seven years in prison who is the House Foreign Affairs Committee was the “Elie Wiesel Genocide and Atrocities in Brooklyn’s drug underworld. When spending his last 24 hours of freedom Prevention Act,” authored by Rep. Ann Wagner (R-MO) and Rep. Joe Crowley (D- someone confesses to the crime, Rocco with his closest longtime friends – Elin- NY). It would make it U.S. policy to prevent genocide and would establish a Mass doesn’t believe it and keeps digging, sky, a teacher, and Frank Slaughtery, a Atrocities Task Force at the State Department to coordinate government-wide efforts even though his fellow cops don’t care stockbroker played by Barry Pepper. Each to prevent genocide. The bills now go to the full House. Both bills have companion about the African-American victim and man grapples with how their promising bills in the Senate, enhancing the likelihood of their becoming law. the alleged African-American perpetrator. lives have veered off course. Elinksy is an His obsession leads to this exchange with English teacher who gave up the trappings a drug dealer, played by Delroy Lindo: of a Manhattan upbringing with hopes of New to the Key dialogue: Rodney: Rocco Klein, changing the lives of his students. He’s Rocco Klein, you know, I’ve always want- also now on the verge of an affair with ed to ask you: you Italian, you a Jew? I one of them, who is 17 years old. mean, what are you? You can’t make up Key dialogue: Jacob chastises Frank your mind? for “defraud[ing] foreign governments” at Rocco: Me? work while ignoring the reality around him. Rodney: Yeah, you. Frank: Jacob, you’re a rich Jewish kid The Federation's film library Rocco: I’m from the lost black tribe of from the Upper East Side who’s ashamed of has acquired the Israel, the Yo’s. his wealth. You walk around unhappy 24/7, ‹‹ “Get on the Bus” (1996) trying to make up for the fact that you were PBS film GI JEWS and the film Jewish character: Rick, played by born privileged. [Expletive deleted] that! Jews in Blue and Gray: Soldiers Richard Belzer, who is Jewish. You know what? That’s just some knee-jerk Jewish quotient: Rick, a bus driver, is liberalism bullshit, man. You call that reality? During the Civil War. asked by an African-American colleague, ‹‹ “BlacKkKlansman” (2018) For more information, please contact Dassy at George, to be his co-driver for a trip from Jewish character: Flip Zimmerman, 570-961-2300 x2 or [email protected] Los Angeles to Washington DC, for the played by Adam Driver, who, like Tur- Million Man March. At first, Rick treats turro, is not Jewish, but often plays Jews. the gig as he would any job, but he finds Jewish quotient: From the trailer, we himself quarreling more and more with the can see John David Washington is Ron passengers as he grapples with the tensions Stallworth, the first black to join the Col- between the civil rights ideals of the march- orado Springs police force. He initiates an ers and the fact that the march is organized investigation into the local branch of the Ku by a notorious antisemite: Nation of Islam Klux Klan by calling them up and asking leader Louis Farrakhan. Rick eventually to join their ranks. But he needs a white tells George he can’t continue. man to act as him in their presence, and Key dialogue: George: Well OK, let’s he enlists Driver’s character Zimmerman. just get it out in the open. I’ll bet you’d Key dialogue (from the trailer): Zim- like to call me a nigger or, what do you call merman: For you it’s a crusade, for me it, a schvartze, or whatever the [expletive it’s a job. deleted] it is. Well, I’m going to allow you Stallworth: You’re Jewish. That hatred, to say it, go ahead. doesn’t that piss you off? Why you acting Rick: I never called anybody that in my like you ain’t got skin in the game? ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 16 THE REPORTER ■ M AY 31, 2018

You are cordially invited to the ANNUAL MEETING of the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania Please join us as we elect our Officers and Trustees, celebrate the achievements of the past year, and honor several individuals for their leadership contributions to our community and Klal Yisroel. Thursday, June 7th, 2018, 7:00 PM Linder Room, Scranton Jewish Community Center, 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton A dessert reception will follow the meeting. RSVP to 961-2300 (ext. 4) Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania 2018 Annual Meeting Program Welcome & introductions...... Douglas Fink, Federation President Dvar Torah...... Rabbi Yehuda Salkow, Jewish Resource Center Federation Perspectives...... Douglas Fink, Federation President Presentation of UJA Campaign Awards...... Douglas Fink, Federation President 2018 UJA Campaign Report...... Dr. Joel & Leah Laury, Co-Chairs Committee Recognition...... Douglas Fink, Federation President Nominating Committee Report...... Dan Marcus Installation of Officers and Trustees...... Rabbi Yehuda Salkow, Jewish Resource Center Closing Remarks Douglas Fink, Incoming Federation President Dessert Reception Proposed Slate of Officers & Trustees 2018 - 2021 Officers* President...... Douglas Fink* Administrative Vice-President...... Esther Adelman* Vice-President...... Elliot Schoenberg* Vice-President...... Eric Weinberg* Treasurer...... Jerry Weinberger, Esq.* Assistant Treasurer...... Dan Marcus*

Assistant Secretary...... Donald Douglass, Esq.* *Officers to be elected at the Annual Meeting Board of Trustees Nominated to serve a 1-year term ending Nominated to serve a 3-year term ending June 30th, 2019 June 30th, 2021* Michael Barber, Pat Taylor Bernstein, Gary Beckhorn, Shlomo Fink, Alan Goldstein, Leah Laury, Bernie Driller, Murray Glick, Jay Okun, Lew Sare, Ann Monsky, Barbara Nivert, Eugene Schneider Barry Tremper and Sue Tremper and Ben Schnessel *Trustees to be elected at the Annual Meeting *Trustees to be elected at the Annual Meeting • Continuing Terms • 3-year term ending on June 30, 2019 3-year term ending on June 30th, 2020 Marian Goldstein Beckhorn, Phyllis Brandes, Joe Fisch, Natalie Gelb, Phyllis Malinov, Mel Mogel, Richard Fine, Alex Gans, Stan Rothman, Ed Monsky and Geordee Grable Pollock Jay Schectman, Anne Silverman and Irwin Wolfson In addition, two positions are designated on the Federation Board of Trustees: David Fallk...... Chairman, Community Relations Committee David and Rhonda Fallk...... 2019 UJA Campaign Co-Chairs The Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania expresses its gratitude to those Trustees whose terms of office will expire on June 30th, 2018. It is hoped that each of them will continue to serve the Mission of our Federation by participating in its many committees, programs and projects. Our appreciation is extended to Susie Blum Connors, Mark Davis, Eli Deutsch, Lynne Fragin, Dale Miller, Larry Milliken, Gail Neldon and Molly Rutta.