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VOLUME XI, NUMBER 8 APRIL 19, 2018 Jewish Home to present special recognition award to Susan Blum Connors Over its long history, the Jewish Home her trademark for every project she has president of the home, in learning of Blum Campaign; she has been involved in the has flourished in part through the efforts undertaken in the wider community.” Connors’s selection for this honor, noted NEPA affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer of volunteers who have added a “special Her work for the home’s auxiliary has how deserving she is of this recognition. Action Network; she was recently the dimension” to the comfort and care to its included recording secretary, chair of the “The perfect selection,” he remarked. recipient of the Roseann Smith Alperin residents. Yearly, the Jewish Home hosts bylaws committee and chair and co-chair Blum Connors is known for her com- Award by the Junior League of Scranton a luncheon to pay tribute to the corps of of the auxiliary luncheons throughout the munity volunteerism. To mention only a in cooperation with the Scranton Area volunteers and, at the same time, highlight years. “Her determination to assure that few of her achievements: she was past Foundation; and much more. people whose efforts have been called each responsibility be carried out with president of Jewish Family Service, where The Jewish Home and Auxiliary invite “truly remarkable.” efficiency and positive results is evident by she and her husband, former Scranton the community to attend the luncheon According to organizers of the event, her success and the admiration of her col- Mayor James Connors, were named the honoring Blum Connors and the other “Susan Blum Connors fits this description leagues on the auxiliary,” said organizers. inaugural recipients of the JFS’ Com- volunteers on Thursday, May 17, at 1pm, in to a tee. Since becoming active on the aux- She also serves on the Board of Di- munity Matters Award; she is a member the Friedman Auditorium. The cost is $10 iliary board, she has spearheaded numer- rectors of the Jewish Home, which is of the board of the Jewish Federation of and reservations can be made by calling ous projects with her typical enthusiasm tasked with the overall responsibility of NEPA and served as the 2016-17 chair Lynn Klemick at 570-344-6177, ext. 1109, and attention to detail that has become the home’s operation. Marshall Kornblatt, of the Women’s Division of the annual or e-mailing her at [email protected]. Scranton Hebrew Day School to celebrate 70th anniversary with gala dinner on May 6 The Scranton Hebrew Day School will chok Werbin, former dean and executive Canada, as well as Europe and Israel. Two ed to the school and its efforts to educate celebrate its 70th anniversary on Sunday, director of the school, the junior congre- of this year’s honorees, Yonah Holland every child regardless of their parents’ May 6, at the Hilton Conference Center gation/auditorium will be rededicated in and Fink, are day school alumni. ability to pay the cost of their tution.” in Scranton. Guests of honor at the event his memory. “The day school has maintained con- The gala event will begin with a recep- are Yonah and Miriam Holland, Dr. Joel Established in 1948, the day school nections with its alumni, following their tion at 4:30 pm, followed by Mincha at 5 and Leah Laury (Parents of the Year), has consistently served the children of careers and life events, which is most un- pm and dinner at 5:30 pm. and Dr. Daniel Fink of Woodmere, NY Scranton and surrounding areas, offering a usual for an elementary school to achieve,” To place an ad in the 70th anniversary (Alumnus of the Year). Hebrew and secular education. Its alumni said organizers of the gala. “It is a credit commemorative journal or to make din- In conjunction with the 18th yahrzeit have gone on to serve in academic and to the community, the Federation and staff ner reservations, call the school office at (anniversary of his passing) of Rabbi Yitz- professional fields across the U.S. and which has remained consistent and devot- 570-346-1576. SPOTLIGHT Israel at 70: How 1948 changed American Jews BY BEN SALES At right: David Ben-Gurion, against the Arab states in its war of inde- (JTA) – One year after Israel’s es- who was to become Israel’s pendence. In February of that year, Golda tablishment, in the dead of night, three first prime minister, read the Meyerson (later Meir), raised $400,000 in students ascended a tower at the Jewish new nation’s Declaration of one day (the equivalent of some $4 million Theological Seminary in New York and Independence in Tel Aviv today) on behalf of the provisional state raised the Israeli flag. The next morning, on May 14, 1948. (Photo on just one stop in Montreal. In the weeks the Conservative rabbinical school’s ad- by Zoltan Kluger/Israeli following independence, she started a ministration took it down. Government Press Office drive in the United States and Canada for $75 million more (or about $750 million That act of surreptitious Zionist protest via Getty Images) was one of several at JTS during the years in 2018 dollars). surrounding 1948, when Israel gained Jewish state won its independence 70 years and Tel Aviv. Instead, they were getting “There was a sense that once America independence, Michael Greenbaum wrote ago, that feeling was not yet universal. used to the idea of a Jewish sovereign recognized the state, Zionism had won, in an essay in “Tradition Renewed,” a Before the Holocaust, Zionism itself state – gradually incorporating it into their and everyone wanted to link with the win- JTS history edited by Jack Wertheimer. was polarizing among American Jews. culture, prayers and religious outlook. ners,” said Jonathan Sarna, a professor of Students supported the new Jewish state. Many, especially in the Reform move- “After the mid-1930s, the majority of Jewish history at Brandeis University. “It However, the seminary’s chancellor, Louis ment, felt support for a Jewish homeland American Jews had come to be positive was growing very quickly, it took in all of Finkelstein, opposed American Judaism would cause their loyalty to America to be one way or another about the idea of a these refugees, which solved that problem.” focusing all its efforts across an ocean, called into question. The other side was Jewish homeland,” said Hasia Diner, See “Israel” on page 10 and also needed to appease a board wary represented by Louis Brandeis, the first director of the Goldstein-Goren Center of Jewish nationalism. Jewish Supreme Court justice, who saw for American Jewish History at New But the students persisted. Once, they no conflict between American values and York University. “While 1948 on the one Federation sang the Israeli anthem “Hatikvah” fol- Zionist aspirations. hand was very exciting and [had] lots of lowing graduation ceremonies. Another By the time Israel declared indepen- communal programming and celebrations, time, they convinced their colleagues dence on May 14, 1948, American Jews it was slightly anticlimactic in the sense on Facebook at the Union Theological Seminary, the – scarred by images of the Holocaust that opposition had been gone for at least The Jewish Federation of Northeast- Protestant school next door, to play the and Nazism, and inspired by newsreels 10 years.” ern Pennsylvania now has a page on anthem from their bell tower. of tanned kibbutzniks – were largely North American Jewish support for Facebook to let community members Today, nearly all American Jewish supportive of Zionism. But they were Israel was turbocharged by the Truman know about upcoming events and keep institutions are vocally, even passionately, not yet turning out for organized political administration’s quick recognition of the connected. pro-Israel. But even in the years after the advocacy and mass tourism to Jerusalem state, and by the Israeli army’s victory Candle lighting INSIDE THIS ISSUE April 20...... 7:30 pm Jewish philanthropy April 27...... 7:38 pm Sports and music in Shoah News in brief... May 4...... 7:45 pm A recent study looked at An exhibit on soccer during the Israel plans new desalination the changing face of Jewish Holocaust; the music of Holocaust plants; a bill to fund Holocaust PLUS philanthropy in the 21st century. victims returns to Westerbork. education is in Congress; more. Opinion...... 2 Story on page 3 Stories on pages 6-7 Stories on page 15 D’var Torah...... 8 2 THE REPORTER ■ APRIL 19, 2018 A MATTER OF OPINION The Palestinian “March of Return” The Palestinians’ so-called non-violent dedicated to Israel’s destruction and Israel behind it – to destroy Israel. They told the would effectively end the Jewish state. The “March of Return” at Israel’s border has been has every right to defend its citizens and crowd that the march marked the beginning purpose of the march, in short, is to produce erroneously referred to by the international its borders as any nation is entitled to do of the “liberation of all of Palestine from Palestinian “martyrs” for media purposes, media as a “peaceful and popular” drive by under such circumstances. the Mediterranean Sea to the Jordan River. not to highlight their economic grievances. Palestinians in Gaza demanding “freedom Hamas is responsible for the deaths of … Our people won’t give up one inch If Hamas really wanted to improve the and better living conditions.” Apparently, hundreds of unarmed Gaza civilians by of the land of Palestine.” In other words, living conditions in Gaza, it would have they failed to notice Palestinian Arabs bran- using them as human shields in the midst the Palestinians were told that breaching long since ceased digging miles of terror dishing knives; throwing of conflict and the “March of Return” is the border security fence and injecting tunnels into Israel for attacks on Israeli tear gas cannisters, rocks thousands of Palestinians into citizens (using hundreds of millions of and firebombs at Israeli Israel was a critical first step dollars in international humanitarian aid troops; attempting to FROM THE DESK OF THE toward destroying it. for that purpose) and smuggling weapons cut the border security Thus, the “March of Return” and missiles into Gaza from the Sinai – fence’s barbed wire; EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR is not about improving the courtesy of Iran. sending tires engulfed living conditions of Gaza’s Given all of this, does the Western in flames toward the MARK SILVERBERG Palestinians or finding ways to media really expect Israeli soldiers to Israelis; and placing solve the “humanitarian” and greet them with flowers when they try to improvised explosive no exception. Having attempted to terrorize “economic” crises there as the international cross the border by the thousands with the devices (or IEDs) near Israel into capitulation with its onslaught media would have us believe. Hamas and intention of annihilating Israel? the security fence in the hope of damaging of suicide bombers during the Second its allies did not send the protesters to the Every critic of Israel should ask them- or, better yet, breaching it. Intifada, it has cynically and relentlessly border with Israel to demand jobs, food selves how they would expect the security When these attempts failed and after 17 exploited Gazans by storing its missiles or medicine. If that were so, why didn’t forces of their own country to react if terror- people were killed (including 10 known inside mosques, schools and civilian Hamas ask Palestinians to march toward ists armed with rifles, fire bombs and IEDs terrorists – mostly Hamas operatives) homes; firing thousands of missiles from the Egyptian border since the real blockade sought to breach their own country’s border on the first day, Western media and pol- residential areas in Gaza into Israeli cities; on Gaza is being imposed by Egypt and not with the intention of annihilating it. It is the iticians worldwide immediately blamed and digging terror tunnels into Israel from Israel, which continues to provide Gazans height of hypocrisy for the international Israel. They failed to note, however, that beneath civilian homes and institutions. It with massive amounts of humanitarian and media to criticize Israel while ignoring the the soldiers were not indiscriminately has also unleashed three wars against Israel medical aid, electricity and construction ma- real factors causing pain and suffering to the firing bullets into the unarmed masses. in 10 years and transformed Gaza not into terials that deceitfully have been diverted by people of Gaza, and to randomly dismiss They were targeting specific individuals the Singapore of the Middle East (as Israel Hamas for digging subterranean tunnels into the true motives behind this march. who were in the process of perpetrating had hoped it would become when it vacated Israel to murder Israelis? Rather, the march Until the Palestinians come to terms terrorist attacks as any nation under direct Gaza in 2005), but into an Afghanistan on was and is aimed at forcing Israel to accept with Israel’s right to exist – which is not attack by an enemy would do. Neverthe- the Mediterranean. millions of Palestinian “refugees” as a first expected anytime soon – we’re likely to less, so far as the international media is It should come as no surprise, then, that step toward turning Jews into a minority in see more mindless bloodshed – all of it concerned, the Israelis were committing Hamas’ singular goal was, is and remains their own country. the fault of Hamas’ leadership and the crimes against innocent and defenseless the complete destruction of the Jewish The next step would be to kill or expel culture of hate and religious jihad they Palestinian victims. state. It wants all of the land of Israel – the Jews “from the river to the sea” and have cultivated. The short of it is this. The Gaza-Israel not peace or co-existence. Both Hamas replace Israel with an Arab Islamic state. Mark Silverberg is a regular contributor border security fence separates a sov- leaders Ismail Haniyeh and Yehya Sinwar As such, the march is a call for war without to Israel National News (Arutz Sheva), ereign democratic state (Israel) from a acknowledged as much immediately prior end, since no Israeli government could https://www.israelnationalnews.com/ murderous terrorist organization (Hamas) to the march. Neither hid the real motive or would ever concede this claim, which Articles/Author.aspx/469. Israel at 70: It’s time to reclaim the

“ The Reporter” (USPS #482) is published bi-weekly by the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, 601 Jefferson Z-word, Zionism Ave., Scranton, PA 18510. BY GIL TROY lieved enlightened Europe was outgrowing In his book on “the strange career of the President: Douglas Fink Executive Director: Mark Silverberg (JTA) – All too often, when I ask cam- antisemitism – that polled well. troublesome” N-word, African-American pus organizations that are pro-Israel and Let’s learn from our heroic predeces- Harvard Law professor Randall Kennedy Executive Editor: Rabbi Rachel Esserman deeply Zionist why they avoid using the sors – and from feminists, gays and Af- explains the “protean nature” of political Layout Editor: Diana Sochor “Z-word” in their messaging and litera- rican-Americans, whose first attempts to words. Groups can triumph with linguistic Assistant Editor: Ilene Pinsker defend their rights didn’t poll well either. magic by defining themselves and their Production Coordinator: Jenn DePersis ture, I’m told, “Zionism doesn’t poll well.” Advertising Representative: Bonnie Rozen True, not polling well is one of to- Take back the night, resist internalizing aims; when enemies define them, they lose. Bookkeeper: Kathy Brown day’sgreat sins. But imagine what our world our oppressors’ hatred of us. Kennedy warns against allowing the hater to would be like if our ancestors feared the Reclaim the Z-word: Zionism. define the hated, and that’s what is happening. OPINIONS The views expressed in polls. The American Revolution wouldn’t You cannot defeat those delegitimizing First, “shame on them”: Shame on editorials and opinion pieces are those have polled well. Suggestions that North- Israel by surrendering Zionism, the move- the anti-Zionists who single out Jewish of each author and not necessarily erners crush slavery in 1860 wouldn’t have ment that established Israel. If a century nationalism, meaning Zionism, in a world the views of the Jewish Federation of polled well. And proposing a new Jewish ago Zionism brought pride back to the organized by nationalisms, and call it Northeastern Pennsylvania. state in 1897 wouldn’t have polled well term “Jew,” Jews and non-Jews today must “racist.” Shame on them for libeling a LETTERS The Reporter welcomes either. At the time, most European Jews be- bring pride back to the term “Zionist.” See “Zionism” on page 13 letters on subjects of interest to the Jewish community. All letters must be signed and include a phone number. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The editor may withhold the name upon request. ADS The Reporter does not necessar- Guterman Fund does mitzvah ily endorse any advertised products To the Editor: admiration for his work and his memory, from the Foundation is forwarded to and services. In addition, the paper Rabbi Henry Guterman was a recog- a fund was established in his name to Jewish Family Service for distribution is not responsible for the kashruth of nized, world-renowned scholar, revered by provide area synagogues with the funds to area synagogues for distribution to any advertiser’s product or establish- his congregation at Scranton’s Machzikeh necessary to ensure that the less fortu- their most needy families. Jewish Fam- ment. Hadas synagogue and respected by all in nate members of the community could ily Service also conducts a community DEADLINE Regular deadline is two the area. Residing in Scranton from 1910 celebrate Passover in accordance with maos chitim (tzedakah request) mailing, weeks prior to the publication date. for more than 56 years, he served as the Jewish tradition. thereby increasing the funds available for city’s chief Orthodox rabbi for more than a Since that time, the income from the these purposes. FEDERATION WEBSITE: www.jewishnepa.org half century and witnessed the beginning, Foundation was wisely administered by The Jewish Federation of Northeastern growth and development of Scranton’s or- the late Larry Preven, former president Pennsylvania wishes to express its appre- HOW TO SUBMIT ARTICLES: ganizations and agencies from inception. of the Foundation, and has brought great ciation to the founders and the benefactors Mail: 601 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA No communal occasion was complete joy and happiness not only to needy of the Rabbi Henry Guterman Foundation 18510 without him, it is said, because he rep- families during the Passover holiday who, throughout many years, have never E-mail: [email protected] resented the one great integrating force season, but also to provide Hebrew forgotten his work and continue to honor Fax: (570) 346-6147 within the Jewish community. school graduates with Judaica gifts to his memory with these good deeds. Phone: (570) 961-2300 On November 8, 1966, shortly after honor their graduation. On behalf of our president, Douglas Rabbi Guterman’s death, the late Morris As Marilyn Preven noted in a recent Fink, and the officers and trustees of this HOW TO REACH Gelb sent a letter to the community es- letter to the Federation, “I hope (as Larry Federation, I extend to each and all of you THE ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: Phone: (800) 779-7896, ext. 244 tablishing the “Rabbi Henry Guterman wished) that you will continue doing all our very best wishes for good health and E-mail: [email protected] Foundation” and requested funds from the the good that the fund has done in the past long life for many years to come. community “for the purpose of fostering with the necessary acknowledgments and Mark Silverberg SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: education, charity and religion of the kind that the monies will bring happiness to Executive Director Phone: (570) 961-2300 and quality practiced by your beloved those who receive it.” Jewish Federation of Northeastern rabbi.” As a token of love, respect and Each year, more than $2,500 in income Pennsylvania APRIL 19, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 3 COMMUNITY NEWS Lecture on “Modern Myths of Muslim Antisemitism” at Weinberg Judaic Studies Institute On Thursday, May 3, at 7:30 pm, the Weinberg civilization in the Near East, emeritus, and profes- of Medieval Egypt” and, most Judaic Studies Institute of the University of Scranton sor of Near Eastern studies, emeritus, at Princeton recently, “Maimonides and the will present a lecture by Professor Mark Cohen, who University. A historian of the Jews in Arab lands in Merchants: Jewish Law and will speak about “Modern Myths of Muslim An- the Middle Ages, his publications include “Jew- Society in the Medieval Islamic tisemitism.” The lecture will be held in the Brennan ish Self-Government in Medieval Egypt,” “Under World.” Until his retirement Auditorium. Crescent and Cross: The Jews in the Middle Ages,” from Princeton in 2013, he was Cohen is the Khedouri A. Zilkha professor of Jewish “Poverty and Charity in the Jewish Community director of the Princeton Geniza Project, an online database of transcriptions of documents from The new face of Jewish philanthropy is the Cairo Geniza. Prof. Mark Cohen innovative, younger and more female DEADLINES BY DEBORAH FINEBLUM was professionalized in 1985 after the The following are deadlines for all articles and (JNS) – Giving has been part of New death of its founder food mogul (think photos for upcoming Reporter issues. Yorker Sarah Rueven’s life since she can Sara Lee) Nathan Cummings. Today, the remember. In fact, Rueven recalls her foundation’s giving (about $23 million DEADLINE ISSUE grandparents and her parents teaching by minus investment expenses and over- Thursday, April 19...... May 3 both word and example what a powerful head) leans more toward the arenas of Thursday, May 3...... May 17 force that philanthropy can be in making social justice and environmental issues Thursday, May 17...... May 31 the world a better place. than in his grandfather’s day, says James But, rather than bringing them into the Cummings of Los Angeles, who is 70. Thursday, May 31...... June 14 family foundation, her parents encouraged Slingshot Board “He left it open so our family is free their three children to start their own. “They Chairwoman Sarah to interpret his legacy in ways that are wanted us to think for ourselves and invest Rueven (Photo courtesy meaningful to us. Is it Jewish? If caring in causes we feel passionate about,” says of Slingshot) for the world and peaceful coexistence are Save The Date Rueven who, at 30, chairs the board of Jewish causes, I would say 100 percent Sunday, May 6 Slingshot, a group focused on innovative giving for of our giving is Jewish.” young Jews. “And, though we still support many of Among the results of the study was the emergence SCRANTON HEBREW DAY SCHOOL the big organizations, like other younger donors, my of women, millennials and, to a lesser extent, the husband and I also tend to take a little more risk, giving Orthodox, who are all gaining seats at the Jewish 70th Anniversary Dinner to smaller and newer organizations that we believe can philanthropic table. at the Hilton Conference Center in Scranton make real change.” Reflecting their increased leadership in the larger Indeed, if the average donor to Jewish causes looked culture, women have stepped into more decision-making Reception - 4:30pm • Mincha - 5:00pm • Dinner - 5:30pm in the mirror a generation ago, he or she would have seen roles in Jewish philanthropy, the study showed. Indeed, Guests of Honor – Yonah and Miriam Holland someone very different from the image staring back at 51 percent of foundations are now headed by women. Parents of the Year – Dr. Joel and Leah Laury them now. If a new report is to be believed, then today’s “Some are inheriting the job from parents or husbands; Alumnus of the Year – Dr. Daniel Fink reflection looks a bit wealthier and more committed to others are taking it on themselves,” says Wertheimer. promoting Jewish engagement than before. And it’s also “Either way, they’re having a greater voice in how the Jr. Cong./Auditorium Re-Dedication – beginning to appear a bit younger, as well as somewhat funds are directed than ever before.” In memory of Rabbi Yitzchok Werbin z’l more female. See “Philanthropy” on page 12 Legacy Chairman – Dr. David Horowitz These are among the trends unearthed by “Giving You look at it... no matter ho w bo at Fo Jewish: How Big Funders Have Transformed Amer- pl

ea 1- r in ican Jewish Philanthropy,” recently released by the nni 800- se fo e@

AVI CHAI Foundation. The goal of the study was co rm 779- Your ad should be here! th considered an ambitious one: putting its arms around nt at er ac 7896, ex io the changing topography of Jewish giving, a nearly $6 e t por n, billion-a-year enterprise. Bo nni te

What lead researcher Dr. Jack Wertheimer and his rg t. e 244

st ro team discovered is that the 21 -century Jewish world Ro up ze tends to rely more on fewer donors and those with or .o n deeper pockets than in the past. They also found that rg this individual is more likely to strike out on his or her own, following a passion that often focuses on increasing Jewish engagement versus throwing their lot in with the community-chest concept represented by Federations and other mega-charitable organizations. “Donors want to know that their gifts have genuine impact,” says Wertheimer, professor of American Jew- ish history at the Jewish Theological Seminary, who is considered a maven in the field of Jewish philanthropy. “Big givers do not blindly assume their gifts are succeed- ing. With the prominence now of professionally staffed foundations, they are measuring and monitoring their gifts very closely.” A case in point: The Nathan Cummings Foundation

ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 4 THE REPORTER ■ APRIL 19, 2018 BOOK REVIEW Nazi spies in Hollywood BY RABBI RACHEL ESSERMAN with communists. The American Jewish was able to supply information to a variety though they would be less effective there. It sounds like the plot of a spy novel: community, however, was concerned with of governmental groups that had done Some of the differences in the authors’ one man creates a spy ring to monitor Nazi the growth of Nazism not only in Germany, little to no surveillance of these fascist approach may be due to the fact that the infiltration of American manufacturing, but in the U.S. Although disagreements organizations during the 1930s. Nazi threat still feels personal to Ross. prevent assassination attempts against within the Jewish community prevented While both works cover much of In his prologue, he notes that his parents prominent media figures and stop the action on many fronts, Lewis began a the same material, there are differences were survivors and the terror his moth- overthrow of the American government. small spy operation in Los Angeles – one between the two, particularly in style. er felt affected him greatly during his If you think this sounds too farfetched to supported by motion picture executives Rosenzweig, an independent scholar who childhood. Whether or not Rosenzweig be true, then you should read two recent whose identities were kept quiet. has taught American Jewish history at has a personal connection to the material works of history: “Hollywood Spies: The overwhelming majority of un- several universities, is interested in dates is not mentioned. However, both authors The Undercover Surveillance of Nazis dercover agents Lewis used were not and facts, and spends less time analyzing recognize the importance of making in Los Angeles” by Laura B. Rosenzweig Jews, but Christians – some of German the life histories of the people involved. public the way Jews in the U.S. fought (New York University Press) and “Hitler heritage – who disliked the Nazi German For example, while she discusses Georg the Nazi threat within America’s borders. in Los Angeles: How Jews Foiled Nazi government and felt its supporters were Gyssling, the German vice counsel in “Hollywood Spies” and “Hitler in Los Plots Against Hollywood and America” a danger to the American democracy. Hollywood, only when his path directly Angeles” are both extremely well done, by Steven J. Ross (Bloomsbury). The Many of the spies were recruited through crossed with Lewis’ agents, Ross dedicates and reading them together gives a wider fascinating story of Jewish lawyer Leon such organizations as the American a chapter to the person he calls “the most view of the U.S. reaction to Nazi Germany Lewis and the remarkable way his small Legion, and several husband and wife charming Nazi in Los Angeles.” Ross, a before World War II. The work done by group of undercover agents managed to teams worked to infiltrate fascist groups, professor of history at the University of Lewis and his spies should be celebrated, thwart Nazis in the United States is not including the German American Bund. Southern California and the director of and knowledge of their accomplishments well known, mostly because Lewis let The Nazi groups portrayed themselves the Casden Institute of the Jewish Role in deserves a wider audience. other groups – for example, the Justice as patriotic Americans, but were more American Life, gives details not only of Department and the FBI – take credit for open about their fascist connections in Gyssling’s diplomatic life, but his personal his hard work. private meetings – and some of their one, including his relationship to his wife, Both books tell similar tales. During members worked directly with the German daughter and mistress, and his life after the the 1930s, United States law enforcement government. Both authors list a variety war. Ross also includes more information departments were obsessed with stopping of Nazi plots against America – some about the German attempts to control the the communist menace, which they saw more serious than others. These include movie industry and prevent the studios Art of Yiddish as threatening the American way of life. gathering information about American from producing films that reflected badly Members of the Los Angeles Police defense industries in California; planning in the German Nazi government. Children’s Literature Department not only hated communists, to overthrow President Franklin Delano There are also some minor disagree- The Yiddish Book Center but supported any group that opposed Roosevelt’s presidency; assassinating ments about facts and interpretation in Amherst, MA, will hold the exhibit communism. These groups included Lewis, the heads of the movie studios and between the two works. One example “Through the Looking Glass: The Art fascist ones that were connected to the several actors; and placing workers in a deals with articles about the Nazi threat of Yiddish Children’s Literature” from growing Nazi movement in Germany. variety of industries who were expected to written by John Spivack in 1937. Ac- April 29 through this fall. It will look at Some members of the police department sabotage production of military weapons. cording to Rosenzweig, Lewis was upset illustrations from hundreds of children’s didn’t view fascism as a problem because These threats were taken more seriously that Jewish organizations gave Spivack publications, including those found in sto- they were antisemitic and/or equated Jews once the U.S. entered the war and Lewis information because his work was being rybooks, magazines and school textbooks. published in a left-wing magazine, rather The exhibit will showcase the artwork of than a mainstream one. Lewis felt this these materials along with artifacts of the diluted their impact since those in power life of children who used Yiddish before still saw socialists and communists as a World War II. threat. When Ross discusses these articles, For more information, call 413-256- the sense is that Lewis approved of them 4900 or visit yiddishbookcenter.org/ being published in a left-wing paper, even events.

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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 APRIL 19, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 5 Jewish Resource Center of the Poconos (JRC) Passover Retreat a Huge Success! Over 120 members and friends of the Jewish Resource Center of the Poconos (JRC) came together to celebrate Passover, at the Bushkill Inn and Conference Center in Bushkill, PA, at the JRC’s annual 3-Day Passover Retreat. Over ninety celebrants stayed at the Bushkill Inn for the entire retreat that began on Friday afternoon and ended on Sunday night of the first weekend of Passover. Around 120 were in attendance for the first Seder that was led by Rabbi Yehuda Salkow. On Saturday night over a hundred participated, with some families leading their own Seder. The group second Seder was led by Rabbi Mordechai Rindenow of Passaic, NJ, who came to assist Rabbi Salkow over the weekend. The program included a full schedule of Holiday services, children’s programs, afternoon classes and workshops on topics of Jewish identity, the origins of Passover, happiness & appreciation, spiritual meditation and healing and more. Holiday meals included Seder dinners, afternoon buffets on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and breakfasts and luncheons on Saturday and Sunday complemented by a 24-hour coffee and snack area. The group comprised many Pocono residents, some JRC families that have moved from the Poconos and have been returning every year to celebrate Passover with the JRC, some JRC friends from the Scranton/Clark Summit area and a handful of visitors who are friends of Pocono people that attended. The JRC has been running the Passover Retreat since 2007. This year, more people chose to stay over at the hotel for the entire program than in previous years, said organizers. “The venue was spacious and updated, the meals were delicious and plentiful, and the spiritual content was engaging and uplifting. There was just such a great atmosphere. We always leave inspired and much more connected” said Dvora Gruber who has been participating for a number of years. 6 THE REPORTER ■ APRIL 19, 2018 Remembering the Holocaust The music of Holocaust victims returns to the Dutch concentration camp where they suffered BY CNAAN LIPHSHIZ were written during the Holocaust and almost lost forever glitziest productions possible. Ehrlich ultimately was WESTERBORK, Netherlands (JTA) – On a foggy – and in the case of Max Ehrlich’s work, reconstructing deported to Auschwitz and murdered. But before that, his Sunday, cabaret music pierces the silence that hangs compositions based on texts he smuggled out of the camp. lives and that of his crew depended on their stagecraft. over this former concentration camp, one of the largest “Notes of Hope” features performances in Israel by The camp’s Nazi commander, Albert Konrad Gemmeker, facilities of its kind in Nazi-occupied Western Europe. the Ashdod Symphony Orchestra together with young was “stagestruck,” as Alan Ehrlich describes it. Serving Blasting from the recorder of an Israeli visitor in March, musicians from Israel’s south. Culminating around Isra- as a warden in a prison in a remote corner of the Neth- the music draws disapproving looks and remarks from el’s Holocaust Remembrance Day in April, the project erlands, he was probably starving for the music and several locals touring the grounds in respectful silence. offers another way to teach about the Holocaust as the entertainment to which he was accustomed in Germany. They find the sound of music inappropriate at a place number of eyewitnesses dwindles, said Samuel Hayek, Like Max Ehrlich, other German Jewish artists fled whose name in the Netherlands is synonymous with chairman of JNF-UK. “Nothing symbolizes the Jewish Nazi Germany for Holland, including his fellow compos- wholesale murder. people’s revival better than Israeli musicians performing er Willy Rosen. When Germany invaded, “Gemmeker But to the visitor and his five Jewish companions, Holocaust victims’ works ahead of Israel’s 70th Indepen- See “Music” on page 9 Westerbork is perhaps the most appropriate place in the dence Day,” Hayek said. world to play these tunes. After all, the upbeat music was But to Alan Ehrlich, the reconstruction of his uncle’s composed and performed here by inmates of the camp works 75 years after their creation carries more than sym- before the Nazis shipped them to their deaths at Auschwitz. bolic significance, he says during the visit to Westerbork, Those inmates include Max Ehrlich, a celebrated German where he listens to those compositions playing from the comedian in the 1930s who settled in Holland and was recorder. “Above all, it’s a historic document that tells of sent to Westerbork after Germany invaded in 1940. the great determination to survive by prisoners who would On March 25, his nephew Alan Ehrlich, an amateur do anything, whatever it took, to stay alive,” he says. historian of the Holocaust, led a tour of the camp for an In the case of Max Ehrlich, trying to survive meant international delegation that also included a musicolo- producing with the Westerbork theater group of approx- gist and three journalists. The visit is part of a project imately 20 prisoners the most entertaining, wittiest and spearheaded by the Jewish National Fund in the United Kingdom that is breathing life into musical works that

Samuel Hayek, in jacket, met young musicians in Alan Ehrlich, right, spoke with Francesco Latoro in Ashdod, Israel, in January. (Photo courtesy of Jewish A view of the former Westerbork camp (Photo by Amsterdam on March 25. (Photo courtesy of Jewish National Fund-United Kingdom) Wikimedia Commons) National Fund-United Kingdom)

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 APRIL 19, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 7 Remembering the Holocaust An exhibit on soccer during the Holocaust is on display at one of Buenos Aires’ biggest stadiums BY JTA STAFF coach who led River Plate to multiple national and BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (JTA) – One of Argenti- international championships in the 1930s. Hirschl also na’s most popular soccer clubs is hosting an exhibition of was instrumental in helping Jews who did not have harrowing stories about the sport from the Holocaust era. visas gain asylum in Buenos Aires at the time, despite “It Wasn’t a Game” (or “No Fue un Juego”) opened the prohibitions of the Argentine government. Using his recently at the River Plate museum in the team’s stadium popularity, the coach convinced guards to allow people building complex here, and will remain on view through to enter the city’s ports. May 15, a month before the start of the World Cup, Gabriela Hirschl, his daughter, told JTA at the ex- A panel showing Otto Nerz, Germany’s national soccer’s premier international tournament. The curators hibit’s inauguration that one of the Jews he saved later soccer team coach from 1926-32, saying “In the end, have split the exhibit into 11 parts – one for each player became his girlfriend, then his wife – and eventually there will be a Europe free of Jews with a sport free on the field at one time for each team. Gabriela’s mother. of Jews.” (Photo by Tabare da Ponte/Courtesy of “No In an exhibit produced by the Buenos Aires Shoah There are also the stories of European teams that suf- Fue un Juego”) Museum, panels tell the stories of teams and individuals fered under the Nazis and were forced to rebuild after the throughout the museum, which receives some 25,000 war, such as Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund in kow club, joined and fought with the Polish resistance, visitors each month. Germany, Ajax in Holland and Austria Wien in Vienna. but was captured and later killed in Auschwitz. One is about Emerico Hirschl, a Hungarian Jewish Some notable examples: Bayern Munich’s president, The exhibit is the brainchild of Jewish Argentine sports Kurt Landauer, and coach, Richard Kohn, were forced writer Leandro Albajari, who has been interested in the to resign because they were Jewish. And an Ajax player, Holocaust since he read “The Diary of Anne Frank” as Eddy Hammel, helped the club win multiple champi- a 13-year-old. Researchers Gustavo Asmus, Guillermo onships before he was deported to Auschwitz in 1943. Ibarra and German Roitbarg assisted in the effort. The exhibit also looks at teams on the other side: Schal- See “Soccer” on page 8 ke 04, for instance, was taken under Hitler’s wing and coasted to several German championships in the 1930s. One panel illustrates how the Nazis set up a soccer league at Theresienstadt to fool the Red Cross into be- lieving life was normal at the concentration camp. The Nazis scheduled matches, assembled crowds and took photos, all for propaganda purposes. There are also tragic stories of many players, such as Julius Hirsch, the first Jew on the German national team. He also fought for Germany in World War I, but later died in Auschwitz. Matthias Sindelar was a non-Jew on the Austrian national team, but he refused to play for Germany after it annexed Austrian territory and forced The exhibition at River Plate’s museum includes six L-r: Gabriela Hirschl and Leandro Albajari at the its players to suit up for the German national team in illustrated soccer balls. This one was by Gustavo exhibit. (Photo by Tabare da Ponte/Courtesy of “No 1938. Six months later, Sindelar was found dead in his Nemirovsky. (Photo by Tabare da Ponte/Courtesy of Fue un Juego”) apartment. Antony Liko, who played for the Wisla Kra- “No Fue un Juego”)

Yo u are cordially invited to the ANNUAL MEETING of the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania Please join us as we elect Officers and Trustees, celebrate the achievements of the past year and honor several individuals for their leadership contributions to our community and to Israel ursday, June 7, 7pm Linder Room, Scranton Jewish Community Center, 601 Jefferson Avenue, Scranton A Dessert Reception and short video will follow the meeting. Dietary laws observed. RSVP to 961-2300 (ext. 4).

Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania 2018 ANNUAL MEETING PROGRAM Welcome & introductions ...... Douglas Fink, President Dvar Torah ...... Rabbi Yehuda Salkow, Jewish Resource Center Federation Perspectives...... Douglas Fink, President Presentation of Campaign Awards...... Douglas Fink, President 2018 UJA Campaign Report...... Dr. Joel & Leah Laury, UJA Campaign Co-Chairs Committee recognition ...... Douglas Fink, President Nominating Committee Report ...... Seth Gross, Chairman Installation of Officers and Trustees ...... Rabbi Yehuda Salkow, Jewish Resource Center Closing Remarks Douglas Fink, Incoming Federation President Dessert Reception A full-color, detailed Annual Report of all Federation activities will be included in the publication and distributed at the Annual Meeting. ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 8 THE REPORTER ■ APRIL 19, 2018 D’VAR TORAH Sticks and stones – are we really immune to unkind words? Tazria-Metzora, Leviticus 12:1-15:33 can follow. We have seen a rise in antisemitism, in BY RABBI MARJORIE BERMAN, SPIRITUAL anti-immigrant sentiment, in racist speech and action, DIRECTOR OF THE RECONSTRUCTIONIST and in Islamophia, to name a few. In witnessing bully- RABBINICAL COLLEGE ing speech in the highest levels of government, many In the portions of Tazria and Metzora, which continue feel permission to engage in such bullying behavior a discussion of the laws of ritual purity and impurity, themselves, including children. When children bully there is a special focus on tzara’at. Tzara’at appears to others, sometimes those who are bullied develop be some kind of plague or skin condition in which white such a sense of shame and isolation that they turn or pink patches appear on a person’s skin. Surprisingly, on their peers, as we have seen too often in the mass tzara’at can afflict garments and homes, as well, taking shootings at schools and elsewhere. When false and on a dark pink or dark green appearance. While it is provocative ads infiltrate our social media sites, they unclear exactly what this affliction is, the rabbis interpret foment dissention and anger. When dependable and it as a spiritual malady, and it is often understood to be well-researched journalism is disparaged as “fake the result of lashon harah. Lashon harah, which literally news,” it undermines the trust of society and weakens translates as “the evil tongue,” implies gossip, slander, or the “fourth estate,” the guardian of democracy. any unkind or untrue speech (in some religious circles, Indeed, when lashon harah is not quarantined and even compliments or bragging on someone else’s behalf held in check, it spreads like tzara’at. Like a mysterious is considered lashon harah). plague that eats away at garments, it can erode the very A person who suffers from tzara’at has to leave the fabric of our society. In the book of Proverbs, it says: camp until they are healed, and the affected area of a “Death and life are in the hands of the tongue.” Contrary garment or home must be removed and taken outside to the nursery rhyme, then, the rabbis argue that misuse the camp, as well. If the tzara’at returns, the garment or of speech is more destructive than almost anything. As house must be destroyed. What about tzara’at makes it humans, bestowed with the holy “spirit of speaking,” we so dangerous to society? If we accept the rabbinic inter- create worlds through the use of our tongue, our words. pretation that it is the result of untrue speech, could that Each time we open our mouths, we have a choice. Do be so dangerous? What happened to the nursery rhyme we want to create families, institutions and governments “sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will that are based on fear and mistrust, or ones that are never hurt me”? generous, trusting and open? Can we choose to speak For the rabbis, this was patently incorrect. Lashon to others, even those we don’t agree with or understand harah was a topic of central importance to them and – especially those we don’t agree with or understand – whole books were written on the subject. They under- with honor and respect? The choice is in our hands, or stood lashon harah to be a sin and they likened it to rather, on our tongues. adultery and even murder. Moreover, in the Talmud, it says that lashon harah is even worse than murder, because it simultaneously destroys three people, the one Soccer Continued from page 7 who relates the gossip, the one who listens to it and the “We want to spread to soccer fans a history rarely told one it concerns. in Argentina, and expand knowledge about events that In the rabbinic understanding, speech is what sepa- took place during Nazism and its direct consequences rates us from the animals and makes us like God, the that led to the Shoah,” Albajari told JTA. One who created the world with words. In Genesis 2:7 River Plate President Rodolfo D’Onofrio and the it says: “God blew into Adam’s nostrils the breath of president of the Buenos Aires Shoah Museum, Marcelo life and Adam became a living being….” Interestingly, Mindlin, inaugurated the exhibition. Part of the exhibit though, in the Aramaic targum – a very early translation will be featured at the museum when its renovated fa- and interpretation of Torah – this passage is translated cilities open next year. “God blew into Adam’s nostrils the spirit of speaking The World Cup, a quadrennial event, is being hosted and Adam became a living being….” In this translation, this year by Russia. it is the ability to speak that makes us alive. Given this understanding, if we use our words to hurt others rather than to create and heal, to destroy rather than repair creation, then we are engaging in the ultimate perversion of this gift. In the words of Rabbi A. Z. Friedman, “A person may think ‘Of what importance are my words? A word has no substance, neither can it be seen or touched….’ It is true that words have no substance and cannot be seen, but, like the wind, they can cause entire worlds to crash.” In today’s political climate, we can see ex- actly what the devastating effects of “unkind speech” are on a society. By slandering a particular group of people, fear is aroused in many and prejudice gains A soccer ball illustrated by Jorge Meijide. (Photo by a foothold. When prejudice gains traction, violence Tabare da Ponte/Courtesy of “No Fue un Juego”) For information on advertising, please contact Bonnie Rozen at 1-800-779-7896, ext. 244 or bonnie@ thereportergroup.org

9:30 Mon. pm APRIL 19, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 9 Music Continued from page 6 suddenly found himself running a camp that had star score or any other indication of a melody. Ehrlich, Zaich To him, the morality debate is a moot point. “You just inmates, a Hollywood cast at his disposal,” says Alan and Francesco Lotoro, a Jewish musicologist from Italy do anything to survive,” he told Alan Ehrlich. “Under Ehrlich, a New York native who lives with his wife and who specializes in works written during the Holocaust, those circumstances, surviving is your only mission in two children in Switzerland. went about reconstructing the music. They recorded life. Everything else is a side note.” For months, Gemmeker kept the names of his the- Westerbork survivors who either saw the performances ater group off the weekly transport lists of people who or participated in their production. They struck gold with were to be murdered in Auschwitz, Sobibor and other Louis de Wijze, a survivor who delivered an accurate extermination camps in the east. “At the height of the rendition of several numbers and even funded a studio NEWS IN BRIEF Westerbork Theater Group, they had a full production recording of the tunes. From JTA crew, lighting technicians and all,” Ehrlich says. “The One is titled “Tatata,” a jaunty song in German Study: 22 percent of U.S. millennials lives of the people in that crew depended on their ability composed by Max Ehrlich and Rosen. It describes an to put on a good show.” experience of a camp resident whose life is punctuated haven’t heard of the Holocaust Gemmeker would invite his buddies from other SS by the “sound of gramophone and saxophone.” Another, Over a fifth of millennials in the United States have not units to show off his Jewish theater, according to research “You Already Want Someone Else,” is a jilted spouse’s heard of or are unsure if they have heard of the Holocaust, by Ehrlich and Katja Zaich, who wrote her doctoral lament. Given the circumstances in which it was written, a study found. The survey, which was commissioned by thesis, titled “I Urgently Request a Happy Ending,” it may well have referred to the life that the inmates were the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Ger- about German Jewish theater productions by exiles in forced to leave behind. many (also known as the Claims Conference), found that the Netherlands. The Nazi spectators would occupy Max Ehrlich’s songs are only a part of the repertoire of many Americans were unaware of basic facts about the the two front rows of a theater that was constructed Holocaust-era works that the Ashdod Symphony Orchestra Holocaust. The results were released on April 12, which especially for cultural events at Westerbork. was scheduled to perform on April 15, three days after this marked Yom Hashoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day. But Max Ehrlich, an eternal optimist who knew he year’s Holocaust Remembrance Day, or Yom Hashoah. The study included 1,350 interviews with Americans aged wanted to be a performing artist from a very young age, Many of the works were reconstructed by Latoro and will 18 and over. While six million Jews are estimated killed nevertheless recognized that Gemmeker would grow tired be performed for the first time since the genocide. in the Holocaust, 31 percent of all respondents and 41 of the distraction he and his crew provided. “He sensed, To some observers today, the creation of art under percent of millennials, aged 18-34, believe that number he was aware of a big unrest among the people in West- the threat of annihilation is a triumph of humanism over is two million or less, according to the survey. Forty-five erbork,” Ehrlich says. “People were shipped every week barbarity. But to others, it’s the chilling result of behavior percent of all respondents could not name a concentration on trains east never to be heard of again.” that borders on collaboration. camp or ghetto from World War II, and 41 percent could not Aware that memories of the performances would be Etty Hillesum, a lawyer who wrote a diary during identify Auschwitz, a network of Nazi concentration and erased along with their creators and performers, Max her imprisonment in Westerbork before her murder at extermination camps. The study found that the vast majority Ehrlich approached a non-inmate who paid a rare visit by Auschwitz, referred to the theater group in the diary as of respondents support Holocaust education. Ninety-three an outsider to the camp. He asked the visitor – a relative “buffoons” fulfilling a macabre mission for the Germans. percent of the respondents said that all students should of a prisoner whom Ehrlich knew – to smuggle out some She wrote that the performances were designed to inject learn about the Holocaust in school and 80 percent said it lyrics, notes and scripts. Decades later, the works were a false sense of normalcy into the lives of people they was important to educate about the Holocaust to prevent found in a Dutch attic and were given to Alan Ehrlich, sought to subdue in order to facilitate their murder. it from happening again. Still, 58 percent of respondents who donated them to a Dutch museum. Ehrlich is not quick to dismiss this allegation. “Was it believe that “something like the Holocaust could happen “I was deeply moved. I had works my uncle wrote in collaboration on the part of the Jews or was it resistance? again.” Claims Conference President Julius Berman ex- his last days before he was sent to his death,” Ehrlich says. It was something that, in the very beginning, troubled me pressed concern about the lack of knowledge about the His father, Max’s brother, was a cinema owner who a lot, too,” he says. “What is the morality of them having Holocaust among millennials. “We are alarmed that today’s immigrated to the United States when Max Ehrlich went participated in these theater presentations?” generation lacks some of the basic knowledge about these to Holland. Ehrlich says that his father’s greatest regret It’s a question he has raised in interviews with dozens of atrocities,” he said in a statement. The group’s executive in life was not being able to arrange a visa for Max. “I survivors, especially with those who participated in the West- vice president, Greg Schneider, said the study’s findings wanted to at least bring Max Ehrlich’s last works to light erbork theater group. The most pungent answer came from highlighted the importance of Holocaust education. The as a tribute to my father, who died in 2008,” Ehrlich says. de Wijze, the man who reconstructed Max Ehrlich’s tunes study was conducted Feb. 23-27 by Schoen Consulting. It But the discovered documents contained no musical and survived Westerbork largely thanks to his skills at soccer. has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percent.

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

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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 10 THE REPORTER ■ APRIL 19, 2018 A romantic comedy about an autistic couple who meet at a Jewish Community Center BY CURT SCHLEIER home on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, just three days after (JTA) – On the surface, the indie comedy “Keep the giving birth to her second child. “My view from Hollywood Change” tells a conventional love story: A snooty rich was that autistic people are introverted. They don’t seek social boy meets a poor girl. They start dating, despite the connections. They definitely don’t like crowds.” objections of his parents, who assume that she’s a gold Even though she turned down a date, Israel gave digger. The two argue. They part. Ultimately, the snooty Polansky her phone number when he asked, and the rich kid finds his better self. two stayed in touch. “He kept calling and we’d have But the film, directed by Rachel Israel, is far from your these phone chats once or twice a week,” she said. “It typical rom-com: The main characters and their friends wasn’t until a year or so of knowing him that he opened are all on the autism spectrum, and they are played by up enough to tell me he had autism.” amateur actors who are on the spectrum themselves and Polansky told Israel of his efforts at online dating, give professional-quality performances. about “going to bars or big parties trying to meet people, The film is also set at a real New York City Jewish often meeting with insensitive responses.” She counseled L-r: Brandon Polansky, shown in a scene with Samantha Community Center and involves a successful program Polansky and began to see how these events could work Elisofon, inspired the story behind Rachel Israel’s film. for people with autism and learning disabilities called cinematically, especially after he found his first girlfriend (Photo by Kino Lorber Films) Adaptations. Much of what is shown of it in the film through the Adaptations program. That experience mirrors the Adaptations reality: a positive community changed him, gave him increased self-confidence and Directing them sometimes required “special patience and that offers social and creative opportunities for people “inspired the writing” of the screenplay. understanding.” Some were able to see their role as part of often misunderstood by society. In 2011, Israel decided to turn the story into a short film a greater whole, while others could only see as far as their In the film, Brandon Polansky plays a man ordered thesis for her master’s of fine arts program at Columbia lines. “All of them were terribly generous and open with me. by a court to attend a summer program designed for University. The entire shoot took less than five days and It was challenging, not uncomfortable,” Israel said. “What people on the spectrum. He’s paired on an assignment the final product won several accolades, including the was frustrating was raising funding. I had the commitment with Sarah Silverstein (played by Samantha Elisofon), top award at the school’s film festival. of the cast and their faith that it would happen.” who says she finds him sexy. Israel then set about developing a feature version, Asked what she hoped audiences would take from the film, The two begin to date, but there are numerous obstacles which meant expanding the cast. She asked other mem- the director said, “It’s a love story. I hope they walk away with to their relationship. David is not quite as worldly as he bers of the Adaptations community at the Marlene Mey- the warm glow of a love story. In terms of autism, I hope it believes, and Sarah is far more experienced. Sarah is erson JCC Manhattan to play characters on the spectrum. opens up a whole world of people in a very humane way.” also likely to blurt out whatever is on her mind, which publicly embarrasses David. “Keep the Change” is often funny and the film has Israel Continued from page 1 been called a heartwarming journey of self-discovery. It After Israel secured its independence, American Jews which for many years had been hesitant to throw its sup- is Rachel Israel’s first feature, and her 16-year odyssey began to engage with the new nation in small ways. There port behind the Jewish national movement. Ben-Gurion to its release is as fascinating as the film itself. was no rush of tourism, but American Jews would show pledged not to speak for American Jewry or intervene in In 2002, the summer before she entered The Rhode their support by purchasing goods from Israel, reading its affairs, and to dial down his insistence that American Island School of Design, she took a course in nude books about Israel or holding Israeli dance classes in Jews move to Israel. In exchange, Blaustein recognized drawing at a Florida college. Polansky was a student in their community centers. “the necessity and desirability” of supporting Israel in the class, and as Israel recalls, he spent breaks “walking “Here’s this new state they had to kind of develop its nation building. around the room hitting on every female” in the room. this relationship with, [and] the cultural realm was really “The 1950s were the heyday of American Jewish At the time, Israel recognized he was different, but not that the place it was happening,” Emily Alice Katz, author assimilation,” said Sara Hirschhorn, an Israel studies he was on the spectrum. “I wouldn’t have guessed autism,” of the 2015 book “Bringing Zion Home,” told the New professor at Oxford University. “It was the post-war era, the filmmaker said in a recent telephone interview from her Books Network podcast. “There were these years in when American Jews were benefitting from the same which it wasn’t as much about rallying the troops for things everyone else was benefitting from – the GI bill, these massive outpourings of aid or political influence, all kinds of ways for people to move into the middle class but it was more of this coming to know Israel.” – and they wanted to continue to make the most of that.” Part of the reticence to support Israel stemmed from Nevertheless, Israel began to show up in American the ethos of 1950s America, with its focus on suburban Jewish religious practice. A Conservative prayer book growth, the “melting pot” and assimilation. Against that published in 1949 had readings about Israel, but not the backdrop, American Jews were trying to prove they be- prayer for Israel that is now standard in many prayer longed as social and cultural equals in American society. books. Religious schools gradually shifted their pro- So again they were fearful of “dual loyalty” charges that nunciation of Hebrew from European Ashkenazic to could stem from vocal support for a Jewish state. Sephardic-inflected Israeli. Non-Zionist religious leaders, In a watershed moment in that debate, Israeli Prime like Finkelstein of JTS, eventually were sidelined. Samantha Elisofon and Brandon Polansky in a scene Minister David Ben-Gurion sent a letter in 1950 to Jacob The biggest shift, Sarna said, was American Jewry from “Keep the Change.” (Photo by Kino Lorber Films) Blaustein, president of the American Jewish Committee, viewing Judaism’s history as one of “destruction and rebirth.” That outlook posed the Holocaust and the establishment of Israel as its two poles and, Sarna said, remains dominant in American Jewish thinking today. He noted that Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day and HE its Independence Day are commemorated about a week IN T apart by design. JO “The theme of destruction and rebirth becomes a very important theme in the lives of American Jews,” he said. mer fun! “So much so that American Jews don’t know the history m of Zionism going back, and have bought the idea that u it’s all about the Holocaust being linked to the birth of s Advertise in the state of Israel.” our special insert! American Jews became more open in their celebration of Israel about a decade after 1948. “Exodus,” the 1958 novel by Leon Uris that painted Israel in heroic terms, One ad will be displayed in all was a national best-seller and was adapted into a movie 3 papers, reaching over 12,000 readers. in 1960 starring Paul Newman and Eva Marie Saint. In 1961, Yiddish star Molly Picon starred in a Broadway musical about a visit by American Jews to Israel, “Milk and Honey,” which ran for more than 500 performances. A few years later, the Israel Pavilion at the New York World’s Fair showcased the country’s charms. And as Cold War tensions continued into the 1960s, Israel began Scranton, PA Binghamton, NY Syracuse, NY to be seen as a U.S. ally against the Soviet Union. In 1967, Israel’s existence was again threatened by Issue • May 17 Issue • May 25 Issue • May 24 Arab armies. Between the buildup to that war and Israel’s Deadline • May 9 Deadline • May 9 Deadline • May 9 lightning victory, American Jewish acceptance of Israel had turned to adulation, placing the Jewish state at the center of their identity. The few dissenters are found on the non-Zionist left, among various haredi Ortho- To advertise or for information, please contact dox movements, and in the quiet grumblings of some mainstream leaders and rabbis who think the emphasis on Israel has thwarted the development of distinctly Bonnie Rozen at 1-800-779-7896, ext. 244 American Judaisms. “Slowly but surely, Israel became more important for or [email protected] American Jews,” Sarna said. “[The year] 1967 is at once a reflection of Israel’s growing importance, but at the same time it is a great intensification of Israel’s centrality.” APRIL 19, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 11 Zach Braff is happy to be back on TV BY CURT SCHLEIER He also wrote a play; “All New People” for a second season, it will explore the (JTA) – Lightning struck Zach Braff in 2001. The had a run at New York’s Second Stage. His dynamics of a mixed religious family. up-and-coming Jewish actor, who had appeared in a 2014 film “Wish I Was Here,” which he (Blumberg is married to Nazanin Raf- few films – perhaps most notably a small role in Woody wrote and directed, was called heartfelt, sanjani, a fellow media producer who is Allen’s “Manhattan Murder Mystery” – landed the but mostly panned by critics following a Asian, like Sircar.) lead role of John “J.D.” Dorian in the hospital-based limited release. Braff also reserved praise for Elisha sitcom “Scrubs.” As he headed further down “the di- Henig, a recent bar mitzvah who plays Along the way to starring in 175 episodes of the show, recting path,” Braff realized something Schuman’s son, Ben. “‘Family Ties’ was which became one of the “most beloved” comedies of was missing. “I missed acting, I missed supposed to be a star vehicle for Meredith the 2000s, Braff wrote and directed “Garden State,” comedy,” he said. “And when this was put Baxter until this kid Michael J. Fox took released in 2004. The indie dramedy film, which also in my lap, it seemed perfect.” over. [Henig] is going to be the next Mi- starred 23-year-old Natalie Portman, established the “This” is a reference to “Alex, Inc.,” chael J. Fox,” Braff said. kid from South Orange, NJ, as a promising director in an ABC sitcom premiering March 28 with Braff is not religiously observant, but addition to being a first-rate comic actor. Braff as its protagonist and main star. The Zach Braff stars in the new he is aware of his distinctly “Jewish sense But he surprisingly left “Scrubs” in 2009, while its network gave the show a coveted slot, on ABC sitcom “Alex, Inc.” of humor,” which he infuses into almost ratings were still respectable. “When it’s something Wednesdays between “The Goldbergs” (Photo by ABC/Tony Rivetti) everything he works on. He greeted JTA you’ve been doing for so long, well, I didn’t want to and “Modern Family” (that’s 8:30 pm with a cordial “Shalom.” phone it in,” Braff said in an interview with JTA. “I was eastern standard time). “I was raised on Mel Brooks and Woody Allen and tired. I don’t mean to complain. It’s the best job in the Braff plays Alex Schuman, a Jewish character based Neil Simon. I totally inherited that from my father,” he world, but you do get burned out. I wanted to go out on on real-life Jewish podcast pioneer Alex Blumberg – a said. “I grew up in North Jersey and he would bring us a high note.” former producer for NPR’s “This American Life” and in to see Neil Simon plays and Mel Brooks movies. I After Braff quit the show, he largely vanished from “Planet Money” podcasts. Blumberg gave up the relative- think there is a [comic] timing ingrained in me, that New the mainstream film and TV world. He performed in ly cushy world of NPR – with its salary, health benefits York sense of humor.” theater on and off Broadway, notably in the adaptation of and paid time off – to start his own podcast company, Braff attended Hebrew school and was a bar mitzvah at Woody Allen’s “Bullets Over Broadway: The Musical.” Gimlet Media, in 2014. Gimlet has spawned several of Oheb Shalom Congregation in South Orange. As Passover its own “very successful” podcasts, including “StartUp” approached, he was reminded of his father’s love of the and “Reply All.” seder. “My father could make a Passover seder longer In “Alex, Inc.,” Schuman leaves his feel-good radio than anyone else,” Braff said. “He always wanted to do show (“NPR on Prozac,” he calls it) when his idea for the after-dinner part, and we’d all say, ‘Oh, no. Not the a meaningful, but depressing, story is rejected. He after-dinner part, too.’” attempts to start his own show to prove the innocence Judging by his enthusiasm for the new project, Braff of a convicted murderer. When that doesn’t pan out, is enjoying “Alex, Inc.” far more than his dad’s seders, Schuman decides to make the podcast about the process despite the hectic schedule. He directed four of the 10 of starting a podcast business – mirroring the arc of episodes. “With kids in the mix and physical comedy, Blumberg’s “StartUp.” you’re always racing. There’s no down time,” he said. Of course, like most ABC sitcoms, “Alex, Inc.” mostly “There’s some behind-the-scenes video where I look deals with the ups and downs of family life. There is a like I’m schizophrenic.” narrator via voiceover, a happy ending complete with warm fuzzy feelings in each episode and the recurring theme that fathers don’t always know best. Visit the The cast includes Tiya Sircar, whom many may Jewish Federation Zach Braff (left) with Tiya Sircar, center, in a scene know from NBC’s hit comedy “The Good Place,” as from “Alex, Inc.” (Photo by ABC/Tony Rivetti) Schuman’s wife. Braff said that if the show is renewed on Facebook!

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ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 12 THE REPORTER ■ APRIL 19, 2018 Philanthropy Continued from page 3 Millennials like Rueven are also bringing their young- of these “engagement” programs, he notes, are light on er sensibilities to the giving process. The Slingshot Fund Jewish content and heavy on socializing. There is also she chairs is a peer giving network that produces an concern that younger Jews may lack their parents’ and annual “Resource Guide to Jewish Innovation,” show- grandparents’ attachment to Israel – an important line casing innovative Jewish programs and organizations. item for Federations. Jewish Lives Book Club “Many of the young Jews I work with are inheriting “It’s true that increasingly dollars are coming from Jewish Lives, which publishes biographies wealth from their families. Others run their own business- a small pool of donors at the same time Federations that seek to illuminate the Jewish experience, es,” says Slingshot Executive Director Stefanie Rhodes. are absolutely devoted to bringing the community is forming a book club. Participants can “They don’t want to wait till the baton is passed. They together,” says Rabbi Marc Baker, 42, who has receive the first book at no cost by signing are looking for ways to have an impact today.” been tapped to replace Barry Shrage, 70, as the new up at www.jewishlives.org/bookclub. Participants will And many Orthodox donors who have traditionally president of Boston’s Federation, Combined Jewish receive details by May 1 about the 2018-19 program, given to synagogues, yeshivas, day schools and elder Philanthropies. (Shrage has led the organization for 31 which will begin this fall. The club will offer reading care are also emerging as major givers, according to the years.) “We need to continue to work hard to hear the guides developed by subject experts and join virtual study. “Not in such numbers as women or millennials, voices of the various parts of the community, while at author events, livestreamed from the Park Avenue Syn- but we see them coming forward in areas like haredi the same time find even more creative ways to bring agogue in New York City. employment, even though they still tend to keep their in their voices, their time, talents and their money to Jewish Lives is a prize-winning series of interpretative giving more local,” says Andres Spokoiny, president of both engage and empower.” biographies of Jewish figures who have been active in the Jewish Funders Network. “And their giving is far In fact, says Yossi Prager, AVI CHAI’s North Amer- the fields of literature, religion, philosophy, politics, more likely to be Jewish than secular.” ican executive director, “we need to remember that a cultural and economic life, and the arts and sciences. But this snapshot of Jewish philanthropy also raises third of all Jewish charitable giving still comes through Jewish Lives is a partnership of Yale University Press some disturbing questions, argues historian Jonathan the Federation system, which I believe will continue to and the Leon D. Black Foundation. Sarna, author of numerous books on American Jews, and strengthen Jewish life in the U.S. and elsewhere. For Yiddish Book Center adult program the Joseph H. and Belle R. Braun Professor of American supporting the bread-and-butter of Jewish community “Yiddish Women Writers Reclaimed” will be the next Jewish History at Brandeis University. “To me, the most – the schools and the synagogues, eldercare and Israel Yiddish Book Center’s weekend programs for adult learn- important piece is that Jewish philanthropy is less and – local donors are heroes of Jewish life.” ers. The three-day program will take place at the Center in less a communal enterprise,” he says. “Not that long And the study also points to a healthy and hopeful Amherst, MA, from May 4-6. The program, led by Professor ago, Federations counted not only the money raised, but trend, adds Spokoiny. “Many of these innovative and Anita Norich of the University of Michigan, will bring to also the number of donors, and ‘Super Sunday’ was like independent programs, like PJ Library and Moishe House, light the talents of Yiddish women writers and show how they Election Day. Everybody got called, promoting a sense are actually now sophisticated and creative partnerships claimed a place for themselves as modern Jewish writers. of community purpose.” with local funders,” he says “The Federations and other The three-day program will include four lectures, a film Though he understands that Federations’ limited big organizations are able to get onboard once the model screening, a tour of the Yiddish Book Center’s collections resources are better spent cultivating the $20,000 gift is proven, and these partnerships allow the programs a and exhibits, kosher meals and conversation. than the $20 one, Sarna says that “by focusing on those much bigger impact.” Pre-registration is required. To learn more and to with substantial means, we’ve lost something, leaving Prager sees the big picture. “As Jack reports, there’s register, visit yiddishbookcenter.org/women-writers. many Jews feeling disenfranchised.” been a huge emphasis on the innovation by the largest It is equally true, however, that mega-donors acting givers and on engagement, which is important because Website on Jewish arts and writing alone have the freedom to innovate that larger organiza- more and more Jews are growing up with less and less The website Books and Blintzes, https://booksand- tions don’t, adds Sarna. “The Jewish world is stronger Jewish learning. But,” he adds, “we need to make sure blintzes.com/, showcases Jewish writing, Jewish cuisine, for programs like Birthright, Moishe House and PJ these programs have ongoing robust Jewish content, and innovative Jewish fine arts. It seeks to “explore Library – all of which, as they grew, were able to attract rather than episodic social interaction.” the diversity and creativity of contemporary Jewish greater communal support. The study is destined for success, he believes, “if it learning and living,” and welcomes visitors to the site “It’s hard for Federations, which need to support starts funders and leaders talking about how philanthropy to join the conversation. Those interested in posting on institutions that aren’t as sexy as innovative programs,” can play even more strategic, impactful and supportive the site should visit https://booksandblintzes.com/home/ he says. “But if they don’t support Jewish education, roles in creating Jewish life, and furthering Jewish en- ourstory/guestpostinformation/ for more information. and the Jewish poor and elderly, who will?” And some gagement and education.” P A C E Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment Your gift to the Annual Campaign DOES A WORLD OF GOOD. Endowing your gift allows you to be there for the Jewish community of NEPA forever. A Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment (PACE) is a permanent fund that endows your Jewish community Annual Campaign gift as a lasting legacy. A PACE fund will continue to make an annual gift in perpetuity on your behalf. To determine the amount you need to endow your entire campaign gift, multiply your current annual gift by 20. You can fund your PACE by adding the JEWISH FEDERATION OF NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA to your will, or by making the Federation a beneficiary of your IRA. All contributions to establish a PACE are tax deductible. Let your name be remembered as a blessing. Endowments can be created through a variety of vehicles, some of which do not necessitate funding during your lifetime yet still provide your estate with considerable tax benefits. They also enable you to perpetuate your commitment to the Annual Campaign in a way that best achieves your own personal financial and estate planning goals. Examples Of Ways To Fund Your Pace Gift Are: * outright contribution of cash, appreciated securities or other long-term capital gain property such as real estate * charitable remainder trust * gift of life insurance Using appreciated property, such as securities or real estate, * charitable lead trust affords you the opportunity to eliminate the income tax on the * gift of IRA or pension plan assets long-term capital gain, will in some instances generate a full * grant from your foundation income tax charitable deduction and will remove those assets * reserved life estate in your residence from your estate for estate tax purposes. * bequest

For more information contact Mark Silverberg at [email protected] or call 570-961-2300, ext. 1. APRIL 19, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 13 Zionism Continued from page 2 democratic movement. Shame on them for ignoring Ju- ideas welcomes debate from left to right, religious and and reclaiming the Z-word now – at Israel’s 70th – then when? daism’s national-religious duality, which allows non-Jews nonreligious, about what Zionism and Israel can mean Gil Troy is the author of “The Zionist Ideas,” which to convert into the Jewish religion and join the Jewish to me as Jew, as a person – and how some of these ideas updates Arthur Hertzberg’s classic work “The Zionist Idea,” nation, making Zionism among the least biologically can help Israel become a model democracy. and was just published by The Jewish Publication Society. based, least racist, most permeable forms of nationalism. That’s why Zionism didn’t end in 1948 – the debates He is a Distinguished Scholar of North American History And shame on them for racializing the national conflict continue. at McGill University. Follow him on Twitter @GilTroy. between Israelis and Palestinians – inflaming hatred, If Zionism as an idea asserts that Jews are a people The views and opinions expressed in this article are making peace more elusive. with a homeland, and Zionism as a movement builds, those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the Alas, shame on us, too. Zionism should be a more protects and perfects the state, Zionism as a value is more views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces Media. popular term than “Israel.” Until 1948, Zionism was personal. Zionists see it as a way of explaining Judaism as the movement affirming that Jews are a people with a culture, a civilization, an ethnicity, a tradition, not just a homeland and that like other nations, Jews have the a religion. It anchors us in a self-indulgent, throwaway right to establish a state on that land (others may, too: society, providing a sense of community in an often NEWS IN BRIEF nationalism involves collective consciousness, not ex- lonely, alienating culture, and a sense of mission in an From JTA clusive land claims). Since 1948, Zionism has been the often aimless world. Polish president says new Holocaust movement to perfect that state. Reclaiming Zionism often entails moving from Politi- Like all countries, Israel makes good and bad moves. cal Zionism – asking what we can do for our country – to law will not silence survivors’ stories If you’re anti-Zionist, you reject Israel’s very existence. Identity Zionism – asking, with apologies to JFK, what your The presidents of Poland and Israel met in Oœwiêcim, If you’re critical of Israel somehow, you’re a thinking country can do for you. There’s a reason why Israel ranks near the Auschwitz Nazi death camp, where they held human being. 11th on the world “Happiness Index,” despite the nation’s talks together and then led the March of the Living. Polish America’s president offers an opportunity to under- many challenges. Most Israelis are instinctively Identity President Andrzej Duda assured his Israeli counterpart, stand that distinction. The 77 percent of American Jews Zionists. Their identity blossoms from the Zionist state – Reuven Rivlin, on April 12 prior to the two-mile march who hate Donald Trump still remain proudly American. which appreciates strong family values, robust community from the Auschwitz barracks to the Birkenau death Why can’t we love Israel and Zionism regardless of ties, deep patriotic feelings – and a broader sense of mission camp that the amendment to the Act on the Institute of particular prime ministers or policies, too? in life. That’s part of the package Birthright participants and National Remembrance, which makes it illegal to suggest Here’s the real question for Jews: Do you feel con- other tourists appreciate when visiting Israel. And that’s the that Poles or the country were complicit in Nazi crimes nected to Israel, today’s great Jewish people project? If recipe that makes so many Israelis happy despite the rush- during the Holocaust, is not about blocking the survi- so, you stick with it because you belong to the Jewish rush of their society and the roar-roar of some Palestinian vors’ accounts. Duda also said he is “not afraid” to talk people. And you help perfect that state through Zionism neighbors demanding their destruction. about difficult elements of the past. Duda told reporters – embracing different schools of Zionist thought. It could Zionism isn’t the only way or the best way, it’s just in an appearance with Rivlin that he is taking part in the be Religious Zionism or left-leaning Labor Zionism or my way, my people’s way. I’m not smart enough to March of the Living to give testimony to the memory right-leaning Revisionist Zionism or Cultural Zionism. improvise another framework. of the Holocaust. At the same time, Duda stressed that In honor of Israel’s 70th birthday, I just published Identity Zionism includes commitments to Jewish the law is not intended to block the testimonies of the “The Zionist Ideas,” updating Arthur Hertzberg’s classic education, Jewish action, to making Jewish ethics come survivors, even if they depict Poland in a negative light. anthology “The Zionist Idea.” Adding the “s” broadens alive, to Jewish peoplehood and Jewish community “We wanted to defend the historical truth and I, as the the conversation, from the 38 thinkers in his book to the – these are core Zionist values I, for one, would – in president, want to defend it,” he said. “Also these are 170 in mine. As part of its publication and in honor of Churchill’s words – never surrender. elements that are difficult for the Poles. The behavior Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, I am urging Today, the#MeToo conversation spotlights how often of people during the war was different. There were also readers to host Zionist salons, home-based conversations victims – especially women – internalize persecution, those who have to be condemned. And I’m not afraid addressing “what Zionism and Israel mean to me today.” letting bullies win. Anyone interested in abandoning to talk about it.” According to the Polish president, his Establishing Israel in 1948 fulfilled the Zionist idea Zionism first should ask: How much of this internalizes country can model itself on Israel in building a strong – that powerless Jews need a state as a refuge, immedi- the delegitimization campaign? state. Rivlin noted if there is something more important ately, and as a platform to flourish and express Jewish If we don’t stand up for ourselves, who are we? If we let than studying the past, it is “creating a future that largely values, long-term. Seventy years later, debating Zionist those haters win, what are we? And if we don’t start celebrating depends on the education of the future generations.” s on our bus t Join u rip to

Wednesday, May 16 The New York City trip includes lunch (at your choice of one of the fine restaurants near the museum), a guided tour of the museum, and a visit to the outdoor memorial at Ground Zero. Cost for bus and tour - $40.00 ease otat ass a at th uestos a reseratos ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook 14 THE REPORTER ■ APRIL 19, 2018

April 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 *)

APRIL 19, 2018 ■ THE REPORTER 15 NEWS IN BRIEF From JNS.org to endorse U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s Rioters, summoned by Hamas, attack Gaza border fence for capital and to move the U.S. embassy there from Tel Aviv. At the AIPAC conference in early March, Morales confirmed his decision to also relocate the Guatemalan embassy third week to Israel’s capital. “I would like to thank President Trump for leading the way. His Thousands of Palestinians gathered on the Israel-Gaza border on April 13for a third courageous decision has encouraged us to do what is right,” Morales said at the time. consecutive week of riots. Israel Defense Forces officials reported that the violence Despite being a small and largely impoverished Central American country, Guatemala of the riots led the IDF to use crowd dispersal methods including tear gas, as well as has long represented an “important partner” for Israel. In 1947, it became one of the live fire. Hamas called on the April 13 mob to burn Israeli flags and fly Palestinian first countries to voice support for the creation of the Jewish state; in 1956, it became ones. Though participants arrived starting in the morning, the largest crowd was one of the first Latin American countries to open an embassy in Jerusalem, though it expected in the afternoon after weekly Muslim prayers. The demonstration is the later relocated the mission in 1978 to the Tel Aviv suburb of Herzliya. Today, as Israel is third in a series of “March of Return” assemblies, each of which has been marked by attempting to build nontraditional allies around the world, Guatemala has expressed an Palestinians throwing stones, Molotov cocktails, burning tires and trying to create interest in bolstering agriculture, science, technology and security ties with the Israelis. a smokescreen to breach the security fence. The stated goal of the riots is to take Israel to offset drought with two new desalination plants down the security fence between Israel and Gaza and “liberate Palestine.” The IDF deployed snipers and tanks along the border ahead of the planned April 13 event. To Israel’s Ministry of Energy and Water announced on April 9 that two new desalination date, some 32 Palestinians have been killed and hundreds wounded by Israeli forces plants will be built to offset the deficits of an extended five-year drought that has left since March 30, according to Hamas. The terror group has claimed many of them as Israel’s sensitive water sources at their lowest levels in nearly 100 years. Currently, Israel Hamas operatives, with others being identified by Israel as members of other terror has five active desalination plants, built in the last 13 years, to extract water suitable groups. Israel says it has opened fire on attackers who have targeted soldiers, damaged for drinking from the Mediterranean Sea and distribute the desalinated water through the security barrier and attempted to infiltrate into sovereign Israel to carry out terror Israel’s national water carrier. Each facility is expected to cost approximately $400 attacks. In previous riots, the crowd also tried to provoke Israeli soldiers into shooting million. The plan will include the expansion of pipelines for use in agriculture, and is their children. In one instance in the initial rally on March 30, Palestinian activists intended to help Israel to rehabilitate dried-up rivers. The plans may include pumping encouraged a 7-year-old girl to march toward the fence as a sham infiltrator in the fresh water into Israel’s primary source for drinking water, the Kinneret – also known hopes of drawing Israeli fire, which would lead to international condemnation. IDF as the Sea of Galilee – which has continued to suffer receding levels. The Kinneret is soldiers identified the girl before firing, ensuring she would not be harmed. also the primary feeder of Israel’s Jordan River, which runs south to the Dead Sea and is another body of water suffering severe ecological damage due to receding water levels. Agreement gives all proceeds of Anne Frank diary sales to “Never Again Education Act” to teach American students New Israel Fund about the Holocaust All proceeds from the sales of the renowned Diary of Anne Frank will be distributed to the New Israel Fund, according to an announcement made by the organization and the Proposed legislation, if passed in the U.S. House of Representatives, would grant Anne Frank Foundation on the eve of Holocaust Remembrance Day. The announcement money raised through donations to American schools as part of the Holocaust Ed- came just days after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for a parliamentary inquiry ucation Assistance Program. A draft of the “Never Again Education Act” calls Ho- into the left-wing group, which provides funds to organizations uch as Adalah, B’Tselem, locaust education “a national imperative to educate students in the United States so Ir Amim, Yesh Din and Breaking the Silence. Anne Frank’s iconic diary chronicling her that they may explore the lessons that the Holocaust provides for all people, sensitize life in hiding from the Nazis has become required reading in many schools around the communities to the circumstances that gave rise to the Holocaust, and help youth world. Frank died at Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in Germany in 1945 at the age be less susceptible to the falsehood of Holocaust denial and distortion and to the of 15, less than a year after her secret annex in Amsterdam was discovered by the Nazis. destructive messages of hate that arise from Holocaust denial and distortion.” New In 1963, Frank’s father and the only survivor from the family, Otto Frank, created the York Rep. Carolyn Maloney, the lead sponsor of the legislation, planned to promote foundation in Switzerland to channel proceeds from sales of the diary to projects promoting the bill on April 10 at the Olga Lengyel Institute for Holocaust Studies and Human understanding, peace and international contact between young people around the issues Rights in New York City, accompanied by representatives of Hadassah, B’nai B’rith of society, religion and nationality. The foundation issued a statement on April 11, the eve International and the Association of Holocaust Organizations. Also sponsoring the of Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day, calling the diary “a symbol of justice, respect bill are Reps. Peter Roskam (R-IL); Ted Deutch (D-FL); Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL); and accepting differences to all of humanity. These values are the pillars of NIF’s work in Eliot Engel (D-NY); Kay Granger (R-TX); Nita Lowey (D-NY); and Dan Donovan promoting a state of Israel that is more democratic, and an Israeli society that is more just. (R-NY). Lowey and Granger both sit on the House of Appropriations Subcommittee. The new partnership will strengthen the work of our two organizations and imbue Israeli society with these values.” Netanyahu recently accused the NIF for putting pressure on Rwanda not to accept thousands of African migrants who entered Israel illegally and have been the center of a national debate on whether they should be deported or allowed to stay in the Jewish state. He also criticized the organization for receiving foreign funding from anti-Israel individuals, and passing it on to “anti-Zionist, pro-Palestinian” organizations whose goals he said “is to erase the Jewish character of Israel.” Current world Jewish population still falls below pre- Holocaust figures According to figures released on April 10 by the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics, the number of Jews alive today is still lower than it was in 1939, prior to the Holocaust. Prior to the murder of six million Jews between 1939 and 1945, some 16.6 million were spread throughout the world. Contemporary data, based on information gathered by Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Division of Jewish Demography and Statistics and the A. Harman Institute of Contemporary Jewry, indicates that there are currently 14,511,000 Jews on Earth, a number similar to that in 1922. Today, the country with the most Jewish people is Israel, surpassing the U.S. Jewish population by almost 750,000 people. Israel’s Jewish population currently stands at 6,446,000, compared with America’s at 5.7 milllion. Another 456,000 live in France, 390,000 in Canada, 290,000 in Britain, 181,000 in Argentina, 176,000 in Russia, 117,000 in Germany and 113,000 in Australia. The data also shows that since 1948, when the number of Jews in Israel stood at 650,000, Israel’s Jewry has increased nearly tenfold. The rest of the world’s Jewry has decreased, according to the report. Jews living outside Israel numbered 10.8 million in 1948. In 2016, there were approximately 8 million Jews in the Diaspora. Guatemala to move embassy to Jerusalem right after U.S. Guatemala will purportedly move its embassy to Jerusalem just two days after the expected opening of the new U.S. embassy in Israel’s capital in May. The moving date was announced by Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat on his Facebook page on April 11. “I met this morning with Ambassador Guatemala in Israel Sarah Solis Castañeda and with the CEO of the foreign ministry Maria Lucia Ramírez to discuss operations for the transfer of the embassy on May 16 to Jerusalem as per Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales,” wrote Barkat. Late last year, Morales became one of the few world leaders

ÊCheck out the Federation’s new, updated website at www.jewishnepa.org or find it on Facebook

16 THE REPORTER ■ APRIL 19, 2018

D D ­e Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania presents “My Brother’s Keeper - e 911 of the Jewish People” How the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (AJDC) is changing the Jewish world Scranton Jewish Community Center Thursday, May 17 at 7pm Given the importance of the work done by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (AJDC) to assist imperiled and threatened Jewish communities around the world, a special program will be presented on ursday, May 18th at 7:00 PM in the Koppelman Auditorium of the Scranton JCC and will be open to our entire Jewish community - at no charge.

Our guest for the evening will be Shaun Goldstone, Global Development Ocer for the JDC who has participated in JDC’s worldwide international disaster relief e
orts in Haiti and Ethiopia and is currently responsible for raising the prole of JDC’s Eastern European and Asian humanitarian and Jewish renewal e
orts as well as fostering collaborations between the JDC and its partner organizations.

The program is open to the entire Jewish community and a dessert reception will follow. An RSVP to Mary Ann Mistysyn at either 961-2300 (x4) or [email protected] would be appreciated in order to facilitate food arrangements. We hope you can join us for this wonderful program. Mark Silverberg, Executive Director Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania D D