J*Company to present The King and I

LA JOLLA, California (Press Release) – The Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The King and I will be presented ny the J*Company December 3-13 at the Lawrence Family JCC’s David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre.  

The King and I is based on the true story of an Englishwoman, Anna Leonowens, who came to Siam (known today as Thailand) as schoolteacher to the royal children of King Mongkut in the 1860s.  This show won Broadway’s Tony Award for Best Musical in 1951 and is the second production in this season of  Rodgers and Hammerstein shows.

Show Director Joey Landwehr said:  “While many theatres are utilizing recorded music for this work to save on expenses, J*Company’s production will be accompanied by a full 20-piece orchestra.”

This production will also feature the Music Direction of Jason Chase (who recently worked on the Broadway touring version with Stephanie Powers) and the scenic design of Tony Award winner David Weiner.”

As part of J*Company’s educational and charitable outreach, Danny Myers, playing the role made famous by actor and cancer victim, Yul Brynner, and Joey Landwehr,  J*Company Artistic and Show Director, will both be shaving their heads to raise money and raise awareness for children with cancer.  J*Company has teamed up with Miracle Makers, a program of Rady Children’s Hospital of San Diego. Donations can be made through www.lfjcc.org/miracle.

Heading the cast of The King and I are Ali Viterbi (17) as Anna, Daniel Myers (16) as the king, Hana Pak (17) as Tuptim, and also includes  Zachary Herzog (16), Conrad Mazur (12), Rebecca Penner (11), Josh Shtein (13),    Gabriella Lipson (12), Danielle Levin (16), Ashley Lynch (13) and Scott Peterson (14).                                       

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Preceeding based on material provided by the J*Company

Manny Farber exhibit begins Dec. 14 at Gotthelf Art Gallery

 

SAN DIEGO (Press Release) – “Manny Farber: Four Decades of Painting and Drawing” will be exhibited December 14 through February 24 in the Gotthelf Art Gallery, part of the San Diego Center for Jewish Culture at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, JACOBS FAMILY CAMPUS. A free opening night reception with a keynote speaker will be held on Monday, December 14th at 7:30 p.m.

Born in 1917 in Douglas, Arizona, Farber was the son of Jewish storekeepers.  After studying drawing and fine art at Stanford, he settled in New York.  Farber began his career in 1942 as an art critic and then a film critic.  While he continued in film criticism for over three decades, he never stopped painting and drawing.  His first group exhibition was in 1951 and he exhibited nationally for over 50 years until his death in August of 2008.   Manny Farber began painting his signature still life paintings in the early 1970’s, and over a dozen original works of art will be featured in the exhibit.  With works ranging in size from 2’ to over 10’ in length, Farber takes the every day and uses the mundane to invite contemplation. 

Gallery hours are Sunday-Friday, 9 a.m.—5 p.m. For more information about the Gotthelf Art Gallery and other programs of the San Diego Center for Jewish Culture, visit the web site at www.sdcjc.org or call 858-457-3030. 

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Preceding provided by the San Diego Center for Jewish Culture

Israel dedicates monument to U.S. 9/11 victims

JERUSALEM (Press Release)– On Thursday, November 12,  Israel took another step in the country’s long history of solidarity with the United States and global victims of terror as international diplomats, U.S. and Israeli politicians and religious leaders unveiled a monument dedicated to the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Commissioned and built by the Jewish National Fund-USA/Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael (JNF-USA/KKL), the memorial depicts the World Trade Center and Pentagon through sculpture and landscape architecture.  Designed by award-winning Israeli artist E. Weishoff, a 30-foot high bronze sculpture is composed of a waving American flag transformed into a memorial flame.  It rests on a gray granite base, part of which is from the original Twin Towers.  The sculpture is surrounded by a circular, crater-like plaza and reflection area tiled in stone.  The Jerusalem monument is one of the first major international memorials to 9/11 and the only site outside of New York to recognize the names of every victim of the attack.

The vast plaza which includes the names of those fallen as well as amphitheater-style benches along the interior that provide visitors with space for viewing and reflection was funded by the Bronka Stavsky Rabin Weintraub Trust. “This poignant Living Memorial on behalf of the victims of 9/11 helps demonstrate the shared commitment of two great democracies that battle terrorism – Israel and the United States,” said Carmi Schwartz, nephew of Ms. Stavsky Rabin Weintraub.  “This testament to the solidarity shared by the U.S. and Israel goes beyond lip service to unite these nations and their allies in the global fight against the destructive forces of humanity.”

“My wife died just a few days before 9/11,” related Edward Blank, New York resident and donor of the bronze American flag sculpture, “and then the whole world was sent reeling by the events of that day.  I was looking for a meritorious way to recognize the many feelings I was having, and this memorial was the perfect fit.”

Dignitaries from Israel and around the world attended the dedication ceremony at Arazim Park in Jerusalem, including U.S. Ambassador to Israel James Cunningham, ambassadors and diplomats of other nations whose citizens fell victim to 9/11, including Canada, Mexico, Germany, Poland and the Netherlands, U.S. Congressmen Henry Waxman and Erik Paulsen, former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Israeli cabinet minister Benny Begin, families affected by 9/11 and other distinguished guests including well over 100 Americans that made the journey especially for the ceremony.

IDF Brig. General (Ret.)Dov Shefi, whose 34-year-old son Hagay was murdered on 9/11 while addressing a conference of bankers at the Windows of the World restaurant on the 106th Floor of Tower 1, addressed the ceremony.  “Since September 11^th, 2001 not only the entire world has changed but the lives of 3000 families have been changed from white to dark-black. We lost our joy and we have never stopped mourning our loved ones,” he said.   “Today’s inauguration ceremony of this important memorial symbolizes the identification of the State of Israel, of J.N.F. and the donors, with the thousands of families of the victims of September 11th throughout the world, with the United States and with the City of New York.”

“Set against the magnificent backdrop of Jerusalem, the Living Memorial will be a moving site from which to mourn the victims of 9/11 as well as consider the thousands of victims of terrorism worldwide,” said Russell F. Robinson, Chief Executive Officer of JNF. “This should be a place for visiting dignitaries – presidents, prime ministers, ambassadors, and citizens of the world – to come together to remember, reflect and heal. More than anything we hope that this Living Memorial will remind us to reaffirm our commitment to tolerance, the unity of mankind and democracy.  “Jerusalem is a battleground of civilization but also a place of hope,” continued Robinson. “The memorial is situated in Jerusalem’s green belt; what better place to show that civilization won?”

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Preceding provided by Jewish National Fund

State Department bias favoring Palestinians shows in report on international religious freedom

By Ira Sharkansky

JERUSALEM—More than 40 years ago I chose public administration as my specialty in political science. I still poke at it, despite being interested in other things as well.

Here I will poke at the 2009 Report on International Religious Freedom published by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor of the United States Department of State. It was prepared for Congress in compliance with Section 102(b) of the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998. http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2009/127213.htm

 

All that is bureaucratic folderol, which says that Congress mandates the State Department, among its many other duties, to monitor and report on religious freedom throughout the world, but not in the United States. More on the exclusion later.

 

The section on Israel and the Occupied Territories is long and detailed. It will offend Jews hyper sensitive to criticism, but is generally accurate in what it includes. It describes the considerable advantages that government policy provides to Orthodox and ultra-Orthodox Judaism, and incidents of violence and property destruction attributed to individuals against non-Jewish facilities and individuals, including Messianic Jews, i.e., individuals claiming to be Jews who have accepted Christ as their messiah.

 

Critics could find additional reasons to cite Israel for its lack of conforming to what is considered acceptable among politically correct Westerners. There is no mention in the Report about the restriction against a man with the surname of Cohen marrying a woman who has been divorced.

http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2009/127349.htm

 

The section on the Occupied Territories is appended to that on Israel, and spends considerable verbiage criticizing Israeli restrictions on Palestinians, including closing movement from the territories during Jewish religious holidays, and the impact of the security barrier.

 

One item in the section on the Occupied Territories deals with ultra-Orthodox modesty squads that attack Jewish women on account of their behavior. Civil rights advocates may applaud the language, but it appears to be an issue among Jews in Israel. I recall one incident in the Mea Shaarim neighborhood of Jerusalem. The bureaucrats in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor do not document the location attached to this allegation. Perhaps they have signed on to the Palestinian narrative that Jerusalem is Palestine.

 

With a stretch, one can describe the Report on Israel and the Occupied Territories as “balanced.” But it is the same stretch required to conclude that BBC and CNN are “balanced” in their coverage of Israel and Palestine. One can find criticism of all sides, but the overall taste is not friendly to Israel.

 

The imbalance is most apparent in what the Report does not include. I found no mention of declining Christian populations in Arab sections of Israel or Palestine. Bethlehem and Nazareth were 80 and 60 percent Christian in the late 1940s and 20 and 30 percent Christian recently. The Palestinian capital of Ramallah was once a Christian majority city. Recent estimates are that the Christian population is 25 percent of the total. A report from 2006, not authored by the State Department Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, cites a Catholic priest serving in Ramallah that classrooms have been burned, church window panes destroyed, bible study halls set on fire, and Catholic youth threatened by Muslims. http://www.asianews.it/view.php?l=en&art=5856

 

The State Department Report is gentle in the extreme with respect to the behavior of Palestinians. In regard to couples who would challenge the norms against Christian-Muslim marriage, it says they ”encountered considerable societal and familial opposition.” 

 

This is mild compared to the detailed description about the actions of ultra-Orthodox modesty squads. They may beat, spit, and curse, but honor killings are the specialty of Arab families. No mention of those in the State Department report.

 

Also missing from the document, excluded by the language of the mandate to issue one of these reports annually, are restrictions on religious freedom in the United States.

 

Anyone willing to consider abortion or same sex marriages in this category? The prohibitions or restraints come from religious doctrines, promoted by the faithful. Abortion has raised its ugly head once again in the Administration’s effort to bring American health care into the 20th century. The President has placed himself squarely on the side of God by opposing the financial support of abortion by anything that looks like public money.

 

Orthodox and ultra-Orthodox Jews also oppose abortion, but the Israeli state does not sign onto religious doctrines to the same degree as the United States Congress and White House. There were more than 20,000 abortions performed in government supported hospitals in 2008 according to latest report of the Central Bureau of Statistics.

 

Same sex marriages in the Holy Land? No chance of getting such a ceremony performed and officially recognized in Israel, and the effort could risk bodily harm in Palestine. However, same sex marriages performed in countries where they are legal have been registered by the Israel Ministry of Interior. It is not as routine as the registration each year of the several thousand interfaith and other marriages performed in Cyprus and elsewhere overseas.

 

The United States has a reputation for adhering to the Separation of Church and State. The bureaucrats in the State Department who report about religious freedom invite skeptics to question that reputation.

Sharkansky is professor emeritus of political science at Hebrew University

 

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Adventures in San Diego Jewish History~December 25, 1953, Part II

Compiled by Gail Umeham
Pay Pledges Now!  Urges Harry Snyder
Southwestern Jewish Press December 25, 1953 Page 1

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In an appeal for cash before December 31^st Harry Snyder, Treasurer of the Fund urged all contributors to pay their pledges now in order to take advantage of tax exemptions for charitable gifts.

“Uncle Sam” Mr. Snyder stated, “is ready to help you pay your contribution to our community campaign.  The amount that Uncle Sam now allows you to deduct from y0ur taxable income for purposes of charitable donations is 20 percent.  So remember, if you pay your pledge before December 31^st, you are allowed a 20 percent income tax deduction.”

In receiving the years fiscal results, treasurer Snyder indicated that well over $202,000 has been raised in pledges of which $135,000 has been paid to date.  Cash is vitally needed immediately in order to meet community commitments to overseas, local and national agencies, Snyder said.   

Please pay your pledge today so that those that we seek  to help all over the world, may live tomorrow.   

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New Year’s Eve Party Sponsored by Center
Southwestern Jewish Press December 25, 1953 Page 1

The Jewish Community Center will sponsor an exciting New Year’s Eve Frolic, Dec. 31 at Beth Jacob Center, starting at 8:00 p.m. it was announced by Sidney Rose and Mrs. George Wixen, co-chairmen.  They are sparing no expense to see that a delightful evening is enjoyed by each guest.  $4.00 per person includes a tempting midnight supper prepared to perfection.  Hors d’oeuvres are complimentary and a bar will serve liquid refreshment.

Mrs Alfred Bobrof, decorations chairman, promises clever favors for every guest.

Mr. Edward Breitbard, president of the Center, urges the community support this event.

Dancing will be to the tunes of Robert Rene, and reservations may be made at the Jewish Community Center Office, T-1-7744.
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Betrothal Announced (Leeds-Strauss)
Southwestern Jewish Press December 25, 1953 Page 3

Announcement of the engagement of Iris Lynn Leeds, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Leeds, to Matthew Charles Strauss, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bert Strauss, was made on Dec. 17 at a party honoring the young couple given by her parents at the home of Mr. and Mrs. William Starr, uncle of the bride-to-be.  85 guests attended.

A late summer wedding is planned.

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Personals
Southwestern Jewish Press December 25, 1953 Page 3

The traveling Nasatirs are of again.  Ida is visiting her family in San Francisco and Abe left December 18 to attend the American Historical Association Convention in Chicago.  Following the convention, he intends to travel to New York to see he sister and will return to San Diego on January 3.

Globetrotters Return
Glad to be back home from a trip around the world, Jack and Loretta Gross have interesting experiences to relate about the Orient, in particular.  Two of their four month jaunt was spent in Japan with Jack, Jr. before leaving for Siam, India, Pakistan, and China, where at one time, they were within a few feet of the Communist border.

Of the many big cities visited both in Europe and the East, they found Hong Kong the most fascinating.

Adding pleasure to their homecoming is the knowledge that Jack, Jr. will be back in the States to stay, probably by the time this goes to press.  He’ll be going into business in Los Angeles soon.

They Come and Go
We’re saying “Goodbye” and “Hello” in one breath this week.  The Bernard H. Levensons are making their home in Oceanside now, which is fortunately close enough to enable their friends to still see them frequently.

Good news—the Fred Aminoffs with daughters, Toni and Judy are back in San Diego for good after giving Los Angeles a whirl for several months.  They’ll be making their home at 4638 W. Talmadge Dr.

Mr. and Mrs. Sam Weiss (Thelma) have moved into their new home at 3804 Aragon Dr.

Escapes Cold
Mrs. L. B. Hepner, having left the Chicago snow and sleet, is planning to spend the winter here with her sisters, Mrs. J. L. Lerner and Mrs. David Greenberg.

Mrs. Ray Lieberman wishes to express her appreciation for the many kindnesses shown by her friends during the illness of her mother Mrs. Henry Engel.

Carol and Joel Levin have returned from an eight month sojourn in Europe.  Mr. and Mrs. Jules Schwitis and Mr. and Mrs. Levin were glad to welcome them and hear of their interesting experiences.

Mr. and Mrs. Mack Esterson and family wish to thank their friends for their kindness during ruth’s illness.

Ruth Feinberg Bride of Joseph Baumgarten
Southwestern Jewish Press December 25, 1953 Page 3

Marian Ruth Feinberg, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Feinberg will become the bride of Joseph Baumgarten on Dec. 27 at 2:00 o’clock rites in Beth Jacob Synagogue.  Mr. Baumgarten is the brother of Mr. and Mrs. Mandel Flaster.  Rabbi Baruch Stern will perform the ceremony under a white velvet canopy.

The bride’s floor length gown is of imported white Italian lace over nylon tulle and white satin.  The nylon veil is held by a crown of pearls.  For the traditional “something borrowed,” Miss Feinberg will wear her grandmother’s pearl earrings.  She will carry a cascade of white camellias and lilies of the valley with a white orchid center and pearl festooned ribbon streamers.

Matron of Honor, Mrs. Maynard B. Hurwitz, sister of the bride, will be gowned in aqua lace featuring a portrait neckline.

Gidal Sonabein is acting as best man and Maynard B. Hurwitz will be an usher.  Young Abie Flaster, nephew of the groom is ring bearer.

The wedding party will receive in the reception room of the Synagogue and the wedding dinner for 150 guests will be held immediately following the ceremony.  Out-of-town friends and relatives numbering about 100 are expected.

The bride’s mother will wear dusty rose crepe with a green orchid corsage, and Mrs. Flaster, the groom’s sister will wear chartreuse crepe with a white orchid corsage.

Upon their return from a honeymoon in San Francisco, Carmel, and the Redwoods, the young couple will reside at 4506 Illinois. St.

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Cradle
Southwestern Jewish Press December 25, 1953 Page 3

The second child and first son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Seymour Rabin on November 24.  The new member of the family weighed 6 lbs. 3 oz. and was named Elliott David.  Two and a half year old Adele is very pleased with her new “live dolly.”

The lucky young man should get plenty of  attention with all four grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Max Rabinowitz and Mr. and Mrs. Louis Stitzel living in San Diego.

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Jewish War Veterans
Southwestern Jewish Press December 25, 1953 Page 4

San Diego Post 185, Jewish War Veterans will meet January 4^th at the War Memorial Bldg., Balboa Park.  The meeting is called for 8 p.m.  this will be a business meeting and nominations of officers to be elected in March will be in order.

Sidney M. Steckel, Finance Officer, stated that a number of members have not paid their dues for the coming year, and is appealing that they do so now.  Membership is $6.00 a year, and all eligible men and women in the community are urged to join.  Information for new members can be had by calling F-8513 or writing to J. David Brooks, Adjutant, 7254 Fulton St., San Diego.

Stanley Yukon, Commander, has appointed Martin Starr as Civilian Defense Officer, and Jerry Krakoff, Blood Donor Officer.

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Lasker Lodge Has Outstanding Program
Southwestern Jewish Press December 25, 1953 Page 4

For the last meeting of the year, Dec. 28 at 8:30 p.m., Dr. Milton Millman will present an outstanding program of the year.  James T. Eigo, Atlas Award winner, will be master of ceremonies.  A film presentation of the television program “Dinner With The President,” telecast on a national hook-up a few  weeks ago from Washington will be shown.  So many favorable comments were made about this telecast by those fortunate enough to see it, that special arrangements have been made to bring the film here.  Following the film Betty Hayter Meads will present a symphony of piano interpretation.  Norma Whitlock, known for her sterling soprano voice will sing several popular songs.  Honored guests will be Dr. and Mrs. Lucius W. Johnson, DDS-MD, retired Rear Admiral of the Navy.  Dr. Johnson may give his talk of “Prejudice.”

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Fun Night Planned By B. J. Sisterhood
Southwestern Jewish Press December 25, 1953 Page 4

Elaborate prizes are to be given at the gala Fun Night sponsored by the Beth Jacob sisterhood on Sunday, Jan. 24, at 8:00 p.m. in the Beth Jacob Center.  The public is invited to this outstanding event of the Sisterhood year.  Admission is 50 cents per person.

Chairman Mrs. Max Strauss, and co-chairman, Mrs. William Penn and their committees promise an evening of fun and entertainment.  Mrs. William Schusterman is in charge of refreshments.

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Hadassah Plans Gala Dinner for Members
Southwestern Jewish Press December 25, 1953 Page 4

“The Heart of Hadassah is Youth Aliyah” will be the theme at a gala dinner program planned especially for Hadassah’s members, husbands and friends on Tuesday evening, Jan. 19 at Harbor House restaurant.  Hadassah will have exclusive use of the entire restaurant facilities and a sumptuous dinner menu is planned.  The 17 local Youth Aliyah Minyans are composed of 180 women who contribute more than $3000 annually toward the support and education of Jewish children in Israel.

Mrs. Harry Felson, Youth Aliyah chairman, and Mrs. Rudolph Hess, co-chairman have announced that the seating capacity is limited to 350 so reservations will have to be made early.  Minyan members are asked to call their captains and all other reservations should be made through Mrs. Murray Samuels, W-8-2051.

Mrs. Morton Thaler will present the program featuring the life story of a devoted Hadassah woman who has played a courageous role within the organization since its formation over 13 years ago.

Mrs. George Wixen and Mrs. Alfred Bobrof are decoration co-chairmen.  Other committee members include Mmes. David Block, Leon Solomon, and Al Slayen.

Hadassah president Mrs. Robert Strauss, has issued a cordial invitation to the community to attend this entertaining evening.

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Temple Sisterhood “Brings Up Father”
Southwestern Jewish Press December 25, 1953 Page 4

Temple Beth Israel Sisterhood want to remind you all to take advantage of the school vacation to bring your daughters and sons too to the Luncheon and meeting on Wednesday, December 30^th at 11:45 at the Temple Center.  A Special Luncheon, and the fun of hearing a group of their own “Sharp” Teen-Agers “Telling us how” in the lively Panel Discussion “Bringing Up Father” with Rabbi Cohn as moderator.  You are bound to get some good ideas of what they think about us and what we can do about them.  As promised, for those restless youngsters under twelve, special movies will be shown in another room during the meeting.

Detailed information about “Las Vegas Night” and all the fun and good food that will be there for you on January 23^rd, will be given by Dora Eber and Ethel Pogrell, who will be glad to collect all the tickets sold by now.

Come Wednesday and bring your vacationing daughters, delicious food for all.  Adults, 75 cents; Teenagers, 50 cents.  For reservations call Louise Hertz, W-8-2051, or Mollie Samuels, M-4-3021.

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Birdie Stodels To See Film, “The Toymakers”
Southwestern Jewish Press December 25, 1953 Page 4

Mr. and Mrs. Jeremiah Aronoff cordially invite everyone to attend a dinner, and social evening, Sunday, Dec. 27^th, Temple Center, which they are sponsoring.  Smorgasbord to be served from 6 p.m. and proceeds are to go to B’nai B’rith newest project, Bellefaire Home for Maladjusted and Retarded children, in Cleveland, Ohio.

The Piece De Resistance scheduled for the next regular meeting of S.D. Birdie Stodel, Monday evening, Dec. 28^th, 8 p.m. at Temple Center, is the magnificent film, “The Toymakers” distributed by the Anti-Defamation league.  No one should miss this film.

Plans are under way for our Silver Jubilee, the 25^th anniversary Dinner-Dance to be held Sunday evening, Feb. 14^th, 1954 at Tops Restaurant.

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Issue New Guide To Spoken Hebrew
 Southwestern Jewish Press December 25, 1953 Page 4

A guide to spoken Hebrew aimed primarily at the tourist planning to visit Israel—made its appearance this week under the Dover Publications imprint under the title, Say It In Hebrew!

Say It In Hebrew (Dover 50c) contains over 1000 phrases adjudged to be the most useful for the modern tourist.  Phrases are given in English, in Hebrew and in a simplified phonetic spelling set-up especially for American users.

The publishers claim that Say It In Hebrew can be used in the classroom too—that by enabling the student to speak the phrases immediately, it builds up his confidence so that subsequent mastery of grammar is a great deal easier to obtain.

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“Adventures in Jewish History” is sponsored by Inland Industries Group LP in memory of long-time San Diego Jewish community leader Marie (Mrs. Gabriel) Berg. Our indexed “Adventures in San Diego Jewish History” series  will be a regular  feature until we run out of history.

IAEA suspects more hidden nuclear sites in Iran

 

VIENNA (WJC)–Iran could have several secret nuclear facilities across the country, according to a new report by the United Nations nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna. IAEA inspectors who visited the recently disclosed underground nuclear enrichment plant near Qom last month said the site was built to hold 3,000 centrifuges, enough to enrich uranium for one or two nuclear weapons a year, but not enough to support a civilian nuclear power program.

The IAEA report said the construction of the underground site was at an advanced stage but added that it did not yet contain centrifuges or nuclear material. Iranian officials told the inspectors that the facility would begin operations in 2011, according to ‘Reuters’. The officials also said that the underground site had been built to preserve what Iran called its civilian nuclear enrichment program in case its other enrichment facility in Natanz was bombed by Israel.

Iran disclosed the location of the Qom site only in September, some seven years after the start of construction and only after the British and American governments made its existence public.

The inspectors said Iran had “provided access to all areas of the facility” and planned to complete it by 2011. They also said they had been unable to interview its director and designers. The IAEA report concludes that the discovery of the new facility “reduces the level of confidence in the absence of other nuclear facilities under construction, and gives rise to questions about whether there were any other nuclear facilities in Iran which had not been declared to the agency.”

A spokesman for the US State Department said the report “underscores that Iran still refuses to comply fully with its international nuclear obligations.”

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Preceding provided by World Jewish Congress

Peres’ visit prompts protests, welcome in Buenos Aires

BUENOS AIRES (WJC)–Israeli President Shimon Peres and Argentinean President Christina Fernández have met in Buenos Aires. “Argentina does not allow anybody to choose its friends, and it doesn’t choose the friends of others,” Fernández told reporters after meeting, referring to the influence of Iran in Latin America and Tehran’s close relations with Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez. 

She reportedly postponed a planned visit by Chavez to Buenos Aires in the wake of the Peres visit. Venezuela broke off diplomatic relations with Israel earlier this year, and Chávez has repeatedly attacked the Israeli government.

Peres’ schedule in Argentina includes a rally at the Luna Park Stadium, meetings with Argentinean politicians, a visit to a Jewish school and tributes to the victims of the terrorist attack against the AMIA center and the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires in the 1990s.

His arrival was met with a protest against Israel opposite Congress that drew hundreds of demonstrators, who marched toward the Israeli Embassy and waved banners bearing slogans calling Peres a murderer, as well as posters of the leader of the Iranian revolution, Ayatollah Khomeini. Iran is suspected of having masterminded the attack on the AMIA Jewish center in 1994, in which 85 people died and hundreds were wounded.

This is Peres’ second trip to Argentina. He visited in 1994 when he served as foreign minister in the government of Yitzhak Rabin. The last Israeli president to visit Argentina was Chaim Herzog in 1989.
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Preceding provided by World Jewish Congress

Program twins mosques and synagogues on two continents

NEW YORK (WJC)–A hundred mosques and synagogues throughout North America and Europe took part in the second edition of twinning. The annual event involves meetings between local Muslim and Jewish congregations aimed at launching joint activities.

The New York-based Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, founded by Rabbi Marc Schneier, has been organizing the event, which this year focused on saving the environment, protecting immigrants, combating anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, and fighting poverty.

The Islamic Society of North America, the Muslim Public Affairs Council, the World Jewish Congress and the Canadian Association of Jews and Muslims supported the initiative.

“For generations there have been a series of misunderstandings by Jews and Muslims on what the other religious community believes and practices,” said Schneier, who also serves as chairman of the World Jewish Congress United States, pointed out. “These misperceptions and other societal and political factors have unfortunately led to tensions between our two communities.

“Not only do we share a common faith, but we share a common fate,” he said.

Earlier this year, Schneier’s foundation brought a mission of European imams and rabbis to the United States to promote inter-religious dialogue. A total of 28 imams and rabbis from Belgium, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Russia and Switzerland met with political and community leaders in New York and Washington and discussed ways to improve relations between the two faiths in their own communities.

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Preceding provided by World Jewish Congress

Illinois Congress members split on terror prison site

WASHINGTON, DC  — Rep. Jan Schakowsky, (Democrat-Illinois) released the following statement in response to proposals that Guantanamo Bay deatainees will be relocatoted to a prison in Illinois. “The Guantanamo Bay facility is a recruiting tool for Al Queda and a mark against the morals of the United States. In closing ‘Gitmo’ and moving some detainees to Illinois, we strengthen our national security, create thousands of jobs, and bring long overdue justice to those who have committed atrocities against the United States.  Our American criminal justice and penal systems are fuIly capable of handling these individuals. In fact, today there are 340 domestic and international terrorists in U.S. prisons, including 35 in Illinois. Republicans like Mark Kirk are simply pandering to irrational fears and insulting U.S. law enforcement professionals who are charged with keeping our country safe and criminals behind bars.” Taking an opposite viewpoint was Republican Congressman Don Manzullo of Illinois who called on President Obama to abandon his proposal to move up to 215 Taliban and al Qaeda terrorists from Guantanamo Bay to northwest Illinois and instead focus on opening the state’s Thomson Correctional Facility as a maximum security federal prison without the terrorists.Manzullo, a senior member of the House Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade, said the federal prison system is 37 percent over capacity and is in dire need of a new prison. Federal Bureau of Prisons Director Harley Lappin told Manzullo that Thomson would make an ideal federal prison because it is already maximum security, fairly new, and large enough to meet the BOP’s needs. Saying it’s questionable that Congress would agree to allow the Gitmo terrorists to be detained in the United States (Congress already voted this year to deny U.S. detention to Gitmo terrorists), Manzullo is drafting a letter asking the President to separate the two issues and immediately submit a funding request to Congress to open a new federal prison in Thomson without the terrorists. Lappin estimated purchasing Thomson would cost the federal government about $120 million up front and $65 million to $85 million annually to operate. * Preceding based on materials provided by Congress members Schakowsky and Manzullo