Cessation of Israeli construction not very probable

By Ira Sharkansky

JERUSALEM— One should never say never. However, Probably not is a fair guess.

Closest to me is one more round in the endless conversations among officials about peace between Israel and Palestine.

The latest we hear is that Israel is willing to stop building settlements, stop taking Palestinian land, and will remove “illegal” settlements once negotiations begin.

Does that mean stop creating new settlements, stop adding on the fringes of existing settlements, or stop building within existing settlements?

Can we assume that it does not include a promise not to build within Jerusalem, given the loud assertions of the prime minister, supported by large majorities in Israeli polls?

So far the Palestinian leadership has not moved down from the lofty position it reached as a result of earlier rhetoric by the American President and Secretary of State. They are still insisting on a complete freeze, including Jerusalem, as a condition for starting negotiations.

And that nasty problem of Gaza is still hanging.

If we look at facts on the ground, the picture becomes even more complicated, in ways that challenge simple portrayals.

Reliable sources indicate that Israel has slowed or stopped construction in sensitive neighborhoods of Jerusalem. The most recent flap about Gilo involves planning approvals by one level in a complex bureaucracy. In the best of circumstances, the people involved may be at least a year away from actual construction.

Are the realities–whatever they are–enough to satisfy the White House or the folks claiming to run things from Ramallah?

That is not apparent. Residents, architects, and contractors can complain about delays or rejections in their applications for construction, but the Israeli politicians who are claiming to represent their people assert that there is no freeze, and American and Palestinian politicians claiming to control their realms are drawing lines that may or may not represent reality.

So who’s to judge?

And so far we’ve been dealing with the smallest of details, unimportant to anyone other than a few thousand residents and business people concerned about homes and profits.

Think of this as a lesson in government, taught by a retired professor of public administration. In short, obfuscation or disinformation is the language of politicians, and the bureaucracy is the government. The politicians blather on at the top, and often do not know, and do not control what happens among those formally responsible to them. John Kennedy once said, “There is always a schmuck who doesn’t get the word.”

The professor says that there is more than one schmuck, they are not likely to think of themselves as schmucks, and they have their own readings of the laws, rules, and their responsibilities. And, to be sure, some of them are schmucks, i.e., either lazy, ill informed, or intent on using their bit of power to do what they want, no matter what others may say.

The lesson is relevant for officials,clerks, and advisers in units dealing with local planning in Israel, policy formulations and implementation in the White House and State Department, and whoever is currently doing anything or speaking to the media in Ramallah and Gaza.

Somewhat more important issues like the Iranian nuclear program, and the future of those millions in Iraq and Afghanistan are also dependent on the claims and assertions of those who must demonstrate their knowledge and control, when actually they are far from well informed and control only a bit of what happens.

It should be no surprise that there are also schmucks, and individuals convinced that they know best at all levels of everybody’s military.

Are we on the road to peace here? Stability in Iraq? Something or other in the place called Afghanistan? A solution for Iran’s messianic aspirations?

Never say never, but probably not is a decent answer.

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Sharkansky is professor emeritus of political science at Hebrew University.

The Jews Down Under

A roundup of Australian Jewish news … by Garry Fabian in Melbourne

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Building Connections of Communal Harmony

SYDNEY – Seventeen-year-old Enzo Somosi may not always broadcast his Jewish
identity. But when a special envoy from the NSW  Jewish Board of Deputies (JBD) visited his Coffs Harbour school to give a presentation on the  Holocaust last week, he felt compelled to wear his kippah during the proceedings.

“If anybody asks me, I’ll be honest. It’s not something I hide,” Somosi, the grandson of
Holocaust survivors, he said.  “But I found it  necessary on this occasion to show respect.”

The presentation was part of a whirlwind five-day  tour of NSW’s mid-north coast taken by JBD CEO  Vic Alhadeff and education manager Lynda Ben-Menashe.

The trip was a bridge-building exercise that saw  the pair meet more than 1000 people, including  leaders of the Uniting, Anglican and Assembly of  God churches, MPs, city councillors, Rotary club  members, media personnel and students.

“It’s all about relationships,” Alhadeff said.  “The objective of generating understanding of the  Jewish people ­ who we are, what Judaism is  about, the Holocaust, racism, anti-Semitism and Israel.”

Jewish connections emerged unexpectedly  throughout the tour, he added. Among them was the  admission by a Pentecostal church head that his  great-uncle was former Jewish governor-general Sir Isaac Isaacs.

Another student at a Catholic college revealed  that four of his Jewish grandmother’s eight siblings perished at Auschwitz.

“It was particularly gratifying to note how much  interest there is in the Holocaust and the
lessons that emerge from it,” Alhadeff said.

So far, the response has been positive. “We got  more than we were expecting. The boys were blown  out of the water,” said Mark Harrison, a history  teacher at The Armidale School, an Anglican  boarding school for boys, which was one of the tour stops.

“It was the perfect lead-up to our study of  Germany up to the beginning of World War II. The  presentation had an emotional charge, and the  boys picked up on it. They were really appreciative of them coming to our class.”

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Jewish School receives $1.5 million government grant

MELBOURNE – Adass Israel School has been awarded a $1.5 million Government grant for
the construction of a hospitality and training centre to be located at the school’s main campus in King Street, Elsternwick a Melbourne southern suburb.

The grant is part of the federal Government’s  multi-billion dollar Trade Training Centres in Schools program.

While all secondary schools were eligible for  grants worth between $500,000 and $1.5 million,  funding approval was based on the needs and application of each school.

Education Minister Julia Gillard said the funding will be used to construct and equip a training  facility at the school, with the new building to  include a kosher hospitality kitchen complete  with cooking, preparation, storage and multi-purpose areas for a training restaurant and general hospitality learning.

With grants worth $387 million available in the second round of the Trade Training Centres in Schools program, applications of almost double this were received.

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Australian Government denies shift on Mideast Policy

CANBERRA – The federal Government has  denied a shift in Middle East policy, despite
changing Australia’s vote in the United Nations  on a motion on Palestinian self-determination.

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign  Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said Australia’s UN  voting pattern is strongly based on the country’s  “long-standing support for the Middle East peace process”, including a two-state solution.

Representatives of the Executive Council of  Australian Jewry (ECAJ), the Zionist Federation  of Australia (ZFA) and the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC)  wrote to the  Prime Minister and Foreign Minister asking for an  explanation about the vote change.

The vote in question was in a committee of the  General Assembly earlier this month. The motion  reaffirms the right of Palestinian people to  self-determination and urges all states to help  the Palestinian people realise this.

While the motion itself is not considered  controversial, preceding statements refer to the
International Court of Justice’s controversial  ruling on Israel’s security barrier; to East
Jerusalem as part of a future Palestinian state;  and to Palestinian relief agencies, which some argue have been found to do more to exacerbate  Palestinian problems than solve them.

In previous years, Australia has abstained on the  vote, but this year the country voted in favour.

The DFAT spokesperson said even thought the motion referenced the International Court of Justice’s ruling, that ruling was only an advisory opinion.

“We will not oppose a resolution in the General  Assembly on the Middle East simply because it  refers to that advisory opinion,” she said,  indicating somewhat of a shift in tack.

The spokesperson added: “As we clearly  demonstrated in our opposition to the Goldstone
resolution, we continue to support Israel’s right  to live in peace within secure and internationally recognised borders.

“Similarly, the Government is committed to the  Palestinians’ right to a state of their own.”

The federal Opposition was swift to criticise the vote shift.

Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull said: “It is  deeply regrettable that the Rudd Government is  overturning Australia’s policy of refusing to  support one-sided resolutions against Israel in the UN General Assembly.

“Resolutions at the UN General Assembly that speak only of Palestinian rights to a homeland, yet make no reference to the right of the state  of Israel to exist, are inflammatory and counter-productive.”

The only countries to vote against the motion  were Israel, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia,  Nauru, Palau and the United States. Only  Botswana,  Cameroon, Canada, Tonga and Vanuatu abstained.

According to the letter to Foreign Minister  Stephen Smith from the ECAJ and ZFA, “the
explanation given by Australia for its abstention  in previous years was that while Australia  recognises the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, the text of the motion  gratuitously ‘tacks on’ other matters, which are far more contentious”.

AIJAC’s letter also expressed disappointment  because the resolutions, while appearing to be  “ostensibly reasonable”, “omit any reference to  Palestinian obligations, and, in so doing,  perpetuate the counter-productive narrative that Israel’s policies are the sole obstacles to peace”.

This latest vote change comes a year after the  Rudd Government instructed Australia’s UN  representative to, for the first time, vote in  favour of resolutions calling for a halt to
settlement activities in the Palestinian  territories and for the Geneva Convention to be
applied in the Palestinian territories.

At the time, Smith said Australia adopts its  approach on a “case-by-case” basis and saw these  votes to correlate with Australia’s support for a two-state solution.

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Chabad House by the beach
MELBOURNE – It has long been said  that where there is Coca Cola there is Chabad and
now the Mornington Peninsula, a seaside area just  30 minures from Melbourne is no exception.

Chabad of Frankston and Mornington Peninsula will officially open its doors later this month,  providing services to Jews in the area.

“There are a lot of elderly people, quite a few  Russians, Israelis and Aussies, there are young adults, young families and uni students,” Chabad  of Frankston and Mornington Penninsula’s Rebbetzin Rivkah Bondar said..

“Some people have thought they were the only Jews  in the area when there are actually two other families in their street.”

Together with her husband, Rabbi Levi Bondar and their four young children, the family moved  permanently to Frankston, an outer suburb of  Melbourne some 40kms from the CBD,  in July.

In the lead-up to the opening of the Chabad  House, the Bondars ran services during the High  Holy Days. Rabbi Bondar also runs weekly shiurs  and the couple delivers challahs each Friday.

“People are so appreciative and happy to have us  there. They are always offering their help or their houses. It’s nice to be so appreciated,” Rebbetzin Bondar said.

Having established a minyan in Carnegie, which  began in their home with two people and grew to its own premises with more than 200 people, Rabbi  and Rebbetzin Bondar decided they wanted a new challenge.

“We wanted to build a community [somewhere] where  we, as a young, growing family, can live and afford to buy.”

Rebbetzin Bondar said since they made the move, they have received many phone calls from other young families who are keen for a sea change.

Despite the distance to Jewish Melbourne, the Bondar children still attend Yesodei HaTorah in  Elwood for school during the week.

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Toben Free  but web site to be monitored

ADELAIDE – Fredrick Toben has been  released from jail after serving a three-month
sentence for contempt of court charges stemming  from his denial of the Holocaust.

Toben walked free from South Australia’s Yatala prison early on November 12.

The Adelaide-based Holocaust denier, who spoke at  a 2005 Holocaust denial conference in Iran, can now add Australia to the list of countries including Germany, Austria and the UK, where he has served prison time.

His Adelaide Institute reported on its website that Toben was “unbroken and unrepentant, and appears very refreshed and relaxed after his little holiday”.

The website also stated he was “welcomed home by his friends and supporters who held a celebratory dinner for him on November 12. During his speech on the night, he vowed to continue his work in demolishing the Holocaust lies.”

Toben was taken into custody on August 13 after losing an appeal before the Federal Court, which earlier had ruled that he was in contempt of orders to desist from publishing false and offensive material about the Holocaust and Jews.

At the time of his arrest, Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) president Robert Goot described Toben’s activities as “outrageous denial that the Holocaust occurred and that six million Jews had been murdered by the Nazis”.

Goot said ECAJ would “be ­monitoring the website” and would “take such action as we consider appropriate”.

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The Australian – Polish Connection restoring an icon

MELBOURNE – In a town called Dzierzoniow in Poland, there once was a thriving
Jewish population. In what was once the centre of town, the Reichenbach Synagogue still stands — one of only a handful of shuls that survived both Kristallnacht and the ensuing years.

Once an imposing structure with a glorious past, the Reichenbach Synagogue until recently stood  windowless, its support beams visible and its  facade showing the very signs of its age and struggle to survive.

Fred Moses, an Australian who has taken an  interest in the restoration of the shul after
visiting it, said that “one look at the still  imposing stature of the Reichenbach Synagogue
suffices to imagine its glorious past”.

“But at a closer look, one feels as if there were  a ghostly and sad atmosphere hanging over the whole structure,” he added.

Inspired by its history, Mr Moses is assisting a  foundation committed to restoring the Reichenbach  Synagogue to its glorious past, which before 1937, and again after 1945, was a religious hub.

The Beitenu Chaj — 2004 Foundation, or in English “Our House Lives on 2004″, is led by
Rafael Blau, who lived in Dzierzoniow (then Reichenbach) with his father for five years as a
child, before making aliyah in 1965.

Blau, who now lives in Be’er Sheva in Israel, spends his summer months in Dzierzoniow,
dedicating his full time to the foundation’s  activities in the restoration of the synagogue.

The foundation has begun works to restore the  synagogue, which upon completion will once again serve as a bustling shul and educational centre for the now growing Jewish population in Poland.

In addition to functioning as a religious centre, the Reichenbach Synagogue will also include a museum.

The foundation states as its objective to “make it possible for people from all over the world, Jews and non-Jews, especially young people, to get to know the story of the Jews in Poland, not just in relation to the horrors of the Holocaust,  but also to the ancient, rich heritage of Judaism, related to its contribution to the history, culture and the development of the Polish nation”.

The foundation has, to date, repaired holes in the synagogue roof, replaced windows, missing gutters and downspouts to stop rain and snow from coming in, and erected a fence around the synagogue.

“Much has been done, much is being done, but so much more has got to be done,” Mr Moses said. “It is most definitely an enterprise of great merits, which should be rewarded accordingly.”

Together with a group of others, including foundation vice-president Beata Sauermann, who  lives in the United Kingdom, and John and Maria  Koch from Canada, Blau is seeking further  assistance for the continued restoration project to “bring new life to the synagogue”.

Now in its fifth year, the foundation is obviously making progress, with the Reichenbach
Synagogue hosting its first service in more than 20 years on Rosh Hashanah.

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Maccabi Tennis shines at top tennis venue

SYDNEY – If you feel like a game of tennis, White City,where international  tennis
tournaments are played,  should be your first port of call.

That’s the message from new Maccabi Tennis Club president Steven Goldberg, who has taken over the Maccabi presidency for the third time, after James Beecher’s three-year tenure ended at the club’s recent annual general meeting.

Maccabi has settled into its new home at the  traditional heartland of NSW tennis after moving from Bondi last year, and while membership  numbers have increased, Goldberg wants to continue to build the club’s profile in the community.

“It’s a fantastic site, it’s just superb. an oasis in the city. There is a tranquillity there,
despite the hustle and bustle of the city,” Goldberg said.

“People should come down and try the facility, whether they want to become members or not. They’re supporting the only Jewish tennis club in Sydney.”

The club’s facilities include six floodlit synthetic courts, as well as a grass court and an
artificial clay court; a clubhouse; on-site  parking; and a streamlined coaching and junior
program under the management of Steve Loeffler, which aligns the coaching with the club, rather than setting its own agenda as an independent business.

The club had to overcome some members’ initial reservations about moving away from Bondi, but membership has since peaked at 185 — although the objective is to tap further into the community to attract younger members, women and players from the North Shore.

“It’s a much better location, a lot more attractive to those on the north . we really look
forward to catering to the whole Jewish community,” Goldberg said.

The club is an interested spectator in the dispute between the White City Tennis Club and
John Alexander, which has made its way to the High Court after the NSW Court of Appeal ruled in favour of White City.

The appeal prevents Alexander from creating his  dream sporting complex, while restoring the White  City Tennis Club as the owner of the property pending Alexander’s appeal. Maccabi awaits the verdict, as it will influence what happens to its clubhouse.

“We don’t mind who our neighbours will be,”  Goldberg clarified. “The plan is to share
facilities when they knock [the clubhouse down  and rebuild it]. Otherwise, we’ll use the
embankment going up to Glenmore Road.”

*
Fabian is Australia bureau chief for San Diego Jewish World.  His email is fabiang@sandiegojewishworld.com

Adventures in San Diego Jewish History~December 25, 1953 & January 8, 1954

Compiled by Gail Umeham
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Double Talk

Southwestern Jewish Press December 25, 1953 Page 8

By Janet and Susan Solof

Janet and Susan wish you all good things in store.
In their Season’s Greetings to you and good wishes for ’54.

Vacation has come and brought home many of our “Kollege Kids.”  Among them are Linda Solof, Roslyn Burdman, Leonard Naiman, Gary Chenkin, Carolyn Silverman, Syd Slippoff, Debra Perlmutter, Jerry Berg and Jerry Schissell from U.C.L.A.; Esther Lustig from U.S.C.; Gary Breitbard from Cal. Tech; Paul Kaufman, Jean and Ellen Goldstein, Jack Pearl from Berkeley; Lou Kleinman from Pomona; Larry Solomon from Illinois U.; Sam Sosna from Stanford; Nelson Olf from Oregon State.  Welcome home all and have fun.

Congrats to those who participated in the recent State College Speech Tournament.  Sherry Newman won the award to outstanding novice speaker.  Other winners in various speech contests were Jerry Schultz, Gloria Abramson, and Lawrence Schiller.  A job well done.

Lois Kaufman is returning home from Palm Springs to say hello to all her friends during vacation.

The Hi-Debber Ball brought many couples out on the Mission Beach Dance floor.  Enjoying the glamor were Lucy Recht ‘n Bill Kollander (sic, Kolender), Janet Solof ‘n Jerry Schultz, Georgette Lesser ‘n Gary Breitbard, Janice Klaskin ‘n Stanley Breitbard.  Barry Goldman ‘n Henrietta Faquet, Sue Hutler ‘n Dan Weinberg, Eileen Rivers ‘n Lenny Weiss, Maxine Shoenkopf ‘n Mick McLean, Linda Douglas ‘n Lou Kleinman and many, many more.

Diana Steckel recently celebrated her 12^th birthday with a dinner dance for many of her friends “Crazy Fun” was had by all the kids.  Many more happy birthdays.

Lisa Ann Lieberman celebrated her 4^th birthday with 12 of her friends.  Her uncle Sanford Engel came in from New York and entertained the kids and also helped them with their games.  To make the party complete, the kids “Broke the Piñata” which was filled with prizes and candy.

San Diego welcomes back their old time citizens Nelson Guyer and Loretta Goldberger.

Bye now—W-5-0679.

Jewish Center News

Southwestern Jewish Press December 25, 1953 Page 8

Teen-Age New Year’s Eve Dance
“Midnight Carnival” is the name of the gala New Year’s Eve Dance on Thursday, December 31^st…8 p.m. by the San Diego Jewish Youth Council at Temple Beth Israel Center at 3^rd and Laurel.  In addition to the usual decorations, favors and noisemakers, a queen will be selected from the various Jewish Youth group nominees.  A special door prize will be awarded to the lucky fellow and gal…A teenage favorite—Buddy Biotti and his Band—will provide dance music for the evening’s activities.  Hosts for this event are the San Diego AZA and BBG.

Winter Day Camp
The Camp Jaycee youngsters are looking forward to the special events planned for the last week of winter vacation:  On Monday morning December 28^th—an excursion boat ride around San Diego bay; Tuesday, a cook-out at Presidio Park and trip to la Jolla Shores; Wednesday swimming at the YWCA and Thursday a final cook-out at Felicita Park in Escondido.

Regular Center Activities
The regular schedule of center activities will resume after the school vacation.

Juniors (5-12 yrs.) please note a change of the Arts and Crafts class at the Center to Wednesday afternoon at the same time as the Ballet and Creative Dance Class.  Arts and Craft Classes will be under the supervision of Mrs. Evelyn Herrmann and the Dance Classes will continue under Mrs. Irene Timen’s supervision.  Pt. Loma participants will renew activities on Friday afternoon, January 8^th at the Portuguese Assembly Hall—2818 Addison St.

Discussion Group
Dr. Virginia Voek, assistant professor of psychology of San Diego State College, will be the next speaker at the Jewish Community Center’s Discussion Group meeting on Wednesday, January 13^th—8 p.m. at the Center—3227 El Cajon Blvd.  Her topic in the series on “Psychology of Prejudice” will be “Why the Hate—The Personality of the Bigot.”

Makes Last Appeal

Southwestern Jewish Press December 25, 1953 Page 8

Victor Schulman, president of trhe S.D. Hebrew Home for the Aged, stated that unless $20,000 was raised within the next two weeks, building of the new Home will be seriously delayed.

He urged everyone who intends to contribute to the present drive for funds tro do so now before the year’s end.  The present drive is headed by George Neumann who can be reached at W-2626.  A call to him and you can add to the efforts of those seeking to promote the happiness and welfare of our aged.

Fund To Elect New Officers January 5

Southwestern Jewish Press December 25, 1953 Page 8

Officers of the United Jewish Fund for the year 1954 will be elected by the Fund board of directors at their meeting on Tuesday, January 5, 1954, in El Cortez Hotel.

Murray Goodrich, president, will chair the first meeting of the new board which will elect a president, three vice-presidents, a secretary, treasurer, and an executive committee of seven members.

New board members sitting for the first time as directors for the Fund are:  Edward Breitbard, Carl M. Esenoff, Milton Fredman, Max Maisel, Robert Speigel, David Stotsky, William Colt, and Samuel A. Nussman.

Present officers of the Fund include M.I. Goodrich, president; Jack O. Gross, Rodin Horrow, Mrs. Gabriel Berg, vice presidents; Manuel S. Fisher, secretary; Harry Snyder, treasurer; and David Block, Mack Esterson, Morey Levenson, Harry Mallen, Louis Moorsteen, Sol Price, Milton Y. Roberts, members of the executive committee.

The Fund board will also consider the election of area directors for Oceanside, Coronado, La Mesa-El Cajon, South Bay Area, Vista-Escondido.  At present Elmer Glaser represents Oceanside, Arthur Cohen, Coronado; and William Schwartz, La Mesa-El Cajon.

Ralph Feldman To Be Installed As Prexy Of Lasker Lodge B.B.

Southwestern Jewish Press January 8, 1954 Page 1

San Diego Lasker Lodge of B’nai B’rith will install its 1954 officers Saturday night at 8 p.m. January 9 at the Don Room of the El Cortez Hotel.

Ralph J. Feldman is to be installed as President, Milton Fredman, Jack Lowenbein and Marshall Zucker will be seated as First, Second and Third Vice-Presidents respectively.  Other officers who will be installed Saturday night are Joseph Kaplan, Fin. Sec.; Edward Baranov, Treas.; Richard Berman, Rec. Sec.; Edmund Herman, Warden; and Milton Millman, Guardian.  Installing Officer Morris Kraus will be assisted by Henry Weinberger, Past Grand President of District No. 4.  Jeremiah Aronoff, Sam Bennett and Al Hutler are the new trustees for the lodge.  Outgoing President Harry Wax will be installed as Chaplain.

The installation and dance which follows is open to the public.

Council, Jewish Federations To Meet Here January 22^nd

Southwestern Jewish Press January 8, 1954 Page 1

Philip Bernstein of New York, associate director of the Council of Jewish Federations and Welfare Funds, will keynote the CJFWF’s Western States Regional Assembly, it was announced today by Murray D. Goodrich, Assembly chairman.

This annual conference of communities will take place on January 23-24 at the U.S. Grant Hotel.  Locally appointed delegates from ten western states and western Canada will attend.

Mr. Bernstein, a nationally recognized authority on Jewish community life will highlight the three day discussion of vital problems and programs concerning the operation of local services, immigration, planning and financing Jewish responsibilities.  He will speak on “Meeting Jewish Community Responsibilities.”

Serving as discussants in thus session will be Judge David Coleman, President of the Los Angeles Jewish Community Council, Walter D. Heller, president of the San Francisco Jewish Welfare Fund, Eli H. Levenson of San Diego, CJFWF regional president, and Lawrence Simon, member of the board of the Oakland Jewish Welfare Federation.

On Friday morning, January 22^nd, there will be an examination of “Jewish Family Services—their Place and Program.” Workshop leaders will be Leon Klugman, member of the board of the Oakland Jewish Welfare Federation, and Harry Mallen, president of the Jewish Family Service of San Diego.  The consultant will be Miss Freda Mohr, executive director of the Los Angeles Jewish Family Service.

Friday afternoon, January 22^nd, will be devoted to a discussion of “Selling Services and Needs.” Workshop leader will be Julius Bisno, executive director of the Los Angeles Jewish Community Council.  Edward Bransten, Jr., member of the board of the San Francisco Jewish Welfare Fund, and Robert Fischer, board member of the Oakland Jewish Welfare Federation, will serve as discussants.

In another keynote session, to be held on Saturday, January 23, Miss Ann S. Petlock, assistant executive director of the United Service for New Americans, will speak on “Immigration Problems.” Robert J. Koshland, campaign chairman of the San Francisco Jewish Welfare Fund and past president of the CJFWF Western Stats Region, will serve as chairman and there will be two discussants, Alvin Landis, president of the Sacramento Jewish Community Council, and Joseph Roos, executive director of the Los Angeles Jewish Community Relations Council.  Albert A. Hutler, executive director of the San Diego United Jewish Fund, will function as consultant.

Workshops on “Techniques for Securing Increased Funds” will be held on Sunday morning, January 24^th.  For the larger cities Rodin Horrow of San Diego and Joseph Sloss, JR., of San Francisco will lead the discussion and Milton D. Goldsmith of Portland will serve as consultant.  Mr. Horrow and Mr. Sloss are past campaign chairmen of their respective community campaigns and Mr. Goldsmith is the executive director of the Portland Jewish Welfare Fund.

For the smaller cities, Jack C. Fruchthendler, president of the Tucson Jewish Community Council, will be workshop leader and Joshua Marcus, executive director of the Long Beach Jewish Community Council will serve as consultant.  During the business luncheon on January 24^th, there will be an election of officers and the adoption of resolutions.  The Assembly will conclude with an annual report and an address by Eli H. Levenson of San Diego, regional president.

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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 daily feature until we run out of history.

Albert meets Pablo in a turn-of-the-century haunt for geniuses

Tom Zohar as Einstein, Tim Parker as Picasso.  Photo: Adam Brick
__________________________________________________________________

By Carol Davis

CARLSBAD, California–New Village Arts Theatre in Carlsbad is currently mounting Steve Martin’s (yes THAT Steve Martin of Roxanne, Father of the Bride and The Jerk) 1993 intellectual fantasy Picasso At The Lapin Agile about two earthmovers who meet, discuss and predict the future.Just for starters the characters at the center of Martin’s imaginary world of up and coming Celebs are Pablo Picasso and Albert Einstein who were both in their 20’s when this ‘meeting’ took place.

 

In this little whim of  (the piece is about 75 minutes long) Martin’s,  he puts them together at a favorite watering hole The Lapin Agile that was known to host artists, writers, the new century avant–guarde as well as  regulars. Picasso would have been 23, Einstein 25. Both were at the peak of making breakthroughs in their careers. Einstein was about ready to publish his Theory of Relativity (1905) that would change the world of physics and Picasso would enter his blue period.

But the romp isn’t about blue periods or relativity theories; it’s about a fictional meeting and conversation the two might have had, had they met. What would they talk about, you ask? How about genius, or contributions to the world, or women, sex, or the future (that’s a big one) or arts and sciences and their contribution to the world?

Played out against the background of Tim Wallace’s peach colored bar with lots and lots of paintings adorning the walls, Ashley Jenks lighting design and Mary Larson’s fitting costumes, the action (or lack there of) in the bar suddenly becomes a beehive of activity when the play opens. There is owner /bartender Freddy (Brian Abraham) and Germaine (Kristianne Kurner) who is both mistress and waitress and way ahead if her time as she predicts that there will be air travel among other things some day.

In an unusual move Freddy steps out of the playing area to take a program from an audience member claiming that Einstein came on to the scent too soon. The characters are listed in order of appearance; he came on third instead of fourth. It took everyone by surprise.

Regulars include Gaston, (Eddie Yaroch) who suffers from a weak bladder problem and is off and running to the bathroom every two minutes (the running joke), Sagot the photographer/art dealer (Sandra Ellis- Troy), the coo-coo inventor Charles Dabernow Schmendiman (Kyle Lucy), Suzanne (Amanda Morrow plays several roles) who claims to be a friend of Einstein’s and of course Picasso (Tim Parker), and the outsider Einstein (Tom Zohar) who has yet to become a somebody. 

When Einstein walks in to the wrong bar looking for a woman he’s supposed to meet, Freddy becomes intrigued with the man. He’s even more fascinated when he gets stumped by a simple arithmetic problem he’s doing and finds that Einstein can solve it along with a series of more intricate ones in seconds in his head. Einstein is so unlike any of the other customers who frequent the place because he’s both unaffected and down to earth, he becomes somewhat of an odd ball in those circles and Freddy continues to be fascinated. It is Einstein rather than Picasso who centers the play.

That said, everyone seems to know Picasso who is already somewhat of a celeb and a self-absorbed womanizer who tries to seduce all the women who come through the door. It’s difficult even comparing the two. He’s a mystery to Einstein who can’t seem to make him out. When the two geniuses finally get a chance discuss their differences with pencil and paper (it’s a formula Picasso demands looking at Einstein’s notes) it turns out they agree more than not.

Using his sharp wit and quick one-two punch, Martin takes the opportunity here to conclude that the contributions each give to the world of art and science do go hand in hand and cannot exist without each other. Arts and science are after all not that much different in the final analysis as they shape the world in which we live.

And with one broad brush stroke in predicting the future, Martin brings another character in the form of an Elvis (Greg Wittman) look a like (I even bumped into one the other day at Kaiser Permanente Hospital in San Diego) in an effort to predict that perhaps some day a Las Vegas skyline may loom on the horizon along with his other predictions like air travel, clothes made of wax, the banning of smoking in restaurants, a ‘modernized Hiroshima’ and possibly a venue for stand up comedians.  Why not?

Tom Zohar shares a resemblance to Einstein when he first walks into the bar neatly groomed but shortly thereafter ruffles his hair to look even more  like the mad (but younger version) scientist we see pictures of in books. Zohar a talented actor in every show doesn’t disappoint as Einstein in this production. Amanda Morrow is perfect as all three women, different yet alike, Eddie Yaroch is fun as Gaston disappearing into then bathroom to relieve his kidneys and returning with a sense of relief. Brian Abraham and Kristianne Kurner play well off each other and Tim Parker plays the lover boy Picasso with an unconvincing eye but ever the flirt. Sandra Ellis-Troy is always bigger than life and Kyle Lucy is great as the over the top mad Schmendiman. All this is done under the watchful eye of director Dana Case.

New Village Arts makes the piece more enjoyable and fun than others seen by this reviewer in past productions. It plays through Dec. 9.

 For more information visit www.newvillagearts.org

See you at the theatre.

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Carol Davis is a San Diego based theatre reviewer.  She may be reached at davisc@sandiegojewishworld.com

Activist philanthropist Dr. Michael Dan honored by University of Haifa

TORONTO, Canada (Press Release)–Dr. Michael Dan, president of Toronto-based Regulus Investments Inc. and Gemini Power Corp., human rights and peace activist, received the University of Haifa’s highest accolade, the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Honoris Causa at a “Partners for Peace” Tribute Dinner at the Fairmont Royal York hotel in Toronto last week. 

The degree was conferred in recognition of Dr. Dan’s deep commitment to human rights, the advancement of mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence in the Middle East; his philanthropic activities in Canada and Israel, and his friendship and support for the University of Haifa.  A major benefactor of the University of Haifa and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Michael is a member of the Board of Directors of Canadian Friends of Haifa University.

Dr. Dan comes from a very diverse background that includes neurosurgery, biotechnology, and organic farming.  Currently, he is working with Canada’s First Nations to develop hydroelectric power and other sustainable energy projects.

The “Partners for Peace” Dinner, orchestrated and hosted by Canadian Friends of Haifa University, attracted more than 500 guests to pay tribute to Dr. Michael Dan.  Amongst them were Chairman of the University of Haifa Board of Governors Mr. Leon H. Charney, Chairman of the University’s Executive Committee Dr. Yossi Bachar and Vice President for External Affairs Mr. Amos Gaver. President of the University of Haifa, Prof. Aaron Ben-Ze’ev and Rector Prof. Yossi Ben-Artzi conferred the honorary degree. Dinner Co-Chairs, Harold Niman and Susan Wowk, led the fundraising campaign, together with Canadian Friends of Haifa University President, Dr. Karen Mock; and board members, Elham Farah and Marvin Sadowski.

Edward Greenspan, Q.C. was the emcee for the evening and Prof. Irwin Cotler was the Honorary Dinner Chair.  David Buchbinder and ensemble played during dinner and the evening ended with a spectacular North American début performance by Israel’s leading international concert and recording artist Noa (Achinoam Nini) and Mira Anwar Awad, the Jewish-Arab singing duo who represented Israel in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

Proceeds from the event are to support the University of Haifa’s recently established “Peace and Conflict Management Studies program”, which will nurture a new generation of leaders with the ability to promote more effective and peaceful approaches to conflict resolution.

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Preceding provided by University of Haifa

However it went—and it went poorly—SDJA football playoff was one for history books

SDJA Lions
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By Joey Seymour

SAN DIEGO–A typical gorgeous San Diego fall afternoon, on the campus of the San Diego Jewish Academy, the Lions football team is going through a few final drills before their game the next evening.

At first glance, there is no indication that the game will be the Lions first playoff game in school history. As the boys joke around with one another, you would be inclined to believe that the match vs. the Tri-City Christian Eagles is just another date on their schedule.

However, this game is not only the Lions first playoff appearance, but it is also the first American high school playoff game in which the entire team consists of only Jewish players.

I asked Lions head coach John Milisitz about the importance of the game to the school, “I would say the least, I don’t think a 12 has ever beat a 5 seed, not only that aspect, being our first year and the only Jewish football team in the county making the playoffs, not only the school, but for the Jewish community.”

The Lions have outdone themselves in every way during their inaugural season. They ended the season in third place out of the twenty teams in Division V. Yet, there was a great deal of doubt when the season began. Milisitz: “We started the year with 14 guys, we were worried. Within about a week we generated enough buzz, we were up to almost 30. Now, we’re down to about 24. Useable guys, I think we’re at 14 or 15, when you take out the freshmen that aren’t ready to play or sophomores that just aren’t ready. Most guys go both ways, but it’s a challenge, because we don’t have subs.”

The Lions came out roaring in their first game vs. Crean Lutheran South, winning 67-0. Not bad for a team in which half had never played football before. According to Milisitz, “When we first started this year, I only had five guys that played football before, most of my guys didn’t know how to put their leg pads in or strap on their shoulder pads, we had to start from scratch teaching the guys how to play football.”

After that first game, the Lions subsequently won 5 and only lost 2. They outscored their opponents 214 – 77, while recording an impressive four shut outs. The team’s defense is their backbone. Linebacker and team captain, Ricky Pemensky consistently laid out opposing quarterbacks with 19.5 sacks in eight games, fourth best in the state. Of the excitement on campus at SDJA, Pemensky said, “I’ve been here since kindergarten; this is my twelfth year, sports teams have never been like this. It’s really cool to see how we’ve progressed over the year.” On the other side of the ball, senior Joseph Mizrachi leads the offense at quarterback. He ended the regular season with 1,141 passing yards, 715 rushing yards, and 20 touchdowns. Mizrachi will need to be prepared for a shoot out with the pass-intensive Eagles team, but he is not worried. “Yeah, for sure, we’ve got a passing team also, we don’t utilize it too much, because I have to run around a lot more. We’ve got the big play ability that every other team has. I have no doubt in my mind,” said Mizrachi.

The Lions have been getting a great deal of publicity going into this game, mainly due to the history attached to it. When asked if there normally would be the kind of media attention, that SDJA is getting, Athletic Director, Charlie Wund said, “I think probably not, to be honest with you. I mean as far as small schools go – and there’s a bunch of them in San Diego that have 11 man football teams, the third place team in the conference with a 6-2 record wouldn’t get a lot of attention. I don’t think this game would be as exciting or draw as much attention unless it was us.”

Wund went on to say, “Our kids take great pride in being Jewish, but as far as their athletic accomplishments go, they don’t associate that to being Jewish. It’s never really a factor for them. They are football players. They’re high school players.”

Coach Milisitz stated, “It’s not as much specific athletes, as much as it is a Jewish school competing in football which is a physical sport and you know, you have the stereotype that Jewish guys are small and non-athletic. We’re actually good, very physical; we shut out four teams this year. We’re audible and call plays in Hebrew. We do a lot of different things that people aren’t ready for and we run a lot of different offenses and they are able to grasp so much, because these guys are so smart.”

Before the practice session concluded, the team knelt down together and had a serious moment. Understanding that there is a spotlight on them, each team captain took a few moments to speak about the enormity of the game. The team is focused and ready to compete in their first Saturday night game of the season (since they do not play on Friday nights, all of their games took place on Thursday afternoons this season). Even though they are just another high school competing in a playoff, the eyes of history are bearing down on them and they are ready to win, not just for their school, for themselves, but for the Jewish community as well, which will surely be in force at the game on Saturday night at El Camino High School.

** Follow up: The Lions were overpowered and outplayed by a bigger, faster, stronger, Eagles squad on Saturday night in their 51-12 loss. A few bright spots included the play of freshman backup quarterback, Micah Weinstein, who entered the game in the second quarter for Mizrachi and the consistent, full speed play of Ricky Pemensky even when the Lions were down 47 – 0. Both players will return in 2010.

SDJA will now have to begin preparing for next season, but they certainly had a fantastic and historic run in 2009.

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Joey Seymour is a sports historian and author of San Diego’s Finest Athletes: Five Exceptional Lives,” now available through Sunbelt Publications at www.sunbeltbooks.com  Contact Joey Seymour at joeyseymour1@aol.com