Finding the Jewish tam in modern YA literature

Donald H. Harrison

By Donald H. Harrison

SAN DIEGO—Lately I have been mixing into my reading “YA” fiction – fiction for Young Adults.  I have been experimenting with the idea of writing such a story myself, and by reading the works of other authors in this genre, I hope to get a feeling for YA rhythm and flow.

Whether this shall be accomplished I cannot say, but my research has yielded an unexpected and pleasurable side benefit – more evidence of the truth of San Diego Jewish World’s slogan, that “there is a Jewish story everywhere.”

The two most recent YA books I read were cases in point:  Return to Treasure Island by John O’Melveny Woods (ISBN 988-0-9729761-3-8) and The Deer Dancer by Gary Winters (ISBN 978-0-916251-00-0).  Both are adventure stories distributed by Sunbelt Publications of San Diego, the company which also had published my biography of San Diego’s Jewish pioneer, Louis Rose. 

 

Return to Treasure Island is an admirable, although perhaps controversial, sequel to the famous story of Treasure Island by Robert Lewis Stevenson, bringing back for another adventure the unforgettable James Hawkins and Long John Silver along with assorted pirates, buccaneers and freebooters.

I say “controversial” because the question immediately occurs what right does a modern-day writer have to appropriate the characters of a classic work of fiction, and bring them alive again?   My answer would be “every right” if everyone could do it as well and as true to the original as Woods has.  But I anticipate others might debate me on the sanctity of the classics.

The Deer Dancer is a coming of age story about a Yaqui Indian named  Juan Araiza – whom we might be tempted to name “Horacio Algerez,” as this is a story of an impoverished, uneducated young man who, by hard work and careful study, advances to the very top echelons of Mexico’s politics.  Despite the heights to which he ascends, he never forgets his simple and honest roots.  I wasn’t totally enamored with this book, as it seemed to switch tone and purpose in the middle and become more a political polemic than the adventure of a young man.  Also, I was uncomfortable with the sex scene, wondering whether its inclusion made the book inappropriate for the YA audience.

Neither of these stories, on their face, is Jewish.  But in their telling, each story is unobtrusively flavored with a subtle Jewish tam.  In the case of Return to Treasure Island, that one-legged cur, Long John Silver –of all people—quotes a well-known Jewish proverb, without identifying it as such:  “From your lips to God’s ears.”  

And, in The Deer Dancer, the Torah story is retold of the pursuing Egyptians being drowned in the Sea as they chased Moses and the Israelites.  At another point in the book, Araiza is instructed that Christianity’s “Golden Rule” –“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” –has its parallels in numerous other religions. His informant tells him that Judaism teaches “What is hateful to you, do not to your fellow man.”  Islam says: “No one of you is a believer until he desires for his brother that which he desires for himself.”  Hinduism urges: “Do nothing to others that which if done to you would cause pain.”  And Buddhism exhorts: “Hurt not other with that which pains yourself.”

These little asides—a Jewish proverb, a Torah citation and a brief comparison of religions– are not the substance of either book.  They are simply seasonings that can make a Jewish reader—at least this one—smile with recognition and be pleased that in so many ways our Jewish religion and folkways have been positively received by so many others.

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Harrison is editor of San Diego Jewish World

World Jewish Congress deplores media’s rush to judgment in Gaza Flotilla violence

NEW YORK (Press Release) – The World Jewish Congress (WJC) has expressed sincere regret at the violence and loss of life during the attempt by Israeli forces on 31 May 2010 to take control of a ship that had broken Israel’s legally sanctioned naval blockade in international waters heading for Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip on 27 May 2010. Israel had issued repeated warnings to prevent conflict. It had neither sought nor provoked such an outcome.

The WJC simultaneously deplores the rush to condemn Israel in the media and in much of the international community before all of the facts are known. It is known, however, that the organizers of the so-called “Freedom Flotilla” deliberately sought confrontation with Israel. “Peace activists” attacked Israeli soldiers with iron bars and other potentially lethal implements including axes, knives and handguns, thus initiating the violence.

It is also deplorable, therefore, that much of the international media continues to portray such violent activists as humanitarians. This was a lynch mob, and it is incumbent upon responsible observers to be clear in saying so.

One of the main sponsoring groups aboard the ship was Turkey’s IHH International Relief Fund – an extremist group whose links to radical Islamist terror organizations is recognized by many western intelligence agencies including the CIA.

The WJC is also concerned that the broader context in which this operation took place has been largely absent from much of the media coverage. Gaza is ruled by Hamas – an Iranian armed, financed and directed terror organization, dedicated to the destruction of Israel. The flotilla was aimed at tightening Hamas control of Gaza under the pretext of providing humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.

The State of Israel was acting within its internationally sanctioned legal right and moral responsibility to maintain a naval blockade to prevent weapons and other illicit materials from reaching Hamas.

Despite more than 12,000 rockets and mortars that have been fired at Israel since its unilateral withdrawal in 2005, Israel has passed thousands of tons of humanitarian supplies to Gaza. Among the goods delivered to civilians in Gaza the week of May 23rd alone included 810,209 liters of heavy-duty diesel fuel; 21 truckloads of milk powder and baby food; 897 tons of cooking gas; 66 truckloads of fruits and vegetables; 51 truckloads of wheat; 27 truckloads of meat, chicken and fish products; 40 truckloads of dairy products; 117 truckloads of animal feed; 36 truckloads of hygiene products; 38 trucks of clothing; 22 trucks of sugar and 4 trucks of medicine and medical equipment. This was a typical week.

In addition to that, 781 medical patients and accompanying individuals from the Gaza Strip crossed into Israel to receive treatment in various hospitals.

The WJC deplores the opportunistic use of this situation by the Palestinian Authority and their supporters to mount yet another attack on Israel’s legitimacy. Israel is already conducting an investigation into what transpired.

Responsible observers should refrain from making inflammatory statements and should wait until that investigation is completed.

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Preceding provided by World Jewish Congress

Gaza flotilla controversy once again shows world’s double standard toward Israel

By Rabbi Ben Kamin

Rabbi Ben Kamin

SAN DIEGO–Like sizzling meat thrown to rabid dogs, the sad business on the sea  on Monday  off the shores of Israel and Gaza has given vociferous energy to the knee-jerk anti-Semites and their leftist acolytes who find fault with everything about Israel except its mortality.

Granted, it is difficult to applaud an operation that in and by itself was bungled enough that civilians were killed—even though the inevitable American investigation will reveal that the civilians from several nations were set up to be endangered.  After all, no one, not even the Arab/Islamic tilted and heavily-winded “United Nations” has ever disproved the fact that Hamas—the wholesale terrorist syndicate that owns and operates Gaza—has used children as human shields in its nonstop rocket and infiltration war against Israeli towns and villages.

Israel, like any sovereign nation, has every right to blockade in international waters while defending itself against an entity (Hamas/Gaza) publicly sworn to its elimination.  Many nations, including the United States, have done so in certain situations.  The sudden activity and righteousness at the UN is funny.  When Egypt blockaded the Red Sea in 1967 at the Straits of Tiran and publicly declared a war of extermination against Israel’s population (with Syria as its immediate ally) the UN did not call a meeting.  But it did immediately withdraw its peacekeeping force—perhaps the worst betrayal of any people since the Holocaust only two decades prior.

Let’s get real and let’s get the facts: Israel has no quarrel with humanitarian aid to the stricken people who barely subsist in Gaza (does Hamas want to actually get involved with this problem rather than continue killing Israeli kids?) and Israel has offered to deliver such aid after an inspection of such convoys.  Many Israeli citizens are sickened by the conditions in Gaza and a majority of the electorate favors a two-state solution but do have this strange insistence on safety and security for themselves and their children.

As the veteran journalist and editor Leslie Gelb has just written: - +

Where was the international outrage and demand for explanations and retribution when the North Koreans sunk a South Korean ship?   Where was it when the Gazans attacked Israel?  Where, when Afghan men flogged their women for not wearing veils?  Where, when Saudi Arabia funds terrorists around the world?  This international outrage is highly selective, isn’t it?

There is a reasonable solution to this terrible dilemma: The Gazan people are in need of food and medicine, and Israel must protect itself against Gazan terrorists.  President Obama should propose this simple arrangement: First, those wishing to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza agree to land aircraft, dock ships, and use land checkpoints all reasonably designated by Israel for inspection of contents. Second, Israel agrees to inspect cargoes within two to three days, and allow all humanitarian goods to proceed to Gaza immediately.

From my point of view, the paradigm of what happened on Monday is this: One young Jewish boy, an Israeli naval soldier, was stupidly lowered by helicopter into a sea of hostile “humanitarians” on a ship who promptly stabbed, clubbed, and threw him overboard—thus prompting a blast of weapons and fatalities.  Meanwhile, another day went by in Gaza for a sea of faceless Palestinian kids who are hungry, sick, and without a future.

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Rabbi Kamin is a San Diego based freelance writer.  His articles also appear on examiner.com

ADL denounces Gaza flotilla as “elaborate sham” and “pretext for violence”

JERUSALEM (Press Release)–The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) on Tuesday expressed support for Israel’s response to the deliberate provocation by a flotilla of ships seeking to break the blockade of Hamas Controlled Gaza.

ADL called the use of humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza “an elaborate sham” and “a pretext for ambushing and violently attacking Israeli military personnel “who were seeking to redirect the ships to a port in Israel where the aid could be off-loaded and delivered to Gaza by established land routes.

Robert G Sugarman, ADL National Chair, and Abraham H. Foxman, National Director of the anti-Defamation League, issued the following statement:
 
“Once again those who are unilaterally opposed to Israel’s legitimate right to defend herself against an enemy which seeks its destruction have cynically used the innocent people of Gaza to further their goals. Instead of accepting Israel’s offer of a non-confrontational way to assure that the aid on the ships bound for Gaza reached those in need, the sponsors of the flotilla deliberately disregarded all requests and warnings issued by Israel and knowing they would be boarded, acted to lure the Israeli military onto the ships where many were waiting with weapons to attack them.
 
“It is deeply disturbing that the leaders of the flotilla and their sponsors were willing to engage in an elaborate sham as a pretext for ambushing and violently attacking Israeli military personnel. This unconscionable act should be condemned by the leaders of every nation who truly seek peace in the region.
 
“We regret the loss of life and express our sincere hopes for the full recovery of all who were injured, particularly those in the Israeli military who were acting to protect their nation against another assault by those who wish to do harm to Israel.”

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Preceding provided by Anti-Defamation League

RJC wants U.S. to demand fairness for Israel in U.N. Security Council

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) — The Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) on Tuesday affirmed its solidarity with Israel in the aftermath of violence provoked by participants in the misnamed “Free Gaza” flotilla.

RJC Executive Director Matthew Brooks said:

“Today, Israel is under assault from enemies near and far.  The pretext for the assault: acts of self-defense undertaken by courageous Israeli naval personnel. The purpose of the IDF’s acts: enforcing the lawful embargo established by Israel and Egypt against the Hamas belligerents who wage war against Israel from their base in the Gaza Strip.

“Of course, this violence would not have occurred if those aboard the vessels coming from Turkey were what they said they were – non-violent peace activists. Unfortunately, the consequences of that lie were quite bloody, but it’s unacceptable to blame the IDF for responding in kind to violent attacks.

“Unfortunately, some of the most intemperate attacks on Israel have been coming from senior United Nations officials, and more moves to condemn Israel in the UN Security Council are expected. We urge the Obama administration to make it clear that it will veto any condemnation of Israel’s actions in this matter in the UN Security Council.

“The President tells us he is a reliable friend to Israel. At a moment like this, a friend’s responsibility is clear. This is no time to make demands of Israel. At a moment like this, a true friend stands with Israel.”

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Preceding provided by Republican Jewish Coalition

University of Haifa establishes center for study of the internet

HAIFA (Press Release)–The University of Haifa on Tuesday inaugurated the Sagy Center for the Study of the Internet  headed by Prof. Sheizaf Rafaeli, Director of the Center for the Study of the Information Society, and one of the world’s leading experts in the research of the Internet. The Center has been established thanks to a donation from entrepreneurs Ami and Teddy Sagy. The dedication ceremony took place during the University’s 38th Board of Governors meeting.

“The Internet is already much more than mere technology and economics; it is a platform projecting on both the social and the personal. The importance of this Center is in its combining knowledge from many different disciplines and applying this multidisciplinary approach to this fantastic new area of study,” President of the University of Haifa Prof. Aaron Ben-Ze’ev said at the dedication ceremony.

“Internet has changed our lives beyond recognition and its influence is evident in many areas. Over the past decades the world of Internet has undergone significant changes, as an integral part of its development. Therefore, the formation of a study area that is aimed at researching this magnificent tool was really only a matter of time. The Sagy Center for the Study of the Internet is a unique and important Center, and we are happy to have been able to assist in its establishment. We believe that its activities will prove fruitful in the very near future,” said Mr. Ami Sagy.

The Sagy Center for the Study of the Internet is a multidisciplinary research center combining studies in computer sciences, history, communications, business management, law, psychology, sociology and more. Its main goal is to contribute research-based theoretical and empirical knowledge to public discourse in matters relating to the accelerated development of communication technologies and their influence on society. The new Center is unique in that it will combine academic research and knowledge with the industry’s demand for developed Internet systems. The Center will support and encourage applied research that will advance Internet use, this in collaboration with Carmel Ltd., the technology transfer organization of the University of Haifa.

The focus of the Center’s research will include:

·         the virtual community

·         policy, power and regulation

·         the people – technolgy intersection

·         social implications of technological development

Rafaeli is a pioneer in Internet research. His fields of interest include: management and organization information systems; interactivity; computer-mediated communication; value of information; information sharing and Internet culture. He also consults on matters relating to Internet information for government offices and many international organizations, including the Israel Ministries of Foreign Affairs; Finance; Welfare; Industry, Trade and Labor; and Law; UNESCO, and others.

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Preceding provided by the University of Haifa

Israeli media critical of IDF performance against Gaza flotilla

By Ira Sharkansky

Ira Sharkansky

JERUSALEM–When was the last time you met a happy Jew?

It has not been in our blood at least since the Biblical Prophets. They provide models of self-criticism on the border–or over the border–of obsession and just plain nutty. Nothing was good enough. Other prophets who seemed to agree with them on the major issues, but not on everything, earned the title of false prophet. That carried a curse of death. Modern prophets, and there are many among us, are only a bit more temperate in criticizing their rivals.

One need look no further than the Israeli press the day after the operation against the Freedom Flotilla. Ha’aretz could be predicted to have its reservations, but it exceeded expectations. The major headline on page one decreed that the operation was a failure, and would assure international complications. Above that headline were four op-ed pieces. One begins, “No explanation can justify the crime was was done, and no excuse can explain the stupidity . . .” Others carry the labels, “Smug sin,” “Ship of fools,” and “Inquiry Demanded.”

Other papers were only marginally different. The print and electronic media include those who have reacted against their colleague, but the general picture is negative.

Criticism comes not only from the left, where there are Israelis who feel that the government must lift the blockade on Gaza, as well as do what else the Palestinians demand in order to make peace. Commentators not clearly on the left assert that the casualties will cause the country more harm in international politics than the blockade is worth. Some focus on the Turkish source of the Flotilla and the Turkish identity of those killed, and surmise that Israeli-Turkish commerce will diminish or stop altogether. One business publication worries that a Turkish embargo on trade with Israel will spread to other countries. 

Other critics focus on the tactics employed by the IDF. One aging journalist cited his military training of 25 years ago to say that the troops were not prepared for what they faced. 

I will not claim battlefield credentials, but years of lecturing at the tops and bottoms of two national armies taught me to avoid detailed criticism of tactics. Considerations are complex and depend on information not widely available. Decisions on how to prepare for a prominent operation come after discussions among military officers, often with input from politicians holding elective office.

This is not to say that we should leave all sensitive matters to officials, but some modesty is appropriate for those criticizing from the outside.

But modesty is no more a component of Jewish culture than a willingness to abstain from criticism.  

My own view of the operation against the Freedom Flotilla is that it was both appropriate and successful. I see the blockade as justified by the determination of Hamas to replace Israel, and the capacity of Iran to supply it with serious weapons. Israel is already pressed by a substantial flow of missiles from Iran through Syria to the Hizbollah of Lebanon that continues despite the responsibility of UN troops to monitor the 2006 cease fire agreement. This experience cautions against any outside assurances to keep Gaza free of similar material.

Against those who say that IDF personnel were not properly prepared for the operation, it appears to me that they overcame resistance quickly without loss of life to themselves and with only a limited number of deaths among those who used force against them. 

Nine deaths of the innocent or activists do not cause anything like this level of verbal violence when they come as the result of an American air strike in Afghanistan or a demonstration on the streets of Tehran.

Military activity is seldom sterile or surgical. Opponents who fight back invite the use of ever greater force. If these troops were not expecting the degree of violence that they encountered, it appears that they adjusted their behavior quickly and well.

No Jew should ever aspire to having the last word. But neither should he/she surrender the opportunity to be heard.

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Sharkansky is professor emeritus of political science at Hebrew University

American Jews and friends plan demonstrations today to support Israel

SAN DIEGO (Staff Roundup) –Demonstrations in support of Israel and against the pro-Hamas activists who sailed their flotilla towards Gaza are planned in various American cities today (Tuesday, June 1)

In New York, Russian American Jewish Experience (RAJE) together with other American Jewish organizations will gather outside of the Israeli Consulate, located at 800 Second Avenue (42nd Street) at 6:00 PM to stand in support of Israel’s self-defense. Hundreds will gather waving American & Israeli flags, and bearing signs which read: “Peace Activists Don’t Attack Soldiers,” “Hamas & Al Qaeda Support the Flotilla”, and “We Stand with Israel.”

“We will gather to stand united with the State of Israel, and to let President Obama, and the world know that we will not sit silently as Israel is attacked by her enemies. We stand with Israel in their battle against terrorism.  Israel has the right to stop terror at its door, and we condemn the United Nations for standing with terrorists. These so-called peace activists used knives, clubs and fire from weapons stolen from soldiers, and attacked soldiers who were seeking to enforce international law.  The boats were warned to change course multiple times, and we as the American Jewish community will not stand silently as Israel is attacked,” said RAJE Chairman, Rabbi Mordechai Tokarsky.

In Los Angeles, STandWithUs announced a rally will be held at 5 p.m. today (Tuesday, June 1)  in front of the Turkish consulate,  6300 Wilshire Boulevard.

StandWithUS President and CEO Roz Rothstein made the following statement:

“”Turkey played a key role in promoting the flotilla of six ships that tried to breach Israel’s maritime blockade of Gaza on May 31st.

“The flotilla, organized by self described human rights groups, claimed it was bringing aid to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.  Israel offered to deliver the goods through official channels if the activists conformed to international and Israeli law, and agreed to dock at Ashdod instead of Gaza.  They refused.

“When Israel warned the approaching ships to redirect to Ashdod, they refused to do so. Exercising its sovereign rights under international law, Israel boarded the ships and escorted them to Ashdod. Five ships complied peacefully and no one was injured.  
“The sixth ship, Mavi Marmara, flying under the Turkish flag, refused to cooperate.

“As is shown in this video, when a small group of Israeli navy personnel attempted to board the Marmara, the alleged ‘peace activists’ ambushed them with guns, knives, steel pipes, bats, and other weapons.  Seven Israelis were wounded, two critically, and nine activists were killed. Watch the video here: 

“Turkey permitted the Marmara to fly under its flag.  Turkey knew that the IHH (Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation) had organized the Flotilla, and supports the genocidal terrorist organization Hamas, several Jihadist organizations in Bosnia, Syria, Iraq, Libya, and elsewhere, and has ties with Al Qaeda.  But Turkey did not prevent the Flotilla from disembarking and attacking Israel’s sovereign right to protect itself from terrorists attempting to enter Gaza. 

“Now Turkey is condemning Israel for the unfortunate casualties, and is leading the charge to condemn Israel at the U.N.   It is Turkey that should be condemned by the United Nations for its role in this brutal trap set for Israelis.

“Turkey has blood on its hands, not Israel.”

In San Diego, community activist Tami Zohar has been sending out notices that supporters of Israel are encouraged on June 20 to wear blue.

“Imagine hundreds of thousands of people, in America, Canada, Israel, Europe and the whole entire world, committing to a simple easy action that will show their support for Israel as a Jewish and Democratic state?” said a note she forwarded  on FaceBook

“What kind of message will this give in a time where many have shown interest in painting Israel as alone and without any support? Would you be willing to join this international movement and show your pride and support for the Jewish state? Well, now you can! On June 20th 2010, we will all wear a blue shirt and show our support for the State of Israel. We will show the world that Israel does still have a lot of proud supporters. This incredibly simple action – just choosing to wear a blue shirt- will enable us to give a strong message which will be heard internationally! You will be able to say proudly: “Israel has supporters and I am one of them!”.

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Preceding compiled from a variety of sources