Tel Aviv University scientist provides own head for brain mapping
TEL AVIV (Press Release)― Uncovering the secrets of the brain requires an intense network of collaborative research. Building on a tool that was co-developed in his laboratory and described in a recent issue of Brain, Dr. Yaniv Assaf of Tel Aviv University’s Department of Neurobiology is collaborating with an international team of scientists to understand how different parts of the human brain “connect” ― and to turn this information into a “brain atlas.”
Brain researchers already know that autism and schizophrenia are not localized disorders ––there is no one place in the brain they can be found. That’s why a brain atlas will be an invaluable resource for understanding how parts of our brain connect to other parts within, leading to a deeper understanding of these diseases.
“It’s currently impossible for clinicians to ‘see’ subtle disorders in the brain that might cause a life-threatening, devastating disability,” says Dr. Assaf, whose most recent research was done in collaboration with the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Developmental disorders like autism are believed to be a function of abnormal connections among different regions within the brain –– like wires between telephone poles. In his research, Dr. Assaf looks at clusters of brain wiring, or axons, to help scientists produce a better working map of the brain for future research.
Mapping biomarkers
Axons connect brain cells. About one micron (one millionth of a meter) in diameter, these tiny axons transfer information to each other and to different parts of the brain. To date there has been no non-invasive imaging technique that can let scientists “see” such features in the brain in a living person ― partly because the axons are so small, and partly because of the delicate nature of the brain.
Dr. Assaf’s tool can look at larger groups of multiple axons and collect information from the group itself, information which measures the velocity and flow of information within the brain. Using a standard MRI available in most major hospitals, Dr. Assaf’s tool, called AxCaliber, provides a way to recognize groups of abnormal axon clusters. Systematically arranged into an atlas, these groups could serve as biomarkers for the early diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of brain disorders.
Putting his head into his research
“Currently, we can map the healthy human brain past the age of puberty. But once we will assemble this atlas, we could do this scan before puberty ― and maybe even in utero ― to determine who’s at risk for disorders like schizophrenia, so that an early intervention therapy can be applied” says Dr. Assaf, who is working on the brain atlas with a pan-European consortium of brain scientists through a 12-laboratory network called CONNECT.
The consortium, funded by the European Union, includes Dr. Assaf, his Tel Aviv University colleague Prof. Yoram Cohen, and partners in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Denmark, Italy and Switzerland. Each of the teams in the consortium is offering its individual expertise to better understand connections in the brain and how they change over time. Their goal is to be better able to predict the onset, then more effectively treat, brain-related diseases.
And because Dr. Assaf is currently mapping the anatomy of a healthy brain’s connections, he doesn’t mind offering up his own head, which he inserts into a Tel Aviv University-owned MRI at a local hospital, for study.
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Preceding provided by American Friends of Tel Aviv University
Women’s Auxiliary of Seacrest Village to explore plastic surgery alternatives
ENCINITAS, California (Press Release)– The Women’s Auxiliary of Seacrest Village Retirement Communities will hold a luncheon on Thursday, October 7, with a special presentation on Alternatives to Plastic Surgery.
Guests will dine at Sbicca Bistro in Del Mar and explore ways to look young and feel young without plastic surgery. Topics will include Accent XL Laser, ReFirme™ Skin Tightening, Harmony™ Laser, Elos™ Skin Rejuvenation, injectibles and permanent makeup. Susan Phillips, founder of Advanced Body Solutions, Inc., and Jennifer Waring, a micro-pigementation specialist, will be the presenters.
The Women’s Auxiliary of Seacrest Village is made up of a group of dedicated women who make a meaningful impact on the lives of the residents of Seacrest Village in a spirited and friendly environment, by volunteering their time to coordinate large scale fundraising events that raise awareness and bring the community together to support important programs and create lasting memories.
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Preceding provided by Seacrest Village Retirement Communities
Improving education and doing teshuvah are step-by-step processes
By Rabbi Baruch Lederman
Rabbi Baruch Lederman
SAN DIEGO–Rabbi Akiva Grunblatt addressed a gathering of Chofetz Chaim alumni, many of whom were yeshiva classroom teachers. They were talking about the difficulties of teaching a class when there is wide mix of abilities amongst the students. If you teach at a faster pace, half the class gets lost. If you teach at a slower pace, half the class gets bored. If you teach in the middle, no one is happy.
As each teacher was speaking, you could feel the pain and frustration as each described their experiences.
Rabbi Grunblatt related a similar scene. He told us that Rabbi Noach Orlewick was once speaking to a group that included teachers and parents. The parents were concerned that their children were being lost in the sauce. Their individual needs were not being met. They were being swept as side and forgotten as the rest of the school progressed. The parents wanted more attention from the teachers and the school. The teachers present were overwhelmed trying to make everyone in a diverse group satisfied. The teachers wanted more assistance from the parents and the school.
Everyone was frustrated. It was a case of an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object. The atmosphere was beginning to get heated and tense.
Rabbi Orlewick calmly proclaimed to the audience, “There is a befairishe possuk (explicit verse) that addresses this exact issue.”
There was silence in the room. All wanted to hear what the Rabbi would say next.
“It is written in the Torah,’Vsheenontom livanecha.’ ‘You shall teach your children.'”
The Rabbi continued, “Ideally each parent should teach their children individually and there shouldn’t be classrooms. But the practical reality is that there are classroooms. Now we have to figure out how to make the best of a non-ideal situation.”
Instead of getting caught up in your idealized vision of how the school should be and what everyone else should be doing; accept the fact that things are the way they are, and start from there to make things a little better, and then a little more better.
We all have this problem as we enter Rosh Hashana. We know we need to do teshuvah, but we make it more difficult by imagining that we are supposed to be perfect tzaddikim.
Then we become despondent that we are falling short of what we have convinced ourselves we should be.
Instead of getting caught up in this cycle, let us accept that things are the way they are, and try to do a little better and become a little better. And then a little more better.
Dedicated by Baruch & Miriam Stehley in honor of their children.
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Rabbi Lederman is spiritual leader of Congregation Kehillas Torah in San Diego
Adventures in San Diego Jewish History, February 18, 1955, Part 2
Compiled by San Diego Jewish World staff
Real People (Editorial)
Southwestern Jewish Press, February 18, 1955, Page 3
The approach of the United Jewish Fund campaign in March mad us acutely aware of the fact that organized charity has developed to the point where it has become difficult to think of those we help as individuals. We have been faced with such enormous problems of starvation, poverty and disease, that we tend to overlook the personalities of All people – even in our own community.
We look to the Home for the Aged to take care of our “older people” – not someone’s father, mother, grandmother or grandfather. We ask the Jewish Community Center to plan for the cultural and recreational needs of our “teen-agers,” “young adults” etc – not for Jan, Harry or Joseph who need the companionship of other boys and girls. We work with “refugees” or “new Americans” as a group—not as someone who came out of the Hell of Bergen-Belsen, Auschwitz and D.P. Camps, now bearing a name instead of a number.
We give to “causes” that are far away, in remote corners of the world. To most, Israel is a distant land – not a place where Hyman and Sarah, who met in a D.P. Camp, were married and now live with their children in a metal hut in the Negev, turning the desert into a garden. We read of the Jews in North Africa living in squalor and disease, never knowing when the next pogrom will take place. The child sitting in the darkened doorway with trachoma, almost blind, will someday be a useful citizen, with your help.
And –while we are at it – let us not forget the kindness we can show the individuals who live in our community. We can help the wife who struggles to keep house with a brilliant young boy of school age; the old lady who can’t get to the synagogue on Fridays, the man whose wife has been ill with a crippling disease and must cook dinner and care for two little girls after returning from a day’s work.
We give to schools, hospitals, synagogues and institutions. These are not just names or places – they all represent service of one kind or another to people who need it – Jewish education, religious training, the easing of suffering and the cure of once dreaded diseases.
We can make our giving so much more meaningful if, when the campaign opens and we make our gift, we remember that our money goes to help real people—not an organization or a group, but living, precious human beings, with names, personalities and faces.
Don’t give because you must – give because you want to with feeling and love in your heart, and of course, give generously.
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Prejudice is a Crime (Editorial)
Southwestern Jewish Press, February 18, 1955, Page 3
(This is published in the interest of Brotherhood Week, Feb. 20-27, sponsored by the National Conference of Christians and Jews)
The fact that racial and religious prejudice should, in any form exist in a great democracy, is an incredible mockery of the very word democracy. It should be considered in the light of a personal disgrace to every citizen of that same democracy. A disgrace as shocking and as tragic as that of the discovery that a near and dear member of one’s family has become a hardened criminal.
For prejudice is a crime. It is a crime against the democratic ideal, a crime against the teachings of Christianity, Judaism and the great religions, a crime against human decency and a crime against just plain common sense.
Furthermore, it is a crime for which every American citizen directly or indirectly is responsible, if not for its inception, at least for the continuance of its presence in our world today. We are responsible because of our apathy in sidestepping the issue, because of our outmoded-give-it-time, it-will-cure-itself attitude, because of our kidding ourselves with the preposterous fable that it is a special problem to be solved by the special person affected. The solving of it must be done by us all, each and every man, woman and child of this nation, of every walk of life and of every race, creed or color.
It may be solved by our actions, by our words and by our thinking>>And if we and our children are to survive as living creatures worthy of the name of human beings it must be solved not in a theoretical future, not tomorrow, but now, this very instant
–Cornelia Otis Skinner
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Advertising Benefits Everyone (Editorial)
Southwestern Jewish Press, February 18, 1955, Page 3
This is Advertising Recognition Week. We in the publishing business and our friends in the advertising business are aware of the importance of advertising in America. Once each year there’s a concerted campaign to give all Americans facts about advertising as a marketing tool.
In a system of free choice, such as we have in this country, advertising is the spark plug that keeps business running smoothly. It’s the means whereby customers find out about new and better products. Advertising provides a “forum” for comparative values of merchandise offered by competitive companies to consumers.
You benefit from advertising because you get information that helps you make a wiser selection of merchandise in the free choice market place. Advertising benefits you through the building of brand names. These brands on products you buy mean quality and value to you. These products and their trademarks have a reputation because advertising has truthfully told you what the merchandise will do for you.
Of the numerous weeks during the year calling to a wide variety of organizations and projects in America, one of the most important of these is Advertising Recognition Week.
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More About Three Hundred Years in America~ Jewish Contributions to American Jewish History
Southwestern Jewish Press, February 18, 1955, Page 3
By Dr. Philip L. Seman, University of Judaism
Equal Rights and the Community Center.
As we continue our story of the Jewish Community Centers, we cannot help but observe that a great democracy like ours, counting in its population nearly 160,000,000 people of all nations and races, must be more alive and intelligent,. In order that it may be a “perfect union,” it must be democratic.
From the very beginning, we as Jews, have been glad of the opportunity to be part of the fine expression of this political philosophy. The Jewish Community Centers, which in a large measure has been our contribution to this philosophy, is and should be, a “little democracy,” for it is here that the people of our respective neighborhoods come together to discuss their community interests and devise helpful methods of cooperation.
A veritable social center, the Community Center is especially fitted as a place where all the people can come together in a neighborly way on terms of democratic equality. Here they can learn to know each other and extend and enrich community sympathy.
Here they find the Center belonging to no individual or creed. Zionist and non-Zionist; reformed, conservative or orthodox; republican, democrat or socialist – they find the center non-partisan, embracing Jews of all shades of political thinking. It is the common property of all, the one place in which all have equal rights and are equally at home.
The Center should and in most instances is sacred to every family in the neighborhood as the “home” of the children as well as of the parents. Because the Center is the training place for the development of find constructive citizens and meaningful Jews, all members of the community may appropriately send themselves to “school” (as they do in well organized centers throughout the country), and learn from each other things pertaining to the life of the local community, of the nation and of the world.
In a sense, the Jewish Community Center should be the home of the Jewish Community, for to it come the boys and girls and the young men and women in order to become immersed in the mellow heritage of the Jewish people. By withdrawing so to speak, to the privacy of their “communal home,” they may be rejuvenated – they may turn the ugliness and pettiness of the world outside into beauty of mind and generosity of spirit. Then they can go forth into the larger community and take their places as men among men.
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Southwestern Jewish Press, February 18, 1955, Page 3
By Irving R. Stone, Psychological Consultant
In our daily experiences we often come across situation that appear to us to be completely obvious but when they are examined more carefully are found to be entirely the opposite. While this may appear in commonplace situations, they are equally true when they concern our emotions.
Perhaps one of the most flagrant is that pertaining to the emotion that seems to change directions at will. This column shall be devoted to that emotion and I shall call it “Your Hostility is Showing,” for the emotion of hostility may be directed in many ways, some not always obvious.
The most common form of hostility is that of aggression toward some person or thing. The interesting factor about it is that not always is it directed against the cause of the hostility, but may be against an innocent individual. This is especially true when the hostile individual feels that the cause of his emotion is too strong or important for him or is not available. For example, the husband is hostile toward his wife, and takes it out on the children, the cat, or a chair that stands in his way.
Frequently the hostile action is directed against one’s self. This may be to “get even” wit the one who caused his difficulty in order to make that person sorry for what he did, or else as self-punishment for some error he has made which put him in an unsatisfactory light. The latter may result because of feelings of guilt.
Hostility may take another form, even less obvious than the others. This may show itself in complete withdrawal from personal contact or communication. The individual feels hostile towards some person or society in general and as a result shuns all social relationships, becomes solitary, or in extreme cases withdraws from reality and the environment about him. In many cases it is done to deprive the person toward whom the hostility is felt from the pleasure of one’s company, love, or sign of affection. In other cases it is to save oneself from being hurt again.
Children often express their hostility in aggressive behavior toward society by committing acts of vandalism. Stealing or even destroying a favorite toy. They cannot put it into words or even formalize the cause of their hostility but it frequently stems from their lack of security, the feeling tht they are not wanted, or because of their frustration in not being able to live up to all that is expected of them..
Hostility should be expressed and not inhibited. This does not mean that one should beat up the person toward whom you are hostile but it should be talked out, understood, and channelized into a satisfying direction. Hostility is a normal reaction to an unsatisfying condition and the person should not feel guilty for experiencing it. How it is handles is far more important than whether one does feel it.
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Temple Beth Israel Interfaith Sabbath
Southwestern Jewish Press, February 18, 1955, Page 4
Friday evening, February 18, under the auspices of the Sisterhood, Temple Beth Israel will observe the second annual Interfaith Sabbath. Parents of the Religious School children will invite their public school teachers and principals to be their guests at Sabbath Eve worship.
Rabbi Cohn’s sermon subject will be “What Do Jews Believe?” The Religious School Committee members will be hosts at the social hour, which will be followed by a question and answer period of discussion, led by the Rabbi.
Mrs. Irving Hertz and Mrs. Dennis Price assisted by Mrs. Robert Beltscher, Mrs. Mack Esterson and Mrs. Mortimer Rosenbaum, together with other members of the Sisterhood, are preparing a series of ceremonial tables depicting various holidays of the Jewish year.
All Temple members and friends are cordially invited to bring to this worship service on February 18 their non-Jewish neighbors and associates. The service will begin at 8 p.m.
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Yo-Ma-Co Club
Southwestern Jewish Press, February 18, 1955, Page 4
We’re hoping to have a terrific turnout at our next meeting which will be Wednesday, February 23rd. Entertainment chairman Doris Kossy has announced the presence of Cantor Julian Miller, of Temple Beth Israel, whose voice has thrilled San Diegans. Guests are welcome…Come prepared for a most delightful evening with Cantor Miller. Wonderful refreshments are always served.
Another highlight of the meeting should be the recommended report of the JCC Committee, headed by Norman Gelman, Al Solomon, Len Zlotoff and Sid Rose.
If you haven’t made your contribution to our Eleanor Kitaen Memorial Fund, you may do so by phoning Tully Kitaen, AT 1-4140.
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Rummage Sale To Be Held By BayCity
Southwestern Jewish Press, February 18, 1955, Page 4
On March 2nd, Bay City B’nai B’rith will hold its semi-annual rummage sale. Members and friends are asked to call Chairman Ida Addis at AT 2-6274 or Natalie Meyers, President, JU2-0944 for pickup of any rummageable items.
Bay City’s fifth annual dinner dance, to be held at the Mission Valley Country Club on March 27th at 6 p.m. is being chaired by Mrs. Max Felsman. A delicious buffet dinner will be served with dancing and entertainment planned for the entire evening. Earl Fisher’s orchestra will provide the music. The cost will be only $3.50 per person. The entire community is invited to join with Bay City on this festive occasion. For reservations, call Mrs. Felsman at JU 2-0222.
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Campus Doings
Southwestern Jewish Press, February 18, 1955, Page 4
Hillel will conduct Friday night services at Tifereth Israel Synagogue Feb. 25 on the theme of Brotherhood Week. On the program will be a seminar and speech by Dr. Harry Ruja, San Diego State College philosophy professor.
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Recently elected officers of Hillel are: Martin Weiner, president; Reitha Stokes, vice-president; Barbara Sanders, secretary, and Bob Tuchin, treasurer.
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On March 12, Hillel will have a stag or drag Masquerade Purim party at Beth Jacob Center for Hillel members and their guests. Music will be supplied by Earl Fisher’s combo.
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Hillel member, Herb Gross, is now vice-president of the Inter-Faith Council at State College.
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Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity will hold its semi-annual initiation dinner-dance at the Cuyamaca Club Feb. 26. New initiates will be Robert Beck, Bruce Fisher, Sheldon Golden, Robert Myers, Seymour Pomeranz, George Rosenberger and Sigmund Urbach.
ZBTs are now occupants of a fraternity house on 4447 49th St. Living at the house are Don Solomon and Pledge George Rosenberger.
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Prominent Citizen Given Accolade
Southwestern Jewish Press, February 18, 1955, Page 4
Henry Weinberger is honored this month with a profile in the “Circle,” Jewish Welfare Board publication. Long active in USO work, Mr. Weinberger is one of the founders of the United Jewish Fund and the Hebrew Home for the Aged in San Diego.
“Hank,” as he is affectionately known to B’nai B’rith, which he served for many years (he was President of District Grand Lodge No. 4) was President of Temple Beth Israel, for seven years. He is on the board of the National Jewish Hospital in Denver and here is something you didn’t know … “Hank” was at one time in his successful career a professional baseball player. He’s a good man on any team!
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(Heart disease)
Southwestern Jewish Press, February 18, 1955, Page 4
Disease of the heart and circulations, responsible for nearly 800,000 deaths yearly, are the nation’s No. 1 health problem.
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Pioneer Women Hold Annual Purim Ball To Choose “Queen Esther” March 5th
Southwestern Jewish Press, February 18, 1955, Page 4
The Annual Purim Ball of Pioneer Women, Negba Club, is being held on Saturday evening, March 5th at Beth Jacob Center from 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 p.m. Earl Fisher’s Orchestra will provide the music for dancing. Sandwiches, drinks and traditional Purim delicacies will be served all evening. The grand march will present candidates for “Queen Esther” of the Ball, with candidates being sponsored by various Jewish organizations of this city.
Early entries for the contest include Joyce Addleson, sponsored by Tifereth Israel Sisterhood and Susan Hutler, sponsored by New Life Club. Mrs. Jeanette Abrams is chairman, assisted by Florence Conway as Mistress of Ceremonies. Bessie Leopold is Ticket Chairman, and tickets may be obtained from any member. All members and their friends are urged to keep this date open for an enjoyable evening.
A special Oneg Shabbat of Pioneer Women, Negba and Shoshana groups will be held Friday, feb. 18th at Beth Jacob Center in conjunction with the regular Friday night services. Rabbi Joseph Miller will be the speaker. Starting time is 8:15.
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D.D. Williams For City Council, 2nd District
Southwestern Jewish Press, February 18, 1955, Page 4
A business approach to the increasing number of community problems, with disregard for political considerations, is proposed by D.D. Williams, Jr., who has formally announced his candidacy for the City Council from the Second District.
The district he seeks to represent includes Point Loma, Middletown and part of Mission Hills. This is the first bid for public office.
Williams, president of the D.D. Williams Piggly Wiggly Stores, Inc., has been a resident of San Diego 32 years.
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“Do You Believe?”
Southwestern Jewish Press, February 18, 1955, Page 4
Do you believe that the Bible should be taken literally or should be subject to interpretation? How do you feel about being a Jew? Do you wish you knew more about your Jewish heritage/
Twenty-five excited Hadassah women are discussing these topics every month. Come to the next Discussion Tea and let them hear your views. In order to assure your place at these popular Teas, please phone Mrs. John Ruskin, Atwater 1-6802, to make your reservation.
The next Discussion Tea will be held Wednesday, Feb. 23, at 12:30 p.m., at the home of Mrs. Paul Belkin, 4823 Baylor Drive.
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“Rabbit Bros.” Book Given Out by PCRC
Southwestern Jewish Press, February 18, 1955, Page 4
The Jewish Community Relations Council of San Diego, according to Harry Wax, chairman, has just completed purchase and distribution of 12,000 children’s books on the problems and question of prejudice and intolerance, titled “Rabbit Brothers.”
The council first sent samples of the book to all youth serving agencies in San Diego and found that it met with success. 750 copies were purchased and forwarded to the San Diego Boy Scout Council for distribution to their sub packs. Other organizations receiving copies of the book for their library or for distribution were YMCA, Camp Fire Girls, Boys Club of San Diego, the Central Library, Bayside Social Center, Children’s Hospital, Family Service Association.
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{Editor’s Note: Original headline printed with typo. ‘PCRC’ in actuality should be ‘JCRC’}
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(Damaged Vessels)
Southwestern Jewish Press, February 18, 1955, Page 4
More than 1,350 San Diego County children suffer from diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
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(Sight problem)
Southwestern Jewish Press, February 18, 1955, Page 4
It is next to impossible to make a man see the light if he is blind to his own interests.
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“Adventures in San Diego Jewish History” is sponsored by Inland Industries Group LP in memory of long-time San Diego Jewish community leader Marie (Mrs. Gabriel) Berg. Our “Adventures in San Diego Jewish History” series will be a regular feature until we run out of history. To find stories on specific individuals or organizations, type their names in our search box.
Irving Stone
As the Psychologist Sees You
San Diego Jewish World will pause for Rosh Hashanah
SAN DIEGO—Along with most of our readers, the staff and contributors to San Diego Jewish World will pause for Rosh Hashanah on Wednesday evening (U.S. Pacific Coast time), September 8, and will resume their work after sundown Thursday, Sept. 9. (Some of us will observe a second day of the Holy Day as well.)
Co-publishers Donald and Nancy Harrison extend to all their readers, to fellow writers and contributors, and to the Jewish community at large a fervent wish that this new year will bring peace in the Middle East and elsewhere in the world, and that, on a more personal level, the New Year will be for all of us—Jew and Gentile alike–healthy, happy and prosperous.
L’shana tova!
Obama says progress made in first round of Mideast talks
From Left: Mubarak, Netanyahu, Obama, Abbas, Abdullah (White House photo)
WASHINGTON, D.C. (WJC)–Following a first round of direct talks between the Israeli and Palestinian leadership, US President Barack Obama said that parties were making progress on the Middle East peace process. He also said the talks were productive, but gave no specific details.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas ended Thursday’s meeting in Washington with an agreement to talk again on 14 and 15 September, and every two weeks thereafter, fast-tracking a peace push that is one of Obama’s top priorities. Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Jordanian King Abdullah were also in the US capital to take part in the direct talks, the first since Prime Minister Netanyahu took office 18 months ago.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged both sides to overcome the final obstacles to peace, saying their new talks may be a last chance to end the conflict. Clinton told reporters that skepticism and suspicion could not be allowed to derail the talks as has happened so many times in the past.
“It is clear to me that the forces of growth and positive energy are in a conflict with the forces of destruction and negativity. And the United States wants to weigh in on the side of leaders and people who see this as maybe the last chance for a very long time to resolve this.”
Clinton has in the past described the rising risks both sides face, saying “the dynamics of demography, ideology and technology” threaten to produce more extremist groups with better weapons dedicating to a violent solution to the conflict. She said it was important both sides now take concrete steps to improve conditions on the ground, particularly in areas where Palestinians and Israelis come into direct contact. “So the checkpoints, the roadblocks, all of the daily challenges that we know affect the Palestinians, are certainly on the agenda,” Clinton said.
“I think the political negotiations need to be matched with changes on the ground, and confidence-building and interactions between Israelis and Palestinians.” Clinton acknowledged the challenges ahead for both Abbas and Netanyahu, but said both leaders realized the imperative for their peoples to find a solution. “These two men, perhaps for different reasons, may be the two who can actually do this,” she said.
Meanwhile, Israel’s Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said that his Yisrael Beiteinu party would try to block any extension of the moratorium on construction in West Bank settlements. Lieberman said the Israeli government must keep its promise to voters that the ten-month building moratorium, declared last November, would end as scheduled at the end of the month. “A promise is a promise,” Lieberman told ‘Israel Radio’.
“We will not agree to any extension. I promise that if there’s a proposal that we don’t accept it will not pass,” he added. However, in a sign that a compromise was possible Lieberman told the newspaper ‘Yediot Ahronot’ that he would not quit the coalition even if he does not get his way. “We will not leave or bring down the government. We will fight from the inside for what we believe,” he declared. He also voice skepticism regarding the possibility of a peace agreement within the next twelve months.
Meanwhile, President Abbas has made it clear that he would not continue with peace talks if Israeli settlement construction resumes.
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Preceding provided by World Jewish Congress
Germany’s President Wulff inaugurates Mainz synagogue
MAINZ (WJC)–German President Christian Wulff has inaugurated a new synagogue in the city of Mainz, on the very site where Nazis destroyed the previous one more than 70 years ago.
“Exactly 98 years after the opening of the last major synagogue in Mainz, the Jewish community once again will have an architectural and religious center,” Wulff said at the official ceremony. Wulff spoke of “a small miracle.” The ”revival of Jewish life in Germany is continuing” thanks to the new synagogue, he said, calling it a “blessing for our country, a blessing for Germany.”
Cologne architect Manuel Herz designed the US$ 13 million modern structure, which seats some people, and inscribed five Hebrew letters forming the word ‘Kedushah’ (holiness). The previous synagogue was burnt during the ’Kristallnacht’ pogrom in November 1938. Mainz was considered a center for Jewish culture for centuries, and some 2,600 Jews lived there in 1933, when Adolf Hitler rose to power. More than half of them perished in death camps.
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Preceding provided by World Jewish Congress
Lauder lauds Jewish revival in Germany
LEIPZIG, Germany (WJC)–Two Orthodox rabbinical students have been ordained by the Rabbinical Seminary Berlin in the eastern German city of Leipzig. Both men were trained at the seminary, located in the German capital and supported by the foundation of World Jewish Congress.
The seminary is the successor to the institution founded by Rabbi Azriel Hildesheimer in 1873 in Berlin and shut down by the Nazis in 1938. “Judaism is alive and well in Germany,” WJC President Ronald Lauder said during the ceremony. The head of the German Jewish community and vice-president of the WJC, Charlotte Knobloch, praised the contribution of eastern European Jewish immigrants to Jewish life in Germany, which was now there to stay.
Shlomo Afanasev was born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where he studied financial management and accounting. He will be working for the Jewish communities in the state of Brandenburg. Moshe Baumel’s family immigrated to Germany from Lithuania in 1991. He will be rabbi and director of Jewish studies at the Zwi-Peres-Chajes School of the Jewish Community of Vienna, Austria. In addition to pursuing ordination, Baumel has studied art history and antiquities.
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Preceding provided by World Jewish Congress
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