Commentary: Ramon and Abbas comments dampen peace talk prospects

By Ira Sharkansky

Ira Sharkansky

JERUSALEM–Depending on one’s perspective, Haim Ramon is either a naughty boy or wise man of Israeli politics. Currently 60 years old, he has been prominent since he took one of the conventional routes to national affairs via leadership of student politics. He was secretary of the Labor Party youth wing when he was first elected to the Knesset at the age of 33. He has served as the chair of important Knesset Committees, and as a minister in several governments. He was a leading figure in the Labor Party until he joined with several colleagues and individuals from Likud to create Kadima.

His most recent post was Justice Minister in the government of Ehud Olmert, which he resigned in the process of being charged and found guilty of indecent conduct in 2007. His infraction was to impose a French kiss on a female soldier who had come to his office to be photographed with him. A peck on the cheek would have been more acceptable.

His most notable achievement came in the mid-1990s while serving as Secretary General of the Labor Federation. He did what policy analysts had been advocating for years: breaking the linkage between the country’s largest HMO and the Labor Federation, and setting in process a health reform that established other HMO’s, depoliticized the HMO linked to the Labor Federation, and required every citizen to enroll in one of the HMOs whose fees and benefits would be regulated by the Health Ministry. For this, Ramon was pilloried by Labor Party aparachniks who lost their source of funding, but gained wide praise from others.

Ramon resigned from the Knesset in 2009, but has continued as chair of Kadima’s Council. He appears frequently on Israeli media, articulate and forceful as he explains one of his current proposals, typically at odds with the government of the day.

Now he is in the headlines for a lunch meeting with the Palestinian official known as the chief negotiator with Israel. They met in the dining room of the American Colony Hotel, an upscale boutique facility in an Arab neighborhood of Jerusalem that is a favorite of visiting journalists, Palestinians, and Israelis who appreciate the setting and its atmosphere. Another diner, who sat near them, has reported what is claimed to be a word by word.report of their discussion. Both participants deny the details, but the report is credible for those who know Ramon, and his criticisms of Benyamin Netanyahu. Shimon Peres also denies his role in the event, but those who know Peres’ record may consider that element to be credible. 

According to the report, Ramon said he was acting on the Peres’ advice, and urged the Palestinians to reject the prospect of direct negotiations with Netanyahu. Ramon said that the Prime Minister would not give them anything. The implication was that they could get more from Kadima Party leader Tzipi Livni and Ramon, backed up by the urging of the Obama White House and ranking Europeans.

One can quarrel about the substance of Ramon’s comments. I doubt that there are many Israelis who genuinely believe that it will be possible to achieve an agreement with the Palestinians in the near future, or if Netanyahu is prepared to make the kind of effort requiring him to wrestle with his party colleagues, settlers, and a broad swath of Israeli public opinion.

Leaving that aside, however, it appears that Ramon has broken the rule about undercutting a national leader involved in delicate international maneuvers. In Israel as in a number of other countries, the informal rules allow severe criticism of domestic policy moves, but expect a minimum of restraint on major issues of foreign policy. In this case, the details concern not only the most prominent item on the national agenda, but also one that involves the governments of the United States and Western Europe.

If Ramon’s conversation was indiscreet, and may prove costly for him, his Kadima colleagues, and Shimon Peres, the Palestinian leader, Mahoud Abbas has been reported as saying something no less damaging to the prospects desired by Barack Obama and others. Speaking at a Cairo conference of the Arab League, he said that while he would accept NATO troops to keep the peace between a Palestinian State and Israel, he would not accept any Jews among the NATO contingent. He also said that he would not allow any Jews to live in the Palestinian State.

The comments received some coverage on Israeli radio news, but may have been removed from subsequent broadcasts in an effort to preserve at least some semblance of an ongoing process. However, the details are being sent around by Israeli bloggers, which may be enough to keep them alive and to kill any chances of reaching an accord. 
Those who see Abbas as the only hope of extracting something from the Palestinians that will contribute to peace may deny that he was quoted accurately, or attribute the comments to Zionist disinformation. They gain  credence in the light of widespread, and vicious comments about Jews among his constituents.. 

Peace lovers of the world wake up. You have work to do.

 
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Sharkansky is professor emeritus of political science at Hebrew University

Congressman fires communications director over ‘Jewish money’ comment, says such comments have ‘no place in our community’

STATEN ISLAND, NY (Press Release) – Congressman Mike McMahon (Democrat-New York) issued the following statement after his campaign announced that it has fired Campaign Communications Director Jennifer Nelson:

“These comments were entirely inappropriate and there is no place for this kind of behavior. I was outraged by these unfortunate remarks which were unauthorized and are in no way indicative of my beliefs or of my campaign,” said Congressman Michael E. McMahon.

“I am proud to represent an incredibly diverse community and to enjoy an incredibly diverse base of support. Any comments that could serve to divide our community along religious or ethnic lines have no place in our community or my campaign. I sincerely apologize for her comments, and as she has since been terminated from our campaign, there will be no such incidents in the future.”

McMahon’s campaign previously was criticized by representatives of both the Republican Jewish Coalition and the National Jewish Democratic Council. 

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Preceding provided by Congressman Michael McMahon

Former Mossad chief Yatom to speak in San Diego

LA JOLLA, California (SDJW)—Israel’s retired chief of the Mossad, Maj. Gen. Danny Yatom, will be the featured speaker Saturday, Oct. 30, at the “First Annual Gala Dinner” of the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces at La Jolla Hilton Torrey Pines.

The 7 p.m. event also will honor Charles and Randi Wax, Carl and Elizabeth Allen Sr, and Carl and Gigi Allen Jr.

An FIDF flyer for the event notes that Yatom was born in Netanya, served for 33 years in the IDF, including in the 1967 Six Day War and the 1973 Yom Kippur War, and was chief of staff during the “Peace for Galilee Operation,” also known as the 1982 Lebanon War.  Later he served as a military secretary to Israel’s Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, and was appointed head of the Mossad in 1998.

Yatom subsequently served two terms in the Knesset before founding Global Strategic Group, which provides “multidisciplinary security solutions to governments and corporations.”

Those interested in attending the dinner may email San Diego FIDF Executive Director Nir BenZvi  at sandiego@fidf.org

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Preceding based on material provided by Friends of the Israel Defense Forces

Wildfire evacuees may be entitled to additional living expenses from insurance companies

SACRAMENTO (Press Release)–California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner reminded residents who have been evacuated due to the recent wildfires (including the Crown Fire, West Fire and Bull Fire,) that they may be eligible for reimbursement for additional living expenses due to mandatory evacuations. Commissioner Poizner also encouraged all Californians to make sure their insurance policies are updated and to conduct a home inventory today.

“Anyone who has been forced to evacuate their home due to the recent wildfires should check their insurance policies. Many homeowners policies cover additional living expenses that result from mandatory evacuations – including hotel stays and extra food costs. If any evacuees have insurance questions, I encourage them to call the Department of Insurance at 800-927-HELP.”   

Many residential homeowners insurance policies cover what is known as ALE, or additional living expenses. This permits homeowners to maintain their normal standard of living by covering the increased living expenses incurred as a result of damage caused by the fire or a mandatory evacuation. ALE coverage typically includes extra food costs, increased housing costs, furniture rental, relocation and storage costs, telephone installation and extra transportation costs to and from school or work, after the deductible is reached.

A free home inventory guide is available on the Department of Insurance website or by calling the CDI Consumer Hotline at 800-927-HELP.  

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Preceding provided by California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner

Filner, Emerald endorse Lutz for Congress

SAN DIEGO (SDJW)–Two Jewish public officeholders—Congressman Bob Filner and San Diego City Councilwoman Marti Emerald – have endorsed fellow Democrat Ray Lutz, 52, in his effort to unseat incumbent Republican Congressman Duncan D. Hunter.

The endorsements of these and other prominent Democrats were announced in connection with a fundraiser for Lutz in the Gaslamp Quarter.

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Preceding based on materials provided by Ray Lutz

NJDC denounces fellow Democrat for counting foe’s Jewish donors

{Editor’s Note: A subsequent press release from National Jewish Democratic Council retracted this statement below.}

WASHINGTON, DC  (Press Release)– National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC) President and CEO, David A. Harris, on Friday issued the following statement regarding revelations that Representative Michael McMahon’s (D-NY) reelection campaign was “counting” his opponent’s Jewish donors:

“NJDC strongly denounces the actions taken by Representative McMahon’s campaign. It is never acceptable to ‘count Jews’ in this way or to perpetuate age-old stereotypes about the Jewish community.

While McMahon took an important first step by holding his spokesperson accountable for her inflammatory statements, many unanswered questions about the incident remain. We strongly encourage Representative McMahon to work quickly and appropriately to address the deeply irresponsible actions taken by his campaign.”

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Preceding provided by National Jewish Democratic Council

Heirs of Baron Herzog sue Hungary to recover looted art

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WJC)–Heirs of the late Hungarian Jewish banker and art collector Baron Mor Lipot Herzog are suing the Hungarian government for the return of more than 40 paintings seized during World War II and estimated to be worth more than US$ 100 million. The case, filed in Washington DC, follows a failed battle in Hungarian courts.

Family members, who are also suing state-owned museums, say Hungary currently holds about 40 works, including paintings by El Greco. Herzog left the collection to his children when he died in 1934 before it was plundered by the Nazis. “What happened in the Holocaust was reprehensible,” Herzog’s great grandson, David de Csepel, said. “But what Hungary is doing is also egregious, knowing that this art belonged to our family.”

The family’s lawyer, Michael Shuster, told the ‘Los Angeles Times’ the legal action was “one of the largest – if not the largest – restitution claims ever filed in US courts by a single family against another nation”. 

The heirs won a small victory in 2000, when Budapest’s municipal court ruled that ten looted paintings, which were part of the Herzog collection, legally belonged to his grand-daughter Martha Nierenberg. However, in 2008, an appeals court overturned this ruling.

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Preceding provided by World Jewish Congress

Germans charge Samuel Kunz with being a killer at Belzec

BONN (WJC)–Prosecutors in Germany have filed charges against a 90-year-old man for allegedly helping to murder 430,000 Jews during World War II. Samuel Kunz, 90, was charged in a Bonn court last week. He has reportedly admitted to working in the Nazi extermination camp Belzec in occupied Poland.

Kunz, who denies having personally murdered anyone, also is charged in connection with two incidents at Belzec in which ten Jews were killed. He was a witness in the Munich war crimes trial against John Demjanjuk, who is charged as an accomplice in the murders of 27,900 Jews while serving as a guard at the Sobibor death camp in Poland.

“The prosecution decided to file the charges with the chamber because at the beginning of the period the accused was an adolescent,” court spokesman Matthias Nordmeyer told the BBC. Under German law, adult suspects aged between 18 and 21 can be charged as minors or as adults.

Two other men under investigation for possible Nazi-era war crimes died earlier this month before going on trial. Former SS officer Erich Steidtmann, 95, accused of leading Nazi police battalions that committed mass murder of Jews in eastern Europe, died this week in Hanover. Adolf Storms, 90, indicted for killing 57 Jewish men in Austria in March 1945 at the end of World War II, died in his home city of Duisburg. He allegedly forced the men, slave laborers, to hand over their valuables before he shot them.

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Preceding provided by World Jewish Congress

RJC slams congressman for counting opponent’s ‘Jewish money’

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) — Republican Jewish Coalition Executive Director Matthew Brooks on Friday issued a statement in response to Rep. Mike McMahon’s (Democrat-New York) reelection campaign attacking “Jewish money” going to a potential Republican challenger.

“In more than 25 years in politics I have never seen anything more despicable and offensive than this. This raises serious questions about the whole campaign, from the finance and communications teams to Congressman McMahon himself,” said Brooks.

“Congressman McMahon has fired his communications director, but what about the other staff involved? Who asked for that list to be compiled? Who approved that action? Congressman McMahon needs to do more than apologize for ‘inappropriate comments’ – he must be held accountable for actions that his campaign staff took to count Jews supporting his rival,” Brooks said.
 
“It is appalling to see such anti-Jewish stereotypes coming from the campaign of a congressman who describes himself as a mainstream, centrist Democrat,” Brooks added. “I don’t think this is something that should be swept under the rug. Seeing such bigotry from a sitting congressman’s campaign is deeply troubling.”

On Thursday, the reelection campaign of Democratic Rep. Mike McMahon (NY-13) shared with the New York Observer a list of Jewish donors who contributed to Mike Grimm, a potential Republican contender for his seat in November. McMahon’s staff offered a list of over 80 names, labeled “Grimm Jewish Money Q2,” supposedly to show that Grimm’s substantial second-quarter fundraising proceeds came from outside the district.
 
David Freedlander of the New York Observer quotes McMahon campaign spokesman Jennifer Nelson:

“There is a lot of Jewish money, a lot of money from people in Florida and Manhattan, retirees.”

Freedlander also noted: As a point of comparison, the campaign also provided in-district and out-of-district fundraising totals from McMahon and Grimm’s G.O.P primary opponent, Michael Allegretti. However, they did not provide an out-of-district campaign filing from Grimm, but only a file of Jewish donors to him.

Politico.com picked up the story, quoting Grimm’s response:

“This is a United States congressman that’s segregating people out by their religion. I’m outraged. Even an apology isn’t going to make it right,” he added. “This goes to his thought process and his feelings.”
 
Within hours, McMahon fired Nelson and issued an apology for the “inappropriate” and “unfortunate” remarks made by Nelson.

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Precedin provided by Republican Jewish Coalition

Adventures in San Diego Jewish History, October 29, 1954, Part 3

Compiled by San Diego Jewish World staff

Barbara Taylor-Peter Haas Wed In Afternoon Ceremony
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 29, 1954, Page 6

The marriage of Barbara Taylor, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Laycock of Germany, to Peter Haas, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Haas, was solemnized at an afternoon ceremony Sunday, October 24, at Tifereth Israel Synagogue with Rabbi Monroe Levens performing the rites.

The bride’s traditional white gown was ballerina length and featured a jewel-collared jacket.  Her short veil was held by a tiny crown of net flowers and she carried a bouquet of orchids, mums and stephanotis.

Manon Haas sister of the groom, and the bride’s attendant was gowned in aqua featuring a ruffled skirt with matching hat and gloves. Rolf Haas was his brother’s best man and Eddie Davis and Jake Borushek acted as ushers.

A reception for 100 guests was held in La Sala Room of the House of Hospitality immediately following the ceremony.

Out of town guests were the bride’s grandmother, Mrs. Charles Thomas of Victoria, B.C. and Mr. Herbert Rona of Salt Lake City.

The young couple will make teir home at 3928 ½ Mississippi Street.

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Personals
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 29, 1954, Page 6

Miss Amy Slater of Hollywood is the subject of a four-page feature article in the November issue of Living For Young Homemakers magazine.  Miss Slater is the daughter of Betty and Leonard Slater of Hollywood and the granddaughter of Esther and Lou Moorsteen of San Diego.

The article is titled, “The First Four Weeks of the Life of a Baby” …. Miss Slater is seven months old.

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New residents of the increasingly popular College area are Annabelle and Ted Mintz, who have moved into their newly build home at 4930 Gary Street.

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Mr and Mrs. Joe Lamon are flying to New York on Nov. 3 to attend the Hotel Convention there.  But that is just a prelude to a two month’s tour of Europe, for the leave Nov. 12 on the luxury liner, The United States and will visit England, France, Italy and Spain. The Hotel Convention takes on an international flavor with its continuance in Rome, Italy.

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A trifle belated, but nonetheless gala, was the 35^th Anniversary Dinner given to Paul and Frieda Nestor by the Jolly 16.  A long, rose-decked table was set in the lanai of the beautiful home of host and hostess, Nate and Sally Ratner.  The menu was planned to please the honored guests.  After dinner there was time out for reminiscence and good wishes.

Mrs. Henry Bernstein, Mother of Mrs. Ratner, and her brother, Louis Bernstein of San Francisco, were also guests at the dinner.

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If you see someone going by on a cloud, it is Ann Levin, who hasn’t come down to earth after her recent trip to Hawaii with husband Jules. There was plenty of champagne and good company aboard the Lurline Steamship to help celebrate their 20^th Wedding Anniversary. With memories of the view from their room at the Royal Hawaiian, sailing with Lana Turner and a conversation with Madame Pandit, is it any wonder the Levins find it hard to settle down to the old routine.

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Mr. and Mrs. Sigmund Blumenfeld are hoping our weather won’t get “unusual”, at least while their houseguests, Mr. and Mrs. Mathew Eskow, of Miami Beach, are in San Diego.  Mrs. Eskow is a sister of Mrs. Blumenfeld and an old friend of the Abe Sklars.

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Back in town and looking “fit as a fiddle” is Saul Chenkin.  Eve and Saul who usually have experiences such as sinking ships and grounded planes on their trips, came back from this vacation with othing more exciting than a nightmare of Eve’s. Saul had a rude awakening one night when Eve sleepwalking, shook him and told him to put on his life belt, because the “ship was on fire!” Saul who wasn’t sharing the nightmare and knew he was in a hotel room had to gently awaken Eve. Some people just can’t stand a quiet vacation.

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Clara and Mike Zaks with children Robert and Sherry are now in their new home at 5047 Lyon Street.

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Cradle
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 29, 1954, Page 6

Mr. and Mrs. Morris Frankston anounce the birth of their second child, Janet, born Oct. 8, weight 5 lbs, 14 oz.  This event was eagerly awaited by sister Susan, aged 3.

Materan grandpraents are Mr. and Mrs. Marcel Brust and paternal grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Harold Frankston, all of San Diego.

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Mr. and Mr. Theodore Colton of Sunland, Calif., announce the birth of a daughter, Laurie Ann, on Oct. 9, at 9:02 p.m. in the Cedars of Lebanon Hospital in Los Angeles.  Big brother, Michael Alan, at 20 months, is delighted with his new playmate.

Grandparents are Mrs. Beatrice Blumer of San Diego and Mr. Alvin Colton of Los Angeles.  Great grandmother is Mrs. Fannie Schoenkopf.

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Mr. and Mrs. Roberts Downing Hudson, Jr., announce the birth of their first child, a son, Steven Craig, weighting 8 lbs, 2 oz., on Oct. 14 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Grandparents are Mrs. Lee Cole of San Diego, Ben Cole of Miami, Fla, and Mr. and Mrs. Roberts Downing Hudson of Selah, “Wash.  Great grandmother, Mrs. Sam Brachman, resides in San Francisco.

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Classified
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 29, 1954, Page 6

Room For Rent – Private bedroom in fine home near transp.  North Park.  Male only.  Call AT 2-6274, JU 2-094.

Room, with kitchen privileges for 1 or 2.  $35-$45 mo. La Mesa, near buses, HO 9-4673.

Wanted—woman to hare large home.  Private room & bath, separate entrances, kitchen privileges.  Near Kensington bus.  AT 2-8179.

Room – with kitchen privileges for woman.  3930 Meade Ave. Call AT 2-6109.

Home & Furniture Repair.  Small or large.  Call BE 9-1798

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(Hebrew Home)
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 29, 1954, Page 6

Application for admission to the Hebrew Home for the Aged may be made through the Jewish Social Service Agency, 333 Plaza, BE 2-5172.

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The Jewish Center Drive (Editorial)
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 29, 1954, Page 7

This issue of the Jewish Press is devoted to the Jewish Community Center. There are some political overtones on several of the pages but mainly we are concerned with telling San Diego about the Jewish Center.

More than nine years ago some leaders thought they were ready to begin talking about a “Jewish YMCA.”  Now they are past the talking stage and doing something about it. The pictures and story spread on our pages tell in a graphic way some of the “Center Story”—but the real story will be told by the Community Survey which is just being completed.

Out of a total population of more than 6000, less than half are members of Synagogues. The Jewish Community Center will play a large part in eventually bringing these people under Synagogue and Temple influence.

91% of those questioned felt that recreational and leisure time activity should be provided by the Jewish Community and 81% stated that if the Jewish Community center was built on 54^th Street and University Avenue, they and their families would use it. In addition, 89% pledged to support this Center if it were built.

The job of raising the capital funds needed for the erection of the Jewish Community Center has been entrusted to community-minded men who have done a great deal in the past for other organizations and institutions.  They need your help, now!

The goal of $269,000 can be reached only if everyone gives. This is an opportunity to give for yourself, your family, and your children. This is your chance to assure the future of San Diego as a mature community willing and able to take care of its own needs. This is your chance to do something for us, not for someone else. This drive is for us, the Jewish Community in San Diego.

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Jolly 16 Club Set for Ruby Ball
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 29, 1954, Page 7

Arrangements have been completed for the 40^th Anniversary Dinner-Dance of the Jolly 16 to be held on Sunday, November 21 at the El Cortez Hotel.  Mrs. Carl Esenoff, chairman for the occasion will be assisted by Mrs. Theodore Brenner. Decorations Chairman;  Mrs. Milo Berenson, Ticket Chairman, and Mrs. Phil Kantor in charge of tables.

El Cortez’s new ballroom will be ready for this special event. Make sure you reserve a table for yourself and your friends. The hospitality mat will be out for newcomers to San Diego, as well as old friends.

For further information or reservations phone any member of the Club or Mrs. Carl Esenoff, at AT 4-7527.

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City of Hope Aux
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 29, 1954, Page 7

The City of Hope Junior Auxiliary have named the week of November 1-8 as their 3^rd annual Fund and Fun Raising week.  All monies raised will go to help support the new leukemia wing for children at the City of Hope Hospital in Duarte, Calif.  Anyone interested in planning an affair for Fund and Fun Raising is asked to call Mrs. Mort Lieberman, CO 4-0972 for futher information.

Mrs. Seymour Okmin has promised an interesting program for the next meeting to be held on Nov. 9 at 8:15 p.m. at the new meeting place, Tifereth Israel Center. Friends are invited.

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Council Presents Unusual Program
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 29, 1954, Page 7

National Council of Jewish Women will hold its next regular noon luncheon meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 2 at Temple Beth Israel.  

Clark and Marguerita Allen, well-known performers of folk songs of many lands will present a program of songs and dances.  Allen, perhaps better known locally as an artist, will have a group of his paintings on display.,

Honored guests will be Dr. W. W. Stadel, Superintendent of County Hospital.  Mrs. Alva Lowe, Superintendent of Nurses of the Pediatric Ward; and Mrs. Pearl H. Miller, Director of Medical Social Service. Dr. Stadel will speak on the part the Council of Women play in the Pediatrics Ward of County Hospital.

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Knight Ignores U.N. Plea from Ike Graves Charges
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 29, 1954, Page 7

Los Angeles, October 23—Richard Graves, Democratic nominee for Governor, charged today that “The refusal of Governor Goodwin Knight to observe an official request of the president of the United States and declare October 24^th as United Nations Day is a graphic example of the divisive thinking characteristic of my opponent when he is away from his publicity agent.”

“Once again,” said Graves, who has been hospitalized here with a mild case of pneumonia, “my opponent has refused to take a stand on a broad question of public policy in order not to alienate his host of right-wing supporters.  Just as Goodwin Knight has never stood  up to be counted on the question of McCarthyism, now he has failed to state his position regarding approve of the country’s support of the United Nations.

“It appears that the only possible conflict of dates confronting Knight involved a request made by him by a group headed by Marwin K. Hart, hate-peddling associate of Gerald L.K. Smith,” Graves went on, “and my opponent personally made the decision not to program United Nations Day on the basis of pressures from this group.  Apparently,” said Graves, “Knight values the request of Marwin K. Hart a apostle of hatred, as highly as that of the President of the United States.

“Knight’s action was particularly ill-timed,” Graves said, “in view of California’s hope to have the United Nations General Assembly meet in San Francisco on its 10^th anniversary.”

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Masquerade Party To Be Held by Birdie Stodel B’nai B’rith Women At Luncheon
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 29, 1954, Page 7

Birdie Stodel, B.B. Women have a pleasant and entertaining afternoon planned for their next meeting on Monday, Nov. 8, at Beth Jacob Center at 12:00 noon.

Mrs. Milton Fredman, program chairman for this meeting, promises that the Masquerade Party, similar to the “Masquerade Party” on TV, will be very exciting.

The panel of experts are Mrs. Elias Berwin, President of the City of Hope; Mrs. Jack Meyers, President of the Bay City Chapter, B’nai B’rith Women, Mrs. Milton Roberts, President of Hadassah, and Mr. Edward Breitbard, President of the Jewish Community Center.  Mrs. Morton Thaler will act as moderator.

A delightful luncheon is being prepared by luncheon chairman Marie Richards.  In keeping with the theme, waitresses will be in costume. Table decorations are being made by Dorothy Penn, aned Miriam Chadwick is costume designer.

May Dean has been appointed as the Americanism Civic Affairs Chairman and has been to Los Angeles and participated in a workshop.

For those interested in working with the BBG’s please contact BBYO Chairman, Jennie Penn, or their advisor Rose Aved. There is lots of room for more girls in this group, ages 14 to 18.

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Women’s League Aid Local Activities
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 29, 1954, Page 7

The Women’s League is taking an active part in the arrangements for the Eleanor Roosevelt lecture, sponsored by the Jewish Community Center. Sylvia Rose, president, and Thelma Selten are heading this committee. The B’nai B’rith Girls will usher at the evening lecture at the Russ Auditorium on Nov. 11.

Members will also help with the Jewish Welfare Board Conference to be held Nov. 12, 14 & 14.  Any woman who is a member of the Jewish Community Center is eligible to join this active group. Membership chairman Dorris Lipinsky, will be glad to give you any information.  Call her at AT 4-2332.

Ways and Means chairman, Ida Beck, and her committee are hard at work on an affair to be sponsored by the Women’s League, to be given Nov. 18.  Watch for further details in the next issue of this paper.

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“Maisel Day” Slated for Nov. Third For Hebrew Home Group
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 29, 1954, Page 7

The Women’s Auxiliary of the Hebrew Home for the Aged has announced that their second “Maisel Day” will be highlighted by a luncheon on Nov. 3 at the Mission Valley Country Club. MR. Max Maisel, through Frances Moss, president of the Auxiliary, extends an invitation to all to be his guest for lunch in celebration of the start of construction of the new Home for Aged.

Transportation from University and 8^th Aves. Has been arranged for bus passengers. Cars will be stationed there from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and will be plainly marked.

Mrs. Alex Newman, general chairman, has promised an interesting program with exciting door prizes.  Assisting her are Mrs. Paul Cudney, program chairman; Mrs. Morris Fried, membership chairman, and Mrs. Alex Cohen, decorations.

Reservations can be made by calling CO 4-8539, AT 2-6335.

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Stands on Record, Says Senator Kraft
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 29, 1954, Page 7

State Sen. Fred H. Kraft said this week that he stands on his record of performance in seeking re-election.  He gave this summary in a final statement to voters:

“Economy: Opposed to unnecessary additional taxes.  Has worked vigorously to balance budget while serving on Revenue and Taxation Committee so that California will live within its income.

“Water: Actively supporting study of proposed Feather River Project a potential future source of water for San Deigo Couty.

“Highways: Presently serving on interim committee on Highways, Streets and Bridges developing program and to assure San Diego County adequate road construction and improvement.

“Legislation: Author and co-author of important legislation furthering growth of San Diego County and its communities.

“Juvenile Delinquency: Chairman of Senate Public Health and Safety Committee which drafted strict laws covering narcotics and drug smuggling … now used as models throughout nation.”

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Jewish Couples Club Prepare Social
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 29, 1954, Page 7

The Jewish Couples Club will hold their next meeting and social November 20 at Tifereth Israel synagogue. The affair is not closed, and all invited and promised a stimulating evening. Details will be in the next edition of this newspaper.

The Halloween Costume Party Judges voted the Grand Prize to the Abe Sandlers for the most outstanding costume.  The Sandy Alters took the “most original prize, and the Hersch Segals “the simplest”, and the Bob Grossmans the “most humorous.”

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James M. Edmunds Criticizes Opponent
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 29, 1954, Page 7

James M. Edmunds, Democratic nominee for State Senator, criticized the Legislature in Sacrament for its lack of accomplishment.  Pointing to the description of the 1953 Legislature as a “do-nothing session” by Fortnight magazine, Edmonds sated, “we must have a well-planned program to meet our growing needs.  We should elect legislators who have the energy and desire to provide us with good government and a prosperous economy.”

Edmunds’ a World War II Navy veteran and resident of Chula Vista, cited as some of the things he will  for: an expanded industrial base; development of new water sources; more effect, anti-subversive legislation, improved narcotics control, and adequate liquor reforms.

Edmunds pointed out that “we are now seeing concrete evidence of how deep corruption has gone in the liquor license scandals.  My opponent has a record of being absent or voting against the proposed liquor reform measures.

“One of the big jobs facing the new session will be passage of sound liquor legislation. We must put an end to laws that invite bribery and corruption.

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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.