Ron Roberts provides funds for computers at College Avenue Older Adult Center

SAN DIEGO (Press Release) — In this digital age, many seniors find computer use to be an important source of medical information, financial information, entertainment, and connection/interaction with loved ones. 

“While many older adults are comfortable using computers, others are not, often finding computer technology to be intimidating,” said Sherry Fusco, Director of Older Adult Services – College Avenue for Jewish Family Service.  

“Even when older adults have computer know-how, they may not have easy access to a computer.” 

 Now, thanks to a $10,000 grant from Supervisor Ron Robert’s Fourth District Neighborhood Reinvestment Fund, Jewish Family Service has additional funding for computers and a DSL line, as well as furniture which will be used to create the new College Avenue Cyber Café at the College Avenue Older Adult Center (4855 College Avenue).

Launching September 1, the Cyber Café will offer classes in Brain Fitness, a Judaic websites, searching the Internet, Skyping, and more. A Grand Opening celebration is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, September 1st from 10am-3pm.

Fusco emphasized that it’s important for seniors to have regular mental exercises that strengthen reasoning, memory, language, visual skills, and spatial skills, preventing or slowing the deterioration in memory, focus, and thinking that often accompany aging. 

After researching various ways of providing such exercises, Jewish Family Service has purchased a license to utilize Brain Fitness software by Posit Science, which studies have shown to be effective in improving cognitive function in older adults. 

Each month, over 400 seniors utilize the College Avenue Older Adult Center, well over 110 on any given day.  The center offers a broad array of programming, including providing a daily nutritious lunch.  Given its location, the center serves a lower-income clientele than the other senior centers.

Currently, said Fusco, the Center has a small computer lab consisting of four computers.  “Thanks to the allocation from Ron Roberts and the Board of Supervisors,” she said “we will soon have the resources to provide group classes in addition to the individual classes we now offer.”

The increased capacity of the Jewish Family Service computer labs will facilitate use of the Brain Fitness program, an innovative cognitive fitness program currently being implemented at leading retirement communities across the country.  Jewish Family Service is one of the first agencies to implement this type of training program.

Fusco noted that the Posit Science Brain Fitness Program™ challenges the commonly held belief that the brain can’t retrain itself. Scientists have spent 30 years showing it is possible to “teach an old brain new tricks.” While this training program has been clinically validated, the most fascinating results are found in the stories of those who use the program. There are a number of older adults who have benefited from their mental workouts.

The initial program focuses on auditory processing and memory. After just 40 hours, participants, on average, have experienced 10+ years of improvement in standardized measures of auditory memory and cognition.

“Everyone wants to stay sharp, vital, independent and in control,” she said. “Now, participants at College Avenue and are other two Older Adult Centers have this opportunity.”

For more information about College Avenue Older Adult Center or the Grand Opening, call (619) 583-3300 or visit .

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Preceding provided by Jewish Family Service of San Diego

Poizner announces rate reduction for Farmers Insurance policy-holders

Steve Poizner announces rate reduction

LOS ANGELES (Press Release)–California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner announced on Tuesday that hundreds of thousands of Farmers Insurance customers are eligible to receive an average rate reduction of 14.5 percent and a one time 10 percent insurance premium rebate, worth a combined total of up to $100 million.

“Farmers Insurance’s $100 million rate reduction is great news for consumers who we know are feeling the brunt of the state’s faltering economy,” said Commissioner Poizner at a press conference overlooking a Los Angeles freeway. “Californians deserve to have as many insurance companies competing for their insurance business as possible. I’m glad Farmers Insurance is a part of this trend.”

Customers of Farmers Insurance are insured through one of their two major auto insurance subsidiaries, Farmers Insurance Exchange and Mid-Century Insurance Co. Tuesday’s rate cut announcement applies to those under the Farmers Insurance Exchange banner. Farmers Insurance customers insured by the subsidiary, Mid-Century Insurance Co., are already receiving the new lower rate.                                                                                                                             

Those currently insured by Farmers Insurance Exchange and renew their policies between July 15, 2010 and Jan. 15, 2011 will receive a one-time 10 percent rebate on their premiums. That rebate is estimated to be worth approximately $50 per insured car or $32 million. In addition, those same customers will also receive an ongoing rate cut of approximately 15 percent worth an estimated $72 million.

Below is a summary of the rate decrease by media market:

Media Market	Percent Rate Reduction
Los Angeles	15.8%
San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose	16.1%
San Diego	14.9%
Sacramento	15.1%
Fresno, Visalia	9.8%
Palm Springs	16.4%
Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo	7.3%
Bakersfield	6.1%

Overall, Farmers Insurance insures about 2 million cars in California. Its Farmers Insurance Exchange subsidiary insures approximately 640,000 vehicles statewide.

 Since Commissioner Poizner took office, he has worked to ensure an efficient and competitive auto insurance market and auto insurance rates have decreased by more than $1.3 billion.

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Preceding provided by State Insurance Commissioner Poizner

Commentary: U.S. continues to arm Israel’s enemies in Lebanon, Palestinian Authority

By Shoshana Bryen

Shoshana Bryen

WASHINGTON, D.C. — 1) The PLO flag is flying in Washington.  The administration downplayed the change – it is a “delegation” office not an Embassy.  The change implies “no enhancement in diplomatic status,” and does not provide “any diplomatic privileges or immunities,” said State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley.  It is about the same as the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) that represents 27 million democratic Taiwanese.  That is, by its nature, an enhancement for a terrorist organization.
 
White House spokesman Thomas Vietor added, “This decision reflects our confidence that through direct negotiations, we can help achieve a two-state solution with an independent and viable Palestine living side by side with Israel. We should begin preparing for that outcome now, as we continue to work with the Palestinian people on behalf of a better future.”
 
The best way to give the Palestinians a better future would be to liberate 1.2 million of them from Hamas in Gaza.  Hamas is NOT a member of the PLO – the flag of which is flying in Washington – and it ousted Fatah from Gaza in a bloody and ongoing civil war.  This appears to be why we are building Fatah an army. The State Department is busy executing its two-state vision while the Palestinians are busy executing one another. 
 
2) Assistant Secretary of Defense Alexander Vershbow was in Lebanon to meet government officials and UNIFIL representatives and discuss the next installment of American military aid to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).  A U.S. embassy statement reported by the Lebanese news agency quoted Mr. Vershbow as saying Congress has approved 100 million dollars in aid for 2010, including aircraft, tanks, light arms and training to help the LAF “combat cross-border smuggling” and “prevent militias and other non-government organizations from resorting to violence to undermine the authority of the Lebanese government.” 
 
Mr. Vershbow was late.  Last week, Lebanese Prime Minister Sa’ad Hariri made his third pilgrimage to Syria where Syrian and Lebanese ministers signed a total of 17 accords covering justice, tourism, education and agriculture. And cross-border smuggling.
 
Mr. Vershbow was late.  The indispensable MEMRI, translating from Lebanese media, reports that on 13 July, Hezbollah and its allies in Parliament rejected a France-Lebanon agreement for cooperation in internal, civil and administrative security – even though the agreement had already been effectively approved by both the government and the Lebanese President… Hezbollah MPs rejected the agreement’s first clause, which calls for French-Lebanese cooperation in “the fight against terrorism,” because, they said, France’s definition of the term “terrorism” was vastly different from the Lebanese and the Arab definition.
 
But France was late, too.  French soldiers in UNIFIL have born a disproportionate share of Hezbollah’s ire recently. Hezbollah has been restricting UNIFIL patrols and even attacking UNIFIL soldiers in the south as it moves weapons into the 160 or so villages of southern Lebanon in violation of UNSCR 1701.  Since France voted in the UN for increased sanctions on Iran, French soldiers have come under particular attack.

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Bryen is senior director of security policy of the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs.  Her column is sponsored by Waxie Sanitary Supply in memory of Morris Wax, longtime JINSA supporter and national board member.

Torah scribe required to refrain from speculation on scrolls’ origins

ROCKVILLE, Maryland  (WJC) — The nonprofit group Save a Torah has agreed it will only give provenances of its Torah scrolls “if there is documentation or an independent verifiable witness to such history,” according to an agreement with state officials.

Save a Torah restores Torah scrolls, but waded into controversy after restoring a scroll donated to Central Synagogue in Manhattan in 2008. At the time, Menachem Youlus, a rabbi at the center of Save a Torah’s work, said that Torah had been saved by a Polish priest during World War II after Jewish prisoners entrusted it to him.

Questions surfaced after the ‘New York Times’ published an article about that Torah in April 2008. New York Jewish activist Menachem Rosensaft, who is also an adjunct professor at Cornell Law School and teaches a course on World War II war crimes trials, took issue with Youlus’s description of the scroll as “Auschwitz Torah” and sent a complaint about Save a Torah to Maryland’s attorney-general.

“There is no record of anyone even remotely fitting the description of the priest” Rabbi Youlus said had saved it, Rosensaft said in the letter. He also took issue with a Torah that Youlus said had been at Bergen-Belsen, the concentration camp where Anne Frank died in 1945. Rosensaft said that Rabbi Youlus’s description of finding a Torah beneath a wooden floor in a barracks was not possible.

Under the agreement with Maryland officials, Save a Torah promised it would not provide an account of where a restored Torah had been found unless it could also provide documentation or an independent witness. Under an agreement with the secretary of state of Maryland and its attorney-general, Save a Torah has now agreed to “take all reasonable steps necessary to ensure that its board members, employees, independent contractors and other agents will only describe where a Torah was found or provide an account of its rescue if there is documentation or an independent verifiable witness to such history.

“In the absence of such verifiable proof, there will be no discussion of the circumstances under which the Torah was rescued so that those who dedicate or receive rescued Torahs can do so with total confidence.”
 
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Preceding provided by World Jewish Congress

British PM in Turkey calls Gaza a ‘prison camp’

ANKARA (WJC)–Britain’s Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron  has indirectly attacked Israel by saying that Gaza was currently like a “prison camp.”

During a visit to Turkey, he also harshly criticized Israel’s raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla in which nine Turkish activists were killed at the end of May. Addressing reporters in Ankara, he said: “The Israeli attack on the Gaza flotilla was completely unacceptable.” In a reference to the blockade of the Gaza Strip, he said: “‘The situation in Gaza has to change. Humanitarian goods and people must flow in both directions. Gaza cannot and must not be allowed to remain a prison camp.”

However, Cameron also urged Turkey not to allow the incident to wreck its relationship with Israel. On the flotilla raid, the UK prime minister – who heads a coalition government with the center-left Liberal Democrats – declared: ‘I have told Prime Minister Netanyahu we will expect the Israeli inquiry to be swift, transparent and rigorous.”

Cameron expressed hope that direct talks between Israel and the Palestinians would take place within the coming weeks and urged Turkey to press the parties to come together by ”making the case for peace”. He said: ”Turkey’s relationships in the region, both with Israel and with the Arab world, are of incalculable value. No other country has the same potential to build understanding between Israel and the Arab world. I know that Gaza has led to real strains in Turkey’s relationship with Israel. ‘But Turkey is a friend of Israel.”

The British leader also expressed strong support for Turkey’s membership in the European Union, which remains controversial.

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Preceding provided by World Jewish Congress

ADL finds U.S. averages more than 3 anti-Semitic acts per day

NEW YORK (Press Release)–The number of anti-Semitic incidents in the United States remained at a “sustained and troubling” level in 2009, according to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), which compiles annually a statistical audit of anti-Semitic assaults, vandalism and harassment.

The 2009 ADL Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents, released on Tuesday, July 27, counted a total of 1,211 incidents of vandalism, harassment and physical assaults against Jewish individuals, property, and community institutions across the U.S.

Using a newly revised methodology for reporting and tracking incidents, the ADL Audit identified 29 physical assaults on Jewish individuals, 760 incidents of anti-Semitic harassment and threats, and 422 cases of anti-Semitic vandalism during the 2009 calendar year.

“America is not immune to anti-Semitism, and 2009 was no different in this regard than in any other year,” said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. “It is a sobering reality that as Jews have become more accepted in society, there remains a consistent hatred of Jews among too many. The fact that Jews continue to be singled out for acts of hate on an average of three times per day in this country is a disturbing reality that we have to confront.”

“The Audit is one snapshot of anti-Semitism in America,” added Robert G. Sugarman, ADL National Chair. “While it is by no means a complete picture of the problem, it presents us with important statistical data to help us identify and to quantify the wheres, whys and hows of anti-Semitism in society.”

The 2009 calendar year was marked by several violent anti-Semitic incidents and dangerous threats to Jewish institutions, as well as numerous incidents of harassment affecting Jewish communities large and small. Major incidents included the shooting attack on the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. by an avowed Holocaust denier, a thwarted plot by four Muslim converts to bomb synagogues in Riverdale, New York, and repeated in-your-face picketing of institutions and community centers by members of an avowedly anti-Semitic, Kansas-based church.

It was also a year in which the Internet played an increasingly dominant role in the dissemination of anti-Semitic messages and content through social networking and content-sharing Web sites.  (While ADL monitors and exposes online anti-Semitism, it does not include statistics on anti-Semitism in cyberspace as part of the Audit).

The 2009 ADL Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents comprises data from 46 states and the District of Columbia, including official crime statistics as well as information provided to ADL’s regional offices by victims, law enforcement officers and community leaders and members. The Audit encompasses criminal acts, such as vandalism, violence and threats of violence, as well as non-criminal incidents of harassment and intimidation.

New Reporting Standards
 
For the first time in the more than three decades ADL has tracked and reported on anti-Semitic incidents, the 2009 Audit was significantly revamped to improve reporting methods and update some evaluation criteria. At the same time, a new technology platform was developed that enabled the League’s 30 regional offices to record and track incidents with even greater speed and accuracy.

As a result, the 2009 total of 1,211 incidents does not include incidents that would have been categorized as anti-Semitic under the previous Audit system. In 2008 – prior to the adoption of enhanced reporting methods – the League recorded a total of 1,352 incidents. The decline of 10 percent between the 2008 and 2009 figures is not inclusive of incidents that would have been counted under the previous methodology.

“In an effort to make the Audit as accurate as possible in measuring anti-Semitic incidents in America, we have decided to take a more conservative approach to counting certain types of incidents, including graffiti and swastikas,” said Mr. Foxman. “We know that the swastika has, for some, lost its meaning as the primary symbol of Nazism and instead become a more generalized symbol of hate. So we are being more careful to include graffiti incidents that specifically target Jews or Jewish institutions as we continue the process of re-evaluating and redefining how we measure anti-Jewish incidents.”

For reporting purposes, the ADL Audit divides anti-Semitic incidents into three categories: Anti-Semitic Assaults, involving violence against Jewish individuals or those thought to be Jewish; Vandalism, such as property damage, cemetery desecration or anti-Semitic graffiti; and Harassment, including threats, slurs and activity by anti-Semitic hate groups:
 
Assaults: A total of 29 assaults were reported in 2009. The incidents included under assaults included a “kick a Jew day” at a Florida middle school, a brick thrown at an identifiably Jewish man, an individual physically assaulted by a racist skinhead, and numerous bomb threats against Jewish institutions.

Vandalism: There were 422 cases of vandalism reported in 2009, including rocks thrown at synagogue windows, anti-Semitic graffiti and attacks on Jewish cemeteries.

Harassment: With 760 harassments reported in 2009, including anti-Jewish taunts and threats, this category accounted for more than 62 percent of all incidents reported. 
 
Continuing a longtime trend, the states with the highest totals were those with large Jewish populations. The top four states were California, with 275 incidents, or 23 percent of the total; New York with 209 incidents, or 17 percent of the total; New Jersey with 132 incidents, or 10 percent of the total; and Florida with 90 incidents, or 7 percent of the total. (State-by-State Totals).

Behind the 2009 Audit’s statistics, several important trends were identified:
 
Extremist Plots to Kill Jews
       
The Jewish community in the United States was the target of serious threats to life and security, as several extremists motivated by anti-Semitic ideology attempted to carry out murderous attacks against Jewish institutions. The most prominent incident was the June 2009 shooting at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, in which a white supremacist and anti-Semite killed an African-American security guard before being critically wounded himself. The 88-year-old shooter, James Von Brunn, who subsequently died of his wounds, was a longtime white supremacist and anti-Semite who had published an anti-Semitic book and created an anti-Jewish Web site.

Other terror plots included:

— In May 2009 in New York, four Muslim converts were arrested for an alleged plot to attack two synagogues in the Riverdale section of the Bronx and to shoot down planes at a military base. The men allegedly began surveillance of several synagogues and a Jewish community center in April 2009. According to a federal prosecutor, the four men were “eager to bring death to Jews.”

— In January 2009 in Brockton, Massachusetts, police arrested a white supremacist after he allegedly killed two people and raped a third. The arrest put a stop to what authorities say was a pre-planned racially motivated killing spree directed at Jews and non-whites that would have continued later in the evening.

Actions by the Westboro Baptist Church
 
Many Jewish institutions across America were targeted by (or were threatened by) protestors from the virulently anti-Semitic Westboro Baptist Church (WBC), a small Topeka, Kansas-based hate group. At these protests, church members held signs stating that “The Jews killed Jesus,” that “God Hates Jews,” and “God Hates Israel.” WBC also sent volumes (in some cases dozens over the course of a week) of faxes and e-mails with anti-Semitic and anti-gay messages to numerous Jewish institutions and individuals. The group protested at scores of Jewish institutions, including synagogues, Jewish community centers and Israeli consulates, and its airing of age-old anti-Semitic charges like deicide provoked anxiety, anger and outrage in many communities.

Anti-Semitism Goes Viral
           
While the League has monitored hate on the Internet for many years, 2009 was marked by a severe intensification of anti-Semitic expression in cyberspace.  There was a significant increase in the amount of anti-Semitism found on online social networking sites, such as Facebook and MySpace, and user-generated content sites, like YouTube.

Anti-Semitism flourished on a variety of social networking sites. Facebook, in particular, has become a widely used platform for users seeking to link their anti-Semitic views to discussions of Israel. Numerous Facebook groups were created in early 2009 in support of the Palestinians, and many of these groups also contained vile anti-Semitism.  One Facebook group called “I Hate Israel,” which boasted more than 1,000 members in 2009, contained dozens of anti-Semitic posts.

Anti-Semitic comments also flourished on mainstream media Web sites in connection to stories on the Middle East, or stories dealing with the arrest of Jewish businessman Bernard Madoff and the revelation of his multibillion dollar Ponzi scheme. In the case of Madoff, most of the anti-Semitic comments tended to focus on alleged Jewish greed and thievery, as well as conspiracy theories linking financial losses to Israel.  
 
Anti-Semitic Expressions at anti-Israel Protests 

In 2009 anti-Israel protests were a major source of anti-Semitic agitation in the U.S. These mainly included anti-Semitic expressions at anti-Israel rallies held in response to Israel’s actions in Gaza in January 2009. At these rallies Holocaust imagery and analogies proliferated and various speakers and placards accused Jews of controlling the U.S. government, among other anti-Jewish accusations and canards.

The following are selected incidents of assaults, vandalism and harassment reported to ADL in 2009:
 
Assaults: Selected Incidents in 2009
 
February 21, 2009: Lincoln, Nebraska – Jewish girl was shot with air-soft gun. Assailants yelled, “Jew girl, we are going to do what the Germans did.”
 
March 6, 2009: Newton, Massachusetts – Man was hit in the face with a thrown egg while someone yelled, “Kike.”
 
April 20, 2009: Buena Park, California – Jewish student beat up after confronting classmate drawing swastikas.
 
June 26, 2009: Pendleton, Oregon – Jewish individual assaulted by skinhead.
 
August 25, 2009: Brooklyn, New York – An 11-year-old Jewish girl was assaulted and taunted with anti-Semitic comments by a gang of African-American teens in a public playground.
 
September 20, 2009: Brooklyn, New York – Jewish man wearing a kippah was assaulted with a brick by two unknown persons.
 
November 1, 2009: Boca Raton, Florida – A Holocaust survivor assaulted and subjected to anti-Semitic slurs.
 
November 18, 2009: Naples, Florida – Numerous incidents took place during a “Kick a Jew Day” at middle school. 
 
 
Vandalism: Selected Incidents in 2009
 
January 1, 2009: Knoxville, Tennessee – Vandals threw rocks at two synagogues, breaking several stained-glass windows.
 
February 15, 2009: San Francisco, California – “F— the Jews and “F— Anne Frank” was drawn on benches at middle school.
 
April 6, 2009: University of Florida, Florida – A large swastika was painted on house belonging to Alpha Epsilon Pi, a Jewish fraternity.
 
April 8, 2009: Cape Coral, Florida – “Hitler was here,” “White Power” and several swastikas were drawn on approximately a dozen homes and a police cruiser.
 
April 10, 2009: Damascus, Maryland – Thirteen swastikas and KKK graffiti were found in synagogue parking lot on second day of Passover.
 
April 22, 2009: Union City, New Jersey – Vandals broke into a Jewish education center, laid two pieces of wood on a desk in the shape of a cross, and set it on fire.
 
May 12, 2009: Chandler, Arizona – A sign announcing the construction of a Jewish religious institution was defaced with a large swastika and white supremacist graffiti.
 
July 17, 2009: Queens, New York – Several mausoleums were damaged and approximately 55 headstones overturned in Jewish cemetery. 
 
Anti-Semitic Harassment: Selected Incidents in 2009
 
February 5, 2009: Tidewater, Virginia – Students held “Kick a Jew Day.”
 
March 2, 2009: Monroe Township, New Jersey – Harassing phone calls were received by several people in connection with a Holocaust memorial program. Messages included, “I am a Christian and I hate the f—ing dirty Jews.”
 
April 1, 2009: Manhattan, New York – Three Jewish professors at Columbia University’s Teachers College received envelopes containing swastikas in their mailboxes.
 
May 11, 2009: Madison, Connecticut – A student was taunted by a classmate with taunts such as “I hate all Hebrews,” “I have some German relatives who would love to kill you,” and “Jews are easy targets.”
 
June 1, 2009: Munster, Indiana – A Jewish student was passed a note on which a classmate had drawn a photo of Hitler pointing a gun at a Jew holding a dollar bill. An anti-Semitic caption was included.
 
June 27, 2009: Fair Lawn, New Jersey – As families were exiting synagogue, a passing car slowed down and a passenger yelled, “Six million more! Six million more!”
 
November 12, 2009: Wallingford, Connecticut – An actor taking part in a Hansel and Gretel scene told onlookers, “If there are any Jews here, you have to go into the ovens first.” 
 
 
About the ADL Audit
 
The Audit identifies both criminal and non-criminal acts of harassment and intimidation, including distribution of hate propaganda, threats and slurs.  Compiled using official crime statistics, as well as information provided by victims, law enforcement officers and community leaders and evaluated by ADL’s professional staff, the Audit provides an annual snapshot of a nationwide problem while identifying possible trends or changes in the types of activity reported.

 This information assists ADL in developing and enhancing its programs to counter and prevent the spread of anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry.
 
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Editors Note: More information on the 2009 Audit, including state-by-state numbers and a slide show of photos, is available.  

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Preceding provided by the Anti-Defamation League

Will WikiLeaks’ disclosures lead to international probes of Afghan War?

Ira Sharkansky

By Ira Sharkansky

JERUSALEM–“Document Leak May Hurt Efforts to Build War Support”

Each of us may have a different view of that headline in the New York Times, which derives from the paper’s activities, along with the Guardian, Der Spiegel, and WikiLeaks, to bring purloined documents to the public’s attention. Some will condemn the paper as working against the national interest or worse, and say that this is the latest chapter in a disingenuous effort against the war in Afghanistan.  Others will praise the paper for revealing to the public what should be known about a war destined for failure from the beginning. 

Those with a memory will say it all looks pretty much like the controversy surrounding the New York Time’s publication of Daniel Ellsberg’s Pentagon Papers in 1971. That was a highlight in a campaign against a war that began with public support and ended in a mood of political embarrassment, and defeat for the party in power.

Ellsberg faced serious charges under the Espionage Act that could have put him in prison for the rest of his life, but a federal judge dismissed the case in the light of illegal activities directed against Ellsberg by the Nixon administration. Since then his story, and Vietnam, have been joined with Watergate in a grand condemnation of the Johnson and Nixon administrations. 

Now we will see if responsible people in the Obama administration remember the treatment of Ellsberg, and/or the story of Vietnam, and manage to avoid charges of how they defend a war that is, at the least, problematic.

We can quarrel about the public’s right to know the details of military actions, including errors in targeting, civilian casualties, convoluted relations with other governments, the deceptions that occur along the chain of command, and the disregard for human life that may reach the level of sadism. Control of such material is harder than in the 1970s, and perhaps impossible given the advent of the internet without a fixed base of entry, along with camera-equipped cell phones, tiny recording devices and other gadgets affordable and readily available to military personnel, journalists, and others. Censorship has become voluntary, and perhaps impossible to maintain in military operations that include tens or hundreds of thousands of participants. Some of those involved will be intense in their commitment to achieving military goals and impatient at any civilian control, while others will feel strongly about their own conceptions of decency. Individual attitudes change in the course of operations, and may move in the direction of disregard for civilian casualties or accurate reporting, or in the counter direction of disgust with any officially directed or condoned violence.

So far WikiLeaks does not have a Hebrew language version. Israel and the IDF may be spared, at least temporarily, anything equivalent to what is currently disturbing the Pentagon and White House. 

My own question is whether the current revelations will produce something like the torrent of investigations by the several organs of the United Nations and other do gooders to match Goldstone on Gaza, and the numerous commissions intent on revealing truth about Israel’s attack on peace loving Turks. 

A rhetorical question if I ever imagined one. We all know there is one rule for Israel, and another for countries with more supporters in international organizations.

International concern may push Israel to look more closely at its own behavior. The IDF has tried and punished soldiers and officers for unnecessary civilian casualties, and for distorting reports about military operations. Much of this has come as a result of established internal procedures or in response to revelations by Israeli media. Israel has no lack of Hebrew language web sites that reveal stories the establishment would prefer to keep quiet. What they lack, however, is a prominent central address having international exposure equivalent to WikiLeaks.

It is hard to say if commissions responsible to international organs or self-appointed outsiders claiming a concern for human rights have produced more assiduous inquiries by Israel, or a greater sense of isolation and persecution. My own perception is that a “damn the world” mentality has not become chronic with anything more than a fringe of Israeli society. On the other hand, skepticism and cynicism toward those claiming a right to criticize Israel are justified when it is only Israel that receives such treatment.

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Sharkansky is professor emeritus of political science at Hebrew University

Adventures in San Diego Jewish History, October 15, 1954, Part 3

Compiled by San Diego Jewish World staff

Double Talk
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 15, 1954, Page 6

By Janet & Susan Solof

Elaine Shapery really shot the works with swimming, dinner and dancing at the Kona Kai celebrating her 16^th birthday.  Among those shooting the guns of fun were Larry Prager, Ed Rosenthal, Martin Weiner, Sonya Weitzman, Kay Prager, Nancy Goodman, Roger Brenes, Larry Zlotoff, Harry Ratner, Linda Douglas, Bob Bloomer, Don Chadwick, Barbara Kahn, Robin McStroud, Moe Barancik, Bob Glassman, Bob Meyers, Roslyn Steffel, Roberta Wyloge and Ethel Gardner.

Barbara Silverman’s home was really “jumping” the night she gave a swimming, dinner, dancing party.  All of Barbara’s friends had a “cool” time.

Stan Breitbard ‘n Jan Klaskin, Barbara Silverman ‘n Buddy Kader, Diane Fogelman ‘n Alan Friedman, Susan Solof ‘n Gary Cantor, Linda Zuckerman ‘n Phil Kaplan really made a night of it as they celebrated their various birthdays.  First they met at Susan’s for “coketails” and then to a dance. Really fun.

Scoop:  Congrats to Stan Breitbard who won a tennis trophy at the Town and Country Club.

Danny Schaefer (sic, Schaffer) says “hello” to all the kids.  Danny’s having a wonderful time at Harvard Univerity. 

Who was it we saw changing a tire on that lonely road?  It looked like Sonny and Alan.

Bye now – CY 5-0679.

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Deceased
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 15, 1954, Page 6

Terry Rittoff, a former resident here for 43 years, died on Oct. 2^nd in Beverly Hills, L.A.  Burial was in the Home of Peace Cemetery, Rabbi Monroe Levens officiating.

Survivors include three sons, Dr. J.A. and Jack Rittoff of San Diego, Leo, of Tucson, Arizona, and two daughters, MRs. Eta Greenfield and Mrs. Jessie Ponitz, of Los Angeles.

During her residency here Mrs. Rittoff was a member of Tifereth Israel Synagogue. She was also a Charter Member of the Jolly 16 Club.

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Democrat States Position on Liquor
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 15, 1954, Page 6

James M. Edmunds, Democratic Candidate for the State Senate, today pledged that he would further laws for liquor reform to make it impossible for violators to go unpunished.

“Laws that leave room for bribery and corruption taint the entire government,” Edmunds said.  He also expressed support for a school program to end double sessions, development of beach and Park facilities and a highway program in S.D. County that will meet our transportation needs.

The young attorney lives with his wife and son in Chula Vista.

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Lasker Lodge News
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 15, 1954, Page 6

October 25^th will be our annual membership meeting. This will be one of the most outstanding of the year … one you must not miss.  We have Marty Drake, prominent movie, TV and radijo star to entertain us in a hilarious one-hour show.  Marty is real top-notch entertainment, having appeared for 28 weeks in “Bagels and Lox” and on several of Al Jolson’s shows.

Past District Grand President Dave (Pasadena) Goldman, will be the guest of honor and Maurice Hamberger, district secretary, will be on hand to give one of his usual inspiring messages. The meeting is designed to attract prospective new members for the lodge, so be certain you bring a guest.

Better start making plans to attend our annual fund-raising affair “San Diego Lasker’s “Boom Nite” to be held at the Veterans War Memorial Building in Balboa Park on Saturday, November 13,  There will be exciting games and many other attractive enticements to make your evening a most enjoyable one.

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(The Run Down)
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 15, 1954, Page 6

A right to run down the rest of the world does not go with the purchase of a driver’s license.

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Jewish Community Center News
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 15, 1954, Page 6

The fall schedule of center activities has recently been announced and provisions for all age groups and leisure time activities have been arranged. Those desiring further information can call the center office at AT 1-7744, or see Mr. Posin, center director, at 3277 El Cajon Boulevard.

Mr. Maxwell Kaufman, chairman of the center Personnel committee, announced that the following persons will assist in the pgoram; Arts and Crafts, Miss Ethel Mallinger; Ceramics, Mrs. Cornelio Elias and Fred Kaufman; Painting, MRs. A.I. Dickman; Dance, Mrs. E. Berger, Mrs. J. Timen, Mr. John Tucker and Miss Ethel Mallinger; Drama Mrs. A.H. Bursten; Co—operative Nursery School, Mrs. T. Raun; Bridge, Mrs. Hazel M. Brunn; Group Leaders, Dave Bannister, Barbara Sanders, Reitha Stokes and Tom Waters.

Mr. Posin invites the participation of interested individuals who desire to volunteer their time and talent to enrich the program and to assist people in achieving a happy and healthy group experience.

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J.C.C. Prexy Offers Thanks to Volunteers
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 15, 1954, Page 6

Mr. Edward A. Breitbard, President of the Jewish Community Center wishes to express his thanks and appreciation to the large number of individuals who volunteered their time to participate in the Jewish Community Center self-study.  The results pof their interest and efforts will enable the center to provide the San Diego community with the best planned recreational facility serving the largest number of participants in their social, cultural, and leisure-time activities.

Additional thanks to the following volunteers whose clerical help provided the work books for the 20 study committees: Mrs. Jack Fine, Mrs. Hyman Kitaen, Mrs. Al Pechman, Mrs. Sidney Weiss, and Mrs. Ruth Yates.

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(Hebrew Home)
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 15, 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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Candidates To Speak At Temple Dinner
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 15, 1954, Page 6

The Temple Beth Israel Men’s Club will have its annual Political Dinner October 26 at 6:30 in the Temple Center.

Democratic and republican candidates will speak giving their party’s views on the issues of the day. Among the well known speakers will be: Dr. Ross T. McIntire, James M. Edmunds, Fred Kraft and Bob Wilson.

Members will have an opportunity to question the speakers after the talks.

For further information and reservations contact the Program Chairman Don Pogrell at AC-3-7529.

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Will Speak for Bonds
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 15, 1954, Page 6

The Jan Peerce dinner will mark the occasion of the organization of the San Diego Chapter of Guardians of Israel. Those who purchase Bonds in the amount of at least $1,000, establishing themselves as leading investors in the future of Israel become Guardians who will receive official recognition from the State of Israel in the form of lapel pins, and by having their names entered in official records of the Knesset (Parliament) in Israel.

With the community galvanized by news of the Jan Peerce gathering, pre-dinner preparations took on added pace and luster this week with the announcement that His Excellency Dr. Joseph Burg, Minister of Posts, Telephone and Telegraph of the State of Israel will be in San Diego for conferences with community leadership and for Bond sales meetings to assure maximum participation by October 24^th.

A cross-section of community leadership is working with Murray Goodrich in organizing dinner participation.

Co-Chairmen are Isaac Domnitz, Harry Snyder, Louis Moorsteen and Edward Breitbard, Dr. A. Nasatir.  With Domnitz, who also serves as Chairman of the Labor Zionist Committee for Israel Bonds, are Labor Zionist co-chairmen Reuben Umansky and Joseph Olsher.  Activating B’nai B’rith membership for the event is Chairman Edward Breitbard and his co-chairmen, Ralph Feldman, Harry Schloss and Morrie Kraus.  In the B’nai B’rith Chapters, Mrs. Natalie Meyers and Mrs. Morrie Kraus are marshalling forces for the dinner.

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Forty Years of Service (Editorial Page)
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 15, 1954, Page 7

“What is the Jolly 16?” is not an unusual question for newcomers to San Diego who do not know the forty year old history of this small group with the frivolous name and the long record of philanthropy in our city.

The original Jolly 16 Club was formed prior to the First World War, as a Sewing Circle, long before the advent of professional workers and organized charities in this city. Articles of clothing were made for the needy and food supplied wherever necessary. Service was rendered to refugees in Tijuana, awaiting admittance into the United States. Newcomers were given a head start with everything from lumber for homes to livestock, trucks or loans necessary to purchase merchandise for a start in business. Today, many of these families, their early struggles way behind them, are substantial citizens of the community.

During the First World War two orphans were adopted by the members and supported until they reached the age of 16 years.  Yearly scholarships, started many years ago, for worthy young people are still granted by the group. It was the Jolly 16 Club with other existing organizations, who formed the first Jewish Welfare Society in San Diego. The interest shown in the aged throughout the years, was the inspiration which gave the present group the courage to help found the S.D. Hebrew Home for the Aged, which is breaking ground for their new building this Sunday.

Individual members are well known throughout the community for their leadership and participation in community-wide activities, both in civic and welfare projects in San Diego, and the group as a whole assumes obligations that many a larger group would hesitate to undertake. 

The Community should be proud to help this organization celebrate their forty years of service in San Diego.

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Decent Elections (Editorial)
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 15, 1954, Page 7

The political campaign of ’54 is on – Democrats and Republicans are out on the stump. The ational stake at the polls November 2^nd are 423 House seats and 37 Senatorships.  In California, a Governor and Senator will be chosen. In San Diego, a Congressman and several local positions will be fought over.

Each party is trying to win control of the next Congress, while in State and local contests each party seeks additional  triumphs. However, there can be no victory—anywhere –unless both parties wage decent campaigns.

Our political competitions should be conducted just as we conduct our sports—fair and according to the rules. In politics the rule book calls for a campaign based only on legitimate issues. It rejects any attempt to win votes through low-blow appeals to racial and religious animosities.

The American people want this campaign to follow the rule book. They insist that all political candidates-Local, State and National – follow faithfully the principal of fair play as enunciated by Pres. Eisenhower and Adlai E. Stevenson.  Neither the Republican or Democratic parties will gain a victory unless the follow the rules of fair play.

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Jews in American History~300 Years
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 15, 1954, Page 7

By Dr. Philip L. Seman, University of Judaism

General Grant Order No. 11 on December 17, 1862 read: The Jews as a class violating every regulation of trade established by the Treasury Department and also department orders, are hereby expelled from the department within twenty-four hours from the receipt of this order.  Post commanders will see to it that all of this class of people be furnished passes and required to leave, and any one returning after such notification will be arrested and held in confinement until an opportunity occurs of sending them out as prisoners , unless furnished with permit from headquarters etc. etc.” by order of Major General U.S. Grant, signed by Assistant Adjutant General.

The order was based on the  fact that the Northom and Trans-Atlantic mills had turned away their working men for want of cotton; the Confederacy never possessed, even at the outbreak of war, enough of the stuff of survival; we are told by Dr. Korn. We learn further that here at this shifting line of battle through Tennessee and Mississippi were thousands of bales of “King Cotton,” for which the South had no use but which would fetch high premiums in the factory cities up North.  Speculators would  trade merchandise and arms for cotton and other Southern agricultural products and found men  in uniform who were eager to share in the profits.

It was during this profiteering that the most sweeping Anti-Jewish regulation in all American history was issued. It was known as General Grant Order No. 11 referred to above. To be sure, there may have been some Jews among this profiteering group but there were others than Jews by far who profiteered. During this period there was much discussion and questions were asked by Jews and non-Jews, why stigmatize the Jews since they were only a few among many others?  Dr. Korn seems to feel after a very careful examination that the Jews were used as a scapegoat, already prepared and identified, handed down from one age to the ext, hounded and hunted from one country to another, the Jews were a myth, a people branded as the purveyor of all manner of wickedness.  This we know, is an old story. The Jews were the natural scapegoat even in the United States and thus General Grant Order No. 11.

Some seemed to feel that during the controversy that the expulsion of the Jews had been foisted upon Grant by influential cotton buyers to pave the way for higher profits for themselves.  While there is no verification for suspicions or accusations, it is a fact that only Jews and not all traders were banished; cotton traders as a group were not expelled.  The question therefore, which was asked by many Jews and non-Jews alike, “Who stood to profit from the departure of Jews as the result of the Order?”  The answer seems evident that other traders and speculators, civilians as well as military, were among the greatest profiteers.   To be continued.

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(Youth Building)
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 15, 1954, Page 7

A youth building for use by Boy and Girl Scouts, 4-H Clubs, FFA groups and other organizations is projected at the Southern California Exposition grounds, Del Mar.  During the Exposition it will be used for exhibits.

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Opens New Shop
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 15, 1954, Page 7

Ruth Brussels has purchased the House of Fascination located in the Granger Bldg, Room 220. She will carry a full line of sweaters, hose, costume jewelry.

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Retarded Children Group Plans Activity
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 15, 1954, Page 7

The San Diego Association for Retarded Children is making preparations for a publicity and fund raising campaign to coincide with National Retarded Children’s Week, Nov. 14-23.  The local association is an affiliate of the National Association for Retarded Children and the California Council for Retarded Children.  Our primary aim is to acquaint the public with the need of these children and of the help that can be given.  Few realize the number of lives that are touched by mental retardation.  Locally plans are in the process of completion for use of the old Valley View School on Mission Valley Road as a day care center and training unit.

Monthly meeting of the San Diego Association for Retarded Children will be held Oct. 21 in the Alice Birney School auditorium and will be devoted largely to work on the campaign. Time 8 p.m.

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Cottage of Israel
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 15, 1954, Page 7

House of Pacific Relations will hold its Annual Fiesta at the House of Hospitality in Balboa Park on Saturday, Nov. 6, at 8 p.m. There will be an outstanding international variety program throughout the evening with dance music by Edmund’s Luminal Orchestra.

This is the single fund-raising event of the year which the House of Pacific Relations sponsors in order to meet their annual operating expenses. We urge our members and friends to attend. Donations are $1.00 and (tickets) can be obtained from president Seymour Gates, CY 8-6338.

In honor of the Succoth Festival, a holiday succah will be on display in the entrance of the Cottage of Israel.

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New Books
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 15, 1954, Page 7

Among the new books which have arrived recently at the San Diego Public Library, 8^th Avenue and E Street, is “The Real Enjoyment of Living,” by Hyman Judah Schachtel, Chief Rabbi of the Congregation Beth Israel in Houston, Texas. However, the book is written for people of all creeds that they may gain more real happiness in their every-day lives.

The author emphasizes that three beliefs from the basis for enjoyment of life—belief in God, belief in yourself, and belief in mankind.

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Beth Jacob News
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 15, 1954, Page 7

Sunday and Hebrew School has opened with a record enrollment.  Classes are in full swing, but children are still being accepted for registration. This year both schools are operating with a professional staff, and will be in a better position to enhance the children’s knowledge of Jewish education and culture. A professional teacher has been added to the Hebrew School to augment its curriculum.  For further information call AT 2-2676.

Beth Jacob Plans Adult Study Course – Beth Jacob is very happy to announce the inauguration of a new service to its members and the Jewish Community by the formation of a Study Course on Wednesday, Oct. 27, at 8 p.m.

Then and every Wednesday thereafter the course will include the study of the Siddur, how to daven and understand the Hebrew prayer book.

In conjunction to learning how to read and understand the prayers, the history complementing the prayers will also be taught. If sufficient interest is shown, an expert staff is planned to enhance the course.

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Two Local Men Honored by “Ampal”
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 15, 1954, Page 7

“Ampal” – the American Palestine Trading Corporation – presented two San Diegans with the Bar Mitzvah Award of Honor at a dinner held at the Statler Hotel, Los Angeles last Sunday.

Recipients of the honor were Sol Price, prominent attorney, and Albert A. Hutler, executive director of the United Jewish Fund.

Both were selected for their efforts on behalf of “Ampal” which is an American-Israel Investment corporation promoting and financing such diverse industries as oil exploration, hotels and factories of all kinds.

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Demo Candidate Charges ‘Big Business’ Republican Party
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 15, 1954, Page 7

Dr. Ross T. McIntire, Democratic Candidate for Congress charged today that “Congressman Wilson and the Republican Party are being merchandised in the early tradition of American business—and there are o fair trade laws in political merchandising.”

He said he felt he has two jobs until election day: “First, to tell the people of San Diego about Robert Wilson as their congressman and about the Republican Party generally, and

“Second, to tell them about himself, about what I believe and what the Democratic Party stands for.” Then the Democratic candidate who was President Roosevelt’s personal physician and World War II surgeon general of the Navy continued:

“So let’s look at some of the things Robert Wilson claims to have accomplished in his two years in Washington – accomplishments he has read into the Congressional Record.

“There’s the F-102 contract which he claims to have brought to San Diego with little or no credit to Convair for developing the advanced and revolutionary design; the dredging funds for Mission Bay which in truth were crumbs from the senatorial table – a bit of pork, nonetheless welcome.

“If he could rightly claim credit for all of these items, then as doctor I would be justified in claiming credit for the low incidence of frostbite in San Diego County.

“I would rather talk about the Democratic Party and what it stands for and why I believe in it. It is the party of all the people. It represents no special interests. It puts the welfare of the whole nation above the welfare of any group.”

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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.  

 

Clinton, Geithner applaud new Iran sanctions levied by Canada and European Union

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release)–The following is the text of a joint statement by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Secretary of the Treasury Timothy F. Geithner.

“The United States welcomes the strong steps taken by our European and Canadian partners to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1929. Consistent with the Security Council’s mandate, these measures impose additional sanctions against Iran’s financial, insurance, transportation, trade and energy sectors, as well as the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, significantly increasing Iran’s isolation. These steps underscore the steadfast European and Canadian leadership to hold Iran accountable for its failure to meet its international obligations and set a high standard for global implementation of sanctions.

“The new measures contain important restrictions on Iran’s ability to use its transportation infrastructure and energy proceeds to support its nuclear and missile programs. The strong restrictions and prohibitions on Iran’s ability to access the Canadian and European commercial and banking systems will further protect the international financial system from abuse by Iran.

“These measures, combined with the new and existing U.S. sanctions, underscore the international community’s deepening concerns about Iran’s nuclear program and refusal to live up to its international responsibilities. We have already begun to see the impact of these sanctions, as companies around the world refuse to do business with Iran rather than risk becoming involved in Iran’s nuclear program and other illicit activities.

“Moving forward, the United States will continue to work with the European Union, Canada, and our allies and partners around the world to put additional pressure on Iran and ensure that existing sanctions are vigorously enforced. The message to Iran’s leaders is clear: Meet your responsibilities or face increasing isolation and consequences.”

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Preceding provided by U.S. State Department
 

We applaud the EU and Canada for these decisive actions, but regret their necessity. The United States remains committed to a diplomatic solution that resolves the international community’s concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear program. We will continue to work with the European Union, Canada, the P5+1 and all of our partners to pursue our dual track approach of engagement and pressure to achieve this objective and await Iran’s official reply to the P5+1’s outstanding offer of talks. We once again urge Iran’s leaders to pursue a path of cooperation and responsibility rather than confrontation and further isolation.

Jewish License Plate~Macabbi

Melanie Rubin finds another Jewish license plate

LA JOLLA, California — Our Jewish license plate sleuth Melanie Rubin has found another Jewish license plate, Macabbi, for our online collection.   The plate refers to the Jewish athletic games in which athletes from around the world compete in Israel.