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Jewish Community News
The Publication of the Jewish Federation of the Desert
www.jfedps.org
Shevat/Adar 1 5779 -February 2019
'We Are One'
Community Program
After a year that saw increased anti-Semitic activity
throughout the world and the worst attack ever on
a Jewish institution in the United States, the seven
congregations of our greater
Coachella Valley and Idyllwild
are joining with representatives
of the interfaith community on
Thursday, February 7, to stand
together against hate.
Our keynote speaker will be
Joanna Mendelson, the Senior
Investigative Researcher and Joanna Mendelson
Director of Special Projects
for the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) Center on
Extremism, which combats extremism, terrorism
and all forms of hate in the real world and online.
Her topic: “From Charlottesville to Pittsburgh –
Responding to Hate in America.”
Mendelson, who has been with the ADL since
2000, evaluates the activity and tactics of extremist
groups and movements, training the law enforcement
community and publishing reports on a wide range
of extremist topics. To date she has trained over
12,000 federal, state and local law enforcement
officers, prosecutors, military personnel, judges and
public officials throughout the country.
She has testified in numerous court cases on the
white supremacist and sovereign citizen movements.
She has shared her expertise with national and
international media outlets on topics related to
domestic terrorism, include CNN’s Headline News,
CBS’s 48 Hours, the BBC and many other media
outlets.
There will be security at the event, but it is
important that everyone RSVP that they will be
attending by calling the Jewish Federation Offices at Rescheduled to February 10th - See page 4
760-324-4737.
2018-2019
JEWISH FEDERATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Celia Norian, Board Co-Chair
Allan Lehmann, Board Co-Chair
Lori Fritz, Campaign Chair
Bernard Reiter, Secretary
Phil Glass, Treasurer
Phil Glass, Allocations Chair
Bruce Landgarten,
Chief Executive Officer
Judith Cohen Marjorie Kulp
Arnie Gillman Ron Langus
Bobbi Holland Gary Schahet
Carol Horwich Sherry Schor
Luber
Table of Contents
Vol. 45 • No. 7
Community Calendar 15-17
Federation 1-4, 24, 25, 28
Womans Philanthropy 6, 20, 21
Schools/School Listing 25
Simchas & Classifieds 26-27
Temples Listing 15
Tributes 14
UCR Lectures 12
2 • JCN • February 2019 • Shevat/Adar 1 5779 • www.jfedps.com
Changing Hate and Violence inclusive sense. We gain strength and
resolve when we come together in
backgrounds, that strengthens the
bonds we have with each other, with
From the CEO
pursuit of a shared vision. Israel, and with the global Jewish
up, good people rise up against it — Our tradition compels us to work people. We are building a community
often in greater numbers and with that honors Jewish tradition while
together to continually improve
Bruce stronger voices. But is it enough to
ourselves and the world around us. It receptive to changing expression.
Landgarten keep us safe? Most important, we are building
calls us to serve others with kindness,
Many efforts have been launched
Jewish Federation to pursue justice, to welcome the a community that acts as a force
since the Pittsburgh atrocity, here as
Chief Executive stranger, to protect the vulnerable, for good in the world. When we
Officer well as across the country to keep
and to instill our shared values in the ask “where do we go from here?”,
Jewish communities safe. As we
next generation. the answer must be that we come
have reported in past months, our
Is there anything we can do to Our work is more important than together as a community to light the
Federation is working with Secure
change the hate and violence that ever. At a time when hate is taking way forward. We have reached out to
Community Network (SCN) and
permeates the news and impacts a devastating and deadly toll on allies from other faith communities,
local Law Enforcement to shore up
our lives? Our country suffered the our country, we must strive to public and private entities to join us
security at synagogues and other
deadliest attack against Jews in U.S. bring our highest ideals to life. This in one collective voice, one cohesive
local organizations.
history, at a time when anti-Semitism work is already underway here and community working for peace,
These security measures address
is on the rise. We are not imagining around the country. Together, we are respect and kindness … for ourselves,
our immediate safety, but the
it. Statistics confirm that anti-Semitic lingering uneasiness isn’t resolved building a community that cares for our children and our future.
acts are on the increase. The good by law enforcement and security at one another, that stands with each To this end, we urge you to join us
news is that all over the country the entrances of our events. That other and for each other, that treats on Thursday, February 7th at 5:30 pm
people are fighting hate, standing up uneasiness is mitigated when we everyone with dignity and respect. at the Palm Valley School in Rancho
to promote tolerance and inclusion. come together as a Jewish community, We are building a community that Mirage.
More often than not, when hate flares as “Jewish congregation” in its most welcomes people of all abilities and
Tamarisk Men’s Jewish Federation Day Tournament
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Sponsor). Last year $92,000 Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270.
was raised by the tournament. If For more information contact Kyle
unable to attend, we welcome Kelly at 760-324-6990 or by email at
and appreciate contributions in kyle@tamariskcc.com.
support of Federation’s work in the
community. Checks should be made
payable to the Jewish Federation of
Dear friends, For over 20 years the Desert, but mailed to Tamarisk Bruce Landgarten CEO,
Tamarisk Country Club has held a Country Club, 70-240 Frank Sinatra Jewish Federation of the Desert
charity golf tournament to benefit morning and afternoon shotguns,
the Jewish Federation of the Desert, with the signature Federation
raising over two million dollars to Luncheon held in the dining room
help meet the needs of the most following morning golf and prior
vulnerable in our community. Until to afternoon golf (approximately
last year this tournament was for 12 noon). You can make your
their members only. Now, for the own foursomes or the Tamarisk
second year, Tamarisk has opened the Golf professional will put groups
tournament to men in the Coachella together. There are three levels of
Valley to donate and participate contributing: $550 (Contributor),
in this annual event. There will be $750 (Sponsor) and $1000 (Platinum
JCN • February 2019 • Shevat/Adar 1 5779 • www.jfedps.com • 3
JEWISH
COMMUNITY
NEWS
A Publication of the
Jewish Federation of the Desert
VOL. 45, No. 7
EDITORIAL
Bruce Landgarten,
Chief Executive Officer
Miriam H. Bent, Editor
Bailey Communications,
Layout & Design
JCN STATEMENT
The Jewish Community News seeks
to provide news and feature material
of special interest to its readership,
and to create a heightened sense of Jewish
identity through the dissemination of
information about people, events and issues
at home and abroad. The JCN seeks to serve
as a forum for the exchange of ideas and
opinions in the Jewish community.
The JCN is published monthly, ten months a
year by the Jewish Federation of the Desert,
69-710 Highway 111,
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270,
760-324-4737, fax 760-324-3154.
ARTICLES & ADVERTISING,
Miriam H. Bent, Editor
760-323-0255
e-mail: mhbentjcn@earthlink.net
ADVERTISING
The JCN does not endorse the goods or
services advertised in its pages and makes
no representation as to the kashrut of food
products and services in such advertising.
The publisher shall not be liable for
damages if, for any reason whatsoever, it
fails to publish an advertisement or for
any error in an advertisement. Acceptance
of advertisers and of advertising copy is
subject to the publisher’s approval.
The JCN is not responsible if ads violate
applicable laws and the advertiser will
indemnify, hold harmless and defend the JCN
from all claims made by government agencies
and consumers for any reason based on ads
carried in the JCN.
4 • JCN • February 2019 • Shevat/Adar 1 5779 • www.jfedps.com
Congregation Beth Shalom Scholar-in-Residence Weekend February 15-17, 2019
By Ken Hailpern
Congregation Beth Shalom invites pm., with a charge take place sometime after 10:30 am. followed by a brunch, open to the
the entire community to participate of $36 per person. Shabbat morning services will be community, with a charge of $25 per
in our Scholar-in-Residence Services will follow followed by a Kiddush Lunch open person. Cost of Friday dinner and
Weekend with Rabbi Zoe Klein at 7:45 pm, where to the community. Sunday brunch, purchased together,
Miles, February 15-17, 2019. This our scholar will On Sunday morning, at 10:30 am, is $55 per person. Reservations for
8th annual event is made possible by present “Making Rabbi Klein Miles will conclude the the Friday dinner and/or Sunday
a grant from Jewish Federation of the Time,” why and weekend by discussing, “Judaism brunch must be made no later than
Desert. Rabbi Klein Miles has been how Judaism Rabbi Zoe and the Power of Story,” a defining February 7, by calling the Beth
the Senior Rabbi of Temple Isaiah recognizes distinct Klein Miles aspect of Jewish life. This will be Shalom office at 760-200-3636.
in Los Angeles since 2007. Prior to days and hours. During Saturday
that, she served as Associate Rabbi morning services, she will speak on
of Temple Isaiah and Assistant Rabbi “Judaism: A Spectrum of Theologies,”
of Temple Shalom in Norwalk, CT. exploring the varied theologies that
A prolific author, her debut novel, make up our faith. Services begin at
Drawing in the Dust, was published 9:15 am. It is permissible to arrive
in 2009. Publisher’s Weekly wrote at any time. The presentation will
of the novel, “Insight into the world
of biblical excavation in Israel
raises Rabbi Klein’s debut novel
from a Jewish Da Vinci Code to an
emotionally rich story of personal
and historical discovery…” She has
also written a companion novel;
a children’s book; and chapters,
essays, and articles in numerous
collections including The Women’s
Torah Commentary, The Women’s
Haftorah Commentary, Harper’s
Bazaar, Holy Ground: A Gathering
of Voices on Caring for Creation,
and the Jewish Journal.
Rabbi Klein Miles received her
Rabbinic Ordination and Master of
Arts degree from Hebrew Union
College-Jewish Institute of Religion,
and her Bachelor of Arts degree
from Brandeis University.
Our scholar will present
“Exploring the Hidden Beauty of
Judaism” in three sessions over
the course of the weekend at
the synagogue located at 79733
Country Club Drive in Bermuda
Dunes.
The Shabbaton will commence
with a full Shabbat dinner open to
the community on Friday at 6:00
JCN • February 2019 • Shevat/Adar 1 5779 • www.jfedps.com • 5
Women's Philanthropy Erin Schrode is Keynote Speaker at February 28 “Main Event” Erin Schrode, an activist, social passionate and ambitious young Times, Vanity Fair, CNN, NBC, $45. Invitations have been mailed, entrepreneur and writer, is a woman committed to creating big FOX, Seventeen, Forbes and other however women are welcome leading voice on sustainability, change everywhere she goes.” She media. to RSVP directly by calling Linn social impact and millennials, a vocal writes for Glamour, Cosmopolitan To attend “The Main Event” Menne at the Jewish Federation advocate for environmental action, and Refinery29, among others and requires a minimum gift of $180 to Office, 760-324-4737. public health and equal justice. She is frequently tapped as an expert the 2019 Jewish Federation Annual has been described as “a dynamic, for and featured in the New York Campaign. Luncheon couvert is 6 • JCN • February 2019 • Shevat/Adar 1 5779 • www.jfedps.com
Rep Ilhan Omar
appointed to House
Foreign Affairs
Committee
By Tal Polon, Arutz Sheva
Minnesota congresswoman Ilhan
Omar was named last week to the
House Foreign Affairs Committee. The
BDS-supporting rep, who accused Israel
of ‘evil doings,’ announced excitement at
appointment to committee that ‘oversees
all foreign assistance, national security
affecting the country’s foreign policy,
treaties, peacekeeping and war
powers.”
In a strongly-worded letter sent
to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the
Coalition for Jewish Values (CJV),
representing over 1000 traditional
rabbis in matters of public policy, called
the appointment of Representative
Ilhan Omar to the House Foreign
Affairs Committee a “slap in the face”
and “tantamount to saying that anti-
Semitism is acceptable to the United
States House of Representatives.” The
CJV called for Omar to be removed
from the committee, and compared
her situation to that of Representative
Steve King, who was stripped
of all committee assignments by
Republican leaders despite denying
an endorsement of white nationalism
attributed to him and sharing in its
condemnation.
As detailed in the CJV’s letter,
Omar declared that Israel “has
hypnotized the world” and prayed
that “Allah awaken the people and
help them see the evil doings of
Israel” when Israel defended itself
against an unprovoked Hamas missile
barrage aimed at civilians in 2012.
On CNN this week, Omar defended
these comments and said they were
aimed only at the “Israeli regime.
JCN • February 2019 • Shevat/Adar 1 5779 • www.jfedps.com • 7
Machine Learning IDs Blood-Cancer Cells Earlier Than Ever
Discovery might help multiple myeloma patients receive earlier and more precise treatment and prevent relapse.
By Naama Barak ISRAEL 21C
Israeli researchers have of individual cells from patients’ precise treatments, avoid relapses
developed a new technology that blood or bone marrow, capturing and be monitored with blood tests
profiles the genetic makeup of the specific gene program that is that are far less painful than today’s
cancerous cells, allowing for better active in each individual cell. painful bone marrow biopsies.
diagnosis and treatment. Their research, recently “We are entering an era in
Multiple myeloma is the second published in Nature Medicine, which measuring big data and
most-common type of blood Tumor heterogeneity, clonal evolution found that while the plasma cells using machine learning will
cancer. Multiple myeloma occurs and therapy resistance revealed using of healthy individuals are similar to provide clinicians new insights and
single-cell profiling of multiple myeloma
when plasma cells in the bone patients. Illustration by Noa Godin/ each other, myeloma cancer cells understanding into devastating
marrow – the cells that produce Weizmann Institute of Science are extremely heterogeneous. diseases like multiple myeloma,”
antibodies – proliferate out of This makes it possible to says Dr. Assaf Weiner of the
control and lead to organ failure This is the problem researchers identify even a small number of Weizmann Institute of Science’s
and death. from the Weizmann Institute of malignant cells in the blood at an Immunology Department.
A major stumbling block in Science and clinicians from Israeli early, pre-cancer stage, allowing Weiner was the lead author
diagnosing myeloma is that each hospitals wished to solve. for more precise diagnosis and the of the paper along with Guy
patient is unique and current Using machine-learning ability to make better-informed Ledergor. The paper’s 33 authors
blood tests are incapable of approaches to automatically choices about treatment. are mostly Israeli, along with
identifying early disease onset and identify malignant cells out of tens In the future, the discovery several scientists from New York,
classifying which patient should of thousands of cells, their method might help multiple myeloma Arizona and Spain.
receive which treatment. sequences the RNA in thousands patients receive earlier and more
Israel Ranks as World’s Third Most
Educated Country
Israel outranks US and South Korea for percentage of citizens aged 25-64
holding a degree in higher education, whether academic or vocational.
By Abigail Klein Leichman, Israel 21c
Israel is the third most educated years after high school.
country, according to 2017 data The United States came in at
compiled by the Organization No. 5, with only 46.4 percent of its
for Economic Cooperation and population in the target age group
Development (OECD). OECD having completed a higher-education
calculated the percentage of each program – even though half of the
country’s population between world’s top-ranking universities are
the ages of 25 and 64 who have American.
completed a two- or four-year degree South Korea came in at No. 4, with
beyond high school – including both 47.7% having completed a higher-
academic and vocational programs. education program, but it tops the list
The data shows that 50.9 percent of most educated people aged 25-34
of Israelis in the target age bracket (66.6%).
have a higher-education degree. Japan is No. 2 (51.4%) and the
The report noted that Jewish Israelis most educated country in the world
enter college at a later age than most is Canada (56.7.%) – although
Western counterparts because most Canada faces an overeducation,
serve in the military for at least two underemployment problem.
8 • JCN • February 2019 • Shevat/Adar 1 5779 • www.jfedps.com
WIESENTHAL, a Play About the Renowned Nazi-Hunter, Starring
Award-winning Actor Tom Dugan
Theatrical producer, Jay Kholos, and compelling production that I m m e d iatel y fo l l o w i n g th e $55. To purchase tickets visit www.
brings the critically acclaimed one- takes the audience beyond history performance, actor/writer Tom wiesenthaltheshow.com,or call 1-866-
man play Wiesenthal to the UCR books to better understand some Dugan and a representative of the 811-4111. The theater is located on
Palm Desert Campus stage on of the complexities of the aftermath Simon Wiesenthal Foundation will the UCR Palm Desert Campus at
Saturday March 9, at 7:30 p.m. The of the Holocaust.” Wiesenthal died conduct an engaging post show 75080 Frank Sinatra Drive (corner
internationally acclaimed actor and in his sleep at age 96 in Vienna on Q&A. Cook), Palm Desert.
playwright Tom Dugan portrays September 20, 2005. Tickets for the performance are
Nazi hunter and concentration camp
survivor who made it his life-long
pursuit to bring over 1,100 Nazi war
criminals to justice.
The 90-minute play relates the
details of a few of Wiesenthal’s
investigations. Among them are the
pursuit of Franz Stangl, the former
commandant of the Treblinka death
camp, arrested in Brazil in 1967 and
sentenced to life imprisonment
for the mass murder of 900,000
people; Adolf Eichmann, a major
organizer of the Holocaust, arrested
in Argentina and hanged in 1962
in Israel; and, when challenged by
Austrian Holocaust deniers to prove
that Anne Frank actually existed, he
tracked down Karl Josef Silberbauer,
the officer who arrested Anne Frank
and her family sending them to
concentration camps.
The play was written by and
stars Tom Dugan, who researched
W i e s e n t h a l ’s c h a r a c t e r a n d
conducted worldwide searches for
war criminals for a year to write this
play.
“While Wiesenthal is known for
dedicating his life to memorializing
the millions of Jews who were killed
in concentration camps by hunting
down their murderers, many people
are still not so familiar with the
justice he served,” said Jay Kholos,
Producer, with North American
performances scheduled in over 150
venues for 2019. “This is a powerful
JCN • February 2019 • Shevat/Adar 1 5779 • www.jfedps.com • 9
Israeli Drone Dome Rescues London Airport from Shutdown
Rafael’s Drone Dome pinpoints a suspicious drone and jams the radio frequencies used by its operator to control it, rendering the UAV unable to move.
By ISRAEL21c Staff
After mysterious unmanned operator to control it. The UAV from a stationary or mobile position.
aerial vehicles caused 36 hours then either flies out of control The UK Ministry of Defence was its
of paralysis at London’s Gatwick or crashes to the ground. The first foreign customer.
Airport in late December, stranding system incorporates cutting-edge Friday night, two people were
more than 100,000 travelers, the technologies including electro- arrested in connection with the UAV
British military saved the day with optics, radar and signal intelligence. incident, and by Saturday Gatwick
one of six Drone Domes it had The Drone Dome system began functioning again following
purchased a few months earlier from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Drone reportedly has been used to protect the cancellation of 1,400 flights due
Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Dome battery against hostile drones during battles to the drone disruption.
Systems. the suspicious drone and jams against ISIS in Mosul and eastern
Rafael’s Drone Dome pinpoints the radio frequencies used by its Syria. Drone Dome can be operated
Report: In Letter to Pompeo, Palestinian Authority Forgoes All US Aid,
Fearing New Anti-Terror Law
By Benjamin Kerstein, The Algemeiner.
The Palestinian Authority has Secretary of State Mike Pompeo The law applies in particular to intended to change this.
reportedly informed the United in December. The letter directly countries that receive aid from the A c c o r d i n g t o Ye d i o t , t h e
States government that it is waiving connected the PA’s decision to the US, making the PA vulnerable to withdrawal from receiving aid would
all American financial aid due to a 2018 Anti-Terrorism Clarification Act potentially huge financial damages. likely have a significant impact on the
recent anti-terror law that could open (ATCA), which would expand the A number of lawsuits against the Palestinian security services and their
PA officials to lawsuits. jurisdiction of American anti-terror PA brought by terror victims and coordination with Israel, as much US
According to Israeli daily Yediot laws, giving victims of terrorism the their families are currently pending. aid to the Palestinians has already
Ahronot, Palestinian Prime Minister ability to sue any entity responsible Damages have not been claimed so been cut. The primary remaining aid
Rami Hamdallah informed the US for providing funds for terrorist far because the US lacked jurisdiction is for security, in the amount of $61
of the decision in a letter sent to activity. over the PA. The ATCA is deliberately million annually.
10 • JCN • February 2019 • Shevat/Adar 1 5779 • www.jfedps.comOhio Doctor Seeks Forgiveness from Jewish Community for
Anti-Semitic
By Algemeiner Staff
Tweets
The Ohio doctor, who came America, meaning, “I visited Israel and the “As a girl in my teens and
under scrutiny recently after a it wasn’t that special Palestinian Territories every early twenties, I had difficulty
number of anti-Semitic tweets she to me,” according summer throughout my adolescent constructively expressing my intense
wrote were unearthed, has issued to a translation years. I became incensed at the feelings about what I witnessed in
an apology. by Canary suffering of the Palestinians under my ancestral land. Like many young
Lara Kollab — a graduate of Mission, which the Israeli occupation. The injustice people lacking life experience,
the Touro College of Osteopathic aims to expose and brutality of the occupation I expressed myself by making
Medicine — has faced calls for the anti-Semitic and continues to concern me, and I insensitive remarks and statements
anti-Zionist Dr. Laura Kollab believe every champion of human of passion devoid of thought, not
revocation of her medical license
over dozens of tweets she made bigotry. rights owes it to humanity to realizing the harm and offense these
between 2011 and 2017, including The Cleveland Clinic, work towards a just and peaceful words would cause.
a 2012 threat to “purposely give all where Kollab worked as a supervised, resolution of this crisis.
the yahood the wrong meds.” The first-year medical resident starting
Arabic term “yahood” means Jews in this past July until September,
English. confirmed that her “departure was
Other tweets from the related to those posts.”
same time period — which In her apology Kollab wrote,
were documented by the “Several social media comments
anonymous website Canary posted on my twitter account years
Mission, before they were deleted ago have surfaced recently, causing
— claimed that the Holocaust pain, anguish, and a public outcry.
was “exaggerated,” alleged that I wish sincerely and unequivocally
“Zionists are the spawn of Hitler,” to apologize for the offensive
and expressed support for the and hurtful language contained in
Palestinian-led boycott, divestment those posts. This statement is not
and sanctions (BDS) campaign intended to excuse the content of
against Israel. the posts, but rather to demonstrate
In one 2013 tweet, Kollab wrote, that those words do not represent
“look, Haifa is sweet (nice), but it’s who I am and the principles I stand
full of Jewish dogs, and it looks like for today.
JCN • February 2019 • Shevat/Adar 1 5779 • www.jfedps.com • 11UCR Jewish
Studies Second
Lecture:
Tuesday, January 15, 2019: Dr.
Ya’akov ‘Kobi’ Gal
“Friend or Foe? Exploring
the Artificial Intelligence
Revolution”
Artificial Intelligence
(AI) is often portrayed
as the enemy for
replacing humans, but
Ben-Gurion University
of the Negev Professor
Ya’akov “Kobi” Gal’
believes computers
have gotten a bad rap. In a lecture
to over 250 fascinated attendees at
UCR/Palm Desert on January 15th,
Gal explained why he feels differently.
“Although artificial intelligence is a
young technology – it’s only been
around a few years – it has taken such
a strong presence in our daily lives
and it doesn’t communicate very
well with people. We are used to
communicating with other people as
team players,” said Gal, who is head
of BGU’s Human Computer Decision-
Making Lab and an associate in
Harvard University’s School of
Engineering and Applied Sciences.
His work investigates representations
and algorithms for making decisions
in heterogeneous groups comprising
both people and computational
agents. He has worked on combining
artificial intelligence algorithms with
educational technology aimed at
supporting students’ educational
efforts and teachers’ understanding
of students’ learning strategies.
Bruce Landgarten,
Jewish Federation CEO;
Bob Fey, originating
liaison to UCR lectures;
Dr. Ya’akov ‘Kobi’ Gal,
presenter; Dr. Michael
Alexander, UCR Chair
of Jewish Studies.
12 • JCN • February 2019 • Shevat/Adar 1 5779 • www.jfedps.comIsraeli Hope Prize Lauds NGOs Pursuing Inclusion, Coexistence
NGOs raising a new generation of Bedouin leaders and forming connections between young Jews and Arabs ‘truly represent a chance for Israeli Hope.’
By Naama Barak ISRAEL 21C
Two nonprofits were awarded the to allow the gaps in our society and
new Israeli Hope Prize on December the disconnect between different
24 for bringing together diverse elements of our society to continue
parts of Israeli society. to grow.”
Spearheaded by Israeli President “BGU’s contribution to this issue
Reuven Rivlin, the Israeli Hope has been significant and noteworthy,
initiative strives for the proper and this prize recognizes, and will
BGU President Prof. Rivka Carmi and Prof. BGU President Prof. Rivka Carmi (right)
representation of all sectors in Jiwchar Ganor present Israeli Hope Prize to and Prof. Jiwchar Ganor (left) present prize
continue to recognize each year,
Israeli society and for the creation of Desert Stars. to Tech2Peace individuals and groups that have
partnership in social and economic worked to bring the disparate parts
Arabs via the language of technology that could prevent our [continued
fields. This was the first year the of our society together,” she said.
and joint study,” said Rivlin. status as a] startup nation it would be
10,000 ILS prize was awarded.
“The vision of both these groups
Ben-Gurion University of the
and their achievements truly
Negev, a partner in the Israeli Hope
represent a chance for Israeli hope,”
initiative, awarded the prize to
he said.
the Tech2Peace chosen from 38
BGU President Prof. Rivka Carmi
nominees.
noted that “nanotechnology, electric
Tech2Peace’s mission is to ensure
cars and brain research are very
greater future cooperation and
important. But if there is one thing
coexistence between Israeli and
Palestinian society by running joint
IT and peace-building seminars for
young Israelis and Palestinians.
Desert Stars aims to develop a
new generation of leaders in Bedouin
society by promoting young Bedouin
with an interest in social engagement.
“Two unique groups were chosen
out of a large field of candidates.
Desert Stars is raising a new
generation of leaders in the Bedouin
community, while Tech2Peace forms
connections between Jews and
JCN • February 2019 • Shevat/Adar 1 5779 • www.jfedps.com • 13Tribute Card Donations
All contributions received by the Jewish Federation for Tribute Cards
are placed in our special Tzedakah Fund, which provides direct
monetary intervention for needy Jews living in the Coachella Valley.
Sending tributes and memorials is a meaningful way to honor loved ones.
Call 760-324-4734.
Honorarium Tributes • Bobbie Stern, Happy New Year from • Claude Steinberger, Hoping that you feel
In Appreciation For: Margot and Jerry Halperin. better soon, from Harold and Mimi Paley.
• Bobbie Stern, Thank you from Libby and Memoriam Tributes
• Nancy Ditlove, Thank you from Buddy Hoffman, Sherry and Howard Schor. Condolences Sent To:
Stephanie Ross.
• Carole and Dick Sukman, Happy 65th
• Jeff Feder, In honor of your special birthday, anniversary, from Cora Ginsberg and • Judy Appelbaum, In memory of your
from Judy Torodor. Loreen Jacobson. beloved husband Bob, from Mary Levine and
Alan Goldstein, and Cydney Osterman.
• Robert Fraiman, Happy special birthday • Rabbi Faith Tessler, In your honor, from
from Loreen Jacobson. Dianne Greenhouse. • Audrey Bernstein, In loving memory of
your beloved husband Joe, from Jackie and
• Mr. and Mrs. Alan Greene, Happy • Joel Thea, Happy birthday from Cora Eddie Cohen, Susie and Bob Diamond, Ellen
anniversary from Loreen Jacobson. Ginsberg. and Philip Glass, Carol Horwich Luber, Mary
• Cora Ginsberg, Thank you from Levine and Alan Goldstein, Cydney Osterman,
• Judy Torodor, Thank you from Chickie and
Stephanie Ross. Cathy and Larry Pitts, Elaine and Claude
Claude Steinberger.
Steinberger, Stan and Fern Weiss.
• Kevin Giser, In gratitude for your impact on • Joe Wilder and Phyllis Pollack, Thank you
today’s youth, from William Amplo. • Dodie Cadiff, In memory of your beloved
from Nancy and Dennis Ditlove.
husband Danny, from Chickie and Claude
• Libby Hoffman, Thank you from Steinberger.
Stephanie Ross.
Refuah Shleimah
Get Well Wishes To: • Jackie Comras, In memory of your beloved
• Margie Kulp, Happy birthday from husband Richard, from Ellen S. Weiner.
Phyllis and Gary Schahet. • Nancy Altshuler, Wishing you a speedy
recovery, from Edith and Arnold Familian. • Paula Golden, Condolences on the passing
• Mendy and Lana Landa, Thank you from of your husband, from Joe Noren.
Nancy and Dennis Ditlove. • Sally Berger, Wishing you a speedy
recovery, from Ellen and Philip Glass. • Howard Hyman, In memory of your
• Mark Levey, Happy birthday from beloved father Irving, from Cathy and
Loreen Jacobson. • Louise Fischer, Gratified for your return to Larry Pitts.
• Celia Norian, Thank you from good health, from Daniel Weisberg.
• In memory of Micaela Lang, by Sharon Lang.
Stephanie Ross. • Joan Lehr, Wishing you a speedy recovery,
from Loreen Jacobson, Robbie and Marvin • Cydney Osterman, In memory of your
• Roberta Nyman, Thank you from
Winick. beloved husband Billy, from Cathy and
Stephanie Ross.
Larry Pitts.
• Barbara Platt, Thank you from • Carol Levine, Hoping that you feel better
soon, from Harold and Mimi Paley. • Mimi and Harold Paley, In memory of
Stephanie Ross.
your beloved sister Leah, from Jackie and
• Charlene Podolsky, In honor of your first • Bob Scadron, Wishing you a speedy Eddie Cohen.
grandchild, Mazel tov from Marnie Miller and recovery, from Ellen and Philip Glass.
Joe Noren. • Shelly Zucker, In memory of your beloved
• Jay Schiff, Wishing you a speedy recovery, husband Stephen, from Ellen and Philip Glass,
• Sarah Scheideman, In your honor, from from Ellen and Philip Glass. Stan and Fern Weiss.
Leslie and Gene Rothstein.
14 • JCN • February 2019 • Shevat/Adar 1 5779 • www.jfedps.comShabbat Schedule - February 2019
Check the websites or call the synagogues for a full schedule of services.
BETH SHALOM (Member, United Call for information: 760-651-2424. Jewish Child Survivors of the templeharshalomofidyllwild@gmail.
Synagogue of Conservative www.chabadpd.com Holocaust: “Anti-Semitism Rears Its com.
Judaism) 760-969-2153 / 760-969-2158 Head Abroad.” Friday night services once a month
Ken Hailpern, Spiritual Leader and study with Rabbi the following
79-733 Country Club Drive, CHABAD OF RANCHO MIRAGE CONGREGATION SHALOM BAYIT Saturday morning. February dates:
Bermuda Dunes, CA 92203 Rabbi Shimon Posner (Reform) February 22 & 23. Services held at
www.congregationbethshalom.net 72295 Via Marta, Rancho Mirage, Rabbi Kenneth Milhander, 1320 W. St. Hugh of Lincoln Episcopal Church,
760-200-3636 CA 92270 Williams Ave., Banning, CA 92220. 25525 Taquitz Drive, Idyllwild, CA.
9:30 am Saturday Shabbat morning www.chabadrm.com 760-770-7785 Contact 951-769-3678/769-7514
services, followed by sit down Shabbat services Friday: check website Shabbat Service 3rd Friday/ Havdallah TEMPLE ISAIAH
Kiddush lunch. for service times. Saturday 10 am; 1st Saturday evening. Rabbi Steven Rosenberg.
Friday, February 15: 7:45 pm, children’s program/service 11:15 am. 332 West Alejo Road, Palm Springs,
preceded by Shabbat Dinner (paid Daily morning and evening minyan. DESERT HOT SPRINGS CA 92262, 760-325-2281. www.
reservations required for dinner - M-F 7:00 am; Sundays 8:00 am/check Monthly Shabbat evening service with templeisaiahps.com. Shabbat
Members $30; Non-members $36). website for mincha/maariv times. Rabbi Faith Tessler October-May at evening: 6:30 pm wine and cheese
Guest Scholar: Rabbi Zoe Klein Mission Lakes Country Club at 7:00 reception. 7:30 pm Shabbat
Miles, Senior Rabbi, Temple Isaiah CHABAD OF SUN CITY pm. Confirm February date by calling Services,followed by oneg;
Los Angeles: “Making Time.” PALM DESERT Jewish Federation, 760-324-4737. Saturday morning: 9:00 am “Nosh
Saturday, February 16: 9:15 am, Rabbi Yonason Denebeim. and Drash” torah study followed by
Guest Scholar: Rabbi Zoe Klein For information on services call DESERT OUTREACH services at 10:00 am.
Miles, “Judaism: A Spectrum of 760-848-8250. SYNAGOGUE
Theologies;” followed by Kiddush Rabbi Jules King. Note new location: TEMPLE SINAI (Reform)
Lunch. For more information and to CONGREGATION HAR-EL Meet at UC Riverside/Palm Desert Rabbi Andrew Bentley
reserve meals call 760-200-3636. (Member, Union for Reform Judaism) Campus, 75080 Frank Sinatra (at 73-251 Hovley Lane West,
Rabbi Richard Zionts; Cantor Joseph Cook), Palm Desert the second Palm Desert, CA 92260.
CENTRO CULTURAL HEBREO DE Gole www.harelurj.org / harelurj@ Friday of each month at 7:00 www.templesinaipd.org
MEXICALI (Conservative) gmail.com 760-779-1691. pm. Musical Shabbat service, 760-568-9699.
Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico Mailing address: P.O. Box 564, Palm followed by wine/light nosh oneg. Friday evening services: Call office for
Contact: Ron Cohen Desert, CA 92261. For information Complimentary valet parking in Lot time. Temple Sinai is trying out 5:30
www.judiosdemexicali.com about Shabbat services contact Har- B. 760-449-0111. Mailing address: pm services for month of January
760-960-3392 US El by email or phone. Friday evening P.O. Box 982, Rancho Mirage, CA and the JCN goes to press before
(686) 216-7152 Mexico Shabbat services 6:00 pm, preceded 92270. www.Desert-Outreach- decision is made for February.
at 5:30 pm by a pre-service social. Synagogue.com. Services either at 5:30 or 7:30 pm.
CHABAD OF PALM SPRINGS & Music Shabbat first Friday of each Saturdays: 8:45 am Torah study;
DESERT COMMUNITIES month. SUN CITY JEWISH SERVICES 10 am Shabbat services.
Rabbi Yonason Denebeim & Friday, February 1: 5:30 wine and Rabbi Kenneth Emert and Cantor Saturday, February 16:
Rabbi Arik Denebeim hors d’ouvres reception. 6 pm Alan Scott. Bar Mitzvah of Jerry Moses.
425 Ortega, Palm Springs, CA Music Shabbat Service followed Services held at Sun City Del Webb,
92264 by Shabbat Scholar in Residence Palm Desert/Sunset View Clubhouse/ BIKUR CHOLIM
www.chabadpalmsprings.com Steven Windmueller, Ph.D., Professor Speakers Hall, First and third Friday A project of Chabad of Palm Springs
760-325-0774 Emeritus, HUC. Topic: “The New evenings at 7:15 pm. & Desert Communities
Shabbat services Friday/Saturday; Anti-Semitism—Why Here? Why (Community Outreach) www.
daily morning and evening minyan. Now?” TEMPLE HAR SHALOM, BikurCholimPS.com
Friday, February 15: 6:30 pm following Idyllwild Rabbi Yankel Kreiman -
CHABAD OF PALM DESERT services: Linstone Shabbat Lecture: Rabbi Malka Drucker. 760-325-8076, and
Rabbi Mendy Friedman Stefanie Seltzer, International (951) 468-0004. www. Rabbi Mendy Kreiman –
Services in a private home. President, World Federation of templeharshalomidyllwild.org Email: 760-567-6726.
JCN • February 2019 • Shevat/Adar 1 5779 • www.jfedps.com • 15Community Calendar - February 2019
Email (preferred) Miriam Bent at mhbentjcn@earthlink.net or call 760-323-0255 to have your events included in the community calendar.
Sundays 1:15 pm Temple Sinai Ten Paths
Chabad Rancho Mirage Children’s to God. Presenter: Rabbi Andrew Thursday, February 7 Tuesday, February 12
Programs Bentley 5:30 pm Local Congregations, 7:00 pm Jewish Federation of
C Teen Global Teen network Jewish Federation of the Desert the Desert - A Night of Comic
offering social, educational & 5:00-7:00 pm Chabad of Rancho and Interfaith Partners: “WE Relief: “Laugh Out Loud” with
humanitarian programming. Mirage Weekly BBQ. Affordable, ARE ONE” community program Gary Gulman, Carol Leiter and
C Teen Jr. for 7-8 graders. fun and kosher. Reservations of solidarity. Palm Valley School Elon Gold. At Galen Auditorium,
Educational and social not required but helpful: Gymnasium. RSVP to Jewish Eisenhower Medical Center
programming. 760-770-7785. Federation. 760-324-4737. Campus, Rancho Mirage. Buy
C Kids ages 4-11. Meets Sundays See page 1. your tickets now! See page 2.
10:30-noon. Trips. Art. Cooking. 7:00-8:00 pm Chabad of Sun City
Friday, February 15 & 22
Teaching Life Skills. Women’s Torah Study. Contact Thursday, February 7
11:00 am and 2:00 pm Temple
Call 760-272-1923 or email sussiedenebeim@gmail.com. 6:30 pm Sabra Hadassah meeting,
Isaiah. Four guided tours of Temple
Chaya@chabadrm.com for “An Antique Roadshow with Kathi Isaiah for Modernism Week:
information about the groups and 7:00-8:00 pm Chabad Palm Jablonsky.” Sun City Palm Desert “Architecture in Service of the
meeting dates. Springs Program: Text-based Study Sunset View Clubhouse. $15. Sacred and Spiritual – A Study in
on Maimonides’s fundamentals Questions? Call 805-630-2839. Contrasts.” Tickets available at www.
Mondays of Judaism.Instructor: Rabbi modernismweek.com.
6:30 pm Chabad of Rancho Mirage Moishe Witkes. For location, call Friday, February 8
Men’s Talmud class, given by or text 760-412-1005. 11:00 am Tolerance Education Friday, February 15
Rabbi Benny Lew at Chabad Center program: ‘Glass House’ 7:00 pm Desert Outreach
of Rancho Mirage. RSVP Wednesdays Traveling Exhibit closing event. Synagogue fundraiser “Duets.” UCR/
760-636-2897 or Rabbibenny@ 4:00 pm Temple Sinai Mah Jongg Palm Desert Auditorium.
chabadrm.com. Sunday, February 10 See ad page 7.
Thursdays 11:00 pm Jewish Federation
7:30-8:30 pm Chabad Palm 1:00 pm Temple Sinai Mah Jongg of the Desert and The Leichtag Sunday, February 17
Springs Program: ‘A Journey Foundation Jerusalem 2020 10:30 am Beth Shalom Scholar-in-
Through the Era of the Saturdays “Beneath the Headlines” Residence Weekend with Rabbi
Zoe Klein Miles, “Judaism and the
Prophets’: A class exploring Afternoon LGBT Shalom Group panel discussion. Held at Jewish
Power of Story,” followed by Brunch
the Prophets, beginning with monthly Shabbat afternoon social. Federation Office. Space
(paid reservations required for
Joshua. Held at home of Rabbi Arik Check website for date and to limited. RSVP 760-324-4737.
brunch) Members $20; Non-members
and Chaya Denenbeim RSVP: TheShalomGroupps.com See page 4. $25. Information: 760-200-3636
410 Avenida Ortega, Palm Springs.
Instructor: Rabbi Boz Werdiger, Sunday, February Monday, February 11 Sunday, February 17
Email: bozwerdiger @googlemail. 9:30 am-12:30 pm Temple Sinai 10:30 AM, Har-El Galen Book 11:00 am Temple Sinai Film and
com. Confirmation Class Car Wash. Course: Television is the New Chinese Buffet. Film: “Above the
Television by Michael Wolff. Drowning Sea” The story of the
Tuesdays Tuesday, February 5 Reviewed by Stuart Schwartz, Jewish refugees who escaped Nazi
10 am Temple Sinai Yiddish Club 11:00 am Tolerance Education past producer for ABC Television. Germany and made it to Shanghai,
Center program for Black History Moderator: Francie Schwartz, past China. Includes story of local resident
Noon Temple Sinai Introduction Month: Screening of film “Three director URJ Dept. of Lifelong Jerry Moses, then a 7-year-old child.
to Judaism. Faciltator: Arava Talve. Women” followed by Q & A with Learning. $18 for film and buffet. Space limited.
film’s producer. RSVP to 760-568-9699.
16 • JCN • February 2019 • Shevat/Adar 1 5779 • www.jfedps.comCommunity Calendar Continued - February 2019
Email (preferred) Miriam Bent at mhbentjcn@earthlink.net or call 760-323-0255 to have your events included in the community calendar.
Sunday, February 17 Wednesday, February 20 Sunday morning, followed by a Thursday, February 28
1:00-4:00 pm Temple Isaiah 11:00 am Tolerance Education no-host lunch in Palm Springs 11:00 am Jewish Federation
Modernism Week event: Step Center program: Film Screening re: Women’s Philanthropy luncheon
into the Past Fashion Show. Rwanda Genocide: ‘Komora: To Monday, February 25
See ad page 8. The Main Event. Speaker: Erin
Heal.’ 11:00 am Tolerance Education Schrode. Minimum contribution
Center program: Lecture: ‘Jewish to 2019 Federation campaign:
Sunday, February 17
4:00-6:00 pm UCR/Federation Wednesday, February 20 Musicians,’ by Anthropologist Rosa
$180 plus $45 couvert. Questions?
Lecture. See page 12. 3:30-5:00 PM: Har-El Stepping Weinstein.
Call Linn Menne at the Federation
Out Course: “The History and Office, 760-324-4737. See page 6.
Tuesday, February 19 Culture of the Black Church in Wednesday, February 27
5:00-7:00 pm Tolerance Education America.” Presenter: Rabi Richard 11:00 am Tolerance Education Email (preferred) Miriam Bent at
Center program: Exhibit Opening Center program: Lecture: ‘Music mhbentjcn@earthlink.net or
Zionts. Visit to First Baptist Church call 760-323-0255 to have your
‘Zohar Meditation’ by of North Palm Springs on following and the Holocaust’ by Law events included in the
Caron Rand. Professor Eric Gertner. community calendar.
Former Women’s March Leader Upbraids ‘Anti-Semite’ Linda Sarsour for
Posting Article Claiming Jews Are Waging War on Black People
By Shiryn Ghermezian, The Algemeiner
Anti-Israel activist and Woman’s Alluding to the failure of Semite and anti-Semitism is not an
March co-chair Linda Sarsour Women’s March leaders to fully attack. Writing that Jewish people
was excoriated as an “anti-Semite” repudiate infamous anti-Semite are waging war on black people
on January 20th by a former ally who Louis Farrakhan, long a source of is an attack. It is vicious. It is vile.
once headed the DC chapter of the concern among mainstream Jewish And it is not true. They are their
popular political movement. groups, she added, “During this own worst enemy. An appalling
Mercy Morganfield, who is also Mercy Morganfield entire fiasco who has continually lack of judgment on Linda’s part.
the daughter of famed American to see these sharp divisions they attacked whom? Jewish people On this day, during this ongoing
blues singer-songwriter Muddy themselves foster.” asking you to condemn an anti- controversy.”
Waters, took to Facebook to upbraid
Sarsour after the latter posted a link
to an article that accused the Jewish
community of waging a “profound
war on black people.”
Highlighting the offending
paragraphs in a screenshot,
Morganfield began, “This is How S**t
Gets Started.” She continued, “Linda
Sarsour is an anti-Semite and even
when she is apologizing to the Jewish
community on the one hand, she
is condemning it on the other. She
can’t help it. This is who she is and
as long as the five board members
are in power you will continue
JCN • February 2019 • Shevat/Adar 1 5779 • www.jfedps.com • 17Alpha Radiation Startup Eliminates 70% of Cancerous Tumors
Now going into clinical trials for specific types of cancer, Alpha Tau’s technology shows potential for treating any solid tumor.
By Brian Blum ISRAEL21C
A breakthrough Israeli technology and Italy for squamous cell carcinoma radiation, it’s actually safer than
that eliminates cancerous tumors in (SCC) tumors, a form of skin and head conventional beta or gamma
70 percent of cases was nearly lost in and neck cancer. treatments.
bureaucracy and university politics. Further clinical trials of DaRT for all “You don’t need so much
Professors Yona Keisari and types of skin cancer (Cutaneous and radioactivity to get the same effect,”
Itzhak Kelson of Tel Aviv University Mucosal malignant Neoplasia – CMN) Sofer explains. “We can ship our
discovered a way to use alpha Alpha Radiation Therapy on are planned for 2019 and will take treatment kit to hospitals almost in
radiation to destroy tumors. Their Malignant Tumor place in Israel, Italy, France, New York regular boxes. Patients can be treated
approach was revolutionary – alpha Realizing what the professors had, and Montreal. in an outpatient setting with no
radiation is so powerful it can snap Sofer formed a new company – Alpha Trials for other indications are radioactive shielding.”
both strands of a cancer cell’s DNA, Tau (the “Tau” stands for Tel Aviv currently in process and expected to After less than a week, 50% of the
but it won’t harm surrounding healthy University) – to further develop the be initiated in the next 3-6 months alpha radiation will already be gone
tissue as other types of radiation do. technology. Earlier this year Alpha Tau in Montreal and New York, US from the body. In two weeks, there
However, alpha radiation can’t raised $29 million from Shavit Capital, (pancreatic and skin cancer), Obninsk, will be no radioactivity left at all.
travel more than about 50 microns Medison Ventures and Our Crowd. Russia (breast cancer), Cambridge, UK However, once a DaRT kit is
(1/20 of a millimeter) inside human Stimulates immune system (vulvar) and Israel (prostate cancer). assembled (for example, a patient
tissue. Treating a tumor of, say, 5cm Alpha Tau is the only company to Additional trials will later be initiated with breast cancer might need 12
would require hundreds of thousands use alpha radiation to treat for more than 20 other indications needle applicators with 6 DaRT
of short ranged alpha-emitting solid tumors. All other types of – such as cervical, renal and colon seeds in each) it must be sent to the
sources – a seeming impossibility. brachytherapy (where a sealed cancer – at medical centers in more treatment facility fast.
Keisari and Kelson discovered radiation source is placed inside or than 25 countries. “If for some reason a patient
that, when delivered via a particular next to the area requiring treatment) “It’s amazing to see patients who doesn’t come on time, the next day
isotope of the element radium, alpha use beta or gamma radiation. have been told their life expectancy you’ll need to put the whole kit in the
radiation can travel as far as 3mm. The “But that only causes a single- is in weeks get treatment under local trash,” Sofer says.
isotope, Radium 224, releases atoms strand break in the DNA, from which anesthesia and, 60 days out, they’re Because of DaRT’s fast decay, Alpha
that diffuse inside a tumor and then the cell can recover,” Sofer explains. clear, they have no evidence of any Tau will need to build production
emit their own alpha particles. This “And it’s not as focused. As a result, tumors.” facilities close to the main treatment
approach enables the much farther it causes a lot of side effects and “Once approved by the regulatory centers. The first one is already
distribution of alpha particles to kill destroys healthy tissue.” authorities, we can treat any kind of working in Israel. The company has
entire tumors. When the healthy tissue around solid tumor,” Sofer tells ISRAEL21c, received approval to build a facility
The professors and Tel Aviv the tumor is not destroyed along “including cancers where there is no in Massachusetts. The third will be in
University patented the technology in with the cancer, the immune system is other chance and this is a patient’s last Japan with a fourth in Europe, Sofer
2003. More research was conducted stimulated to recognize and attack the chance to live.” says.
and 12 peer-reviewed papers were same type of tumors elsewhere in the Pancreatic cancer, for example, Under Sofer’s leadership, Alpha
published. But squabbling between body. These kinds of metastases are today has no cure; patients usually die Tau now has 26 on staff in Israel,
the various stakeholders over the the cause of death for 85% of cancer within five years of diagnosis. Alpha including the professors who invented
intellectual property kept their patients. Tau’s DaRT “seeds” may be able to flip the core technology. Following clinical
breakthrough in limbo until 2015 “We believe that DaRT technology that prognosis. testing, Sofer hopes Alpha DaRT will
when Uzi Sofer was recruited to sort has tremendous clinical value not “In our SCC studies, we were able receive its European Union approval
things out. only in destroying the tumor but to eliminate more than 70 percent by 2020 with the US and Japan
Sofer had an impressive track preventing cancer from spreading to of the tumors entirely and to cause coming in 2022.
record in medical technology. He other organs,” Sofer says. shrinkage of 100 percent of the “We are already saving lives in
previously co-founded and served tumors,” Sofer says. “Encouraged by the trials,” he says. “It’s amazing to
as CEO of Brainsway, which develops Clinical trials these promising results, we hope to see patients who have been told
treatments using transcranial magnetic Thousands of animal studies have eliminate pancreatic tumors as well their life expectancy is in weeks get
stimulation (TMS) for depression, been done on the company’s Alpha or to shrink them so that it will be treatment under local anesthesia and,
PTSD, OCD and other brain disorders DaRT (“Diffusing Alpha-Emitters possible to remove them surgically.” 60 days out, they’re clear, they have
and addictions. The company grew Radiation Therapy”) technology. no evidence of any tumors. I’ve been
under his leadership from two to 70 The first human trials of Alpha Personalized treatment kits in this business for a while, but this is
employees. DaRT have been taking place in Israel Despite the power of alpha the best.”
18 • JCN • February 2019 • Shevat/Adar 1 5779 • www.jfedps.comOpEd: Why the US Diaspora Misunderstands Israel
By Lyn Julius / JNS.org
Israel is meant to be the nation- now penetrating the left. Jews in of Arab and Muslim anti-Semitism Netanyahu because of this legacy of
state of the Jewish people. But general are seen to enjoy power predating anti-Zionism. Anti-Jewish bitterness and mistrust. Arabs will only
for some time now, we have been and “white privilege,” despite their hatred goes to the very heart of the respect a strong Israel, they believe.
hearing that the US community is history as an oppressed minority and conflict. These Jews, their parents, and their
distancing itself from Israel. ethnic origins in the Middle East. The More than 50 percent of Israeli grandparents left Arab countries
The links are becoming more new vogue for “intersectionality” Jews have their roots in Arab due to pogroms, institutionalized
tenuous because the assimilation rate pointedly excludes Jews. and Muslim states. The American inferiority, and state-sanctioned
is now more than 70 percent. Most What does the Diaspora Diaspora, on the other hand, is laws. Most left as destitute refugees
Jews in the United States have even find alienating about Israel? Eric overwhelmingly Ashkenazi: Their with a single suitcase. Israel rescued
been called “non-Jewish Jews.” Many Goldstein, CEO of UJA-Federation background is European anti- them. Jews in the West may take their
adhere to universal, not particularist of New York, recently criticized the Semitism and the Holocaust. They freedoms and rights for granted.
values, that some claim will in the Israeli government for its treatment of project a Eurocentric world view Jews from the Middle East and North
end destroy Judaism itself. The US the Palestinians, its attitude towards and their own Western values on the Africa do not.
Diaspora predominantly belongs asylum-seekers, and the dominance Arab and Muslim world. When the United States — and
to the Conservative and Reform of the Orthodox rabbinate in Israel. Most Jews are in Israel because of indeed, the Western press and media
streams of Judaism. The “Women But these concerns show a the Arabs, not the Nazis (although — does focus on Mizrahi Jews, it is to
of the Wall” controversy has only fundamental misunderstanding of Arabs and Nazis were allied during promote the folklore that passes for
served to introduce more tension in Israel and of the conflict. Progressives World War II). They vote for Mizrahi history —
the relationship between the United (and not just in the United States)
States and the Israeli government. think that the two-state solution
American Jews are well known for would fulfill Palestinian aspirations.
their overwhelming support for the In reality, the ultimate Palestinian
Democratic Party. As the old adage objective is the “right of return” —
goes, they earn like Episcopalians overrunning Israel proper with Arab
and vote like Puerto Ricans. This has refugees. They believe that time is on
already put them in conflict with their side.
Israel’s interests. President Barack The US Diaspora also
Obama’s 2015 Iran deal did not misunderstands what makes Israelis
seem to dent Jewish support for him. tick. Israeli support for Prime Minister
Similarly, so hostile do most Jews Benjamin Netanyahu is a response to
feel towards US President Donald rockets and terror tunnels. But many
Trump that when Trump has made Israelis view the Palestinian jihad as
pro-Israel decisions, such as moving just the latest chapter in a long story
the US embassy to Jerusalem, they
have hesitated to support him.
(The General Assembly of Jewish
Federations of North America, when
convening in Israel, always meets in
Jerusalem, but this year moved the
venue to Tel Aviv.)
As we saw with the tragic events
at Pittsburgh, American Jewry has a
problem with anti-Semitism, but it’s
a problem that it sees coming from
the far-right, exacerbated by Trump’s
populism. However, there is also a
pernicious anti-Semitic anti-Zionism
JCN • February 2019 • Shevat/Adar 1 5779 • www.jfedps.com • 19You can also read
