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Israel's Holocaust Memorial Honours Victims
24 april 2012
The Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial held Israel's official ceremony for Holocaust Remembrance Day. Israeli leaders, foreign dignitaries, and Holocaust survivors attended the commemoration, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared triumphantly that "the people of Israel live." He spoke about enemies who had tried to bury the Jewish future, but that nevertheless, Israel had been reborn in the land of their forefathers.
Netanyahu warned that Israel still faces the threat of annihilation and that a nuclear-armed Iran is an existential threat to the Jewish state. In reference to criticism of his earlier comparison of the Holocaust and Iran's stated intentions, the prime minister said that cowering from telling the uncomfortable truth is what really cheapens the Holocaust. Netanyahu repeated his calls for the world to take further action against Iran .
The theme of this year's Holocaust Remembrance Day was "my brother's keeper," and attendees heard stories of Jews helping each other survive the horror of oppression under the Nazis . In memory of the six million Jews that were murdered, six Holocaust survivors lit six torches during the highlight of Yad Vashem's ceremony .
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Author Günter Grass Slammed for Anti-Israel Prose Poem
17 april 2012
Controversy over a prose poem written by Nobel laureate Günter Grass refuses to subside. The German author had written that he feared a nuclear-armed Israel "could wipe out the Iranian people" with a "first strike." Many have questioned his decision to publish the politically charged poem -- particularly given the scandal surrounding his wartime service in the Nazis' Waffen-SS . The effect of the poem was multiplied by its April 4th publication in major German, Spanish, and Italian newspapers.
Almost uniformly, the German media have been highly critical of Grass , and some have described his poem as "abominable," "irritating," and "over the top." However, the controversy succeeded in bringing Grass back into the limelight, not only in Germany but also internationally. Grass used a later newspaper interview to say that, in hindsight, he would have worded his poem differently, but he has said he will not apologise.
An editor for the Frankfurter Allgemeine, Dr. Günther Nonnenmacher, told us this, "Grass did not publish the poem -- or what he called a poem -- in the web, but in printed paper -- in one of the big German printed papers... But even Americans, International Herald Tribune, Le Monde , Le Figaro -- I suppose in Spain it's the same thing. Talk about a poem by Günter Grass -- it's as if he had won a second Nobel Prize . I mean that's certainly one of the motives. So very few people would confess that catching the attention of the greater public and even the world is one of the mobiles that he has with his poem... Günter Grass -- all the while -- he's not an anti-Semite in an openly disgusting way, but you know this generation of the Grasses and even younger generations of course -- we have been living with underlying, with stereotypes, [etc]."
An editor for the Frankfurter Rundschau, Arnd Festerling, said, "I think this is a very special case because Mr. Grass' poem -- there was nothing to discuss about it, and so I think the media in Germany, in the biggest part, had one opinion about it. And that's the opinion that is no way to deal with this subject... And if you see the German media, there was nearly none who said Mr. Grass is right, or he did it in a good way, or he said some good things. I think a lot of people have to choose their words well because it's a very difficult ground on which you walk [and also] because of our history."
European Jewish Parliament member Mordechai Tichauer had this to say, "I think that the media is reporting fair, and I see that they realize that the guy was just not well-enough informed. He actually wrote things that are not correct... In many ways I think that he actually writes public opinion because German public is always rather critical with Israeli matters and with Jewish matters."
Wilson Ruiz, JN1 , Germany
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Germany elects first Jewish Mayor since Holocaust
31 march 2012
Frankfurt has elected German Jewish politician Peter Feldmann as the city's new mayor in a landmark vote which is likely to bolster the renaissance currently being enjoyed by the city's growing Jewish community.
Centre- Left candidate Feldmann received an emphatic 57% of the vote in the second round run-off in late March, and will now take office officially in July 2012.
Feldmann is the first Jewish Mayor to be elected in Germany since the Holocaust and his victory is being hailed by Frankfurters as evidence of the city's flourishing multicultural climate.
JN1 correspondent Wilson Ruis caught up with Frankfurt's new mayor to discuss his historic achievement and ponder its significance within the broader context of the German city's 1200-year Jewish history.
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Jewish Week. March, 19-25
29 march 2012
Jewish settlers in roughly 100 illegal outposts are braving tough conditions to live in these remote areas, and JN1's Sivan Raviv visited settler leaders and residents to hear their opinions. We spoke with Sharon, a young mother of five, as she fed her family and cleaned for the upcoming Passover holiday . She told us how beautiful the land was and that she doesn't think anyone can say it's illegal to live there. According to her beliefs, God has promised all of the land of Israel to the Jewish people, but she says she also doesn't want to fight. When asked if she was afraid of being evicted , she told us that it had happened before and that it was necessary for her to be an example for all Jewish people.
Settler leader Daniella told us that Israel hasn't declared sovreignty over Judea and Samaria , and this has kept these areas in a vague status since the end of the Six-Day War in 1967 . She says that the fact that there is a list of illegal settlements doesn't actually make them illegal. Specifically about Arabs living on this land, she said that Arab citizens would endanger the future of the Jewish state and that the land belongs only to the Jews . However, she says that do have rights on the basis of community and cultural life.
The pioneering women in these outposts have taken a difficult position. However, they show a lot of faith and believe in their path despite everything.
Sivan Raviv, JN1 , Israel.
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Jewish Week. February, 13-19
19 february 2012
JN1 ’s Sivan Raviv was in the Belgian capital this week to witness the official unveiling of the European Jewish Parliament – the continent’s first ever elected pan-European Jewish representative body. The European Jewish Parliament features a total of 120 MEJPs – the same number of legislators as the Israeli Knesset – who together represent Jewish communities in over 40 European countries. They were elected by an historic online ballot held in the second half of 2011 which attracted over 400,000 votes. The aim of the European Jewish Parliament is to give new voice to Jewish issues across the continent and provide a forum for dialogue with EU and world leaders. The EJP initiative is backed by the European Jewish Union . The first General Assembly of European Jewry’s new representative body is now expected to be held in April in Brussels.
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Jewish Week. February, 06-12
12 february 2012
The Israeli Knesset or Parliament turned 63…
An open house was held for the public – a chance to celebrate and learn about how the Knesset has defined Israel’s democracy…
Knesset Spokesman Yotam Yakir:
“After 63 years we can still say whatever we want, argue, come with any suggestions for new laws, even if they are not easy to swallow. Still everything can be said and done. This is a real good sign for the strength of the Israeli democracy.”
The Knesset -- made up of 120 lawmakers -- held its first meeting back in 1949, just 8 months after the state of Israel was declared.
The inaugural session opened on the Jewish holiday of the trees, Tu B'Shevat. Today the Knesset’s birthday is still celebrated on the same day, echoing a message of rebirth and renewal…
Visitor Simone Pierce:
“I think Tu B'Shvat is very representative of Israel. Because as everybody knows when Israel was founded it was a desert and planting a tree in the desert is an extreme achievement.”
Some of Israel’s most famous faces from the pages of history showed up – well actors playing them did…like David Ben Gurion, Israel’s first Prime Minister and the first one back then to preside over the newly formed Knesset…
Golda Meir was there too telling stories from 60s and 70s…
Golda Meir:
“I had to talk to Menachem Begin. He said he still believes in the 1979 peace treaty he penned with Egypt's Anwar Sadat despite the rising anti-Israel sentiment there today…”
JN1: “What would you say to young Israelis today”?
Israeli actor playing Menachem Begin:
“What would I say to young Israelis? Don't forget that peace is a must to be here and to be in the whole world. So we must choose the peace and to try harder to know each other everybody here in the Middle East…”
He captured Begin's less than perfect English…
Most visiting Israelis said they take pride in the Knesset despite the yelling matches that often erupt…
Visitor Chana:
“We have a big democracy, quite a democracy. I don't think in many countries there is democracy like us. Not at all.”
Israelis elect their lawmakers indirectly of political party lists – not by direct vote. They're supposed to serve for four years – along with the Prime Minister. But the Knesset has the power to dissolve itself and lawmakers rarely serve their full term.
Israel's 18 th Parliament is made up of 12 political parties. They represent the full spectrum of Israeli society, from secular to ultra-Orthodox, men and women, Jews and Muslims. In fact, 11 Israeli-Arabs serve in the Parliament.
Achmed Tibi is one of them. He's from the Arab Ta'al Party or Arab Movement for Renewal. He believes Israel's democracy is not so just…
Israeli-Arab Lawmaker Achmed Tibi:
“Democracy is obvious for the majority, 80% of the citizen, the Jewish majority. Talking about the Arab minority, there is no equal rights, there is no equal terms, that is why I am struggling here in the Parliament, in the Knesset in order to change this reality.”
A ceremony in the symbolic, menorah-shaped parliament hall closed the Knesset's birthday party…it was a who's who of power players… top Christian leaders came as well as onlookers.
President Peres spoke first and made an unexpected direct appeal to the Iranian people to choose peace and friendship. “We were not born enemies,” he said, “and there is no need to live as enemies.”
Prime Minister Netanyahu praised Israel's democracy, saying it guarantees the rights of all of its citizens, regardless of religion, race or gender...
He took the opportunity to slam Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas for agreeing to lead a new unity government with Hamas, a terrorist group that back violence and hatred of Israel.
Kadima Opposition leader Tzippi Livni called on lawmakers to work harder to close the inequalities in Israeli society and urged consensus on writing the country's long overdue constitution.
These lawmakers have one year left before elections and plenty of work to do…
The Knesset's birthday party ended with smiles and waves…tomorrow it will be back to business…
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The Jewish Week. January, 30 - February, 5
5 february 2012
Ban Ki-moon this year started his second five-year term as secretary-general of the United Nations, a position sometimes described as the most difficult in the world.
His job is to follow mandates of the 193-member UN General Assembly and the 15-member Security Council without stepping on toes.
It is a difficult dance of diplomacy, especially in the Middle East, where the UN supremo last week tried again – and failed again – to re-start peace talks between Israeli and Palestinian leaders.
Israel has long regarded the United Nations with suspicion, considering many of its bodies as biased against it, including the General Assembly, which has a record of passing resolutions that the Israelis consider one-sided.
Formal talks between Israeli and Palestinian leaders were stalled for the last three years of Ban’s first term as secretary-general, in large part over the settlement issue, which has persisted since his re-election to the secretary-general post last year.
Just a month into his second 5-year term as UN chief, Palestinian leaders told Ban point blank that there is no point in negotiating as long as Israel continues to settle its population in areas that the Palestinians want for their future state.
They said formal negotiation can only resume once Israel freezes settlement building on occupied lands and submits detailed proposals on borders and security, as requested by the Quartet of Mideast mediators, representing the US, Europe, Russia and the UN.
During his visit, Ban said that the UN considers Israeli settlements illegal under international law and urged both sides to make goodwill gestures.
Palestinian residents of Gaza were not impressed. As soon as the UN chief crossed into the strip, about 40 relatives of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails hoisted posters with pictures of their loved ones and signs reading, "Ban Ki-moon, enough bias to Israel."
Some swung their signs in the direction of the armoured convoy. Others threw slippers at his car and another hurled a boot. The prisoners' relatives, angry that Ban would not be meeting with them, then formed a human chain at the crossing in an effort to block his vehicle.
Speaking later to reporters at a UN housing project, Ban thanked the people of Gaza for their "warm welcome" and tried to play down the border incident.
He then re-entered Israel to visit the border town of Sderot, home to about 20,000 people, and a target of Qassam rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip for more than 10 years.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon:
“People have reinforced the schools, like this – as you have seen, hospitals and bus stops. They have to think constantly about where the nearest shelter is. This is what you must do for your safety, but let us be clear this is not how anyone – anywhere -- should have to live. Nothing justifies the indiscriminate firing of rockets and mortars into Israel. It is completely unacceptable to target and terrorise the citizens on a near daily basis. It must stop.”
Thousands of Sderot residents last year fled the town and many businesses have closed because of rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip. Israeli psychologists say many of those who remain suffer from trauma.
Israel has not budged on its settlement stance in Ban’s first term as UN chief and if Ban is to be successful in his second term, he will likely have to take a different approach to the on-going Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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The Jewish Week. January, 23-29
28 january 2012
This week’s Jewish Week looks at how the world observed International Holocaust Remembrance Day – who did what, who said what, and who warned off what ahead.
First, and perhaps most appropriately, we go to the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp, where survivors and officials took part in a sombre ceremony marking the 67th anniversary of its liberation.
Prayers were said, and candles lain at the foot of a monument to the camp's victims.
Directors at the memorial and museum said the 70-year anniversary of the start of the mass killings made this year's memorial particularly special.
To mark the date, the only remaining door to one of the gas chambers went on public display. A solemn reminder, if one was needed.
From Poland to Germany, where the Bundestag honoured those killed with a ceremony.
Leaders made poignant calls for Germans to stand up against right-wing extremism and hatred. Their words carried extra resonance, after a recent study found that about one in every five Germans holds anti-Semitic attitudes.
91-year-old Warsaw ghetto survivor Marcel Reich-Ranicki also spoke. He reminded those listening that the deportation of Warsaw Jews had only one purpose: death.
In Belgrade, the Serbian president laid a wreath at the monument to the victims of WWII, which used to be a part of a concentration camp.
In his speech he said that Serbia wanted to join the European community, and that in Europe, there was no place for those who could commit such crimes.
From Serbia up to Russia, and in Moscow, the Russian Jewish community marked the day with a ceremony in one of the city's main synagogues.
The Chief Rabbi of Russia told the audience that the unborn children of the victims needed to be remembered as well, while the German Ambassador to Russia said the Holocaust would forever remain "the blackest page in Germany's history."
Staying in Europe, and the scenes were less serene in Vienna, Austria, where almost 3000 people gathered to protest against the WKR-Ball, known for attracting right-wing fraternities and extremists. The timing was indeed inflammatory, being held on the anniversary of Auschwitz.
There was more dignity across the Atlantic.
Over in Argentina, which has the continent’s largest Jewish community, people gathered in Buenos Aires for a special event.
In attendance was Argentina’s Jewish Foreign Minister, Hector Timerman, but the day’s most emotive words came from the president of the Delegation of Argentine-Israeli Associations.
Speaking of the survivors, he said that with their “skin tattooed with the mark of infamy, and their hearts wounded by a wrongful past, they constitute a living testament to the darkest days of humanity.”
From South America to North.
In New York, the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon dedicated this year’s Remembrance Day to children who were victims of the Holocaust.
In a video message, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon dedicated this year’s Remembrance Day to children who were victims of the Holocaust.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:
" We will never know what these children might have contributed to our world. And among the survivors, many were too shattered to tell their stories. Today, we seek to give voices to those accounts. That is why the United Nations continues to teach the universal lessons of the Holocaust."
Whilst necessary, continuing to teach the universal lessons of the Holocaust wasn’t enough, said Israel’s ambassador to the UN.
Ron Prosor, Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations:
"At this very podium Iran's Ahmadinejad stands every year and shamelessly denies the holocaust, while his government threatens to carry another one. Our duty is clear. It is not enough to be good. We must know what to do when we face evil; it is not enough to know what we stand, for we must know what we stand against."
The theme of threat continued. Holocaust survivor Dr Robert Krell asked those assembled whether there wasn’t something to fear lurking around the corner.
Robert Krell, Holocaust survivor:
"Are we hearing holocaust denial not from some misguided individuals, but from nations represented here at the United Nations? The world's longest hatred has found new practitioners. Has anti-Semitism found fertile ground once again? Will the words that are heard today lead to genocide tomorrow? Fortunately you have chosen to mark this day of Holocaust remembrance as a reminder of what is possible when racism and prejudice run wild."
From warning, back to remembrance, and our journey’s end – in perhaps the most fitting place of all. Visitors to Yad Vashem have had the chance to see a new exhibition of drawings made by Jews during the Nazi-era.
Having opened a few days earlier, the "Last Portrait" exhibition depicts hundreds of black and white portraits of Jews during World War Two, living in ghettos, concentration camps and slave labour communities.
As visitors walked along the white walls, many examined the drawings looking to find familiar faces, family members or friends.
Hana Veingarten-Vertheimer was only 12 when the war started, and found a portrait of herself on display, drawn in her hometown of Prague.
There were other stories to tell, too. This is Niro Gold. Her mother’s entire family was killed by the Nazis, and she spent years in search of some kind of memory or documentation related to her lost loved ones. Among the portraits presented to Yad Vashem were two of Nira’s grandparents.
Curators and researchers from the Museum of Holocaust Art used Yad Vashem's databases and archives to retrieve information about the subjects in the portraits.
Whether or not the individual identities are known, the collective identity is crystal clear. It’s an identity that visitors to the exhibition can quite literally come face-to-face with.
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The Jewish Week. January, 15-22
22 january 2012
As Republican presidential hopefuls fanned out across the Southern United States to campaign in primaries to decide whether former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney will retain his front-runner status, the backers of U.S. President Barack Obama released their first campaign video dealing with current administration’s pro-Israel policy.
The film, aimed at U.S Jewish voters, bears the title “Israel and the U.S. – an Unbreakable Bond.”
The 7-minute video documents the Obama’s support for Israel and features a number of Israeli officials, including President Shimon Peres, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon, all praising Obama.
Not to be outdone, The Republican National Committee this week released the text of a resolution calling for "a united Israel governed under one law for all people," a position shared to former Pennsylvania governor Rick Santorum, who this week continued to surge in the polls.
With the obvious exception of Texas congressman Ron Paul, Republicans candidates during the 2012 campaign gone out of their way to make Israel an issue in the campaign as they jockey for support of Jewish voters who traditionally have backed Democrats overwhelmingly.
In speech after speech, and during debates, they have taken turns lambasting Obama’s foreign policy and questioned his support for Israel.
Romney last month told a conservative Jewish audience that his first foreign trip as president would be to Israel, contrasting his strong support for the Jewish state with Obama’s policies, which he said had “chastened” the long-time Middle East ally.
Gingrich has gone so far as to deny that Palestinians are a people or nation, using an argument sometimes used by the far right in Israel.
Santorum, meanwhile, has stuck with the Republican National Committee line, laying out his case why Israel should not dismantle its settlements in the West Bank:
That leaves Ron Paul, who for better or worse, has enjoyed the opportunity to say something different.
The Republican National convention will be held in late August in Florida, a week before Democrats are expected to endorse Obama at their convention in North Carolina. Whatever the outcomes, U.S. relations with Israel will almost certainly remain a key issue during the campaign until Election Day on Nov. 6.
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The Jewish Week. January, 09-14
15 january 2012
The German Jewish newspaper which seeks to move beyond the Holocaust
Turkey choices a Jewish singer to represent the country at Eurovision
And…
Tel Aviv is crowned the world’s most gay-friendly city
Foreign Minister welcomes launch of Jewish paper
Celebrating Germany’s Jewish heritage – Germany’s Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle was on hand this week for the symbolic launch of a new Jewish newspaper which seeks to demonstrate that there is much more to Germany’s Jewish history than the horrors of the Holocaust.
Westerwelle said the 'Jewish Voice from Germany' reflected the nation’s rich Jewish past and present, commenting that the civilisation-break of the Nazi Holocaust must not be allowed to overshadow thousands of years of German Jewish heritage.
The quarterly newspaper’s founder Rafael Seligmann said the paper would allow Jewish readers to get in touch with their German genes once more and represented a departure away from the post-war habit of identifying German Jewry almost exclusively within the context of the Nazi era.
The paper will consist of reports by Jewish writers about Germany's Jewish community, and will have a worldwide print-run of around 30,000 copies.
Tunisia condemns Hamas visit anti-Semitism
Jewish community leaders in Tunisia protested this week after crowds chanted a series of anti-Semitic slogans and trampled Israeli flags during a visit to the country by Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.
Haniyeh was in Tunis on his first official tour since Hamas took power in Gaza in 2007, and his rhetoric seemed designed to spur anti-Israeli sentiment. Several banned ultraconservative parties attended the rally, and there were cheers as Haniyeh vowed not to recognise the state of Israel nor to lay down arms against the Jewish state.
Tunisian leaders were quick to denounce anti-Semitism and reassure the country’s small Jewish community. In late 2011 Tunisia’s Jews rejected a direct call from Jerusalem to immigrate to Israel, saying that despite the uncertainties of the Arab Spring and growing concerns over political Islam, they continued to regard Tunisia as their home.
Wartime leader’s Israeli devotees establish society
British Prime Minister and iconic wartime leader Winston Churchill was known for many things to many people; for many Jews, his unwavering support for the Zionist state was foremost among his qualities.
Over 46 years after the British leader’s death, and keen to remind Israelis of the values of the master statesman, a group of fans have founded the Churchill Society of Israel.
Biographers of Churchill say the British leader, whose support for Jewry began with the Dreyfus affair in the late 1890s, had a conviction of the primacy of Jewish ethics, praised Jewish communal life, and admired 'the corporate spirit of the Jewish race and faith.’
Organisers of the new society added that they thought Churchill would be proud of today's State of Israel.
Australian Jews condemn TV series ‘The Promise’
All of the lead Jewish characters in the TV series ‘The Promise’ are portrayed negatively and cast as ‘violent, cruel and racist.’
That’s the hard-hitting complaint from the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, who says the show conveys anti-Jewish stereotypes.
This is not the first condemnation the show has drawn. When it was first screened in the UK and France early last year, it immediately drew the ire of local Jewish communities.
A four-part series, The Promise features a British girl who visits her Jewish friends in Israel and subsequently tries to understand her grandfather’s role as an officer in British Mandatory Palestine. Jewish groups have argued that the series broadly unsympathetic portrayal of Jewish conduct during the British Mandate risks fuelling international anti-Israeli sentiment.
Jewish singer to represent Turkey at Eurovision
Music is the bridge of nations: a welcome announcement from Turkey has revealed that a young Jewish singer will represent the country in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
Born into a Jewish family, musician, TV presenter, and radio host Can Bonomo said his legs started to shake when he heard he had been picked to play.
With relations between Ankara and Jerusalem deteriorating in recent months, Bonomo’s selection has provoked wide-ranging reactions. Some fear a repetition of last year’s event, where singer Yuksek Sadat failed to pass the semi-finals, whereas others hope that the eye-catching selection of a Jewish representative will prove a hit with traditionally peace-loving Eurovision audiences.
Tel Aviv is recognised as LGBT award winner
And finally, Tel Aviv has been voted the world’s number one gay city for 2011, recording a landslide victory with more than three times as many online votes as its nearest rival.
In a worldwide survey sponsored by American Airlines, Tel Aviv came out top ahead of traditional gay meccas New York, Toronto, Sao Paolo and Madrid, with poll organisers calling the Israeli destination "the city that never takes a break", saying life there was "perhaps the most vibrant in the Middle East."
Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai greeted the news enthusiastically, saying victory proved that Tel Aviv “respects all people equally, and allows all people to live according to their values and desires.” He also said it was a free city in which everyone could feel proud of who they are.
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The Jewish Week. January, 02-08
8 january 2012
This week in the Jewish week…
A Republican presidential candidate’s roots revealed,
The Jewish Film Festival comes to New York City…
And concentration camp Lego makes its mark in the world of contemporary art.
Catholic Republican nominee joined Jewish Fraternity
As America gets ready for the primaries, an unlikely truth has emerged: Republican presidential hopeful and devout Catholic Rick Santorum may have spent his student days as part of well-known Jewish Fraternity.
Online Jewish news site Tablet Magazine has said that Mr Santorum was once a member of the Tau Epsilon Phi fraternity while at Penn State University.
Santorum recently took second-place by just 8 votes in the Iowa caucuses, and has been vocal in his support for Israel.
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New magazine celebrates German Jewish revival
A new English language Jewish magazine has been launched in Berlin to document and promote the revival of Jewish life in Germany.
The magazine Jewish Voice From Germany will be published quarterly and distributed both nationally and internationally.
Its founder told German news site SPIEGEL ONLINE that he doesn’t want Hitler " to have the last word ” on nearly 2000 years of German-Jewish history.
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Kol Ish releases Kiddush Club parody song
The crop of Jewish parody hits is turning bumper: following hot on the heels of a galaxy of Hanukkah rip-offs in what looks like being a watershed year for the genre, Jewish a capella group Kol Ish have released "Kiddush Club," based on a song by Usher.
A so-called Kiddush Club is an informal group which meets to drink alcohol during services on Shabbos.
Students of the University of Maryland formed Kol Ish in 2005 and released their debut album in 2009. Their other performances are available for viewing on YouTube.
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Chicago city council plans synagogue demolition
Once the centre of Jewish life in Chicago’s West Side – now slated for demolition: the Windy city is now taking bids to knock down the Anshe Kanesses Israel synagogue.
Built in 1913 by Russian-Jewish immigrants, the synagogue had been at the heart of things for over 50 years. But after World War II, Jewish people began moving out of the neighbourhood and the synagogue was transformed into a Baptist church where Martin Luther King Jr . once gave a speech to thousands of supporters.
The building hasn’t been used for years, and although it’s on the city’s “seven most endangered historic buildings” the city council has said it is in imminent danger of collapse and needs to be taken down.
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Polish museum purchases Lego Nazi concentration camp
Concentration camp contemporary art: a Lego replica of a Nazi prison camp which came under harsh criticism for trivialising the Holocaust has been purchased by the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw.
The museum reportedly paid over $ 70,000 to a Norwegian collector for the 1996 piece by Polish artist Zbigniew Libera. The work features crematoria and barracks made from Lego bricks, as well as Lego inmates being beaten by Lego guards.
Libera then included a controversial notice stating "sponsored by Lego Systems", but although Lego gave Libera the bricks for free, they insist they did not endorse his artwork.
The museum have said the camp is "one of the most important works of contemporary Polish art,”. All six Nazi death camps were located in occupied Poland. Libera’s piece will reportedly go on display later this year.
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NYC fest to run from 11th to 26th Jan
And finally, Big Apple film lovers are warming up for popcorn and soda at the 21st annual New York Jewish Film Festival.
Among the dozens of movies being shown is “100 Voices: A Journey Home" – a documentary that looks at Jewish culture in Poland;
"400 Miles to Freedom", tells the secret 1984 journey of escape by a secluded 2,500-year-old community of observant Jews in northern Ethiopia, broaching an inquiry into identity, leading to other African, Asian and Latino Jews in Israel and the U.S.
"Deaf Jam" explores the use of American Sign Language poetry via a hard-of-hearing Israeli high school student living in New York who collaborates with a hearing Palestinian poet.
Presented by The Jewish Museum and the Film Society of Lincoln Center, the Festival will run from January 11-26, giving viewers access to a wide range of world Jewish cinema.
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Conflict between secular and orthodox Jews continues
31 december 2011
Spitting on a little girl for not dressing modestly, demanding a woman sit at the back of a public bus and calling her a slut – these are just two examples of the phenomenon which has dominated the Jewish world this week: the growing conflict between secular and ultra-orthodox Jews in Israel.
The issue has been thrust into the limelight in recent days after an 8-year-old girl was harassed on her way to school by an ultra-orthodox Jew who took exception to the girl’s exposed arms. For Naama Margolese, walking to school became something to be feared.
8-year-old schoolgirl Naama Margolese:
When I walk to school in the morning I used to get a tummy ache, I was so scared."
(Q: What were you scared of?)
"That they were going to stand around and start yelling."
The incident proved to be a step too far for many residents of Naama’s hometown of Beit Shemesh. As a result of the young girl’s experiences, thousands came out to protest against what they see as the ultra-orthodox minority – also known as the Haredi - taking control of their city.
The leader of Israel’s opposition was also in attendance.
Leader of the Israeli Opposition Tzipi Livni:
“There’s a battle of the values of the state of Israel as a Jewish democratic state. There is no need to choose between being a Jewish state and a democracy. I believe those values are living in harmony. But there are those who try to impose on us their way of translating Judaism. But this is something we cannot accept.”
Beit Shemesh has of late become a focal point of the tension between Israel’s ultra-orthodox and secular populations. Earlier this week a television crew was attacked there. It is a town littered with signs calling for the separation of the sexes on sidewalks, and where so-called modesty patrols roam the streets to make sure women are dressed according to acceptable orthodox standards.
The secular-Haredi conflict has sent shockwaves through Israeli society which have travelled all the way to its upper echelons. The response of the country’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has been unequivocal:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
"We are witness recently to an unacceptable phenomenon of gender segregation in the public sphere. A phenomenon that opposes the spirit of the Old Testament and of Judaism. It is opposed to the democratic principles that Israel is based upon.”
For some, there is much more at stake than female clothing or seats on a bus.
Rabbi Uri Ayalon:
"I think that this struggle is a struggle about what will happen in Israel in the next 20 years, and what will be the face of Israel. And because of that it's not just about advertisement and it's not just about buses and it's not just about women singing. It's about the face of Israel. And because of that it's so, so important."
The latest reports from Israel’s bureau of statistics forecast that whilst currently Haredim account for roughly a tenth of the country’s population, high birth rates mean that in 50 years’ time that figure could grow to one third.
But Israel prides itself on women's equality. Golda Meir became the country’s first female Prime Minister in 1969 at a time when Great Britain had not yet passed laws guaranteeing women equal pay. It remains to be seen if such a progressive outlook can be maintained in the face of growing influence from the ultra-orthodox.
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The Jewish Week. December, 19-25
25 december 2011
Tuesday evening this week marked the beginning of the Jewish holiday Hanukkah, when millions of menorahs were lit for the first time the world over, including the National Menorah on the Ellipse of the White House.
Hanukkah, which means festival of lights, commemorates a miracle during biblical times in which a light in the Holy Temple kept burning for eight days when there was oil for only one.
In the Ukrainian capital, hundreds gathered in Kyiv’s main synagogue to mark the start of the celebration, as did Jews across Europe and the United States.
The US ambassador to Berlin, Philip D. Murphy along with the vice president of the German parliament and other German politicians joined ceremonies hosted by the German Chabad organisation to light the first candle there.
In New York City, the world’s biggest menorah sparked into life, as US Senator Charles Schumer did the honours on the edge of Central Park.
The New York Menorah was certified by Guinness World Records as the World's largest.
In the US capital Washington, Hanukkah began with the lighting of the first candle on the National Menorah.
Rabbi Levi Shemtov told crowds outside the White House that Hanukkah represents more than a Jewish victory over their ancient oppressors. He said it's also "the victory of light over darkness, of right over might, of justice over tyranny."
The lighting ceremony included Hanukkah songs performed by three singers accompanied by the US Marine Band.
Even US President Barack Obama celebrated the holiday this year.
US President Barack Obama:
“Now, as I said, we're jumping the gun just a little bit. The way I see it, we're just extending the holiday spirit. We're stretching it out. (Laughter.) But we do have to be careful that your kids don't start thinking Hanukkah lasts 20 nights instead of eight. (Laughter.) That will cause some problems.”
As part of the holiday, the White House have released a behind-the-scenes video showing how its kitchen was ‘kosherized’ ahead its annual Hanukkah party.
The process was overseen by Rabbi Levi Shemtov.
Rabbi Levi Shemtov:
“For me as an American Jew it’s a distinct honor to oversee the ‘kosherizing’ of what is the most important kitchen in the country. The White house kitchen generally is not kosher therefore in order for it to be used for a function which provides food which can be considered kosher it has to be “kasher” or “kosherized” or made appropriate for Kosher food. “
But the celebrations this year seem to have evolved past candle-lighting ceremonies and the simple enjoyment of fried potatoes.
The competition for the Hanukkah number one song this year has proved to be a real battle, with no less than 5 menorah-inspired songs currently fighting it out to be the festival of light’s top tune.
Currently leading the pack with over a quarter of a million YouTube hits is “Hanukkah Rock of Ages.” Released by Jewish community website aish.com and showcasing the moves of members of breakdance troupe “The Lions of Zion”, the song parodies hits from across the decades.
Running a close second is “Miracle” from Jewish boy-band the Maccabeats. All students or graduates of Yeshiva University in New York City, the Maccabeats started out as a small-time a capella group four years ago. But after their 2010 single “candlelight” got 6 million hits on YouTube and they performed at the White House for US president Barack Obama, they can now consider themselves to be among the world’s best known Jewish groups.
“Light Up The Night” from Israeli ensemble The Fountainheads is also a contender for this year’s Hanukkah number one. Shot in Israel’s Judean desert and featuring both English and Hebrew lyrics, it has so far garnered some 85,000 views on YouTube.
Following the Maccabeats a capella style, “Holiday Party” has been released by Pella productions to celebrate all-things Hanukkah related.
And last but certainly not least, The Shlomones have put out “The Rocky Horror Hannukah Song”, taking their cues from punk legends the Ramones.
With the fight to be the top Hanukkah hit becoming something an annual tradition, it seems that with each passing year, we can only expect the music to get better.
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The Jewish Week. December, 05-11
10 december 2011
Obama’s Jewish angst
We start this week with an outcry. US Ambassador to Belgium Howard Gutman gave a speech to the European Jewish Union in Brussels and outlined two forms of anti-Semitism: the traditional, irrational hatred of Jews, and the one borne from frustrations over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He said Muslims in Europe were increasingly being influenced by the latter.
To some, the comments made sense. Nonsense said others: all anti-Semitism is irrational, and to link it to a dispute between regional parties in the Middle East is trying to rationalise it.
Out came the big guns, especially those who’d been looking for an opportunity to have a pop at Gutman’s boss and backer Barack Obama. Republican hopefuls vied to see who could slam him the hardest, with Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney chief among them.
The underlying message: only ‘we’ are the true friends of Israel and the Jews.
Obama hit back. This time by beating them to Hannukah.
After a multitude and thanks, acknowledgements, praise and polite discourse, Obama got to the point.
What a comeback. What a change from a week ago, when Gutman’s speech went down like a lead balloon. With just over a week to go before the start of Hannukah, President Obama showed that ‘a week in politics is a very long time.’
Flynn draws fire
After the outcry over Ambassador Gutman, we move quickly on… to another outcry… over another Ambassador.
UK Member of Parliament Paul Flynn drew fire when he said that Britain’s Ambassador to Israel could be disloyal because he is Jewish. Flynn at first said he was being treated unfairly, and that his remarks had been taken out of context, but quickly apologised for causing offence.
Outcry at adverts
Enough of ambassadors, let’s move on. Unfortunately, we can’t move much beyond outcries, but we can move from politics into advertising, where Israeli adverts aimed at Israelis living in America caused outrage among American Jews. The adverts warned them against getting into relationships with Americans, and of living in America, for fear of losing their national identity.
The adverts were lambasted. Even the ADL slammed the campaign. No sooner had Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled them then the Israeli Prime Minister’s office ordered them withdrawn. Acting just as decisively, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said they weren’t consulted. The Israeli Absorption Ministry, originators of the ads, was left standing all alone, having to explain itself.
For them, this week in politics likely felt particularly long.
The purity of TV
As discussed, many Jews felt those adverts were offensive. But while some may well have taken it out on their TV’s, that was not the point to the exercise being shown here, where hundreds of ultra-Orthodox Jews this week disposed of their TV sets in Jerusalem, in a protest against the immorality infecting our screens. They explained why they chose to do what they did
The cleansing took place outside Israel’s national broadcaster, and is yet another demonstration of the mounting tension between Israel’s secular majority and its increasingly influential religious minority.
Women’s images
Sticking with Jewish Orthodox, and this week saw further developments in the recent dispute regarding the portrayal of women’s images in Israel, with images of women were starting to appear on billboards once again. As these images show, Orthodox Jews have recently been taking the law into their own hands, targeting a range of things, from shops and businesses to posters and advertising.
The role of women in Israeli society is a particularly hot topic at the moment. From the people we interviewed, we got mixed answers.
Don’t worry Morris. There’s no law saying you need to be pro-marriage. Not yet anyway.
Peres to the moon
From Orthodox Jews, to outer space. Shimon Peres was this week backing an Israeli project to go all the way in a Google-sponsored competition for private projects to launch and land on the Earth’s satellite. Space IL has developed the design of the spacecraft, which is no bigger than a kitchen cupboard. They now need the money to build it. Peres had earlier said that it was about time the Israeli’s put their flag on the moon. If they get the required funding, this Israeli kitchen cupboard could indeed go where no other Israeli kitchen cupboard has gone before.
Sun Sea and Sinai
Back to Earth, and to Eilat, with sun, sea and Sinai security problems. Partly because of the latter, a new marketing campaign has been launched to promote Eilat as THE Red Sea capital. Eilat was presented not just as a resort, but as a city of attractions, shopping and academic tourism.
Recent cross-border clashes have threatened to discourage visitors who regularly flock to its beaches for a dip in the Red Sea, so authorities hope the promo video will give the seaside resort a bit of a boost.
Beasties honoured
And finally, how else could we end then by bringing you the best of the Beastie Boys, who were honoured this week in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. The three Jewish kids behind one of the most influential hip hop acts of all time are going to be Hall of Famers, and will be inducted in March. The trio has sold more than 40 million albums worldwide since their debut 25 years ago.
That’s all from this week’s Jewish Week, and until next weekend, Shalom from JN1.
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The Jewish Week. December, 01-05
6 december 2011
Benneton Ads
This week, we start with a kiss, and the most unlikely locking of lips in the Middle East. Italian clothing company Benetton unleashed its new ad campaign called “unhate” with a blitz of images featuring world and religious leaders kissing. Among the photo-edited lovers were Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. The two leaders made no audible complaints, and may even have found it funny. Not so the Vatican, whose stern condemnation led to the company pulling its image of Pope Benedict getting tongue-tied with Egypt’s Ahmed el Tayeb.
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Re-enactment of UN resolution
From kissing to rekindling, and memories of November 1947 were brought to life again this week, as the United Nations resolution on the partition of Palestine was re-enacted in Israel. A 1934 Citroen drove into the Jewish Agency compound and out stepped Golda Meir - or at least an actress playing her. Blue and white flags waved, and inside the compound, three generations of Jews danced and sang.
High on the wall, alongside the balcony, was a banner featuring Zionist visionary Theodor Herzl and his famous slogan that became the Zionist mantra: If you will it, it is no dream. The re-enactment was organised by the World Zionist Organization. Likud Knesset Member Danny Danon looked on and talked later about having a national Zionist day.
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Israel ad campaign
From re-enactments to remembering who you are. That seems to be the idea behind an ad campaign recently launched, then pulled, by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The adverts warned Israeli expats NOT to marry American Jews for fear they will lose their national identity. One reads “before Hanukkah turns into Christmas, it’s time to come back to Israel.” Another shows an American boyfriend looking oblivious as his Israeli girlfriend observes Israel’s day of mourning.
It didn’t go down too well. Influential commentator Jeffery Goldberg called it an unprecedented demonstration of Israeli contempt for American Jews. The ADL joined in and also slammed the campaign.
The originators of it, Israel’s Absorption Ministry, tried desperately to dig itself out of the hole, saying it “respected and appreciated the American Jewish community.” Alas, it was on its own, aptly demonstrated when the Israeli foreign ministry publicly lambasted it for not consulting beforehand.
The retracted ad blitz cum guilt trip cost Israeli tax payers nearly a million US dollars.
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Close-up shots of Dead Sea shoot leaked online
If you thought that was bad, spare a thought for those who recently stripped off for a nude Dead Dea photo-shoot. Close-up photos of the naked participants were apparently leaked onto the internet. Spencer Tunick’s art project was orchestrated to raise awareness about the fact that the Dead Sea was disappearing, but so too, it seems, is the anonymity participants had expected.
Photographer Casey Kelbaugh said he had no idea how the photos made it online, and that he was working hard to get them taken down.
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Cronenberg Film
From photography to cinematography, and Jewish Director David Cronenberg’s film “A Dangerous Method” has set tongues wagging. Early promises are of a dark sexual thriller involving some of the most famous psychiatric minds of all time, and the release of the official trailer – shown here – highlights the Jewish interest. Sigmund Freud, born Sigismund Schlomo Freud, was a Jew who escaped the Nazis, only to die months later. Kiera Knightley plays the Jewish Sabina Spielrein, Carl Jung’s first patient-mistress, who trained several psychologists in Russia before being killed by the Nazis. Director Cronenberg meanwhile was raised in a middle-class progressive Jewish family.
The film itself charts the slow motion disintegration of the relationships between Spielrein and Jung and Jung and Freud. Critics gave it mixed reviews, with new Jewish portal JSpace calling it “subdued, sedentary and self-satisfied.” Ouch.
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Millionaire leaves money to orchestra
Causing disharmony at the philharmonic.
A will left by a late Jewish American classical music fan promises an Israeli orchestra millions of dollars – but which one that is will have to be decided by a judge.
Dr. Kurt Nassau, a wealthy Jew from New Jersey, left behind an estate worth some million. According to Dr. Kurt Nassau’s will, he left all his fortune to the Israel Symphony Orchestra. But a lack of clarity has led to the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and the Israel Symphony Orchestra Rishon Lezion going to court. Some have suggested that they are both privately trumpeting their rival claims.
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Ron Paul and Obama
It seems to be getting increasingly difficult for American politicians not to fall out with Jewish voters.
The Republican Jewish Coalition declined to invite Texas candidate Ron Paul to its presidential candidates’ forum in Washington, citing his "misguided and extreme views." At a recent debate, Paul dared to suggest that Israel was militarily self-sufficient, and supported an amendment that would have ended the annual billion in aid to Israel for military purchases alone.
It wasn’t just Republicans that felt the Jewish wrath. President Obama learnt that when it came to his Middle East policies, only 22% of Israeli Jews said that they were encouraged by his administration’s record. He was, by contrast, a lot more popular among Israeli Arabs. It’s a politician’s life.
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Israeli frog
And finally, to a different kind of slippery creature.
For the second time in a matter of weeks, JN1 has the proud pleasure of bringing Israeli frogs to your screens. Particularly, we’re bringing you the Hula painted frog, re-discovered in swampland 3 weeks ago after 50 years of presumed extinction. This Hula was a him, but this week, park officials announced that they’d found a her! Which makes this year a Happy Hannukah for Hula’s everywhere.
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The Jewish week. November, 6-13
19 november 2011
Monday
Israelis woke up Monday morning to find a debate raging in the country – the question – will Israel launch a pre-emptive strike on Iran to stop them developing nuclear weapons? Rumours were swirling about the forthcoming International Atomic Energy Agency report, which was widely expected to confirm that Iran’s nuclear program me did have a military aspect.
Despite the expectation over Iran, Israelis had other problems to deal with on Monday, as public transport came to a halt owing to a strike by thousands of workers between 6 and 10am after negotiations broke down between the government and the country’s biggest labour union. The union had wanted the strike to carry on indefinitely, but a court ruling meant it was limited to just four hours in the morning.
Transport workers, as well as those from hospitals, banks, ports and the country’s main international airport – Ben Gurion – walked off the job in protest at the working conditions of hundreds of thousands of contract workers employed by the government.
For some the strike meant major disruption. For others, the walk-out was good news – Taxi drivers in particular enjoyed a busy day and are looking forward to further industrial action.
Tuesday With public transport back to normal for the time being, Tuesday saw thousands attend the Jerusalem funeral of Rabbi NossonTzviFinkel, the head of the city’s Mir Yeshiva, one of the largest Yeshiva ’ s in the world.Finkel died on Tuesday of a heart attack at the age of 68 and was buried the same day.
The Chicago-born Finkel assumed leadership of the yeshiva in 1990 and will be succeed ed in the position by his son.
Wednesday
Wednesday marked the 16 th anniversary of the death of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzak Rabin. Rabin was assassinated in 1995 by Yigal Amir – a right wing Israeli radical. Amir was opposed to Rabin’s signing of the Oslo Peace Accords – an act which saw Rabin awarded the Nobel Peace Prize alongside Shimon Peres and Yasser Arafat. (AFP photo)
A number of Israelis came to Tel Aviv to the memorial to the statesman to pay their respects to a man known as a peacemaker and moderate to many Israelis. Thousands more turned out later in the week at the city’s Rabin Square in commemoration and to speak out against the so called ‘Price Tag Attacks’ - vandalism and acts of violence by right-wing Jewish settlers targeting both Palestinians and Israelis.
The latest such attack came to light this week when police discovered an Arab cemetery in Jerusalem that had been vandalized. The words ‘price tag’ were sprayed in Hebrew across gravestones and tombs.
The home of an official from Israeli pressure group Peace Now wasalso vandalised, with the words ‘Rabin i s n waiting for you’ spray painted across the walls.
Thursday
On Thursday in a landmark decisionIsrael’sSupreme Courtupheld the rape conviction of former President Moshe Katsav and ordered him to begin serving a seven-year prison term next month.
In dismissing Katsav’s appeal judges said his testimony had not been credible and accused him of exploiting his status as a high public official.
The Iranian-born Katsav was convicted last December of raping a former employee when he was a Cabinet minister and of sexually harassing two other women during his term as president from 2000 to 2007.
The rape conviction for the former head of state was hailed in Israel as a victory for women's rights and equality under the law. Katsavwill become the highest-ranking Israeli officialto serve time.
Friday
Rabbi shot
Israeli Defence Forces made the headlines on Friday for all the wrong reasons as they accidentally shot dead a Rabbi in the West Bank.
Rabbi Dan Mertzbach had been on his way to morning prayers when IDF forces opened fire on his vehicle after he had failed to stop at one of their checkpoints.
Mertzbach is reported to have approached the check point at high speed and did not notice the soldiers signa l ling him to stop. The soldiers suspected that the vehicle was driven by a terrorist and began shooting, killing Martzbach and injuring two other women in the vehicle.
Footage taken from security cameras installed at the scene is expected to help authorities, who have launched an investigation, to determine whether IDF guidelines were followed.
Dead Sea
Friday also saw the announcement of the winners of the new seven wonders of the natural world competition. Disappointingly for Israel and despite a million dollar PR campaign from the Israeli government, the Dead Sea was not among them.
The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu himself had even thrown his weight behind the campaign as he released a video online urging Israelis to vote for the Dead Sea, but it was all to no avail.
Among the winners of the competition are Vietnam’s Halong bay and Brazil’s Iguazu falls.
Border disorder: Palestinian terrorists open fire at IDF soldiers operating within Israeli territory near the security fence with north Gaza. No injuries are being reported
Equal rights: Israel’s High Court rules that the onus is on employers to explain why they pay women lower salaries than men
Listening in: Justice Ministry proposes a bill that would expand the state’s power to tap phones and almost double the number of state agencies allowed to access the data while conducting investigations
Earphone law: Lawmakers are mulling new legislation that would forbid bicycle riders to listen to music with earphones while on the road
Anti-US assistance: Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh says US military assistance to Israel, including the recent decision to grant Israel an additional USD 70 million for the Iron Dome missile defense system, is encouraging the Jewish state to commit war crimes
Emergency landing: a London-bound El-Al jet makes an emergency landing at Ben-Gurion International Airport shortly after takeoff on Friday after the jet’s flaps malfunctioned and the plane dumped its fuel the sea
Equal rights: Israel’s High Court rules that the onus is on employers to explain why they pay women lower salaries than men
Listening in: Justice Ministry proposes a bill that would expand the state’s power to tap phones and almost double the number of state agencies allowed to access the data while conducting investigations
Earphone law: Lawmakers are mulling new legislation that would forbid bicycle riders to listen to music with earphones while on the road
Anti-US assistance: Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh says US military assistance to Israel, including the recent decision to grant Israel an additional USD 70 million for the Iron Dome missile defense system, is encouraging the Jewish state to commit war crimes
Emergency landing: a London-bound El-Al jet makes an emergency landing at Ben-Gurion International Airport shortly after takeoff on Friday after the jet’s flaps malfunctioned and the plane dumped its fuel the sea
Jewish week
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European Jewish Parliament Convenes for Second Day
In the command center of pan-European politics, the European Jewish Parliament convened for a second day… At the European Parliament, panel discussions were held on the economic crisis in Europe and its impact on extremism, populism and anti-Semitism … Dr. Antonyia Parvanova, a member of the European Parliament from Bulgaria, moderated… Parvanova says she and her colleagues are aware that baseless hatred for Jews is rearing its ugly head again in violent acts, in anti-Israeli sentiment and in politics…
Igor Kolomoiskiy , the President of the European Jewish Union, was the guiding light behind the first-ever Parliament for Jews and forging ties with other European leaders is one of its priorities. The European Jewish Parliament was modeled in some ways after the European Parliament. Its members are elected osein contrast to how other Jewish leaders in Europe are chosen which is usually by those inside existing organizations. The European Jewish Parliament hopes its system can attract young, unaffiliated Jews with fresh ideas.
A Jewish woman from Washington joined the EJP’s meetings…but she’s not an American working for President Obama or Republican candidate Mitt Romney …Her boss is King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain… Hoodah Nunu is the Bahraini Ambassador to the US, a Jewish woman who represents her Muslim country. EJP members also expressed hope that they can help build bridges between Jews and Muslims wherever they clash. Nunu’s colleague – the Bahraini Ambassador to the EU – attended the panel discussions. Tomorrow these new Jewish reps of Europe will head back to their home countries after two days of sharing ideas, solutions and meeting like-minded politicians.
Jordana Miller, JN1 , Brussels
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Sephardic Jewish Cuisine Celebrated in Germany
The gruene sosse or green sauce festival marks the beginning of spring, and celebrates Frankfurt’s most popular dish which in turn is a symbol of Frankfurt ’s Jewish heritage. For more than six centuries Frankfurters have indulged in green vegetables and herbs – a custom that also ties in with the arrival of Sephardic Jews in the Frankfurt region.
About 30,000 Sephardic Jews expelled from Spain in 1492 came to Germany. The Sephardic kitchen was characterized by the absence of garlic and a very generous use of herbs. The seven herbs found in the Frankfurt green sauce certainly do justice to the old Sephardic cuisine. Nowadays, there are of course countless varieties of the original Jewish green sauce recipe .
Jews not only provided the original recipe for green sauce, for centuries they also made the herbs available to the public. Many became peddlers, buying the products directly from the farmers and selling them in the streets of Frankfurt . At the beginning of the 20th. century in Frankfurt the Jewish peddler were members of the Jewish community living in the East End of the city, the home of about four thousand Jews who immigrated from Russia and Poland.
The East End had the largest synagogue in Frankfurt, boasting 1600 seats. It was destroyed on November 9, 1938, when the Nazis unleashed a wave of pogroms against Germany's Jews . Today in Frankfurt's East End on the site of the destroyed synagogue, the Place of Remembrance documents a facet of National Socialist viciousness: In 1942 a civil defense bunker was erected by French prisoners of war on the foundation of the destroyed Synagogue. The bunker now contains a permanent exhibition on Jewish life in Frankfurt ’s East End in the pre- Nazi period. It’s a place of learning and reflection about the site and it’s past.
Seventy years after Festival the Holocaust Jewish heritage and culture is once again thriving in Frankfurt … and Frankfurters of all ethnic backgrounds are discovering the centuries old Jewish recipe for green sauce.
Wilson Ruiz, JN1 , Frankfurt
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EJP Holds General Assembly in Brussels
The newly elected European Jewish Parliament held its first general session in Brussels… The 120 members were elected last fall in an online vote that drew over 400,000 Jews across western, central and eastern Europe. Now the representatives of 47 countries are meeting to set their agenda…it’s a diverse group of men and women, religious and secular, old and young…
The alarming political gains of far right-wing nationalist parties is one of the newest and most pressing issues. EJP Co-Presidents Vadim Rabinovich and Joel Rubinfeld say the Parliament will build ties with the European Parliament , the EU and others to defend the needs of the Jewish community.
The European Jewish Parliament , for the first time is bringing Jews from the East and West together under one umbrella organization. The hope is that some of the more established communities – like in France and England – can help some of the smaller struggling communities in the east with the challenges they face… After the opening remarks, the Parliamentarians broke into committee groups on topics ranging from foreign affairs to education to culture.
Jordana Miller, JN1 , Brussels