Ari Rabinovitch,
Reuters: "Nobel
peace laureate Shimon
Peres was sworn in as
Israel's president on
Sunday and pledged to
seize the opportunity to
encourage long-delayed
efforts to achieve a
diplomatic resolution to
conflict in the Middle
East. A former prime
minister and Israel's
eldest statesman, Peres,
83 was elected by
parliament a month ago
to the highly
prestigious post. Though
the job is largely
ceremonial, past
presidents have had
substantial influence in
Israeli politics..."
*
San
Diego Jewish World
Sunday Evening, July
15, 2007
Vol. 1, Number
76
|
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President Peres promises
to be the
unifier of Israel ... and its dreamer
JERUSALEM (Press
Release)—Following is the text of Israel’s President’s Shimon Peres’ comments at
his inauguration today:
Madam Speaker, My Colleagues Members of the Knesset, Comrades on the long road
in the various Governments and in the Security System, in the Political Life and
among the settlers in the Negev and the Galil, Honorable all.
I stand here today moved and appreciative of the trust you have placed in me on
behalf of our people. Your trust is of value to me, it places a great duty on
me, one which I, as President of the State, will carry with reverence and a deep
feeling of mission. I shall be committed to nurture unceasingly those fine
threads of fabric, which weave us together as a nation, when among us there are
people with various opinions who fiercely fight for them. It must always be
remembered that we are the sons and daughters of one Land of Israel. We do not
have, and we are not looking for, another country.
|
San Diego Jewish World—July
15, 2007 |
You, here in the Knesset, will continue to maintain the existential polemics, as
this must be so in a democratic parliament, while I will devote myself to the
unifying, in order for it not be harmed in the fervour of the storm. |
|
Peres family thrilled and
moved as 'Aba' becomes
president
By Sandi Masori
JERUSALEM —Yoni Peres, my good friend, and
subject of
my dad's
article yesterday, was able to pull enough strings, or beg enough favors,
to get me one of the much coveted invitations to the swearing-in ceremony of
his father, Shimon Peres, as Israel's ninth president.
With Yoni driving one car and his wife Sigal another, we had to pass through several police blockades to gain entrance into the area
near the Knesset. A slight blemish on the otherwise joyful evening was the
presence of a very small group of religious right protesters who stood at the
side of the road with uncomplimentary signs.
Their attitude, I’d say, was in contrast to that of the average Israeli. For
example, before driving with Yoni from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, I took my sons Shor,
6, and Sky, 4 months, for babysitting at the home of Shuli and Carnit Masori,
their uncle and aunt.
The taxi driver, noting that Peres was about to take his oath, commented: "it's about time,”
and then added, “if it can't be me, then
I'm glad that it's him." I think it was Golda Meir who once commented that she
was prime minister of a nation of prime ministers. Likewise, it would appear,
Yoni’s father is now the president of a nation of would-be presidents.
In Yoni's car were Sigal's parents as
well as his close friend, Micha Schuldiner, who is like an honorary
brother. I rode with Sigal and their two children, Maya and Eden. Once we got to the line for the Knesset parking lot, Yoni telephoned
to instruct me to jump out of the car and go through a separate line because I
had to pick up my invitation and go through security. With much trepidation, I
set out on my own. I went into the little office, sure that I was going to be
turned away, and there was my envelope. It would be opened and looked at
several times at various check points.
Next, I had to go through security and have my purse checked They confiscated,
for return after the ceremony, my camera, iPod, and even my promotional view
master with photos of my balloon work. Not knowing where to go next I asked the
guards for some directions. With my ticket clutched tightly in my hand, I set
out across the long courtyard, where a ceremonial red carpet was flanked by troops
in formal military dress. I felt many eyes on me as people wondered who I was and
why I was deserving of such an honor. I found myself wondering the
same thing, even though I know how it happened. I’m very thankful for such an incredible opportunity.
People gathered on the grass behind the ropes waiting to see the procession. I
didn't want to push my way through Israel's political who's who (none of whom,
I'm embarrassed to say, did I recognize), so I found myself a place in the back,
and watched the proceedings from the
news camera’s monitors. There was much joy in the air as Knesset Speaker and
Acting President Dalia Itzik walked down the red carpet to meet the president
elect’s car. The music turned joyous as they walked together towards the
Knesset building.
I spotted Sigal and Yoni standing in a paved area, and tried to make my way
towards them. I was stopped by a guard, as I did not have the special
credentials for that area. However, Sigal's mom, Dalia
Shalev, saw me trying to get through, and reached across and plucked me out and
into the "personal" area. Then I was pinned with a ribbon that identified
me as a member of the party of family and friends.
We all proceeded to go inside, and I found that my seat was upstairs. I was in
good company. Besides sitting with Sigal's sister Dorit, her husband Avi and
their children, I found myself sitting next to Jacob “Jack” Stein, an American
who had been the Jewish Community liaison in Ronald Reagan’s White House. A
personal invitee of Shimon Peres, Stein wrote the book
Days of Challenge.
The ceremony opened with the sound of the
shofar, a reminder that not only was this a serious political ceremony, but that
it was for our Jewish state. In fact for the swearing in part of the ceremony,
the president- elect wore a white kippah.
The mood in the Knesset was happy, and people joyously clapped along in time
with Avihu Medina's rendition of "Oseh Shalom Bimromav.” Everyone listened
intently to the acceptance speech, which was broken by a brief moment of levity
as Shimon Peres’ infant great grandson Ari (to granddaughter Mika) started to
cry. While I speak a conversational Hebrew, formal speeches are well beyond my
capacity to understand. I actually understood very little of it, until later
when Sigal, ever the good hostess, tracked down an English copy for me to
peruse.
After the ceremony, there was a reception with appetizers, coffee, juice and
wine. The new president started to greet visitors who had lined up to
congratulate him. One visitor though, was taken from the middle of the ropes in
front of him, and cameras ate up the shot of him holding and
hugging proud 3 year old granddaughter Maya Peres (daughter of Sigal and Yoni).
I had a bit of an embarrassing moment when, after waiting for everyone else to
pass through the receiving line, I went through with Sigal and her family. I
asked Sigal to reintroduce me, but she encouraged me to introduce myself.
Suddenly it was my turn and I froze. I forgot both
Hebrew and English and had no idea what to say. "I'm Sandi" I blurted.
President Peres looked at me as if to say "...and...?" Graciously Sigal
explained who I was and I was able to get out a combination of "congratulations"
and "mazal tov" before I was ushered along. That little
moment of weirdness notwithstanding, it was an incredible experience.
With so much support and affection from people throughout Israel, I had to
wonder, why hadn’t Peres won an election until now? Perhaps because he is so
good, and so true to his beliefs, that he has picked up some enemies during the
course of his long career. Whatever the reason, as one radio host put it in a
commentary that we heard on the way back to pick up my boys, his presidency "is good for him,
and it's good for Israel".
I asked my hosts about their favorite parts of the
ceremony. Micha pointed out that there were three special family moments. The
first was when Yoni’s older sister, Zvia, called out with great
passion as Peres walked down the red carpet "Hi Aba;” the second that baby Ari
had started to cry, and the third that granddaughter Maya had caught his eye and
waved to him as he spoke about his children, grandchildren and
great-grandchildren.
Sigal said that she felt proud when her 11-month daughter Eden waved to her
grandpa during his speech, and also how she clapped along as everyone sang "Oseh
Shalom." Dorit found
the walk down the red carpet very exciting, and noted that you could read the
excitement in Shimon Peres’ face as well. Yoni cited his father’s swearing in ceremony
itself as the most poignant moment.
As for me, I was overwhelmed and in awe of the entire evening, and very grateful
to my hosts for making it possible for me to truly have a front row seat to this
chapter in the history of Israel.
(Return to top)
|
____________________  The
Jewish
Citizen
by Donald H. Harrison |
What the
media had to say about the inauguration
SAN
DIEGO—Our top article reprints the text of the speech that Shimon Peres gave
as he was sworn in as President. As you read it, you may decide one section
versus the other is more important. The same is true with the news
media. Different reporters chose different aspects of Peres' speech to
emphasize. So in this column, we sample the initial paragraphs of some
of their stories:
Amnon Meranda,
YNet
News: "Shimon
Peres was sworn in as Israel's ninth president in a festive ceremony at the
Knesset Sunday evening. Hundreds of people arrived at the Knesset including
former politicians, foreign ambassadors, and artists, in order to witness
the event. In his acceptance speech, Peres said, 'I never dreamt of
becoming president. As a boy I dreamt of being a shepherd or a poet of the
stars,' Peres said during the ceremony. 'Now that I am elected, I see it as
a privilege and do not take it lightly..'"
Josef Federman,
Associated Press: "Elder
statesman
Shimon Peres took office as Israel's ninth president Sunday, pledging
to devote his seven-year term in the ceremonial post to his lifelong dream
of Middle East peace. Taking his oath of office before parliament, Peres,
83, said
Israel must make peace with the Palestinians and Arab countries
through measures small and large, including cooperatively digging a canal
and lakes in the desert between Israel and Jordan..."
Shahar Ilan
and Amiram Barkat,
Ha'aretz, "Israel's
elder statesman, Shimon Peres, declared his
intentions to pursue peace in his inaugural speech
as ninth president of Israel on Sunday evening.
'[The president] must encourage peace processes.
Within the house. With our neighbors. In the whole
region.' he said in his speech to the Knesset after
he was sworn in. 'When opportunity for peace is
created, it mustn't be missed,' he said...."
Greer Fay Cashman,
Jerusalem Post: "Those
who advocate having the head of state elected by the
people and not by the Knesset must have felt
vindicated at President
Shimon Peres's
inauguration on Sunday when they saw the number of
empty seats in the Knesset plenum and the overflow
in the visitors' gallery. An ebullient Peres, 83,
was sworn in as Israel's ninth president.
Ushers had to bring in
extra seats for the invitees, who flocked in from
across the country for the ceremony.
The
section reserved for former MKs was crowded, but
current lawmakers, particularly Arab legislators,
were less eager to share the glory of the nation's
most veteran parliamentarian..."
Those all were news leads written
under the pressure of daily deadlines. All
represented aspects of what Peres had to say.
If I had been writing a daily news lead, I might
have emphasized a different aspect: the message that
Peres sent to us Jews in the Diaspora. I was
struck by this part of his speech, not only for its
content but for its rhetorical style. "Israel must, not only be an asset but a value. A moral, cultural and scientific
call for the promotion of man, every man. It must be a good and warm home for
Jews who are not Israelis, as well as for Israelis, who are not Jews. And it
must create equal opportunities for all segments of the population without
differentiating between religion, nationality, community or sex."
I read that as the Israelization of the American
dream, of strength in diversity, of equality for
all. And I loved the turn of phrase... "..a
warm home for Jews who are not Israelis, as well as
for Israelis, who are not Jews..." How I remember
how phrasing like that in the inaugural address of
another President, John F. Kennedy, set the hearts
of my generation afire: "Ask not what your
country can do for you, ask what you can do for your
country."
In fact, Peres had a little bit in his speech for
almost everyone. For the religious there was
his line about respect for the Gospel, which I took
to mean Jewish religious scriptures, in particular.
For the brave settlers in the Negev, he gave voice
to the dream of greater development and population.
For residents of the Galilee, he spoke about true
cooperation between Israel's Arabs and Jews.
To good neighbor Jordan, and the Palestinian
Authority (at least the West Bank), he spoke of
joint economic development. And to
Jerusalemites, and to the great religions of the
world, he spoke of carrying the city to even greater
heights.
Peres set before us a vision of the president of
Israel as a dreamer and a prophet, a cheerleader and
facilitator, a listener and a thinker. He set
out for himself a very tall order. But by
lifting his sights, he may also lift those of Israel
and the world beyond. Today, when someone asks what
does the word "Israel" make you think of, many
people might answer "danger." But once before,
and with Shimon Peres now in the presidential chair,
perhaps once again, another word will leap to our
lips.
"Idealism."
 Letter from Jerusalem By Ira Sharkansky |
Once again, Israel takes symbolic steps for peace
JERUSALEM—One of Israel's principal challenges, and perhaps its greatest, is to live alongside the Palestinians.
It is far from easy, insofar as much, perhaps most, of what we hear and read from the Palestinian political and intellectual elite (inside and outside of Israel) is their monopoly of justice, and demands that Israel cannot accept. Prominent examples are an extensive right of return, and Israel's giving up the concept of a Jewish state for a "state for all its people." The last is code for giving so many privileges to a 20 percent minority of the population as to threaten the western, democratic nature of the society. Israel may not be Paradise for all its people (or any of its people), but it is the best for its majority and minorities that the Middle East has produced in modern times.
Currently the more pressing problem is the Palestinians outside of Israel. They begin a few hundred meters from these fingers, and are mixed with substantial Jewish settlements and a very recent history of violence.
Just this morning we are hearing the responses to the government's decision to allow two aged Palestinians, with the dried blood of numerous Jewish women and children on their hands, to enter the West Bank in order to give Mahmoud Abbas enough votes to form a government without Hamas.
The government's point is to give, once again, an Oslo like opportunity for the Palestinians to create institutions that look like a state, in the hope that they will take the advantage in a way that is not threatening to Israel. The exercise is limited to the West Bank. What is called the Hamastan in Gaza remains beyond the pale. Israel provides enough food, fuel, and electricity to hold off starvation, but not much more. If it is risky to predict events in the West Bank, it is foolhardy to predict them for Gaza.
Israel's government is again giving peace a chance. It will free about 200 Palestinian prisoners, agree to stop hunting a hundred or so more who sign statements foregoing violence, and let those two old terrorists give their votes to Abbas.
The families of those killed and injured are expressing themselves. The aged mother of a young girl killed in 1974 spoke of her pain, and we heard a poem the child wrote in behalf of peace shortly before she embarked on a school trip that ended badly. Avigdor Lieberman, head of the Israel Our Home party, is sure there is no chance Abbas can create a responsible regime. He knows of other Palestinians who might succeed, but he is not releasing their names.
With pathos on one side and nonsense on another, it is not easy to manage Israel's gestures for peace.
Many Israelis learned long ago that they cannot manage the details of the Palestinian regime. Macro demands we can make: no violence; no incitement that assures continued violence. Micro management is not for outsiders.
The problem is not only Israeli. George Bush and friends did not learn from the Kennedy-Johnson follies in Vietnam. Avigdor is not likely to be any more successful in picking Palestinian leaders and telling them what they can do than John or Lyndon were in Vietnam, or George in Iraq.
Israel's government is not likely to be innocent. If the Palestinian authority continues to demand the entire West Bank and an extensive right of return for the refugees of 1948 and 1967, it will be disappointed. If the old terrorists express themselves in behalf of continued armed resistance to Israeli occupation, they may not be allowed out of the West Bank. If the new regime does not take significant steps to curtail the violent among its people, and tone down the incitement of armed resistance, Israel will treat it like the old regime.
Giving peace a chance means just that. It does not mean surrendering to Palestinian dreams. So far the Palestinians have come close to destroying Palestinian nationhood. They may yet succeed in that miserable scenario if their political and intellectual elites do not give peace a chance.
(Return
to top)
State Department
advisory: Avoid travel to Gaza, delay
travel to West Bank, be cautious when traveling in Israel
WASHINGTON, D.C (Press Release)—The U.S. State Department on Friday, July 13, issued the following warning regarding travel in Israel and the Territories:
"This Travel Warning
is being issued to update information on the general
security environment in
"American citizens in
the Gaza Strip should depart immediately, a recommendation
that the State Department has maintained and renewed since
the deadly roadside bombing of a U.S. Embassy convoy in
"The Gaza Strip has
witnessed considerable violence in recent months, both
between Palestinian factions and between Israeli security
forces and armed Palestinian groups. Similar incidents have
also occurred in the
"Militant groups in
"Some Americans and
Europeans involved in demonstrations and other such
activities in the
|
|
Adventures in Cruising
Aboard Holland America Ryndam |
|
Commentary |
Shuckburgh theorom:
'Moderates are always
at a discount'
ENGLEWOOD, N.J. —As U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice embarks on the latest American mission to the Middle East to revive peace talks, she is expecting “moderate” Arab leaders to help her find common ground with the Israelis. For years Yasser Arafat was portrayed as a moderate with disastrous results. The latest moderate to be anointed by the Americans is Mahmoud Abbas.
But it was not so long ago that a number of news services reported that Abbas declared that the Palestinians should “Raise [your] rifles against the Israeli occupation,” at the 42nd anniversary of the founding of his Fatah party. His people would not cease their fight, he said, until they established an independent state with eastern Jerusalem as its capital. He also referred to Arafat as a “Martyr.”
This is hardly a
moderate position any more than is his demand for the Right of Return of the
Arab refugees to Israel. Yet, this does not seem to bother the U.S.
The search for the elusive moderate Arab leaders
is not new. In June 1938, Sir John Shuckburgh of the Colonial Office was
asked about Arab moderates. Shuckburgh recalled the saying of the late Lord
John Morley, that, in times of unrest, "moderates are always at a discount.”
The condition in Palestine, Shuckburgh noted, “was unhappily one in which
extremists held the limelight and moderates had little influence.”
Alec S. Kirkbride, District Commissioner of the Galilee and Acre District, added that there were a number of moderates who were prepared to cooperate with the British, even though they disagreed with the British mandatory policy. It was “impossible” to estimate their exact number, however, because “they were naturally disinclined to come into the open.”
On October 6, 1924, the Palestinian Arab Congress explained the difficulty of finding moderates when it told the League of Nations: “It is a gross error to believe that Arab and Jew may come to an understanding if only each of them exchanges his coat of extremism for another of moderation. When the principles underlying two movements do clash, it is futile to expect their meeting halfway.”
The inability of Israel to accept this painful truth has led its leaders to sign disastrous agreements costing many Israeli lives, and has not brought peace any closer. In fact, it has lessened the chances of achieving peace because Israel continues to reward terrorists by retreating from lands where Jews once lived and by exchanging large numbers of Arab prisoners for Israeli soldiers languishing in Arab prisons.
That the Israelis are exhausted by endless fighting is not surprising. Ehud Olmert expressed this desperation when he said: “We are tired of fighting, we are tired of being courageous, we are tired of winning, we are tired of defeating our enemies, we want [to]… to live in an entirely different environment of relations with our enemies. We want them to be our friends, our partners, our good neighbors.”
As long as Arab political and religious leaders continue to preach hate, teach their children to become homicide bombers, fire missiles to force Israelis to abandon their homes and property, and demand the right of all refugees to “return,” there is no chance for peace.
Israel should stop deluding herself that peace is around the corner. Israeli leaders need to define the objectives of the country, explain why they have a moral and legal right to the state of Israel, and do whatever it takes to show the Arabs that no amount of terrorism will force them to leave their land. Only when the Arabs truly understand that the Jews are in Israel to stay, can there be a chance for a dialogue. Until then, Israelis are negotiating with themselves and are seen by some as “Walking Like Sheep to Slaughter.”
Dr. Grobman’s latest book is Nations United: How The UN Undermines Israel and the West.
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 Jews
in the News
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Like you, we're pleased when members of our community are praiseworthy, and are disappointed when they are blameworthy. Whether it's good news or bad news, we'll try to keep track of what's being said in general media about our fellow Jews. Our news spotters are Dan Brin in Los Angeles, Donald H. Harrison in San Diego, and you. Wherever you are, if you see a story of interest, please send a summary and link to us at sdheritage@cox.net and we'll acknowledge your tip at the end of the column. To see a source story click on the link within the respective paragraph. |
*
Nikki Blonsky, daughter of a Jewish father and Italian mother, says the first time she saw the play Hairspray she thought she was seeing her own life as a short, plus-sized, teenager, on the stage. Now she is starring with John Travolta in the movie. The story by David Germain of the Associated Press is in today's San Diego Union-Tribune.*Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and Los Angeles Police Chief William J. Bratton tout the Joint Regional Intelligence Center (or J-Ric) in Norwalk because it brings together officers and analysts of numerous agencies to work together separating bogus terrorist threats from real ones. But the program has its critics. The story by Judith Miller is in today's Los Angeles Times.
*Hedge fund manager Steve Cohen, who made his appearance in this column yesterday, is one of the super-rich profiled by Robert Frank Crown in Richistan: A Journey Through the American Wealth Boom and the Lives of the New Rich. A review by John Gapper of the Financial Times appears in today's Los Angeles Times.
*The San Diego Union-Tribune in an editorial has called upon District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis to investigate the deal whereby developers Paul Nieto and Mike Madigan purchased a piece of property that the San Diego Community College District needed for expansion, then resold it to the district.
*U.S. Sen.
Dianne Feinstein (Democrat, California) reportedly is leaning towards
treatment of Mexican wastewater at a plant in San Ysdiro, California, so
that the treatment conforms with American standards. But she still
wants to hear more information about the Bajagua plan backed by U.S. Rep.
Bob Filner (Democrat, San Diego) for the treatment of that sewerage at
its source in Mexico. The
story by Mike Lee is in today's San Diego Union-Tribune.
*Milos Forman's new movie Goya's Ghosts tells the story of
the Spanish Inquisition through the eyes of Spain's foremost artist.
Forman is haunted by ghosts of his own: both his Jewish father and
Protestant mother died at Auschwitz. The
story by Paul Cullum is in today's San Diego Union-Tribune.
*Holocaust historian Saul Friedlander lost his parents at
Auschwitz and was raised by French Catholics. One day, while
researching U.S.-Germany relations prior to World War II, he came across in
Bonn a misplaced file, a friendly invitation to Adolph Hitler from Pope Pius
XII to have the Berlin Opera perform at the Vatican. Friedlander's
shock made him change the course of his research. The
story by Josh Getlin appears in today's Los Angeles Times.
*Commentator Arnaud de Borchgrave writes that whether Iran's leader
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad wants to "wipe Israel off the map" is a matter of
dispute, but it's clear he wants to eliminate the Jewish state. Is
this a distinction with a difference? His
column is in today's San Diego Union-Tribune.
*Martin Short's album "Fame Becomes Me" includes stories of a tough
childhood coupled with the voices and shticks of the comedian's many
characters. But reviewer Daryll H. Miller's
column in the Los Angeles Times suggests that the album has much
repeat playing potential.
(Return to top)
________________________
Click the ad above to go to the "I'm there for you baby" website
The Jewish Grapevine
|
CYBER-REFERRALS—Bruce Kesler noted a story in Saturday's Los Angeles Daily News outlining the linkages between overseas terrorism and domestic crime. The story by Troy Anderson indicates terrorist networks are financing their efforts through the proceeds of drug trafficking and other criminal activities in the United States.
LETTERS
FORUM—Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger's thoughts on Iraq and
Pope Benedict XVI's decision concerning the use again of the Latin Mass (causing
concern among Jewish groups about what is said about conversion of the Jews) are
the subjects of
letters in today's San Diego Union-Tribune.
The Jewish Sports Fan
 |
Unless otherwise indicated, source for these stories is today's edition of The
San Diego Union-Tribune, to which we gratefully provide the links below. We do
not apply halacha to determine if a player is Jewish; rather, if he or she has a
Jewish parent or has converted to the faith, we count him or her as a member of
our community.
BASEBALL—With a batting average of .275, no one can say that Shawn Green is burning up the National League with his bat. In fact, he is listed today as only the 50th best batter in the National League. But if he plays every day as well as he did on Saturday, no one will complain. In four trips to the plate, he hit safely twice, with his 29th double and a game-winning single, his 28th RBI, as the New York Mets defeated the Cincinnati Reds, 2-1....In other National League action on Saturday, Brad Ausmus went 1 for 4, but neither scored nor drove anyone in. To add to the pain, the Houston Astros catcher also was charged with a fielding error as the Chicago Cubs triumphed 9-3...On the American League side of baseball, Kevin Youkilis also went 1 for 4, but his single drove in a run as his Boston Red Sox defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 9-4. Youkilis, who is ranked the 8th best batter in the American League, has a .323 average, whereas Ausmus with a .249 average isn't among the top 90 batters of the National League.
HORSE RACING—Jockey David Cohen rode Almost A Ten to the winner's circle at Hollywood Park in the sixth race, winning $16.80 for bettors who placed $2 on his horse to win. Behind him were jockeys Jose Valdivia Jr. aboard Nosey Britches and Joel Rosario on Lil Lea. With the Hollywood Park season winding up, Cohen et al head next for the Del Mar Racetrack.
_____________
{Marc Kligman, who combines being a
sports agent with his life as an observant Jew, invites you to listen. Click on
the ad above for more information}
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News from the Israel Baseball League |
Six homers enliven Modi'in-Bet Shemesh slugfest
GEZER,
Israel— Fans in attendance at Gezer Field for Sunday night's game between the
Bet Shemesh Blue Sox and the Modi'in Miracle witnessed a slugfest as both teams
combined for six homeruns in a 10-6 Miracle Victory. The win puts the
third-place Miracle just 1.5 games behind the first-place Blue Sox.
Second baseman Noah Walker of Oakland, California, had a big game for the
Miracle, going 2-for-4 with a three-run shot in the first inning that put
Modi'in up 5-0. Catcher Eladio Rodriguez and centerfielder Adalberto Paulino
also had two hits each and a homerun apiece for the Miracle.
Bet Shemesh waged a comeback in the third inning off back-to-back-to-back homers
from Jason Rees, Johnny Lopez, and Scott Jarmakowicz, but it wasn't enough for
the Sox, who have now lost three of their last four games.
Meanwhile, the Netanya Tigers handed the Petach Tikva Pioneers their 13th loss
of the season in an 8-7 Tigers victory that was called after six innings due to
darkness.
Petach Tikva jumped out to an early lead in the first inning before falling
behind in the third and then taking the 7-6 lead once again in the fourth. But
in the sixth and final inning of this game, Dominican designated hitter Julio
Guerrero hit a double to center that scored the tying run. Guerrero, who went
3-for-4 with two RBI, then scored
the go-ahead run on a Hector De Los Santos sacrifice bunt.
The late game of the night saw the Ra'anana Express defeat the second-place Tel
Aviv Lighting in the Sunday Night Game of the Week on Arutz Sport5. Express
right-hander Esequier Pie threw another gem, lasting all seven innings and
allowing no runs on just one hit while striking out eleven and walking five.
Pie needed little offensive support and he received all of it in the first
inning when rightfielder Matt Castillo laced a
triple to right field that scored the first three runs of the game.
It was all Pie would need as the win puts Ra'anana within 5.5 games of Bet
Shemesh.
Summaries:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Modi'in 0 5 2 0 3 0 0 10 10 2
Bet Shemesh 0 0 5 0 0 1 0 6 12 1
W: Craig Eagle (2-1); L: Scott Perlman (1-2); SV: Maximo Nelson (1);
HR: Adalberto Paulino (3), Noah Walker (3), Eladio Rodriguez (7),
Jason Rees (10), Johnny Lopez (7), Scott Jarmakowicz (3)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Netanya 1 1 3 1 0 2 x 8 8 2
Petach Tikva 4 0 0 3 0 0 x 7 5 2
W: Leon Feingold (1-2); L: Ari Alexenberg (0-2); SV: Rafael Rojano
(1); HR: Josh Doane (2)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Ra'anana 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 3 1
Tel Aviv 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1
W: Esequier Pie (1-2); L: Daniel Kaufman (2-2); HR: None
Standings:
Team W L % GB
Bet Shemesh Blue Sox 11 4 .733 –
Tel Aviv Lightning 9 4 .714 0.5
Modi'in Miracle 9 5 .643 1.5
Netanya Tigers 5 7 .417 4.5
Ra'anana Express 6 10 .375 5.5
Petach Tikva Pioneers 2 13 .133 9.0
Monday at 5 pm it will be the Modi'in Miracle at the Netanya Tigers at Sportek
while the Bet Shemesh Blue Sox host the Tel Aviv Lightning at Gezer Field. At 7
pm the Ra'anana Express host the Petach Tikva Pioneers at Yarkon Field at the
Baptist Village. For directions to the fields visit
www.IsraelBaseballLeague.com.
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portraits of colonial Jewish family
NEW YORK, NY (Press Release) – The portraits of the Levy-Franks family, attributed to Gerardus Duyckinck and dating from the 1720s to 1735, are the most extensive surviving group of Colonial American portraiture. The Jewish Museum will be exhibiting six of them consecutively in pairs from now through June 2009.
The first two will be on view through December 31, 2007, the second pair from January through September, 2008, and the third pair from October 2008 through June 2009. These six paintings are from the collection of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, a new museum scheduled to open in 2009.
Spanning three generations, the works depict the German-born patriarch Moses Raphael Levy, his wife Grace Mears Levy, his daughter Abigaill Franks and her husband Jacob Franks, and five of their children. These paintings also hold a noteworthy place in American art as one of the oldest surviving family portrait series.
In the Colonial period, portraits held a special significance in the homes of prosperous families, serving the traditional purpose of proclaiming the subject’s social status. For Jews, they also affirmed their American identity. Portraits also acted as daily reminders of family members living in distant lands. For Abigaill Franks this was crucial because her beloved son Naphtali had joined the family business in London. Remarkably, thirty-five letters from Abigaill to Naphtali survive (in the collection of the American Jewish Historical Society), offering a rare view of eighteenth-century New York as well as illuminating the personal lives of the Franks.
Abigaill embraced the diversity found in the vibrant city and enjoyed close friendships with Jews and non-Jews. In a letter dated 1733, Abigaill wrote: “I think [the faire Charecter Our Familys has in the place by Jews & Christians] its the greatest happyness a Person can Injoy Next to the haveing a good Conscience.” The two paintings in the series that have been on view since April at The Jewish Museum are Portrait of Richa Franks and Portrait of Franks Children with Lamb (both c. 1735).
An important focus for Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is ensuring that significant works of art reflecting the richness and diversity of the American experience are accessible to the public. “It is a great privilege and honor to assume the preservation, presentation and interpretation of this unique and important suite of paintings rich in Colonial America’s history,” said Robert Workman, Crystal Bridges Executive Director. “We are grateful to The Jewish Museum for providing public access to these works until they can be shared with new audiences upon our opening in 2009.” (Jump to continuation)
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|
An old Jewish man lived
alone in the country. He needed to plant his potato
garden but the task was too daunting for the old man as
the ground was hard.
—Our thanks to Sheila Orysiek of San Diego for
passing this along |
Peres inaugural address...
(Continued from above)
I
arrived in Israel as a young man and I was greatly privileged to serve the
nation. A man ages but faith does not grow old. It renews itself all the time.
As in the words of prophet Joel: “Your old men shall dream dreams – your young
men shall see visions.” (Joel 2:28)
Fifteen years ago I went to Vishniova, near Volozin, my birthplace, an Israeli
cradle on foreign soil. The entire village was destroyed by fire. I stood with
tears in my eyes next to the pile stones which covered the mass grave of the
last Jews who were led to the synagogue built of wood and were burnt alive with
their prayer shawls on their shoulders and at their head, Rabbi Zvi Meltzer, my
grandfather of blessed memory.
My grandfather studied in the Volozin Yeshiva together with Chaim Nahman Bialik.
He formed my life as a child. He taught me the daily page of Gemarrah.He played
sad Jewish songs on the violin. On the Day of Atonement he led the service and
in his beautiful voice he read the “Kol Nidrei” prayer. To this day the prayer
echoes in my ears and moves my heart.
From Vishniova I continued to Volozin to see the building of the Yeshiva, which
was established in 1804. On the outside on the stones of the wall the ten
commandments are still engraved. Inside there is now a confectionary, of course,
not kosher. I went to examine the gravestones, which have remained in the
cemetery. They were scattered and some of them were broken. On one of them I
identified the name, “Szymon Perski,” a member of the family, after whom, it
seems, I was named.
I stood silently and shaken opposite these childhood stones. The village in
which I was born was entirely destroyed. The house in which I was born went up
in flames. Only the well has remained. I tasted its water. It has not changed.
But the fire completely destroyed all that was. It seemed to me as if I heard a
scream from the mouths of my grandfather, grandmother and their only son who had
remained to support them.
I wished that I could I whisper into their ears about our independence and tell
them about the I.D.F. about Dimona, about Entebbe. About the outstanding
privilege given to their grandson to participate in the restoration of the ruins
of our people, to cast true content to the oath, “Never again.”
When I came to Israel, I studied agriculture in Ben Shemen. My public activities
were focused on “Hano’ar Ha’Oved” (Working Youth movement). I married my wife
Sonya in Kibbutz Alumot.
In 1947, a year before the War of Independence, I was enlisted by David Ben
Gurion and Levi Eshkol to serve in the headquarters of the Hagannah and I moved
from Alumot to the Defence Headquarters. I had the privilege, second to none, of
serving under the greatest Jew I have ever known, David Ben Gurion.
From him I learnt that from great destitution there is decreed great salvation.
That there is nothing wiser in life than giving preference to the moral call.
Also, I learnt from him that in war there is no choice. One must triumph. And
for victory, courageous people and appropriate tools are necessary. However,
when the opportunity for peace is created, it must not be missed.
I did not know why Ben Gurion chose me. But I knew what he expects of me: To
dare and not to regret, not to yield to difficulties, not to be alarmed by
vision, not to be afraid of the tomorrow, not to be false to myself nor to my
colleagues.
It was difficult to envision then that from 650,000 inhabitants we would grow to
a state of 7.2 million citizens, 1.2 million of them non-Jews: Arabs, Druzes,
Bedouins, Circassians, a fascinating web of human society. I knew then, as I
know today, that if they do not enjoy complete equality, we will not be at peace
with ourselves and with our fellowmen.
It was difficult then to envision that we would have to fight for our lives, in
seven wars, in two intifadas and in innumerable battles. To stand alone. With
inferior numbers, and in international isolation. We never despaired. We did not
lose a war. And every time we rose up again. We revived our ancient language, we
established advanced social cells, such as “kibbutzim” and “moshavim”. We
discovered a unique ability to bloom the desert. And a brilliant aptitude for
defense capability. We were innovative in industry and we progressed and were
far sighted in science.
Even Israel’s severe critics will not succeed in hiding her extraordinary
achievements, her peaks, which rise above the skyline of history.
Almost sixty years of the State. And my heart is proud of what we have all
achieved together. And of what we, as one, are dreaming of: to live in faith, to
seek peace, to build a better future.
But it was a heavy price. Those who fell in battle. The bereaved families. The
bodily disabled. Without the self-sacrifice shown by the Israeli Forces, we
would not have reached this stage. Even today, at the head of our agenda forces,
is the release of the three kidnapped soldiers: Gilad Shalit, Udi Goldwasser,
Eldad Regev and all other soldiers. They are our sons and we will not rest until
we see them again at home, in their homes, our home.
Also, on this festive occasion, I mourn in my heart the murder of Yitzhak Rabin.
They killed a great leader for us, they hurt our hearts. And on this festive
occasion, I pray for the well being of Arik Sharon, the great fighter and the
courageous leader.
I did not dream of becoming President. My dream as a boy was to be a shepherd or
a poet of stars. Having been elected, it is a great honour for me and I do not
disparage it, to express the secret yearning and the overt goals of the nation
to perform justice. To express the unifying and to respect the unique.
I know that the President is not a governor, is not a judge, is not a lawmaker,
but he is permitted to dream. To set values, to lead with honesty and with
compassion, with courage and with kindness.
There is nothing prohibiting the President from performing good deeds. He is
entitled, and even obligated, to serve his nation, that is his people, to
nurture love of the people, of the state, of all creatures.
To draw closer those who are far away. To look to the faraway distance. To help
the weak. To comfort the bereaved. To bring people together. To increase
equality. To bridge differences. To support spiritual and scientific creativity.
The President must courageously view the entire picture and see that a price was
paid for the building of the country and its vigorous growth: depletion of
natural resources, ecological damage to the landscape. And like the rest of the
world, we have to move to a clean, responsible and fair economy. The most
fascinating journey in the 21st century will be to return to nature its
equilibrium. It is a unique opportunity for us, to harness the Israeli
creativity and knowledge, in cooperation with our neighbours, so to create a new
region and a new landscape for our country and in our environment. To return to
courtesy, to the respect of the Gospel, to the love of the book. Israel’s
literary achievements are no less than its scientific achievements and,
similarly, they warrant assistance and elevation. To increase the interest in
culture, to be considerate of your fellow men.
It is the duty of the President to remind the generation, which is represented
here in the Knesset, that it is morally responsible to those still in the cradle
of their youth. To enable them to the build their own lives, properly
established, nursed from the great heritage of our people and driven by the
discovery of new worlds.
In fact, wisdom does not regress. And responsibility must not age. Despair has
no role. And corruption can be erased. Wars are not ideals, in them the victor
just as the vanquished pays a heavy price. Peace is maintained by living people
who respect life.
I see the need to encourage the young generation to enter political life and the
hierarchies of leadership in order to begin again. Its enthusiasm is essential
for our future.
There is no place for depression. In fact, it is the Jewish people, that
invented dissatisfaction. We are a people, which have never and will never
reconcile ourselves to murder, to falsehood, to mastery, to slavery, to
discrimination, to exploitation, to surrendering or to stand still. Since we
established the state, we must maintain these principles in our country.
The 169 words of the Ten Commandments are, even today, the basis of the entire
western civilization. And the social vision of Amos and the political vision of
Isaiah are the compass of our path.
Yes. I believe in enlightening the world, in raising light for both people and
nations. We recall that the first sentence in the genesis was, “Let there be
light.”
Einstein said that our motto was “chutzpah” (audacity). The “chutzpah” to
undermine conventions, the “chutzpah” to renew, to create, to contribute, to
rise above the existing. The creative “chutzpah” of the Jewish people.
I am aware that there are norms. The President has to be state like. Adhere to
the law, strengthen justice, help the executive arm fulfill its duties while
respecting the minority. But he is entitled to deal with the desirable. The
lacking. The vision.
He must encourage peace processes. Within the house. With our neighbours. In the
whole region. The new era, in any case, lowers territorial borders and reduces
discrimination among people. It is built more on creativity than on governing.
Israel must, not only be an asset but a value. A moral, cultural and scientific
call for the promotion of man, every man. It must be a good and warm home for
Jews who are not Israelis, as well as for Israelis, who are not Jews. And it
must create equal opportunities for all segments of the population without
differentiating between religion, nationality, community or sex.
The President must call on the religious and secular public to find, that which
is common between them. He must call on the Palestinians and on the Arab
countries, without blurring their heritage, to participate in the great journey
across a world built on intellect, not only on land. To provide supremacy to
education.
On the future map of Israel four priorities must be marked: Jerusalem, the
Negev, the Galilee and the Valley of Peace:
a. Jerusalem is yearning for momentum and is thirsty for renewal. To be the
city, promised to us and holy to all believers. To be the spiritual and
political center for the Jewish people and a nest of prayer for seekers of peace
of all believers. To be a universal center for science and an intellectual
challenge to all who come to her gates. The uniqueness of Jerusalem is also its
destiny.
b. The Negev has begun to awaken. It must never be allowed to fall asleep again.
The Negev makes it possible to double the settled area of Israel. We will combat
the barrenness in it, just as we fought the hostility outside it. Missiles are
now able to reach distant ranges, which blur the difference between the front
and the hinterland. As the settlements are more scattered, the concentration of
the targets of the missiles will be reduced.
The Negev enables us to harness the sun’s energy and to create clean electricity
for the state and to desalinate water from the sea and underground ancient
water. It enables a common ground of economic relations to be formed with the
three neighbours: the Jordanians, the Egyptians and the Palestinians.
c. The Galilee: its charm is renowned. It possesses overwhelming beauty. Half of
the people living there are Jews and half are Arabs. This is an opportunity to
create true equality for all. The Galilee invites the young generation to enrich
the Galilee with intellectual energy and to establish in it clean industries, to
cover it with vines and to host tourists in it. The day will come when Lebanon
will be freed of its destroyers and Syria will free it of its ropes, and from
the north peace will come.
d. The Valley of peace extends along the border between us, the Hashemite
Kingdom and the Palestinians. It may become a haven of cooperation between
Israel, Jordan and the Palestinians. All three have already given their
agreement. The Arava will be an amazing tourist area. A number of artificial
lakes in it are likely to make it alive and attractive. Along its length a water
conduit will be built to the Dead Sea to compensate it for the loss of its
water. Along the valley industrial parks will be established which will offer
many opportunities of work for all the partners. In the Valley of Peace we will
see how, for the first time, it will be possible to harness the economy as a
bulldozer for peace. A partnership between organized Jordan and modern Israel
will help the Palestinians overcome their destitution and establish their
country.
I believe that politics deals with borders and the economy in relations. Good
relations are likely to make possible the marking of secure and agreed borders.
The Valley of Peace is a challenge which is likely to create enthusiasm among
our brethren in the Diaspora to participate in the path of a broad vision aimed
at creating life and peace. It may also bring support from the Gulf Countries.
It is likely to enthuse the young people, as it binds science, development and
peace
into one sheaf.
I intend to devote myself to promoting the relations between Israel and the
Diaspora by adding an intellectual and creative dimension. And, this, alongside
the encouragement of modern relations with Arab countries.
Within us there are hidden enormous creative powers in the spiritual,
philosophical, scientific and cultural fields.
And deep in us is the obligation to attend to human distress in every place, the
place of the poor of your people and the place of the deprived in your area.
My Friends, Members of the Knesset, Dear Guests:
I was a youth and have also aged. My eyes have seen Israel in its most difficult
hours and also in moments of achievement and spiritual uplifting.
My years place me at an observation point from which the scene of our life as a
reviving nation is seen, spread out in all its glory. It is true that in the
picture stains also appear. It is true that we have flawed and have erred – but
please believe me - there is no room for melancholy. The outstanding
achievements of Israel in its 60 years together with the courage, wisdom and
creativity of our young generation give birth to one clear conclusion: Israel
has the strength to reach great prosperity and to become an exemplary state as
commanded us by our prophets:
Permit me to remain an optimist. Permit me to be a dreamer of his people. Permit
me to present the sunny side of our state. And also, if sometimes the atmosphere
is autumnal, and also if today, the day seems suddenly gray, the President whom
you have chosen, will never tire of encouraging, awakening and reminding –
because spring is waiting for us at the threshold. The spring will definitely
come!
And, in conclusion, I want to express my thanks and my love to my two
great-grandchildren, to my eight grandchildren, to my three children and to my
wife Sonya, who joined all of us in quiet bonds of love and in heart conquering
modesty.
Madam Speaker, thank you for fulfilling the role of President with wisdom and
charm. You bridged a difficult period. Mr. Prime Minister, thank you for the
trust and cooperation, which you showed me in the period that I was a member in
your government.
Dear Friends, I say to you today both “Shalom” and “Au revoir.” My residence
will be open to you and to all the people of Israel, already from tomorrow
morning and the phone number will be available to all. I wish you, from the
bottom of my heart, continued faithful service on behalf of the State of Israel
and its wonderful future. I am going to serve this nation in a somewhat
different way but with no less faith.
I thank the Creator of the Universe, my people and you for giving me such a
great privilege. A thousand thanks.
Shalom to you, and “Au revoir” again.
Long live the State of Israel!
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top)
State Department travel
advisory...
(Continued from above)
"For safety and
security reasons, U.S. Government American personnel and
dependents are prohibited from traveling to any cities,
towns, or settlements in the
"All travelers who
enter or travel in the
"Israeli authorities
are concerned about the continuing threat of suicide
bombings. The January 2007 bombing in Eilat, the April 2006
and January 2006 suicide bombings in Tel Aviv, the December
2005 suicide bombing in Netanya and a similar incident in
Hadera in October 2005 are reminders of the precarious
security environment. The threat of such attacks is
ongoing. The U.S. Government has received information
indicating that American interests could be the focus of
terrorist attacks. For that reason, American citizens are
cautioned that a greater danger may exist in the vicinity of
restaurants, businesses, and other places associated with
"American citizens are urged to exercise a high degree of caution and common sense when patronizing restaurants, cafes, malls, places of worship, and theaters, especially during peak hours. Large crowds and public gatherings should be avoided to the extent possible, and personnel should be alert to street vendors who sometimes aggressively harass tourists. American citizens should take into consideration that discos and nightclubs, as well as public buses, trains and their respective terminals are "off-limits" to U.S. Government personnel.
"Violence between organized criminal elements sometimes occurs in areas frequented by foreigners and has occasionally resulted in death or injuries to bystanders. While American citizens have not been the target of such violence, they should be aware of their surroundings and follow common sense precautions to avoid it.
"The State Department
urges American citizens to remain vigilant while traveling
throughout
"Americans in
"As a consequence of
the current limitations on official travel to the West Bank,
and the prohibition on travel by U.S. Government employees
to the Gaza Strip, the ability of consular staff to offer
timely assistance to
"Current information
on travel and security in
The preceding transcript was provided by the
office of Israel's President Shimon Peres
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Jewish Museum...
(Continued from above)
“We
are delighted to share these fascinating examples of Colonial American
portraiture with the public,” said Susan L. Braunstein, Chair of Curatorial
Affairs at The Jewish Museum. “Visitors to The Jewish Museum now have a rare
opportunity to view the oldest paintings of American Jews still in existence.
This is also a great story of a family living in New York around the time of the
Revolutionary War,” she added.
Traditionally identified as a portrait of her sister, Phila, Portrait of
Richa Franks is now believed to depict Richa, aged about seventeen.
Attesting to their affluent status, the Franks children received religious
instruction and a secular education that included the learning of foreign
languages, drawing, and private lessons in music. Richa also went horseback
riding at the family’s property on Long Island. In a letter to Naphtali dated
1735, her mother Abigaill continued: “Indeed Richa is Like’d by all that know
her. And I hope She will Allways have that happyness.” After her father’s death
in 1769, Richa went to England. She became the administrator of his estate.
Although not conclusive, current scholarship leans towards accepting Portrait
of Franks Children with Lamb as portraying Phila (1722-1811) and either her
brother David (1720-1794) or Moses (1718/19-1789). Children of the prosperous
merchant Jacob Franks and his wife, Abigaill Levy, they were raised in a highly
acculturated and socially sophisticated milieu. To their parent’s distress,
Phila and David married out of their faith. In 1742, Phila secretly wed Oliver
DeLancey, a member of a prestigious New York family (after whom Delancey Street
was named).
Distraught, Abigaill wrote to her son Napthali: “I am now retired from Town…from
the Severe Affliction I am Under on the Conduct of that Unhappy Girle Good God
Wath a Shock…” She never spoke to her daughter again. Years later, Phila raised
money for the financially troubled King’s College, now Columbia University.
Since her husband was a Loyalist during the Revolution, his property was
confiscated and in 1779 the couple settled permanently in England.
Based in Philadelphia, David Franks enjoyed commercial and social success,
engaging in land speculation, shipping, and fur trading and providing supplies
for the British Army. During the Revolution he became the king’s agent for
Pennsylvania. Afterward, he was arrested for aiding the enemy and was exiled to
England. Moses Franks delighted in the arts – he played the violin and flute,
sang, and painted. His mother wrote: “…he is a Lad of Very good Sence and Very
Ingageing & allways merry…” He eventually joined the family business in England.
The Jewish Museum as established on January 20, 1904 when Judge Mayer Sulzberger
donated 26 ceremonial art objects to The Jewish Theological Seminary of America
as the core of a museum collection. Today, The Jewish Museum maintains an
important collection of 28,000 objects – paintings, sculpture, works on paper,
photographs, archaeological artifacts, ceremonial objects, and broadcast media.
Widely admired for its exhibitions and educational programs that inspire people
of all backgrounds, The Jewish Museum is the preeminent United States
institution exploring the intersection of 4,000 years of art and Jewish culture.
Museum hours are Saturday through Wednesday, 11am to 5:45pm; and Thursday, 11am
to 8pm. Museum admission is $12.00 for adults, $10.00 for senior citizens, $7.50
for students, free for children under 12 and Jewish Museum members. Admission is
free on Saturdays. For general information on The Jewish Museum, the public may
visit the Museum’s Web site at http://www.thejewishmuseum.org or call
212.423.3200. The Jewish Museum is located at 1109 Fifth Avenue at 92nd Street,
Manhattan.
The preceding story was provided by the Jewish Museum in New York City
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