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                          Tuesday Evening-Wednesday,
 August 14-15, 2007    

                                                                        Vol. 1, Number 106
 

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     San Diego Jewish World
             August 14, 2007

  (click on headline below to jump to the story)

Israel and Middle East

Soldiers' remains identified from Israel's 1948 War

Israel, Palestine Authority sign Hebron extension

AJC's Blaustein Institute provides briefing on
Sudanese refugees trying to enter Israel from Egypt


Peres urges terrorism be added to EJC agenda

Wiesenthal renews call to prosecute those who abet
suicide bombings for  'crimes against humanity'


Commentary: Time to install a benevolent dictator in Iraq

U.N. official decries political stalemate in Lebanon

Europe
Wiesenthal Center seeks Belarus action against hate vendors

Latin America
Anti-Semitic incidents increase 40% in Argentina

United States
Man who attacked Elie Wiesel apologizes in court

ADL questions legitimacy of 'Hungry for Justice' coalition defending accused Holy Land Foundation

Forum
Holocaust, Wiretapping and anti-Semitism are issues on which our writing-readers focus

Holocaust scholar Lipstadt responds to Grobman

Features

Jewish Grapevine

News Sleuths

Greater San Diego

In times of soaring heat, check on elderly neighbors

Hadassah unit will focus on scrolls August 28



Sports
Shamsky  man of baseball 'Miracles' in U.S.A. and Israel

Tel Aviv wins game and a bye for IBL playoffs


Arts & Entertainment
Kirshenblatt, American Jewish folk artist, to have first traveling exhibition, beginning at Magnes
 

Soldiers' remains  identified from Israel's 1948 Independence War

JERUSALEM (Press Release)—Fifty-nine years after the bloody battle on the Pillbox hill and following a complex, continuous, and strenuous investigation, the investigators of the Branch for the Location of Missing Persons at the Casualties Department in the Human Resources Branch, succeeded in locating the burial place of five soldiers from Givati Brigade's Battalion 52 who were lost in the battle.

The investigation lasted many years and included a collection of evidence, data gathering, and more, and reached its final conclusions with the aid of a special laboratory for the identification of DNA samples in the United States. In meeting held Monday, the investigative work of the Branch for the Location of Missing Persons was presented to the head of the Human Resources Branch, Major General Elazar Stern, and the Chief Military Rabbi, Brigadier General Avichai Rontzki. Major General Stern approved the conclusions presented to him, and thus the burial place of the five fallen combat soldiers was determined.

The intense investigation which yielded the conclusions was commanded and managed by the head of the Branch for the Location of Missing Persons, Lieutenant Colonel Orli Cohen Gefen and the officers and investigators of the unit, Giora Adrat and Amir Rosenberg, joined by professor Ailon Peres, an expert in genetics.

The names of the five casualties whose burial place has been located are: Lieutenant Yechiel (Hilik) Rosenfeld zl, Private David Kochavi zl, Private Yitzhak Hamami zl, Private Yehoshua (Yashke) Lostig zl, and Private Menachem Kelerman zl.

 

 




 


 





IDF officers brief journalists on the identification of five soldiers from Israel's War for Independence
Photo: Yoni Markovitzki, IDF Spokesperson's office


Killed while protecting the Pillbox – the story of the battle

The Pillbox Post at Tel Arish controlled Holon junction and prevented the passage of Israeli vehicles to the south and to Jerusalem. As part of Operation "Hametz," launched to tighten the Jewish siege on Arabic Jaffa, the Arab villages in the area (Slama, Skia, Hiria, and Yazor) were conquered, and a force of the battalion was allocated to conquer the post at Tel Arish.

The battalion commander, Ya'akov Prolov (Pri) zl, prepared a plan of attack, according to which three companies will be sent out of Mikve Israel and will be joined by an armored procession in the area of the village of Tel Arish, south of the post. Due to a difficulty in cutting the Mikve Israel fence, the attack was not launched on time, the forces did not arrive at the deployment area on time, and the artillery that began according to the original time plan brought to a loss in the surprise element.

Despite their late arrival, the forces conquered the Pillbox hill without any Arab retaliation; however, with the first light of morning, an attack was launched by Kawakaji's army rescue forces, which were staying west of Tel Arish. In the morning hours, the soldiers, who had not had the chance to fortify as needed, retreated towards Mikve Israel, evacuating with them some of the wounded and killed soldiers.

Nineteen soldiers were lost in the severe battle, seven of them buried as anonymous in the cemetery at Nahlat Yitzhak and two of them were identified after the battle. There were seven remaining missing IDF soldiers, five of whom were buried in Nahlat Yitzhak. The bodies of two additional combat soldiers were never located- Corporal Amos Danieli zl, and Corporal Yitzhak (Yitzhak'le) Kendler zl.

The preceding story was provided by the Israel Defense Force

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               Israel and Middle East



              
                                
Aaron Abramovich and Saeb Erakat sign TIPH during ceremony Monday
                                         Israel MFA photo

Israel, Palestine Authority sign Hebron extension

JERUSALEM (Press Release)—Following are remarks by Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aaron Abramovich during Monday's ceremony extending the mandate of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH):

His Excellency the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway in Israel, Mr. Jakken Biørn Lian;  Representative of the PLO, Mr. Saeb Erekat;  Deputy Head of TIPH, Mr. Alessandro Lingeri; Distinguished Guests;  Ladies and Gentlemen,

First of all, please permit me to begin by thanking the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway and his Embassy staff for organizing this signing ceremony here today. I would also like to thank the six member states of TIPH - Turkey, Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway - whose representatives are here. These six states, under Norway's coordination, have from the outset demonstrated a clear-cut commitment to TIPH which has been so important in ensuring the long-term stability of TIPH.

The changing political circumstances of recent months and the renewal of the dialogue at the highest levels between Israel and the Palestinian Authority offer renewed hope. Indeed, the recent meeting between Israel's Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and the President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas has underscored the new atmosphere and prospects that exist for potential progress between Israel and the present Palestinian leadership.

Under these circumstances, it was decided to renew the tradition of holding a signing ceremony for the renewal of the TIPH mandate. Such a  ceremony is an expression of the importance that Israel attaches to its dialogue with the Palestinian Authority, as well as to the operation of TIPH itself.

The threats posed by terrorism and extremism have by no means disappeared. There are those who wish to destroy all possibility for reconciliation and peace between Israel and the Palestinians. They must not be allowed to succeed. The commitment of the Palestinian Authority government to the principles of the Quartet is an important step in this regard.

We are aware of the complex and often difficult nature of the TIPH mission. Indeed, the events in recent days in Hebron serve as a reminder of just how sensitive and charged the situation is.

Even if from time to time there are disagreements between us, we always bear in mind that you and TIPH are in Hebron not unilaterally, but at the invitation of both Israel and the Palestinians. You are our guests, and we always welcome and honor our guests. We at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will do all that we can to facilitate your mission and your stay here. Our door is always open to you.

I will conclude by wishing you much success in your vital mission, for your success is also ours. Thank you.

The preceding story was provided by Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs


    

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AJC's Blaustein Institute provides briefing on 
Sudanese refugees trying to enter Israel from Egypt

NEW YORK (Press Release)—The growing crisis in Israel caused by an influx of Sudanese refugees entering from Egypt is assessed by the American Jewish Committee's Jacob Blaustein Institute for the Advancement of Human Rights (JBI) in a new briefing paper.

The Blaustein Institute is calling on Israeli officials to act promptly to determine who among the Sudanese are legitimate refugees entitled to international protection and not to be returned to Egypt. JBI also is urging Egyptian authorities to take immediate steps to prevent further killing and ill treatment of persons seeking to cross into Israel, and to investigate and hold accountable anyone responsible for using excessive force against the refugees.

"Our central concern is that international obligations continue to be respected in Israel and that Egypt takes further measures to ensure refugee rights," said JBI Chairman E. Robert Goodkind.
 
The JBI briefing paper, Sudanese in Israel: The Current Situation, is available at
www.ajc.org.

At least 1,200 Sudanese refugees, including 300 from Darfur, are now in Israel. The JBI report discusses what is needed to determine if they qualify as refugees under the 1951 Convention to which Israel is a party, and other measures to help Israel cope with this challenge.

While most are employed, more than 100 are reportedly detained in prison or prison-like facilities, frequently with criminal offenders, and often separated from their families. Sudanese are considered "enemy infiltrators" in Israel because Sudan is currently in a formal state of war with Israel.

The report reviews current developments and cites recent incidents of members of Egypt's border control killing refugees attempting to cross into Israel. 

AJC's Jacob Blaustein Institute for the Advancement of Human Rights, founded in 1971, strives to narrow the gap between the promise of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights agreements and the realization of those rights in practice. Felice D. Gaer is the Director and the briefing paper was prepared by JBI's Goldman Fellow, Gabrielle Thal-Pruzan.

  The preceding story was provided by the American Jewish Committee


          

 

The Peres Diary


GREETINGS—Shimon Peres greets Moshe Kantor, president of the European Jewish Congress

Peres urges terrorism be added to EJC agenda

JERUSALEM (Press Release)—The President of the European Jewish Congress, Mr. Moshe Kantor, came to the Residence of the President, Mr. Shimon Peres,  Sunday, August 12, at the head of a large delegation of well-wishers, which included heads of Jewish communities, members of the Congress and leaders of the European Jewish community. Kantor congratulated the President on the assumption of his position and requested that the President be involved and play a dominant role in the European Jewish communities. He invited the President to be the guest of honour in a central event, which the Congress wishes to hold in his honour.

The President requested an extensive survey on the numbers of European Jews in the 42 Jewish communities represented by the Congress and also wished to know what the main activities of the Congress are. According to Kantor, the Jewish Congress focuses on fighting anti-Semitism, supporting Israel and is active in fighting against the nuclear armament program of Iran. He noted that the most effective way of dealing with anti-Semitism is the holding of large events and ceremonies to commemorate the Holocaust and central landmarks, such as 60 years of the liberation of Auschwitz. Kantor added that the Congress is now busy planning an event commemorating 70 years of Crystal Night, which raises a strong connection between commemorating the Holocaust and its lessons and the armament of Iran.

The President greeted the members of the delegation and said that parallel to the fight against anti-Semitism and Iran’s armament, it is necessary to fight against terrorism, which is aimed not only against Israel but also against central cities in Europe. In addition, said President Peres, the positive things taking place in Israel and among the Jewish people must be shown and one should avoid presenting a negative and dark picture when providing information to European countries.

At the end of the meeting the President of the Congress presented the “Jerusalem Compass” to President Peres and said that this gift is meant to remind the President of Israel, at all times, that the most important direction of the Jewish people is that of Jerusalem.


The preceding story was provided by the office of Israel's President Shimon Peres

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Wiesenthal renews call to prosecute those who abet
suicide bombings for  'crimes against humanity'

LOS ANGELES (Press Release) —In wake of the latest suicide bombing attacks today that killed at least 175 and wounded hundreds more in Qahataniya, in northern Iraq, the Simon Wiesenthal Center renewed its call to the international community to declare all suicide terror as crimes against humanity.

“The international community must apply the full weight of international law to hold accountable all those who promote, validate and abet suicide terror,” said Rabbi Abraham Cooper, associate dean of the Center. “Today's mass murder is appalling, but we can only expect the casualty rate among targeted innocent civilians to exponentially increase as terrorists increase their access to better technology and weaponry,” he added.

Since 2003, the Simon Wiesenthal Center has led a campaign to have suicide bombings declared a ‘Crime Against Humanity’. The goal of the campaign is to create a legal tool for victims to go after sponsors and those who inspire this deadly culture of mass murder worldwide. Since the campaign’s launch, Center officials have sifted through the bombed-out remains of synagogues with Turkey's Chief Rabbi in Istanbul, conferred with His Holiness Pope John Paul II at the Vatican, lobbied the European Union and Foreign Ministers from Madrid, to Ottawa, to Buenos Aires.

“So long as religious figures can promote such behavior with impunity, innocent people of all faiths will continue to pay the price of the scourge of our time,” Cooper concluded.

The preceding story was provided by the Simon Wiesenthal Center

Commentary

Time to install a benevolent dictator in Iraq

By Isaac Yetiv

In ancient Rome, during difficult and dangerous times, the Senate appointed, for a designated period, a "dictator" with plenipotentiary powers to restore order and save the Republic. Closer to us in our modern era, the elected President of France, Rene Coty, facing a chaotic situation after the rebellion of four generals in Algeria in 1958, called
on General De Gaulle to return  to power and save the Republic "a second time."

Today, there is no more chaotic and fraughtwith-danger place than  Iraq which seems ripe for the emergence of a strong man. The question is , shall we wait for things to go from bad to worse and result ina viciously anti-American dictator (Senator Dianne Feinsteineven named Muqtada El-Sadr as a potentialcandidate because he commands the 60,000 men Mahdiarmy, more powerful and disciplined than the government's still-in- progress military), or shall we preempt that catastrophic eventuality by grooming a strong man of our liking,  who will put an end  to the massacre of innocents  and hold together the pieces of Iraq as, for example, Tito held Yugoslavia. We may hope that he will re-establish a semblance of democracy whenhis time is up and civil order restored,  as it happened in Turkey for example. But even if he tarries, Iraq will not be in worse shape than  Egypt, Saudi Arabia, or Jordan, our "moderate allies."

This may seem as  a far-fetched and unrealistic proposition, veiled in the secrecy of CIA antics.Nothing of the sort. It may even  be done  with the tacitcooperation of the Iraqi  parliament and government  to ensure the security and safety of the people which they, and the Americans, were unable to provide. It may be too soon to implement such a proposition but never too soon to think about it and prepare for "Plan B" as a last resort if --I amtempted to say 'when'--exasperated by the mounting casualties, the Congress decides to cut off the fundsand bring the troops back home.

The Iraqi people , who are dying at a ghastly rate of 100 a day,  which probably will increasesubstantially to counter the effects of the planned "surge," have  been clamoring for a strong man whowill rule with an iron fist and stop the killing. For them, stability and civil order trump democracy. Today, after three elections, a constitution, three
governments, at a heavy cost in blood and treasure, and no light at the end of the tunnel, the generalconsensus among the American people is for "a graceful exit" BUT only after a stability of sorts could be achieved.

The Iraqi parliament is barely functioning, in constant search for a quorum to transact business.Absenteeism is endemic. Many of its members live abroad. Former PM Allawi lives in London; Adnan Pachachi, in Dubai. All absentees continue to draw their salaries ($120,000! Are we paying?). Already 1.9 million of vital middle-class people have left the country, followed by thousands every week. No military efforts by Americans, except a total war that requires half-a-million troops and thousands of casualties on
all sides for which America is not ready and willing, and no diplomatic schemes can vanquish the hatred and vengeance and fear and quest for power of the multitude of groups with their own armadas that the tribal system has engendered and which foreign countries ,especially Iran, have supported, trained, and financedfor their own benefit. No Iraqi will shed tears overthe "suspension" for a time of an almost non-existent, useless, and very expensive parliament.

The only plan in town, let us call it "Plan A" is the "surge" of 21,500, now augmented to 32,000, more troops which has already generated a virulent and vociferous opposition in Congress that culminated in a nonsensical non-binding resolution that "it is not in the national interest." The enemy is listening, laughing, and rubbing his hands in the expectation of the Great Satan's defeat, thanks to Allahu Akbar. I cannot comprehend this Congress’ irresponsible action which has no operational effect, just to embarrass an embattled president and weaken his hand in what he believes is the best way to
avoid a debacle whose consequences are horrible to contemplate: a safe haven for Al-Qaeda and other agents of terror in Iraq; a bloodbath of gigantic proportions; an elevation of fanatic and nuclear-armed Iran to the position of hegemon in the Gulf and the whole Middle-East; the crumbling of our "moderate Arab allies" who will scramble to make deals with the "winner" behind our backs just to survive;  the triumph of Hizballah in Lebanon and  of Hamas in Gaza and the West Bank, who, with the Iranian bomb, will put Israel in a very dangerous situation that might require a preemptive strike; the strangulation of oil supplies and their sky-rocketing price; the strengthening of the Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan, and more than anything—absent in the
Vietnam debacle—the certainty of spectacular attacks on American soil.

Even if Congress doesn't believe in the success of the "surge," once the Commander-in-Chief has made his decision and began to implement it, the only acceptable position is to strengthen his hand or, alternatively, to cut off the funds , or even impeach
him, two prerogatives prescribed by the Constitution which are "binding." The Congress may also amend the Constitution and change our political system from
"presidential " to "parliamentary,” which will allow it to topple the Executive leader with a vote of no-confidence rather than get stuck for four years.

The "surge" plan contains the same flaw as the Iraq Study Group recommendations : they both rely on the good will , capacity, and loyalty of others. There is
no certainty it will work. But a new commander, General David Petraeus, with new rules of engagement and strong determination may reduce the violence substantially and allow for a political solution that will make our exit safe and honorable.  How can the
Senate Committee approve Petraeus unanimously and then oppose vehemently the "surge" which he  was promoted to carry out? Whether we believe or not, we must root for our side and support our troops rather than demoralize them . There is a danger that
the loud detractors of the plan will, consciously or subconsciously, root for its defeat in order to claim " I told you so!" And what if it succeeds? How would
they feel about it?

If we fail in this last attempt because of lack of cooperation, incapacity, or disloyalty of Al-Maliki government,  we should  resort  to Plan B without delay: a strong man — call him a "temporary benevolent despot" with plenipotentiary powers who will declare a state of emergency and/or martial law and, with a mixture of sticks and carrots,  disarm all militias, announce an equal distribution of oil money for all Iraqis, and a work
program that will employ the idle masses both in the army and civil life, coupled with  amnesty  and reconstruction programs. This will preempt the cutting of funds and, God forbid, the panicky flight we witnessed in Saigon in 1975.

In his bid for re-election , De Gaulle declared "Moi ou le chaos!" (Me or chaos). We may still face in Iraq the unenviable choice  of "lui" (he, the providential strong man) or Chaos. And   Chaos is not an option.

U.N. official decries political stalemate in Lebanon

UNITED NATIONS (Press Release)—Lebanon’s people cannot afford the “fractious political atmosphere” that has emerged during the past year to continue, a senior United Nations official warned today, urging the country’s leaders to prove that they can overcome their differences and serve national interests rather than the agenda of the parties.

Geir Pedersen, the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, used the first anniversary of the end of the war between Hizbollah and the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) to caution that the country’s future economic and social progress was being jeopardized by the political deadlock.

In a statement which appeared in several Lebanese papers, Mr. Pedersen said “this stalemate has given rise to new dangers. The atmosphere of political division quickly gave way to clashes in January of this year, which turned deadly. More worrying has been the resurgence of sectarian language in many circles.”

A new president will have to be elected in the coming weeks and Mr. Pedersen said “this event represents an opportunity” for the leaders of the country’s ruling majority and opposition to rise above their recent disputes.

“It is high time that discussions focus on programmes and ideas that address issues of national interest, rather than narrow party agendas,” he said.

The Special Coordinator stressed that the responsibility lies with the Lebanese themselves to sort out their differences and determine the path ahead.

“There are a number of initiatives to assist the various parties to come together in dialogue and reach mutually acceptable solutions, both on the presidency and the composition of the government.

“These efforts will continue, and will be supported to the utmost extent possible by the Secretary-General of the United Nations. In all cases, the emergence of two competing governments must be avoided.”

Mr. Pedersen also said that Lebanon has made positive but incomplete progress in its reconstruction since the war ended, and that much more work is needed, as well as to ensure a sustainable ceasefire and not just a cessation of hostilities.

“Israeli overflights into Lebanese territory will have to stop and Lebanese borders properly secured to prevent arms smuggling. The issue of the Shaba’a Farms is under close study and solid progress has been made towards a provisional determination of the geographical extent of the area.”

“Similarly, negotiations to bring about the release of the two Israeli soldiers [captured just before the war began], as well as of Lebanese prisoners, are ongoing, and will hopefully bear results in the near future.”

Mr. Pedersen’s comments were echoed by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who told reporters today at UN Headquarters that it was vital to restore Lebanon’s political and social stability so that its people could enjoy greater economic prosperity.

He called on Lebanese political leaders to ensure that their dialogue with others is as inclusive as possible to promote reconciliation between the country’s different groups.

The preceding story was provided by the United Nations 

 

              Europe

Wiesenthal Center seeks Belarus action against hate vendors

PARIS (Press Release)—In a letter to Belarus President, Mr Alexander Lukashenko, the Simon Wiesenthal Centre's Director for International Relations, Dr Shimon Samuels, noted that, as part of a tour of Former Soviet Union World War Two extermination sites and memorials, he last week visited the Minsk Museum of the Great Patriotic War, "which vividly describes the mass murder of Jews and Belarussians by the Nazis and their collaborators."

He expressed "horror at discovering not far from the Museum, a distribution centre for the most offensive antisemitic books", adding that "the address is of even greater concern: 'Pravoslavnaya Kniga', subtitled 'The Orthodox Initiative', at Ul. Berestyanskaya 17 in Minsk, presented as 'a broad collection of literature, icons, crosses, rings, candles and Church objects.'"

Samuels purchased the following titles from the shelves marked "Conspiracies" (see photo):

- Oleg Platonov, "Myths and Truth about Pogroms", Rauza Press, Moscow, 2003, claiming that Judaism is eternally hostile to Russian civilization and Christianity; Jewish capital controls banking and stock markets; early 20th century pogroms were a Zionist provocation; how the Jews murdered Russia's leadership and unleashed terror in Soviet times.

- Oleg Platonov, "The Mystery of the Zion Protocols: A Conspiracy Against Russia", Algorithm Press, Moscow, 2006, the secret development of Jewish power in Russia, Spain and reborn Israel; the Talmud, the Russian Church and the Protocols; the Berne Trial and World Jewish falsification; the Protocols in the history of Israel; the Holocaust myth; the Hitler - Ben Gurion parallel and ethnic cleansing by the Jews; 1975 the United Nations recognizes Zionism as racism.

- Anatoly Utkin, "The Only Super Power State", Algorithm Press, Moscow, 2003, imperial power and hegemony, Islam's revenge.

- Nikolai Zhevakov, "The Jewish Revolution", Algorithm Press, Moscow, 2006, the Jews who made Communism and betrayed it in Russia and Ukraine.

- Anonymous, "There Are No Bad People", Orthodox Initiative, Minsk, 2004 (under the blessing of Archbishop Sergei), ostensibly an interfaith text that presents Judaism as a religion of money.

The letter continued, "Mr President, you are quoted in The Minsk Times of 9 August 2007, during your visit last week to the Belarus Press House, as stating: 'We were advised by foreigners to privatize the state media which have always helped me to govern the country and preserve social stability - they are necessary to avoid rumours on burning issues from becoming widespread.'"

Samuels noted that "the Orthodox Initiative advised me that they were about to open a website. This will amplify their global dissemination, from Belarus, of incitement to hatred. Interestingly, Mr President, you also addressed the Internet issue in your speech, declaring that 'we should not allow this great technical achievement to become an informational dump.'"

The Centre contended that "as a vendor of hate, the Orthodox Initiative is in contravention of your government's stated policy", insisting also that "as a State Party to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Belarus is thereby in violation of its commitments to combat antisemitism under the 2004 Berlin Declaration, the 2005 Cordoba conference and this June's Bucharest follow-up meeting."(Copies of the letter were shared with the OSCE's Chairman-in-Office, Miguel Angel Moratinos, and Ambassador Christian Strohal, Director of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) of the OSCE in Vienna.)

The Centre urged Lukashenko "to officially condemn antisemitism and these publications in particular, while also ensuring that the Orthodox Initiative be disciplined and withdraw all such materials definitively."

"Their presence and distribution throughout and by way of your country desecrates the memory of both the Jewish and Belarussian victims of World War Two," concluded Samuels.

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              Latin America

Anti-Semitic incidents increase 40% in Argentina

NEW YORK (Press Release)—In a briefing to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) in New York City, Jewish community leaders from Argentina told of a disturbing rise in anti-Semitic attacks and other incidents against the Argentinean Jewish community, with a reported increase of more than 40 percent in 2006.

The leaders, representing the Delegación de Asociaciones Israelitas de Argentina (DAIA), presented the findings of their Report on Anti-Semitism in Argentina 2006 at a briefing at ADL National Headquarters last week.  The report documented 586 anti-Semitic incidents in 2006 – up from 373 in 2005. The majority of the incidents involved anti-Semitic graffiti and other acts of vandalism.

The report also cited among the incidents an attack by a group of skinheads against Orthodox Jews walking in the street to synagogue, death threats against a Jewish journalist, bomb threats against Jewish institutions, and the desecration of Jewish graves in the Entre Rios province.  It noted that the number of incidents spiked in July 2006 during the period of Israel's war with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, said:  "We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters of the Argentine Jewish community as they grapple with many challenges," including the unsolved investigation into the 1994 bombing of the AMIA-DAIA building, whose perpetrators have not been brought to justice.  "In standing with you we are sending a message that we are one. In the fight against anti-Semitism and prejudice, we stand up for each other and together."

Attending the presentation were representatives of several major American Jewish organizations, the Permanent Representative of Argentina to the United Nations, and diplomatic representatives from a number of other Latin American countries.

The DAIA, the leading defense agency of the Argentine Jewish community, represents 140 social, educational, cultural, religious and professional organizations throughout Argentina.  Presenting their report was Angel Schindel, DAIA First Vice President, Claudio Avruj Executive Director of the DAIA and Marisa Braylan, Director of the Center for Social Studies.

The full DAIA report, which also documents prejudice against other minorities in Argentina including, Chinese, Koreans, Gypsies, Muslims, homosexuals, Afro-descendants and others, is available on the League's Web site.

  The preceding story was provided by the Anti-Defamation League
 

              United States of America

Man who attacked Elie Wiesel apologizes in court

SAN FRANCISCO (Press Release)—A man who dragged Holocaust scholar Elie Wiesel from a hotel elevator has apologized in court. Eric Hunt, 22, has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted kidnapping, false imprisonment, battery, stalking, elder abuse and hate crimes following the February 2007 incident at San Francisco's Argent Hotel. 

The apology came in the midst of a hearing to determine whether Hunt, who originally pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity but later changed his plea, should stand trial. Hunt said "Mr. Wiesel, I'm sorry for scaring you and I'm sorry you experienced the Holocaust. My grandfather fought the Nazis and I'm sorry about what happened."   Wiesel did not respond but went on to describe how Hunt grabbed him from the elevator and demanded that the 78-year-old professor come to his room for an interview.

Hunt, from New Jersey, has been in a San Francisco jail psychiatric ward since May. His defense lawyer maintains that Hunt is not an anti-Semitic stalker, but a man suffering from mental illness, and that when he confronted Wiesel, he was in the grip of a "manic episode" triggered by his grandfather's death.

The preceding story was provided by the World Jewish Congress

 

 


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Adventures in Cruising—Royal Caribbean's Monarch of the Seas





SUSHI—Enjoying the onboard sushi bar are from front Tyler Ford, Sara Oades, Shea Oades, Ashlee Ford and Caren Ford

 


Thanks to the Ford family of Agoura, California, for sharing their photos of their family reunion weekend cruise


ADL questions legitimacy of 'Hungry for Justice' coalition defending accused Holy Land Foundation

NEW YORK (Press Release)— A coalition organized to support the embattled Holy Land Foundation (HLF) against federal charges of funding terrorism is "tainted" by the involvement of three organizations with a history of sympathizing with terrorist groups, according to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).

"Hungry for Justice," a coalition established to speak out in support of the HLF through a Web site and a series of planned public events, claims the federal charges and ongoing trial in Dallas are part of a "politically driven" anti-Muslim witch-hunt and an attempt to single out Muslim charitable organizations in this country.  The coalition includes the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR), the Muslim American Society (MAS) and the ANSWER Coalition.

"If you look at these three groups and their histories, it is ironic, but not surprising that they would come to the aid and defense of a charity accused of funneling funds to Hamas," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.  "These groups are tainted by their own murky associations with radical organizations and individuals and, in some cases, expressions of solidarity with terrorist groups targeting Israelis."

The federal government alleges that the HLF charity served as a front for raising funds in the United States for Hamas, a Palestinian terrorist group that has carried out hundreds of attacks against Israeli civilians.

The following are excerpts from ADL's backgrounders on three of the groups that are part of the "Hungry for Justice" coalition:

• The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is a Washington, D.C.-based non-profit organization founded by leaders of the Islamic Association for Palestine (IAP), a Hamas affiliated anti-Semitic propaganda organization.  CAIR has never been willing to unequivocally condemn Hezbollah and Palestinian terror organizations, which the United States and international community have condemned and isolated.  CAIR has participated in and endorsed several rallies where support for terrorist groups was undeniable, including a rally in Washington, D.C. on April 20, 2002, in which CAIR's director spoke from the podium next to a Hezbollah flag.

• The Muslim American Society portrays itself as a mainstream organization that attempts to serve the social, educational and religious needs of American Muslims. However, the organization has a troubling history of associations with radical organizations and individuals that promote terrorism and anti-Semitism, and reject Israel's right to exist.  One MAS leader said that the group was founded by members of the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamic extremist movement founded in Egypt that has spawned and inspired global terrorist groups, including the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas. MAS-affiliated Web sites have featured articles advocating Jihad and suicide martyrdom.

• The ANSWER (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism) Coalition has organized scores of antiwar demonstrations in the U.S. since its founding by the New York-based International Action Center (IAC) in 2001 and has played a key role in inserting anti-Israel sentiment into the antiwar movement. In addition to claims that Israel is guilty of "war crimes" against Palestinians and that Israel is a "racist state," ANSWER events, which often attract protestors by the tens of thousands, have openly supported terror groups targeting Israelis, as well as the "resistance" fighting American forces in Iraq. This environment has led to displays of anti-Semitic sentiments, such as signs comparing Israeli leaders to Nazis or equating the Jewish Star of David with the Nazi swastika.

The preceding story was provided by the Anti-Defamation League

             Forum

Holocaust, Wiretapping and anti-Semitism are issues on which our writing-readers focus


IRAQ IS NEW TOPIC—
Isaac Yetiv,  a Tunisian-born writer and commentator, who grew up in politics in Haifa, before becoming an educator and lecturer in the San Diego, proposes in the column above a new solution for Iraq: taking a page from history and installing a dictator.  His column, and Iraq, in general, are now open for your comments as Forum Topic #7.  What should the United States do now in Iraq?

NEW POSTINGSCommunications were received today from Prof. Deborah Lipstadt, Emory University, on Forum Topic #3, concerning Holocaust history and the Bergson group (see below)...... from Lowell Fischer, concerning Topic #1, the battle over campaign rhetoric between U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk (Republican, Illinois) and Democratic challenger Jay Footlik...

WIRETAPPING, FORUM ISSUE #6—Shoshana Bryen
of the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs filed the second part of her series, which began on these pages yesterday.  It follows:  

WASHINGTON, D.C. (JINSA)—
National Security Agency (NSA) Director McConnell's request for Congress to pass legislation for surveillance of targets taking into account improved cable and fiber optic technology was, at first, non-controversial. The administration sent a bill to Capitol Hill in April and the Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee pledged to move forward. In exchange for support, however, Senate Democratic leadership wanted the release of long-sought documents about previous wiretapping policy. The administration had previously declined to provide the documents, but by attaching the request to the administration's request, Democrats apparently thought they trade. The administration declined again and the process stalled.

In late July, when McConnell met with leaders of both parties and asked urgently for approval of a redrafted bill, he brought evidence of terrorist activity that spurred the Hill to action. But as they were working on the legislation, there arose three Democratic hiccups: the difference between surveillance "directed at" and surveillance "concerning" targets; dealing with targets outside the U.S. talking to people in the U.S.; and a provision, according to The Washington Post, that warrantless wiretapping only be used against foreign suspects "tied to terrorist groups."

The first had to do with mistrust of the administration; Democrats said the broader word gave NSA too much leeway. The second was an administrative nightmare, requiring termination of surveillance if a suspect abroad talked to someone in the United States - a terrorist could quickly follow a call to the U.S. with the call he REALLY wanted to make, hoping we weren't back on the line. Or a foreign terrorist could give a person in the U.S. information to pass on to others. The third is silly on its face - the universe of suspect people not "tied" (whatever that means) to known terrorist groups (new ones are constantly emerging from splinters of old ones) must be substantially larger than the universe of card-carrying terrorists.

All were rejected and the Senate bill passed 60-28 (including 14 Democrats). In the House, 41 Democrats joined the Republicans. But this is not over.

The measure is temporary - six months, that's all. Only hours after passage, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi denounced parts of the bill, saying she wouldn't wait six months and plans to bring up new legislation "as soon as possible," presumably in September.

This reeks of the same strange logic as sending Gen. Petraeus to Iraq with six months to implement new policies, but not waiting half that long to demand changes. At some point, the Democrats should act on the understanding that if NSA fails to protect us, or Gen. Petraeus fails to stabilize Iraq, our country - not only the President or his administration - will pay the price.

The surveillance legislation is a window to people who think the White House is the enemy and appear not to believe terrorists see no distinction between the White House, the Democratic leadership and the rest of us.

Holocaust scholar Lipstadt responds to Grobman

  Editor, San Diego Jewish World

In his letter to this paper regarding the petition presented to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum regarding the museum's failure to include more information on the Bergson group in the permanent exhibition, Alex Grobman criticized my description of the Wyman Institute as an entity which "sort of straddle[s] the area between scholarship and activism.   I was asked by the reporter if the Wyman Institute was a "scholarly" entity.  This was my response.   Most academic institutions with which I am familiar  don't engage in the kind of activism that the Institute does. Similarly, most activist organizations don't engage in the kind of scholarship in which the Wyman Institute engages.   Why Grobman interprets this a criticism befuddles me.

More importantly he compared the petition submitted to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum with a petition circulated by the Wyman Institute protesting to C-Span about its refusal to broadcast a speech by me unless it was "balanced" by a presentation by Holocaust denier David Irving.  Why, he wondered, was the petition to C-Span acceptable but a petition to the United States Holocaust Museum about including the Bergsons was not?

These are entirely two different matters.  The Holocaust Museum petition concerned a museum exhibition which is a scholarly entity.  I would hate to see the Holocaust museum become susceptible to the mode or the politics of the day through the use of petitions.   In contrast, the C-Span matter concerned a television station which makes no pretence of being scholarly and which should be responsive to public pressure. 

I am surprised that a scholar such as Alex Grobman would equate journalistic entities with historical museums which are built on a scholarly foundation.

Finally, I reiterate what I said in the original article. I believe the story of the Bergson's should be more prominently featured in the museum.  That change should be made on the basis of scholarship not political pressure.

Deborah E. Lipstadt, PhD
Dorot Professor of Modern Jewish and Holocaust Studies
Director,  Tam Institute for Jewish Studies
Emory University

  Received 1 p.m. Tuesday, August 14, 2007
 

To share your thoughts on this or any other Forum topic, please send an email to us at sdheritage@cox.net.  Please be sure to include at the bottom of your letter your full name and the city and state (province) in which you reside.
                                                          ________________

 



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The Jewish Grapevine                                                  
                 

CYBER-REFERRALS— Gail Forman found a learned essay by David Kaufmann in the Daily Forward on the question of whether we should consider Bugs Bunny to be Jewish.  She says this helps to prove the motto of San Diego JewishWorld that there is a Jewish story everywhere.... Er, if you wanna know what's up doc, here's the link.... Israel's Consulate General in Los Angeles forwards a YNET story about Syria saying it is not planning a war with Israel.  Here is the link. ... Bruce Kesler refers us to a story in the California Catholic Daily on how Saudi Arabia is funding Islamic programs for school children, with either exclude or criticize Christian and Jewish viewpoints.  Here is the link. ...

OUR U-T TOUR—Here are the stories in this morning's San Diego Union-Tribune that were of specific interest to the Jewish community:

Front Section—In the story about Karl Rove's resignation from President George W. Bush's staff, mention was made of the directive by Chief of Staff Joshua Bolten to White House staff members who did not plan to serve for the duration of the President's term in office to please submit their resignations by Labor Day... In another resignation story—that of UC President Robert C. Dynes—Richard Blum, chairman of the UC Board of Regents, commented about the university's financial difficulties: "It's been a difficult time and I think Bob can be proud of what he has accomplished." ... The continuing murder trial of record producer Phil Spector in Los Angeles brought testimony from shooting victim Lana Clarkson's mother, Donna, whose testimony indicated that her daughter was happy, planning for her future, and not despondent.  The defense team has tried to prove that Clarkson was a suicide victim rather than a murder victim... In San Francisco, a defendant apologized to Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel for a physical attack on him (also see World Jewish Congress story above)...A deal has been struck between an agent for the family of slaying victim Ron Goldman and a publishing house for O.J. Simpson's book, If I Did It.  Goldman and Simpson's wife, Nicole, died in the same attack.

Local Section—Even after Aaron Feldman's Sunroad Enterprises agreed to lower its controversial building to 160 feet, a member of the mayor's staff, James Waring, has been lobbying City Council members to permit a lesser reduction. The story by Jeff McDonald and David Hasemyer was coupled with an editorial in the newspaper questioning why Sanders hadn't reprimanded Waring for his activities.  Waring announced his resignation after City Attorney Michael Aguirre questioned his activities...Columnist Diane Bell told of a sandwich at film producer Stu Segall's Studio Diner called the "SamSon" which includes prime rib, spinach, sprouts, garlic and cheese.  Sounds like a sandwich you'd need the strength of Samson to eat, only, of course, it's not kosher....Bell also quoted Scott Silverman about how moved he was to see the family of the late advocate for the homeless, Dr. Victor Kops donating some of his clothes, and "helping them even in death." ...

Opinion—
Former congressman and Republican presidential candidate Jack Kemp, in a column, quoted Art Laffer as counseling "If these pro-growth policies that have led to our 25-year-year bull market are reversed, don't be surprised if our financial gains and competitive edge disappear.... Another peace by Leon Hadar, described as a research fellow at the Independent Institute in Oakland, suggested that the Middle East would have profited by the United States exercising 'benign neglect' rather than doing anything: "The fact that Washington focuses so much of its energy and attention on the Arab-Israeli conflict, while turning a blind eye elsewhere, indicates that U.S. foreign policy has lost its focus."

Business—In the wake of losing a patent infringement case against Broadcom, seeing President Bush let stand a ban on importing foreign cell phones using the disputed technology, and U.S. District Court Judges Rudi Brewster and James Selna recently ruling against Qualcomm, the beleaguered company's chief counsel, Lou Lupin, has stepped down.  CEO Paul Jacobs commented that Lupin had "played a major role" in Qualcomm's technology licensing program... Investors Eli Broad and Maurice Greenberg (C.V. Starr & Co) are among a group putting up $3 billion to shore up Goldman Sachs' Global Equity Opportunities Fund, which lost 30 percent f its value in a week in the fallout over mortgage-backed securities favored by hedge funds.

Sports—
In the agate baseball box scores, one learned that Boston Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis went 0-4 in the Sox 3-0 shutout of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, and that his batting average is now down to .300.  He was once among the American League's top hittters, but he is now .13 points off the pace... Brad Ausmus officially went 0-2, but he walked twice as his Houston Astros defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-1.  Newspapers don't regularly print "on base percentages," tabulating what percentage of the time hitters get on base either by hitting or walking, but they should.  It's a more reliable way of calculating a player's offensive value... Relief pitcher John Grabow needed only nine pitches to retire the San Francisco Giants in the inning he pitched, and that included a strike out.  His ERA is now down to 4.21.  The Pirates, however, lost that game 10-3.

Currents—
In a feature about hit programming on cable, producer Matt Weiner received favorable notice from New York Times News Service writer Bill Carter for "Mad Men," a cynical drama about the advertising business, circa 1960. 
 





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 News Sleuths:

Watching the media gathering
and reporting the news
of Jewish interest

Date: August 14, 2007
Place: U.S. State Department
Spokesperson: Sean McCormack, spokesperson for Sec'y of State Condoleezza Rice
Topics: Nick Burns' trip to Israel; Turkey's political situation
 

QUESTION: Can you update us on Under Secretary Burns' travel plans..?

MR. MCCORMACK: Right....Nick is going to be traveling, I think -- I don't know exactly when he's going to be leaving, but the 15th through the 17th he's going to travel to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. He's going to be talking to the Israelis about the proposed $30 billion agreement that we have, talk about the terms of that. I'm sure he's also going to discuss some other strategic issues in the bilateral relationship as well as to talk about issues in the neighborhood.
>>

QUESTION: Turkey's ruling party has re-nominated Foreign Minister Gul as presidential candidate. Any comments?

MR. MCCORMACK: A matter for their internal domestic politics, for -- I guess, at this point, the Turkish parliament to decide upon who will be the next Turkish president. We have full faith in Turkey's secular democracy, but it's going to be a decision for them to take.


 

 

 


          Please click on the above ad to visit the Humanistic Jewish Congregation's website




 

              Greater San Diego Area 

In times of soaring heat, check on elderly neighbors

SAN DIEGO (Press Release)—With temperatures expected to peak in the 100s in desert areas this week, the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) reminds the public to be aware of the potential hazards of exposure to excessive heat.

“Seniors with limited mobility, the disabled and people who are ill, are especially vulnerable to high temperatures,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County Public Health Officer. “Hot temperatures and high humidity increase the likelihood of heat illnesses, such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke. If they can’t cool off at home, take them to a Cool Zone location, or mall or other air-conditioned location.

“Young children and pets are also susceptible to the effects of high heat.”

HHSA Aging and Independence Services’ Cool Zone program offers 150 locations for anyone to beat the heat. Call toll free 1-800-510-2020 for information. A list of Cool Zone sites and tips for staying cool are on the County Web site.

The public is also reminded to never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles for any period of time, even with the windows down, as heat can rise to dangerous levels inside vehicle.

To beat the effects of high heat:

  • Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids

  • Stay out of the sun

  • Wear lightweight clothing

  • Be cautious about engaging in strenuous physical activity during peak hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

  • Take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath

  • Call your physician if you feel you may be experiencing heat-related illness.

Heat exhaustion, or heat stroke, can occur in people who have difficulty regulating their body temperature, including: Children up to age 4, those 65 or older, people who are overweight, and people ill or on certain medications.  Heat exhaustion is marked by weakness, nausea, vomiting, headache and muscle aches. To treat heat exhaustion, cool the victim off quickly, and provide water or diluted sports drinks like Gatorade.

Signs of heat stroke include: Lack of sweating, rapid pulse, headache, nausea, confusion, and even unconsciousness. If someone is suffering from heat stroke, call 9-1-1, loosen or remove the victim’s clothing, and spray or pour water on their skin.

  The preceding story was provided by the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency. 

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Hadassah unit will focus on scrolls August 28

POWAY, California (Press Release)—Aviva chapter of Hadassah will hold its opening meeting at 11 a.m. Tuesday, August 28, at Ner Tamid Synagogue, 15318 Pomerado Road, Poway. 

There will be a special presentation of The Dead Sea Scrolls by Frank Laughton of the San Diego Natural History Museum along with a Gourmet Luncheon that will be served.  The cost is $15.  Please call Lois (858) 451-5628 for reservations and further information.

The preceding story was provided by the Aviva chapter of Hadassah
 

* *
A discount Shabbat meal for Jewish World readers

SAN DIEGO (Press Release)—Shabbat Kehillatit is a lovely, fun Sabbath experience for the whole family to enjoy  at Ohr Shalom  Synagogue on Friday, August 24.

A family-friendly Service starts at  6:15pm, followed by a delicious kosher meal.    Sit with  family and friends: Adults  $8; Children ages 5-12 $4

Non-members are especially invited to experience this wonderful Shabbat and sumptuous dinner - with a special for San Diego Jewish World readers: mention this article and receive a 50% discount (offer valid for non- members only).  Reservations required by Friday, August 20.

Enjoy Shabbat with family and make new friends!   Call (619) 231-1456.

The preceding story was provided by Ohr Shalom Synagogue

 
 {Click the above ad for more information
 

              Sports

                     
        News from the    
  Israel Baseball League
 

 Shamsky  man of baseball 'Miracles' in U.S.A. and Israel

By Yoni Peres

HAKFAR HAYAROK—Forty one years ago, on August 12, 1966, Art Shamsky, presently the manager of the IBL Modi'in Miracle, hit three consecutive home runs for the Cincinnati Reds. The  game was stopped for rainy conditions. Two days later, on August 14, when the game was continued, he hit the 4th home run. This must have been the highlight of his baseball career, in addition to winning the World Series with the Mets in 1969.


Art was born in St. Louis, Missouri, to a religious Jewish family of immigrants from Poland. His dad was athletic-minded and encouraged him to play baseball from a very young age. At 8, Art was playing in the Little League, and as a 18 year old, he played for the Cincinnati Reds' minor league team.  After being traded to The Miracle Mets in 1968, against all odds, they won the World Series in 1969.  Art's bat from that season has been  displayed at the Baseball Hall of Fame.
 Art Shamsky
"1969 started as  a bad year,”  he recalled,  “John Lindsay, New York City Mayor, lost the (Republican primary) elections. Then came the magnificent season (1969-1970) – The Jets, Mets, and Knicks all won championships and Lindsay (as the Liberal party candidate) was re-elected" Shamsky recalls nostalgically.

Unfortunately, like many other baseball players, he got injured and suffered a spinal disc disease. After playing for short periods of time for Oakland and St. Louis, 1972 was his last season before retirement.

Art stayed in New York, working in the restaurant business and speaking in schools and other institutions.

In 2006, he got an Email from Marty Appel, asking him to join in the founding of the Israel Baseball League. "At first, I thought that was a joke and did not cooperate" says Art." Then, I met with Larry Baras and realized that they meant it seriously, however, I did not think that I could be a good manager and offered to help in other ways."

After a while, he reconsidered the offer and decided that it could be a good opportunity, for experience, perhaps for business, or maybe for writing a second book (the first one was The Magnificent Season).

Art sees the goal of the first season as exposing the Israeli public to the game of baseball. In the U.S it's a family event. It is good for the families to get together and spend time interacting with each other.

"Baseball is a team work" he explains" It's a way to develop character in young kids. At the moment there are 3,000 Israeli children playing baseball. Maybe soon the number will reach 30,000."

Art does not agree with the myth that the baseball does not fit with the Israeli mentality and will not become popular in Israel. "They said the same  in countries like Japan, Korea, Australia and some countries in Europe, and now baseball is very popular in those countries.”

Art has enjoyed very much the season here- "the feeling of a start-up.”  He thinks that there is a long way ahead. The marketing and PR should be more aggressive. The condition of the fields should be improved. The heat is exhausting and the lights at the fields are not good enough to have games in cooler hours of the day. However, overall,  the first season has been a great achievement in a relatively short period of time.

So, is the miracle going to happen again for Art Shamsky? Will the Modi'in Miracles make a "magnificent season"? We will have to wait until next week…

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{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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Tel Aviv wins game and a bye for IBL playoffs

By Andrew Wilson

TEL AVIV (Press Release)- The Tel Aviv Lightning earned themselves a bye and the second seed in the playoffs with a, 5-4, win over the Bet Shemesh Blue Sox at Sportek. 

Tel Aviv's centerfielder Bryan Langbord drove in the first run of the game with a bases loaded walk in the bottom of the second inning.  The Lightning only had only three hits
on the day but they made them count.  In the bottom of the fourth inning, Australia native Dane Wigg had a pinch-hit bases clearing double to put Tel Aviv up 5-0.  Bet Shemesh made things interesting in the top seventh inning, when they loaded the bases with no outs.

Tel Aviv brought in reliever Mike Etkin of Brooklyn, New York, who proceeded to get one out before First Baseman Johnny Lopez, who was 2-for-4, hit a two-RBI single to cut the lead to one run.  With the tying run on third base and the winning run at first, pinch hitter Juan Feliciano was retired on a fly ball to short right field which was caught by right fielder Jeff Hastings.  Justin Cardinal of Canada, who pinch ran for Lopez,
was doubled off first base for the final out before the runner at third base could cross the plate to tie the score.

Meanwhile at Gezer Field, the Petach Tikva Pioneers won a back-and-forth game, 11-10, over the Modi'in Miracle.  The game which was completed early due to darkness had six lead changes.  Second baseman Willis Bumphus of San Diego, California, who was 2-for-3 with two RBI, had run scoring singles in the first and fourth inning for the Pioneers.  

Pioneers shortstop Seth Binder was 3-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored on the evening.  In the top of the sixth inning, with Petach Tikva leading, 11-8, the Pioneers brought in left handed pitcher Ari Alexenberg to relieve George Chityat.  Although, Alexenberg surrendered a bases loaded hit-by-pitch and walk, he was able to strikeout Modi'in's Greg Marlett to end the game and earn his first save of the season.

At Yarkon Field in the Baptist Village, the Netanya Tigers clinched the fourth seed of the playoffs with a, 4-1, comeback victory over the Ra'anana Express.  The Tigers have now won six games in a row and are steam rolling into the playoffs.  Left-handed pitcher Matt Comiter (2-4) earned the win, pitching six innings while allowing one run on five hits. 

Netanya was trailing 1-0 until the top of the sixth inning when catcher Sam Faeder (2-for-4) hit abases loaded single driving in one run to tie the game.  Designated hitter Justin Prinstein then drew a bases loaded walk to take a 2-1 lead over the Express.  Netanya added two more runs in the top of the seventh and in the bottom of the inning Dominican Right handed pitcher Julio Guerrero was brought into the game and earned his first save of the year.

After Tuesday's action the Playoff seedings are now set.   Below are the playoff seedings:

Seed # 1: Bet Shemesh Blue Sox
Seed # 2: Tel Aviv Lightning
Seed # 3: Modi'in Miracle
Seed # 4: Netanya Tigers
Seed # 5: Ra'anana Express
Seed # 6:  Petach Tikva Pioneers

Summaries:
                      1   2   3   4   5   6   7   R   H  E
Bet Shemesh  0   0   0   0   2   0   2    4   6   0
Tel Aviv        0   2   0   3   0   0   0    5   3   2
W: Daniel Kaufman (4-3); L: Alan Gardner (0-1); SV: Mike Etkin (2); HR: None

Completed Early
                          1   2   3   4   5   6   7   R   H   E
Petach Tikva      1   0   0   6   0   4   x   11  13  3
Modi'in               3   1   0   3   1   2   x   10   1   5
W: Geoge Chityat (1-0); L: Adam Harwood (0-1); SV: Ari Alexenberg (1); HR:
Adalberto Paulino (10), Steve Litvak (5)

                            1   2   3   4   5   6   7   R   H   E
Netanya               0   0   0   0   0   2   2   4    8   1
Ra'anana              0   0   1   0   0   0   0   1    5   3
W:  Matt Comiter (2-4); L: John Thew (2-6); HR: None

Standings:

Team                             W    L     %     GB
Bet Shemesh Blue Sox   28   11   .718     -
Tel Aviv Lightning         25   14   .641   3.0
Modi'in Miracle              21   18   .538   7.0
Netanya Tigers               19   20   .487   8.5
Ra'anana Express           16   24   .400   12.5
Petach Tikva Pioneers     9    31   .225   19.5

Wednesday at 4:30 pm the Bet Shemesh Blue Sox and Modi'in Miracle will complete the bottom of the seventh inning of the 14-13 suspended game on August 8 at Gezer Field.  After the conclusion of the suspended game, the Modi'in Miracle and the Bet Shemesh Blue Sox will play their regularly scheduled game at Gezer Field.   The Petach Tikva Pioneers and the Tel Aviv Lightning will play at 5 pm at Sportek in Tel Aviv.  At 7 pm
the Netanya Tigers take on the Ra'anana Express at Yarkon Field at the Baptist Village.  Fan Appreciation evening will be held at both Sportek and Yarkon Field, which will include free admission to the game and a 10%
discount on all IBL souvenir merchandise.

The preceding story was provided by the Israel Baseball League

 

             Arts & Entertainment

     

Kirshenblatt, American Jewish folk artist, to have first traveling exhibition, beginning at Magnes

BERKELEY, California (Press Release)
Mayer Kirshenblatt, now 91 years old, first picked up an artist’s brush at the age of 73. They Called Me Mayer July, the first major exhibition of Mayer’s work, will premier at the Judah L. Magnes Museum on September 9 with a special program and book signing with the artist. The exhibition, curated by Alla Efimova, chief curator at the Magnes, will remain on view through January 13, 2008.

Following the presentation at the Magnes, They Called Me Mayer July, Painted Memories of Jewish Life in Poland Before the Holocaust, will begin its international tour including museums in Atlanta, New York, and Amsterdam.

The exhibition is a tribute to Mayer Kirshenblatt’s distinctive imagination and sharp recollection of his Polish Jewish home town before World War II, with images such as: the pregnant hunchback, who stood under the wedding canopy just hours before giving birth; the khayder teacher caught in bed with the drummer's wife; the corpse that was shaved; and the couple who held a "black wedding" in the cemetery during a cholera epidemic. The Magnes installation creates an immersive environment through the combination of narrative images, and audio supplement.

In conjunction with the exhibition of sixty-five paintings, the museum is pleased to announce a companion publication from University of California Press. The 400 page volume includes 196 color illustrations and 11 black and white photographs.

The exhibition and the book are the result of four decades of conversations between the artist and his daughter, Barbara Kirshenblatt-Gimblett, highly acclaimed scholar of Jewish folklore. This unique project is a blend of memoir, oral history, and visual interpretation.

 This exhibition has been made possible through a grant from the Taube Foundation for Jewish Life and Culture and the generosity of Jean and Sandy Colen, Varda and Irving Rabin, and Katie and Amnon Rodan.   

The preceding story was provided by the Judah L. Magnes Museum

 
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