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Tuesday, May 27-Thursday, May 29 Lipinsky Family S.D. Jewish Arts Festival
Wednesday, May 28 JFS~Ellen Saks lecture on mental illness
Tuesday, June 3 Guardians Golf & Tennis Tournament
Thursday, June 5 Tifereth Israel's 'Girls Night Out'
Friday-Saturday, June 6-7 JFS~Judaism on the Wild Side
Sunday, June 8 Temple Solel~Tikkun Leil Shavuot
A Jew contemplates his new right to marry
By Brian Schaefer
 SAN DIEGO—I came out to my parents on the eve of Passover. Looking back, it was a rather symbolic shedding of my personal chains and a bold transition from the slavery of self-doubt to the freedom of self-embrace. The process was nothing short of a blessing - it has reinforced our bonds as a family and my parents' unconditional support and love has been my pillar of strength. Whether they would agree with me or not, I think its fair to credit Judaism for their acceptance (and also, celebration) of my identity.
My parents have always kept a Kosher household and, as a result, I keep Kosher to this day as well. They, as I do, respect the teachings and traditions of the Torah and understand that adherence to these principles is a good recipe for a fulfilling, productive, and socially conscious life. Yet they situate these teachings within our contemporary society and acknowledge that ancient teachings cannot always adequately respond to a constantly evolving world. Which doesn't mean you ditch the teachings, it means you struggle with them, and delve deeper to seek a clearer meaning, and figure out how your reality and your experience fits into our traditions and our faith.
I recognize that your opinion about same-sex marriage will be directly related to the type of Judaism you practice. To those who hold the bible to be the word of G-d, who deny the role of women in the clergy, and who refuse to accept the integration of gay and lesbian rabbinical students into our seminaries, then I suspect same-sex marriage has no place in your traditions and to that I say: Well, at least you're consistent.
 But those of us for whom Judaism plays an important and meaningful part of our lives yet don't make it to shul on a weekly basis, for those of us whom finding a Jewish mate is still the Holy Grail (bad analogy) but still date inter-religiously in the meantime, and for those of us whom Judaic law and the Torah still hold some serious weight, but who aren't afraid to flip a switch on Shabbat - in other words, modern American Jews… I think Judaism provides ample room to support same-sex marriage.
I'd say my parents are such Jews. And what I think my parents discovered is that my sexual orientation does not conflict with the fundamental tenets of Judaism or that even if it did (even if you can't get past those few lines of biblical text that supposedly condemn my relationship while you simultaneously ignore passages on stoning unruly children), even then you could see that Judaism holds no relationship more sacred than that of a family, that no emotion is more celebrated than that of love between two people (which indeed includes same-gender mutual affection in the Torah), that nothing as silly as social taboos and political ideology should ever drive a wedge between parents and their child.
I don't know if my parents made their way through this thought process together or separately, or whether it took them a few days or a few years or if they're not even there yet. But not once did it occur to them that I was any less their son. And with that decision, how could they deny that my love for my partner is any less valid than that of my brother for his girlfriend? And if you go that far, how can you possibly argue that therefore my brother has any more of a right to marry than I do?
Ah, but there is tradition. The tradition that marriage is between a man and a woman, because it says so in the Bible, because it has been so for centuries. And when you force marriage between same-sex couples, you change the definition of marriage, right?
Well, no. I would argue that all we're changing here is the access to marriage, not the definition of it. The definition remains the same: a life-long commitment of two consenting adult citizens of a state that bestows upon them a whole bunch of federal rights and responsibilities, regardless of their intent to raise children. I would also argue that the religious definition of marriage has been far more prominent in this national debate than we ought to be comfortable with.
To those who resist this expansion of the institution of marriage to include same-sex partners, I might suggest instead that all couples, same-sex or opposite-sex, should be granted civil unions under the Federal government and that the distinction of the term "marriage" be reserved for religious institutions who are then free to bestow the symbolic and spiritual honor to whatever combination of two humans as they see fit.
That way, your religious teachings, whatever they are, do not have to determine whether I can visit my partner in the hospital when he is sick or, G-d forbid, dying.
In regard to the recent ruling of the California Supreme Court, we as modern, practicing, faithful Jews should indeed be celebrating the decision, which is not the result of activist judges, as some claim, but rather an example of our honored checks and balances at work. Because our nation values equality of access and opportunity above all else. Because our courts and our constitution were designed to protect the rights of the minority from the mere opinions and biases of the majority. And this is something that our Jewish community, that makes up approximately1.5% of the American population, should find much comfort in.
Besides, Judaism needs the lesbian and gay community. In a century where the number one crisis to American Jewry is intermarriage, what sense does it make to further cut out a dedicated and loyal population who is basically desperate to raise Jewish kids and join your synagogues and contribute to your Federation and support your foundations – if only you would acknowledge us and validate our experience and welcome our families.
So the fact that my partner is not Jewish – that you can have issue with. But the fact that he's a guy? That doesn't really affect you, nor does it devalue our religion or threaten the stability of your family. You know the real threats to marriage? Try Britney Spears, who's spontaneous nuptials in Las Vegas followed by an immediate annulment are the ultimate slap in the face to this institution. Or how about Elizabeth Taylor, who along with her seven husbands, is the actual Grim Reaper of modern marriage.
But me? No, I'm just a nice, Jewish boy who has suddenly been given the right to a future that can now include a legally recognized family, one that I intend to raise with the beauty and complexity of our Jewish heritage.
Besides, my mother really wants some grandchildren. You wouldn't deny her that, now would you?
THE JEWISH CITIZEN
Jewish Agency for Israel, UJF weigh Ibim Student Village partnership's direction
By Donald H. Harrison
 SAN DIEGO—Moshe Vigdor, director general of the Jewish Agency for Israel, stopped in San Diego on Tuesday to discuss with the lay leaders and staff of the United Jewish Federation the future direction of JAFI's partnership with San Diego in the running of the Ibim Student Village in the Sha'ar Hanegev region of Israel.
The-ten year contract entered into by San Diego in 1998 to contribute $750,000 per year for the running of the Ibim program has nearly expired. While the UJF is expected to continue the relationship, how much money it will annually contribute to the village and what new programs will be offered there were among the subjects of a private two-hour meeting that Vigdor conducted with the lay leaders and staff.
Following that meeting, Vigdor told San Diego Jewish World that he laid out a number of program options for the San Diegans to consider, and also requested that they consider increasing this area's annnual contribution for the village.
He explained that because of inflation $750,000 today buys only what $500,000 would have purchased ten years ago. "We shared this with them and we know they will give whatever they can, and if they decide to leave the $750,000 we will be happy, but if they decide to give more, we will be happier, no doubt," Vigdor said.
Built to accommodate 400 student immigrants in a variety of programs, the Ibim Student Village is located in an area that has been hit frequently by Kassam rockets fired by terrorists in Gaza.
"I remember some years ago when the first Kassam hit the fence of Ibim, I went to visit the students, to encourage them and to tell them they have to be strong," Vigdor said. "They were not frightened at all; they were encouraging me. But no one expected at that time that this (Kassam rockets) would become a daily issue. It is unbelievable."
The director general of the Jewish Agency said that "Ibim village was selected as one of the major places in the region to have fortifications done by the government. What we did was as follows: we raised money for the dining room; we brought in a big shelter, which stands on the ground so that if you walk away and suddenly there is an alarm (signalling an incoming rocket), immediately you get into the shelter. We put in about four of this kind."
Apartment buildings in the student village, located close to the city of Sderot, also have been equipped with safe rooms "in a very careful manner, so as not to destroy the harmony of the village," he said.
The students who come for 12-month or 10-month programs to learn Hebrew and engineering typically are from the former Soviet Union, Ethiopia, or countries of Latin America, particularly Argentina.
Vigdor said he proposed to the United Jewish Federation various programs that could increase the number of interactions among established Israelis and the immigrant students, whose parents often have remained behind in their country of origin. He stressed that these were only proposals, and that what programs will be embarked upon and which will remain on the drawing board is subject to the will of the United Jewish Federation.
One proposal concerned the creation of what Israelis call an "urban kibbutz" at the Ibim Student Village. This would involve having between 20 and 30 Israeli students living together at the village, while going to school either at Sapir College in Sderot or at Ben Gurion University of the Negev in Beersheva.
"The idea is to interact, to have special programs, joint programs, for the Israeli students to support the immigrants in the afternoons while they are preparing their homework, and to welcome them," Vigdor said.
"When we talk about students from the former Soviet Union, that is one issue; when we speak about the Ethiopians, who are coming from absolutely another civilization, they are very shy; they are not open at all," JACI's top official said. "It is very important that we open them, that they feel part of the community. So if you have a group that will be engaged with them, that will speak with them, that will support them if they have difficulties in their studies, that will make a major difference."
Another proposal Vigdor presented was for Young Leadership Development. He suggested that students from Sha'ar Hanegev and San Diego might be encouraged to spend a year together working and studying at Ibim. "Those students could come to research Jewish identity, and, again, they could interact with those who are coming from the other countries," Vigdor said. "So that is also a program we would like to explore."
Michael Rassler, chief executive officer of the United Jewish Federation, said that the Ibim Task Force Study Committee, with which Vigdor met, will weigh his proposals and then make recommendations to the UJF's board of directors. While no exact time table has been scheduled, both parties are mindful that JAFI would like to make an announcement in mid-November at the General Assembly of the Jewish Agency for Israel about the future directons of Ibim. The 10-year-contract runs out at the end of the year.
Among those task force members who were present to meet with Vigdor were Kevin Wechter, the task force chair; UJF President Kenneth D. Pollin, past UJF presidents Dr. Steve Solomon and Gary Jacobs; incoming UJF President Andrea Oster, and task force members Theresa Dupuis and Claire Ellman. There were also various senior UJF staff members present as well as JAFI staff members.
Vigdor said that while Ibim Student Village is important in the absorption process of immigrant students, it is also important to the welfare of the Sha'ar Hanegev region. This is because it creates a steady infusion of potential settlers in the population-starved Negev. Developing the Negev in the southen portion of the country "is of top importance" to Israel, many of whose citizens are now concentrated in the Tel Aviv and Jerusalem metropolitan areas.
With Sha'ar Hanegev under constant rocket attack, Vigdor said, the fortified Ibim Student Village sends an encouraging message to Sha'ar Hanegev residents that Israel is "developing the Negev, not leaving the Negev and not stepping aside even under that type of attack."
ARTS IN REVIEW
Busy Salovey launches 15th Annual Lipinsky Family San Diego Jewish Arts Festival
By Carol Davis
 SAN DIEGO—Todd Salovey is a busy man. I caught him on the run before he headed off to teaching an acting class. At the same time, he is in the midst of the opening of the 15th Annual Lipinsky Family San Diego Jewish Arts Festival,which will be taking place at the San Diego Repertory Theatre where he is the assistant artistic director as well as at The Old Globe and at the North Coast Repertory Theater in Solana Beach, where he is teaming up with artistic director David Ellenstein.
He told me the Festival started 15 years ago when a gentleman named Phil Tauber who was on the board of the Center for Jewish Culture and Creativity in L.A. made a connection in San Diego. Taking the center's roster of artists with him and presenting it as a full-day festival in San Diego, it grew from a one-day celebration to a weeklong series of festivities to what it is today, “a celebration of the beauty and diversity of Jewish culture through theatre, music, dance and visual arts."
Now the Festival serves both the north, central and the metropolitan areas of San Diego County stretching out for a month long season with activities, including the New Plays series, which takes place at NCR. The rest of the Festival is at the downtown Lyceum Theatre with the exception of three plays by Hershey Felder at The Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park.
For the past six years now Ellenstein and Salovey have partnered. Both pick out a play; Ellenstein directs and/or acts in it and Salovey directs only. I asked him why he doesn’t act and he told me he does best at directing with a deferential laugh. He also mentioned that Ellenstein manages to put at least one Jewish-themed play into his season at NCR. With so many of Jewish patrons moving to the north, there is a great audience for those plays.
This past season Shayna Maidel, which I found to be a moving experience, was mounted. In the past he has presented The Chosen, by Chaim Potok, that was critically acclaimed and his Donald Margulies’ Sight Unseen which Ellenstein won critical acclaim for his direction.. This coming season NCR has as one of its offerings Margulies’ Shipwrecked, which I saw at the South Coast Repertory Theatre in its world premiere, which was reviewed on sdjewishworld in 2007. So they both bring beautiful Jewish art to our community.
This year The 8th Annual Klezmer Summit, which Salovey says is the most popular event in the entire festival, will take place on Monday, June 30 at 7:30 p.m. Both Hot P’Stromi starring Yale Strom and Una Noche Yiddische (a South American influenced on Jewish music experience with Argentine clarinest Gustavo Bulgach and his band Klezmer Juice) will make up a diverse klezmer double header.
Why spread out the Festival? Why north county and downtown? These were questions I posed to Salovey and the most concise reply was that there is an audience to support the festival both in north and central San Diego and while not everyone will attend every show, there is enough variety to go around for anyone who wants the diversity to see and enjoy.
For a complete list of events on the Festival please go to www.sandiegorep.com or call (619) 544-1000.
See you at the theatre this time for Nosh and fun!
JEWS DOWN UNDER
No Australian conversions annulled
By Garry Fabian
 MELBOURNE—Annulments of Orthodox Jewish conversions — such as the one that recently caused uproar in Israel — have not occurred in Australia, as far as Rabbi Meir Shlomo Kluwgant, president of the Rabbinical Council of Victoria, or Rabbi Jeremy Lawrence of the Sydney Beth Din can determine.
"I'm not aware of any cases in Australia where a conversion has been annulled. We have a very thorough investigative process and do our best to assure that all the candidates who have come through the program are indeed sincere," said Rabbi Kluwgant.
When a rabbinic court in Israel revoked a woman's 15-year-old conversion, the decision made headlines last week, sparking concern from converts who felt threatened by the ruling.
 The court ruling stated the conversion had been revoked because the woman in question had declared she was not currently religiously observant.
Moderate Orthodox rabbis in the United States issued a sharp rebuke to the Israeli court through the Rabbinical Council of America, which represents moderate Orthodox rabbis.
One of many critics of the annulment, Florence Rouax, 27, a Belgian immigrant to Israel who converted to Judaism, said she was "angry, sad and disappointed".
Rouax said the decision was a poignant reminder to converted people that they were converts working to build new lives as Jews.
Rabbi Lawrence said on a personal note -- outside his capacity at the Beth Din -- that it was difficult to comment without knowing the specific details of the case.
However, he warned the decision could be part of a larger political power struggle playing out within the Israeli Rabbinate, which "would be an unseemly abuse of Torah authority."
Rabbi Lawrence added that the decision "flies in the face of my understanding of the principles that guide conversion, and the idea that converts who are sincere of acceptance of the mitzvot at the time of their conversion are welcomed wholeheartedly into the heart of the Jewish people."
Rabbi Lawrence welcomed the decision by the Sephardi chief Rabbi of Israel, Shlomo Amar, to investigate the judgement and its implications.
Rabbi Kluwgant described revoking a conversion as "a very rash decision to make.
Once three judges have ruled somebody is Jewish and they've gone to the mikvah, it's extremely rare that the conversion would be annulled retroactively.
Rabbi Lawrence warned "the wider problem is if all the conversions by an authority were to be declared suspect, that would have painful far-reaching and schematic consequences to the Jewish world."
Rabbi Kluwgant said an annulment could be triggered in extreme cases if the conversion candidate had been untruthful or was not living by the undertakings they gave to the court during the conversion process.
"Judges can only act in accordance with what's put before them. A prerequisite for conversion is that the person undertaking conversion is sincere in their acceptance of God and the commandments. On that basis, you take the candidate on their word and based on their actions" said Rabbi Kluwgant.
Palestinian groups stage Naqba events
MELBOURNE—Anti-Israel groups in Australia have used Israel's 60th Independence Day to stage activities including lectures, exhibitions and a candlelight vigil, marking what Palestinians call Al-Naqba (the catastrophe).
However a last minute decision by Sydney's Leichhardt Council to withdraw its venue, disrupted plans to hold an exhibition at the Leichhardt Public Library.
In Melbourne, Palestinian groups invested in prime time commercial radio advertising to promote their Al-Naqba events.
A Palestinian community spokesperson Mohamad Hajhusein said the Palestinian Community Association of Victoria screened two documentaries on Palestinian refugees at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology's Capitol Theatre on May 15. The screenings followed a dance demonstration, a protest "We are on the map" and a candle-light vigil at the State Library of Victoria, attended by around 300 people, he said.
Australians for Palestine organiser Moammar Mashni said that around 200 people attended a lecture at the University of Melbourne on May 16 by Palestinian author Ali Abunimah, who was billed as a members of the Electronic Intifada. Mashni said that around 1,200 people viewed an exhibition
at Fitzroy Town Hall, which featured photos and paintings by activists, and a presentation by Michael Shaik of Australian Friends of Palestine.
There was also morning radio advertising on a commercial station and promotions on several community radio stations..
The manager of the commercial radio station declined to reveal the amount of revenue collected for the advertising campaign, stating that figures were confidential.
Asked about the radio advertising campaign, executive director of Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council, Dr.Colin Rubenstein, said the groups "are entitled as anyone else to advertise lawful material on radio, but their web site predictably gives a totally distorted vision of Israel's history."
In Sydney, a Friends of Hebron exhibit was axed the night before its schedule opening after Leichardt Council ruled it "inappropriate for public space."
A council spokesman said that the decision had been made by the library's director after the exhibit had been hung and they had the opportunity for a review. He said the exhibit included some images and descriptions that could be seen as "divisive and provocative" by some sections of the community.
In Federal Parliament last week Greens Senator Kerry Nettle proposed a motion that the Senate "remembers with shame the failure of the international community to prevent the bloody events that followed the unilateral declaration of independent statehood" by Israel. The motion was rejected 48 - 5.
Media Watch under fire over 'Jewish pressure' claim
MELBOURNE—Melbourne Ports MP Michael Danby has joined senior Jewish community figures in condemning a segment on the ABC television program Media Watch last week which claimed Jewish "pressure" had forced a feature by Fairfax Middle East correspondent Ed O'Loughlin to be dropped.
O'Loughlin's final article for his Middle East round up , in which he summed up five-and-a-half years of reporting in the region, appeared in the Melbourne Age, but had not been published in its sister publication, The Sydney Morning Herald. (SMH)
In the feature, O'Loughlin gave a detailed account of the alleged killing of Reuters' cameraman Fadel Shana by Israel Defence Forces tank fire. He also recalled a helicopter flight organised by Israeli advocacy group The Israel Project, during which he argued with a guide who, he said, claimed news from Gaza were unreliable.
In the Media Watch segment, the program's host Jonathan Holmes, said the SMH editor Alan Oakley had refused to comment on his decision to pull the article.
Holmes said it "seems a poor reward for five years of full-time service in a dangerous and taxing patch, for a correspondent to have his final feature spiked without explanation." Michael Danby said that the program was guilty of a "vastly exaggerated claim of Jewish power."
Professor Douglas Kirsner a member of the Anti-Defamation Commission said the segment on Media Watch was "a conspiracy theory, not fearless and fair criticism."
Missing Israeli found dead
WELLINGTON, N.Z. - The body of 35-year old Israeli back-packer Liat Tess-Okin has been found 40 days after she went missing while hiking in New Zealand. A private search team found her equipment and her backpack a few days ago, and the Israeli woman's body was located the next day in nearby wilderness by police.
Rabbi Pinchus Feldman of Chabad NSW, which raised money to continue the search, said the community was "saddened that Liat is no longer alive".
Rabbi Feldman thanked the community members who assisted the search, and said "according to the experts, the body was so hidden off the track it would never have been found, if the rescue mission had been called off." The body has been flown to Israel for burial.
Federal Health Minister to launch Israel Research Fund
MELBOURNE - Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon wil be guest of honour at the upcoming launch of the Australia Israel medical Research Fund (AusIMED) at the end of July.
She will be joined by former Victorian Premier Steve Bracks and Dr Yair Birnbaum, the associate director-general and head of medical services at the Hadassah University Medical Centre.
AusIMED was developed by Hadassah Australia to encourage research between Israel's leading medical research institute Hadassah Medical Organisation and Australian researchers.
Another chapter in the Zentai saga
PERTH- With the extradition hearing now set for mid August, accused war criminal Charles Zentai should know before the end of 2008 if he will be sent back to Hungary to face war crime charges.
The Perth man has been remanded to appear at an extradition hearing before the Perth Magistrates Court on August 18. In a brief session last week, the court renewed Zetai's bail and ordered he appear at the hearing in August.
Zentai, 86, who was located by the Simon Wiesenthal Centre, was arrested in 2005.
He is wanted by Hungarian authorities for his alleged involvement, with two other Hungarian officers, in the 1944 murder of Budapest Jewish youth Peter Balazs. The young Jew was beaten to death and his corpse thrown into the Danube river. Zentai denies the charges.
Earlier this year he lost an appeal to the High Court in which his lawyers argued that the Perth Magistrates Court had no jurisdiction to hear an extradition proceeding.
Holocaust survivor wins prestigious literary award
SYDNEY—Jacob Rosenberg’s Holocaust memoir, Sunrise West, was announced as the winner of the 2008 Community Relations Commission (CRC) Award at the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards ceremony this week.
The award ceremony, which was held at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, was attended by more than 300 leading literati and formed part of the Sydney Writers Festival.
Rosenberg sad he was “very happy and flattered” to receive the award, which recognises his contribution to Australia’s national history.
“It’s not only personal, but a communal recognition for a man like me to win, because I represent my community, not only in daily life, but in my books,” Rosenberg said.
“So I feel elated it’s a great thing for me and for the community.”
Sunrise West, published by Brandl & Schlesinger, is a sequel to his earlier memoir, East of Time, which traces his life from Birkenau concentration camp to postwar life in Melbourne.
“I think a very important aspect of my book is that it’s reaching out to other communities and it gives them a chance to understand what happened to our community, our people.”
Congratulating Rosenberg, CRC chair Stepan Kerkyasharian said: “He has created a literary masterwork, yet at the same time he is telling us in simple terms a great deal about who we are.
“This is a wonderful reminder that Australia is one of the great homes to people who crossed the world seeking freedom and opportunity.”
Thirteen awards were given out during the evening, with Thomas Keneally receiving the 2008 NSW Premier’s Special Award, which recognised his major contribution to Australian literary culture for more than four decades.
Jewish organizations join citizenship test review
MELBOURNE— Some 18 months ago the previous Australian government introduced a "citizenship test" which all applicants wanting to become Australian citizens had to undertake. There has been widespread criticism of some of the criteria and subjects included in the test, and many organisations are making submissions to the government to revise and change the format of these tests. Below is a submission that is being made on behalf of the Australian Jewish community in this connection.
Submission to the Australian Citizenship Test Review On behalf of the Jewish Community of Victoria 21 May 2008
1.1. This paper is a joint submission on behalf of the Jewish community of Victoria from the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) and the B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC). We thank the Board of Review for providing this opportunity.
1.2. The JCCV is the roof body of Victorian Jewry, Australia’s largest Jewish community. With fifty-six major communal organisations as its affiliates the JCCV represents the mosaic of Jewish religious, political, cultural, welfare, educational, religious and social associations operating in Victoria. The Victorian and Federal Governments, their agencies, the media and ethnic and religious groups have long recognised the JCCV as the representative body of the Victorian Jewish community, speaking on its behalf on all matters affecting its status, welfare and interests. As such, the JCCV provides leadership and a voice for Victorian Jewry’s 60,000 members to the wider Victorian community. Through consultation, advocacy and working with government, other faith and ethnic communities, the media, service providers and the general public, the JCCV seeks to achieve the following goals:
• A better society by promoting understanding and cooperation between all faiths
• Facilitation of harmony and positive relationships between the various elements of the Victorian Jewish community and between our community and the larger community
•A positive perception of Jews in Victorian society
•Greater understanding of and respect for the Jewish way of life
• A thriving local Jewish community
•A safer local Jewish community
•Zero community tolerance of racism in general and antisemitism in particular
•Continuing and enhancing the Victorian Jewish community’s contribution to social justice
•Wider knowledge and appreciation of the Shoah (Holocaust) and its lessons
1.3 The ADC is dedicated to increasing tolerance and understanding within Australian society. It works to combat racism and antisemitism and to promote positive relationships between ethnic and religious communities. The ADC is the human rights arm of B'nai B'rith Australia/New Zealand. Established in 1979 with its headquarters in Melbourne, it is widely recognized as a leading authority on the various manifestations of racism in Australia, including racist groups and their activities and ideologies. B’nai B’rith is the world’s largest Jewish human rights organisation, with almost 200,000 members in over 50 countries. We seek to support a tolerant and multicultural society in which legitimate minorities are able to live openly and free of fear or discrimination. To this end, we:
•Conduct research including monitoring the activities, publications and websites of extremist groups that disseminate white-supremacist, antisemitic or pro-terrorist material
•Provide reliable information to governments and the media on relevant issues
•Participate in multi-cultural and positive interfaith activities
•Publish reports and newsletters which are distributed to more than 2000 politicians, community leaders, media representatives and supporters
•Support anti-racism education.
Nazi memorabilia removed
DAYLESFORD—Mills Market has acted promptly to remove offensive Nazi memorabilia following
complaints from members of the Jewish community.
A stall at the market was selling an armband, Nazi documentation, stamps and swastikas, all
World War II memorabilia from the Nazi regime. The material is believed to have come from
a private collection.
A member of the Jewish community spotted the memorabilia on Sunday and contacted the
B’nai B’rith Anti-defamation Commission yesterday. The ADC contacted market manager
Helen Watson who had the material removed immediately and apologized for its appearance
at the market. She said traders were all deeply apologetic that this material had appeared at
the market.
ADC chairman John Searle praised the market for its prompt action to remove the
offensive material.
“Most Australians understand how offensive Nazi memorabilia is, not only to Holocaust
survivors but to any one who deplores racist behavior.
“We at the ADC need to act swiftly in these cases to protect our community and ensure a
new generation does not become immune to the dangers such extreme views represent.”
San Diego County Jewish Trivia Football
Adapted from San Diego Trivia (1989) and San Diego Trivia 2 (1993)
{Editor’s Note: Retired librarian Evelyn Kooperman, a friend to the Jewish community, enjoys playing the cello and collecting trivia about her native city of San Diego. This column excerpts Jewish communal items from her two books, San Diego Trivia (1989) and San Diego Trivia 2 (1993). Readers should note that the information has not been updated since the books were published. Kooperman still has a limited supply of the two books, which cover the general San Diego community in all its aspects. Either of the two volumes sells for $5 and may be obtained by telephoning the author at (619) 461-6095.}
By Evelyn Kooperman
 SAN DIEGO—Q1: What former Charger coach is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
Hint: After playing football at Ohio State, he coached college team for 20 years. He then switched to the pros, where he was the Los Angeles Rams' coach from 1955 to 1959. In 1960 he changed to the Los Angeles Chargers, and when they moved to Sa Diego in 1961, he came with them. He brought them to five division titles (counting 1960 in Los Angeles), and to the AFL championship in 1963. He later coached the Houston Oilers, and became the first coach to win division titles in both the AFL and NFL.
Q2 What San Diego Charger was the second AFL player elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
Hint: When he was a number one draft pick in 1960 in both the NFL and the new AFL, he chose the AFL's Chargers. During his ten years with the Chargers, from 1960 to 1969, he played in seven AFL All-Star games and fve AFL title games. He is still considered one of the best offensive linemen of all time, and was named to the AFL-NFL 1960-84 All-Star Team, all Time Pro Team, and Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. Between seasons, he received his Doctorate of Jurisprudence from USD and completed law school there in 1970. He is now a practicing attorney in San Diego.
Please click here for answers
ADVENTURES IN SAN DIEGO JEWISH HISTORY
Robinson-Rose House
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Old Temple Beth Israel |
Lawrence Family JCC |
Editor's Note: We are reprinting news articles that appeared in back issues of various San Diego Jewish newspapers. You may access an index of the headlines of those articles by clicking here. You may also use the Google search program on our home page or on the headline index page to search for keywords or names.
Pearl Zagor to Appear on S.O.S. Program
From Southwestern Jewish Press, April 18, 1946, page 10
By Julia Kaufman
Pearl Zagor, who has for some time been a favorite with SAn Diego audiences, will present a dramatic interpretation of one of the seasons most popular plays. She will appear at the Temple Center, 3rd and Laurel, on the evening of May 8th, 8 p.m., for the S.O.S. Collection now being carried on throughout this city.
Admission for this performance will be a minimum of five articles, either canned foodstuffs such as coffee, milke, vegetable soups, cocoa, rice, etc., etc., or the equivalent in comfort items and medicines sch as absorbent cotton, medicines, brushes, vaseline, razor blades, etc.
This is not a fund raising campaign. The S.O.S. Collection represents aid to victims of Nazi persecution over and above any financial participation in the United Jewish Fund.
The War is not over, the liberation of our overseas neighbors is not complete until our people are no longer congealing from cold, no longer weak from hunger--until they are able to stand on their feet and face the world. Their lives depend on us.
The following organizations are sponsoring this program: Beth Jacob Center, Ladies Auxiliary Beth Jacob, B'nai B'rith Lasker Lodge, Council of Jewish Women, Birdie Stodel B'nai B'rith, Congregation Tifereth Israel, Hadassah, Jewish Community Social Club, Jewish Consumptive Relief Association, Temple Beth Israel Sisterhood, Jolly Sixteen, Junior Charity League, Pioneer Women of Palestine, Yo-Ma-Co Club, Old Peoples Home, and War Veterans Auxiliary. The Temple Beth Israel is donating the use of the Temple Center for the evening. The United Jewish Fund is defraying the costs of shipments to New York.
Mrs. H. Rubel, who is chairman of this affair, will take care of the refreshments following Pearl Zagor's performance.
Bring along as many of your friends and neighbors as possible. We have a goal of 20,000 pounds to meet and with a continuation of the present united effort, we should exceed this goal.
Welcome Home...A Job Well Done
From Southwestern Jewish Press, April 18, 1946, page 10
Stanley Seigel, son of Rabbi and Mrs. Ephriam Seigel, was discharged from the Army last Friday April 12 at Fort Bliss, Texas, and is now at home in San Diego.
Staff Sgt. Seigel entered active duty a day after Passover 3 years ago, serving in the field artillery of the 69th, 29th, and then the 78th division in the European Theatre and spent the last four months with the occupation troops in Berlin.
Seigel plans to reenter San Diego State College in the fall to resume his studies.
T5 Isadore B. Seigel is home on furlough from Camp Beals, California, to see his brother and spend the Passover Holidays with his family.
Camp Services
From Southwestern Jewish Press, April 18, 1946, page 11
During this week, the USO-Jewish Welfare Board staff visited both Camp Pendleton and Camp Elliott and attended services with Chaplain Samuel Sobel at both these stations. Refreshments were served and discussion hour held after the services.
Our hospital committee visited the Santa Marguerita camp hospital, and Camp Pendleton, and the Balboa Naval Hospital, bringing gifts and refreshments to all the Jewish patients. Mrs. Mollie Ratner is chairman of this committee, and is assisted by Mrs. Sarah Giller. Mrs. Giller has served faithfully for the past year, visiting the Naval Hospital each week and bringing comfort and solace to the men she meets.
San Diego Jewish Trivia answers: 1) Sid Gillman 2) Ron Mix
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Nancy Harrison
cruise & tour specialist
(619) 265-0808
SAN DIEGO JEWISH WORLD THE WEEK IN REVIEW
Ulla Hadar in Kibbutz Ruhama, Israel: A baby owl gladdens Kibbutz Kfar Aza
Donald H. Harrison in San Diego: Rev. John Hagee and the American Jewish problem with Christian fundamentalists
Sheila Orysiek in San Diego: 'Another' finds and civilizes lonely man
Adventures in San Diego Jewish History: What was the Jewish community news in 1939 or 1940? Who were the newsmakers? Our archives answer these questions in daily installments
Shoshana Bryen in Washington, D.C: Syria-Israel peace discussions strain their respective alliances with Iran, United States
Ulla Hadar in Kibbutz Ruhama, Israel: SDJA students visit Poland and Israel
Sheila Orysiek in San Diego: Loving photography in the service of dance
Adventures in San Diego Jewish History: What was the Jewish community news in 1939 or 1940? Who were the newsmakers? Our archives answer these questions in daily installments
Ulla Hadar in Kibbutz Ruhama, Israel: Blammmm! A Kassam in my back garden?
Donald H. Harrison in San Diego: JACC theme: 'Keeping Israel on the map'
Rabbi Baruch Lederman in San Diego: Slain Torah scholar started as dishwasher
Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal in San Diego: 'Sanctified shekel' hints at money's purpose
Isaac Yetiv in La Jolla, California: 'If the shoe fits' ... Obama and appeasement
Adventures in San Diego Jewish History: What was the Jewish community news in 1922 or 1939? Who were the newsmakers? Our archives answer these questions in daily installments
Carol Davis in Ottawa, Canada: A Jewish rendezvous in Canada
Ulla Hadar in Kibbutz Ruhama, Israel: Israeli mayors neighboring Gaza demand Israel's goverment stop the terrorist rockets
Sheila Orysiek in San Diego: Chapter Nine in the serialization of her novel, Reluctant Martyr
Ira Sharkansky in Jerusalem: Are peace talks Olmert's diversion?
Howard Wayne in San Diego: Farewell to two dear friends: Lionel Van Deerlin and Mike Gotch
Adventures in San Diego Jewish History: What was the Jewish community news in 1950? Who were the newsmakers? Our archives answer these questions in daily installments
Donald H. Harrison in San Diego: Reelect San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders
Eran Lerman in Jerusalem: 'Peres' Planet': Electric cars, Arab-Israeli cooperation, new cities in the Arava
Hal Wingard in San Diego: His songs "Adira Hee," "Lech L'cha," and "Mitzvah Soup"
Adventures in San Diego Jewish History: What was the Jewish community news in 1950? Who were the newsmakers? Our archives answer these questions in daily installments
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