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Israelis and friends in America stage tribute concert in honor of Arik Einstein at Mitchabrim L.A.


Arik Einstein 
Legendary Israeli singer Arik Einstein dies 

One of greatest musicians in Israel's history passes away at 74 after being evacuated to hospital in critical condition due to aortic aneurysm by Yaron Kelner in YNet News Nov 26' 13


Arik Einstein, widely considered one of the greatest singers in Israel's history, died Tuesday evening at the Sourasky Medical Center in Tel Aviv. Einstein, 74, was evacuated from his home in critical condition at around 7 pm due to an aortic aneurysm. He was rushed to the emergency room, where he underwent a series of tests while being anaesthetized and given artificial respiration. He was later taken into the operating room, where doctors attempted to fight for his life but were forced to pronounce him dead. "The condition he arrived in made it impossible to save him," Dr. Gabriel Barbash, the hospital's director general, told reporters. "There will be no one to sing for us anymore," he added. 

"The songs he composed and sang are the soundtrack for Israel," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. "With much sadness Israel parts with a cultural giant." 

President Shimon Peres said that Einstein's songs are the soundtrack of an entire nation; his voice was holding the people and embracing the land… I loved his songs from an early age. Though he's gone, his songs will continue to play life and hope." 

Shawn Evenhaim, chairman of the Israeli-American Council (IAC), said in a statement: “We are sad to hear about Arik Einstein’s death and send our condolences to his family, friends, fans, and to all Israelis. Einstein is an Israeli cultural legend and probably the greatest Israeli singer of all time, and we’re sure that every Israeli who lives in the US today shares in the sadness of his passing. A major icon of Israeli culture has left us, but his memory and songs will stay with us forever.”

Israeli-Americans perform tribute show of Arik Einstein's music
At Los Angeles' Mitchabrim Center  on Sunday 22 December, Israeli-American Sagie Shemesh organized a tribute concert of Arik Einstein's songs.  Both Israeli and diaspora musicians collaborated to perform songs Israelis of the Einstein era identify with. 



Enjoy this video playlist of the impromptu concert. (Advance through lower-right and left menu buttons).

Ms. Hila Halutzy, representing the Mitchabrim Center, introduced the evening, which began with a biography of Arik Einstein from Israel Channel 2 TV.


Guitar/vocalists Dudu Zar, Jimmy Gamliel, and Ronen Pollak alternated fronting the backup band of  Patrick Azria- lead guitar & keys, Avi Broohim- drums, Ayal Vishnitzer- rhythm guitar, Ami Benee Levy- violin, Sagie Shemesh- guitar & shared bass with Scott Jenkins. (Ishay Raveh assisted Sagie in operating the multimedia display).

Psychologists and rabbis confront the challenges facing today's orthodox families: Orthodox Union West Coast Convention in L.A.


Panel: Dealing with contemporary challenges which Orthodox families face 

The Orthodox Union held it annual West Coast Convention over the Shabbos weekend between December 12-15th, 2013.  A number of chachamim from around North America and Israel came to teach and answer questions at orthodox shuls in L.A., including Rabbi Hershel Schachter, Rosh Kollel and Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva University in New York.

The concluding session on December 15th, 2013 was "Dealing with contemporary challenges which Orthodox families face."



(Select among the 9 segments on the Playlist M
enu using arrow button 3rd from lower-right).

Host: Rabbi Adir Posy- Cong. Beth Jacob- Beverly Hills
Moderator: Rabbi Steven Weil- Exec. V.P., Orthodox Union
Panelists: Dr. David Pelcovitz- Psychologist & Professor, Yeshiva University Graduate School
Dr. Yocheved DeBow- teacher, Midreshet Emunah v'Omanut
Rabbi Reuven Bulka- Cong. Machzikei Hadas (Ottawa, Canada)


The panelists were invited to the podium to reply a couple of times each.

Chutzpay: Salary survey of Jewish management- how good results are we getting for our tzedaka?

Ever wonder about how well (or lousy) matters which affect the Jewish community are being
handled by those accepting responsibility to manage them?  Well, now you can match-up the issue, the charity-taking institution responsible for managing, how much the person in that position takes in pay, and estimate the value you feel you're getting for your tzedaka dollars.

Who Earns What at America's Biggest Jewish Non-Profits  Jewish Daily Forward: Salary Survey Shows Who Is in Charge and What They Take Home
The resulting charts and stories go further than we’ve ever gone in examining the gender gap in leadership and pay, and the inequality in compensation among Jewish charity executives.  Salaries from 2012 are listed.
1  Richard Joel                    Yeshiva University...........................................................$855,037 
2  Marvin Hier                    Simon Wiesenthal Center ...................................................751,054 
3  Stephen Hoffman          Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland...................... 722,061 
4  Frederick Lawrence      Brandeis University..........................................................705,843 
5  Abraham Foxman          Anti-Defamation League....................................................688,280 
6  Jerry Silverman              Jewish Federations of North America................................612,989 
7  Matthew Brooks             Republican Jewish Coalition..............................................563,372 
8  Howard Kohr                  American Israel Public Affairs Committee.........................556,232 
9  Matthew Levin               Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County.................551,548 
10  Alan Gill                         American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee..................539,439 
11  David Harris                 American Jewish Committee..............................................504,445 
12  Marc Terrill                  The Associated: Jewish Comm Fed of Baltimore.................501,678 
13  Steven Nasatir             Jewish United Fund/Jewish Fed of Metro Chicago.............496,014 
14  John Ruskay                JA Fed of Jewish Philanthropies of New York................... 494,000 
15  Alan Kadish                  Touro College................................................................... 491,356 
16  Allan Finkelstein        Jewish Community Centers Assoc of North America.........481,437 
17  Jacob Solomon            Greater Miami Jewish Federation......................................460,676 
18  Alex Stroker                 Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia........................450,824 
19  Jeremy Fingerman     Foundation for Jewish Camp.............................................443,552 
20  Morton Klein               Zionist Organization of America........................................435,050 
21  Barry Shrage                Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston.,.........428,501 
22  Janice Weinman         Hadassah...........................................................................410,000 
23  Jay Sanderson             Jewish Federation Council of Greater Los Angeles.............403,536 
24  Malcolm Hoenlein     Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Orgs.................400,815 
25  David Fisher                 Birthright Israel.................................................................369,270 
26  Daniel Mariaschin     B'nai Brith International.....................................................351,429 
27  Russell Robinson        Jewish National Fund........................................................344,783 
28  Steve Rakitt                 Jewish Federation of Greater Washington...........................332,260 
29  David Phillips              Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County...........................325,000 
30  Max Kleinman            United Jewish Communities of MetroWest New Jersey......322,976 
31  Eric Fingerhut             Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life...................316,064 
32  Jennifer Gorovitz      Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco.................311,044 
33  Jeffrey Finkelstein    United Jewish Federation of Pittsburgh..............................304,323 
34  Ruth Messinger          American Jewish World Service.........................................301,422 
35  Michael Horowitz      Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta..................................291,439 
36  Brad Hirshfield           CLAL (Nat'l Jewish Center for Learning & Leadership)....... 282,392 
37  Andrew Rehfeld          Jewish Federation of St. Louis............................................273,703 
38  Mark Hetfield              Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society..........................................268,834 
39  Irwin Kula                     CLAL (Nat'l Jewish Center for Learning & Leadership)........259,142 
40  Scott Kaufman            Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit........................ 254,042 
41  Nancy K. Kaufman    National Council of Jewish Women....................................238,774 
42  Alan Klugman              ORT America.....................................................................226,031 
43  Robert Wexler            American Jewish University...............................................225,560 
44  Jason Shames              UJA Federation of Northern New Jersey............................225,144 
45  Debra DeLee                Americans for Peace Now...................................................220,450 
46  Alan van Capelle        Bend The Arc..................................................................... 220,000 
47  Michael Glickman     The Center for Jewish History............................................219,890 
48  Samuel Norich            Forward Association..........................................................219,474 
49  Josh Block                    The Israel Project...............................................................212,000 
50  Michael Makovsky   Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs.....................210,833 
51  Jeremy Ben-Ami         J-Street..............................................................................207,868 
52  Lee Sherman                Assoc of Jewish Family and Children's Agencies.................194,192 
53  Matthew Levin            National Conference on Soviet Jewry................................187,500 
54  Ann Toback                 Workmen's Circle/Arbeter Ring........................................185,712 
55  Steve Gutow                Jewish Council for Public Affairs.......................................184,755 
56  Roz Rothstein             Stand With Us....................................................................180,000  
57  Ami Eden                      Jewish Telegraphic Agency................................................173,387 
58  David A. Harris          National Jewish Democratic Council..................................171,200

     Wouldn't Say  /  Not Available / Couldn't Determine
      Steven Wernick         United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism  
     Arnold Eisen                Jewish Theological Seminary 
     David Saperstein        Religious Action Center 
     Perry Tirschwell        National Council of Young Israel
     Zvi Bloom                      Torah Umesorah - National Society for Hebrew Day Schools 
     Julie Schonfeld           Rabbinical Assembly (Conservative) 
     Rick Jacobs                  Union for Reform Judaism 
     Steven Fox                    Central Conference of American Rabbis (Reform)
     Mark Dratch                Rabbinical Council of America (Orthodox)
     Steven Weil                  Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America
     David Ellenson           Hebrew Union College
     Dan Ehrenkrantz       Reconstructionist Rabbinical College 

Read more:

Bret Stephens' speech on Obama's "Worse than Munich" deal allowing Iran the ability to to build a nuclear bomb within weeks

"In 1938, Chamberlain bought time to rearm. In 2013, Obama gives Iran time to go nuclear. To adapt Churchill : Never in the field of global diplomacy has so much been given away by so many for so little." -Bret Stephens "Worse than Munich" column in the Wall St. Journal
In addressing a Zionist banquet by StandWithUs in Los Angeles on Sunday, 8 December, Mr. Stephens augmented this theory, echoed by other experts.  Listen to the speech audio here: "Now, it will come as no surprise to anyone that I want to spend most of my time tonight talking about Iran, but I think that it is also fitting feel that I should begin by speaking about Nelson Mandela and the meaning of his legacy and its meaning for us as Americans- for us as Jews."
 

Click the CC button on the lower right of the frame to display sub-titles. To read the edited transcript of the first half of this speech, see companion article on DemocracyBroadcasting.TV.  The second half of the transcript appears below. 

      

Bret Stephens: (transcript by Nurit Greenger): "There is one skill that every dictatorial regime, every tyrant needs in order to survive in power as long as the Islamic Republic and the Ayatollah Khamenei has survived. And that is the ability to sense the weakness of others and to take advantage of that. That is exactly how Iran is behaving towards us today. So now we have this interim agreement and the pressure is going to be powerful, almost overwhelming to make a go of the final, any final, agreement.

I do not think that there is much that I can do that will change the administration's views. But let at least be smart about what we, in this room, can do. For starters, we can support Mark Kirk and Senator Menendez, in pushing to increase sanctions, now, immediately to send a signal to the Iranian regime that we are not simply folding. But I want to bring another idea to this room. In September the president decided that the issue of military strike on Syria required congressional approval. I am not sure that this was really true, but let us concede that point for now. If the president thought congress's approval was necessary back then, should congress also demand that any deal the administration reach with Iran require the approval of the senate, just as all international treaties constitutionally require the agreement of two thirds of the United State senate. Now is the time to tell Senator Boxer and Feinstein from California, and Senator Schumer and Gillibrand in New York that they should demand an up and down vote on any agreement the administration reaches with Iran. We know these senators are pro-Israel and pro-Iran sanctions when they are giving speeches at AIPAC policy conference or before audiences like this one. We, let us make them go on the record. Are they seriously prepared to stand up against the bad nuclear deal with Iran, to stand with us, even if it means crossing the administration? Let us see if all of those friendly speeches are anything more than simple donor's maintenance. 

How South Africans (Jews and Christians) took risks to enlist to defend the nascent Israel against annihilation by Muslim armies

Volunteers from Abroad enlistees defended
Israel in War of Independence 1948-49
The War of Independence, in which Israel was attacked by six invading Arab Armies, was undoubtedly Israel’s most fateful war, as Israel’s very survival was at stake.”

The word “MACHAL” is an acronym for the Hebrew words “Mitnadvei Chutz L’Aretz”, meaning “Volunteers from Abroad”, and the word “MACHALNIKS” means the members of Machal. Approximately 4,700 Machalniks from 56 countries – men and women, Jews and non-Jews, volunteered to help Israel in its “War of Survival.”

804 South Africans enlisted to defend Israel against Arab invasion against her independence in May, 1948.
They left their studies, their families and homes to fight for a cause they felt passionate about.  

In 2012, in connection the premiere of the documentary "804" with the Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival, an event was held in Los Angeles  with some South African Machalniks to recognize their contributions.



Israel's independence was defended by 804 South Africans of 3,500 total diaspora volunteers in 1948.  Mrs. Sharit Shapiro Krengel discusses the history of the documentary "804" she co-produced.

 


 S. African Jewish volunteer in Israel's defense against Arab attackers,
, Hyman Kurgan, reveals why he fought.





Los Angeleno, Lee, discusses with 804's French director, Stephanie Ronnet, why and how he  volunteered to emigrate Holocaust "displaced persons" from Europe to Israel

  


Testimonials from Norma Todes, wife of Israel volunteer defender, Helman Todes, and their cousin, Myra Monk, who emigrated to California.



119
South African volunteers (both Christians and Jewish) were killed while defending Israel from Arab onslaught.

Machalniks also resettled Holocaust refugees from Europe into Israel during and after the War.
 

To learn more history, please point your browser to https://www.machal.org.il/

Dr. Eugene Narrett, scholar and author of "World War III- The War on the Jews (and the Rise of the World Security State") slain Friday night by hit-and-run driver- 3-weeks short of 65th birthday

Eugene Narrett – professor, writer, painter, commentator and strong advocate for Israel and the Jewish People – died tragically this past Friday evening after being struck by a hit-and-run driver in Brattleboro, Vermont. Eugene was a pedestrian, having just visited an art gallery a short distance away.  It was three weeks short of his 65th birthday.

Funeral services for Eugene Narrett will take place this Wednesday, December 11, at the Jewish Memorial Chapel at 841 Allwood Road in Clifton, NJ, commencing at 11 a.m.


Professor Steven Plaut of the University of Haifa, characterized" "One of the most prolific and intelligent Zionist thinkers in the United States today, Eugene Narrett's comments on the politics of the Middle East should be required reading.  His keen eye and sharp wit make him a great American and Jewish resource."


Eugene in Israel's 1st N. Capital, Shchem/Nablus
Eugene received a PhD in English Literature from Columbia University and taught Art, Art History, History, Literature and Philosophy. He had an extraordinary knowledge and appreciation of the Classics, and had reached a scholarly level in the area of Jewish studies. In his early 20's, Eugene began educating himself about the history of ancient and modern Israel, and he became one of the foremost authorities on the geopolitics of the Middle East, providing commentary on numerous radio programs, including Israel National Radio (many times) and the Barry Farber Show.

Dr. Narrett held strong views about Israel, based on history, Jewish identity and the current reality. He believed in Israel's Biblical, legal and historical rights to all of the land between the Mediterranean Sea and Jordan River, and was an outspoken critic of the 1993 Oslo Accords between Israel and the Arab-"Palestinians." He would be quick to point out the deadly consequences of that failed political strategy. Many of Dr. Narrett's writings and radio commentaries may be accessed through his Israel End Times blog,

Treat and educate yourself by listening to Dr. Eugene Narrett on this edition of the Tovia Singer Show.

Eugene, may the Almighty comfort you amongst the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. And, may all of your hopes and dreams for Israel come to fruition in the very near future.


Description of Dr. Narrett's book World War III- the War on the Jews and the Rise of the World Security State  (Kindle $9):  Eugene Narrett's remarkable study looks to the composite roots of western civilization for perspective on these questions. His knowledge of ancient and modern history and his remarkable ability to integrate disciplines produce startling analysis and answers to the most pressing issues of our time. 

Tragic political and historical realities fuel our nation's misguided Middle East policies that, startlingly, bring America into confrontation with Israel, its best friend, invaluable ally and nourishing historical root. Professor Narrett provides a detailed overview of the existential forces and dangers with which our own nation already is struggling and has been suffering for some time. The book serves as a teaching text and a troubling revelation of what we are becoming, and how we may go a better way.  

Description of his book Israel and the end-times:  (Kindle $4)
The ethics, laws, origins and hopes of Western civilization are rooted in the history of the Jewish people and their unified way of life, Judaism.

Why then has Western civilization for so long abused the Jewish people and, since 1920, their attempts to rebuild and develop their ancient nation? 


Why especially now when Israel serves as the West's bulwark against terror, do western elites facilitate the destruction of Jewish sovereignty and of Jewish life in its holy places, hills, farms, and towns? 

Israelis donate blood given to Muslims, Jews, & Christians; Southern Californians donate $3 mil for bunkered, blood services center

Magen David Adom administers both ambulance and blood service operations in Israel.  American Friends of Magen David Adom held its first major event in Los Angeles this October in which philanthropists Fred and Dina Leeds helped to raise over $3 million towards underground, Blood Services Center for Israel. 


(Advance through video playlist using 3rd button from lower-right).


MDA's Blood Services Director, Prof. Eilat Shinar explains how blood services are managed in Israel.  Since blood donated in the Jewish state is allocated without regard to race, creed or color - blood donated by Jews (>70% of Israel's population) gets infused into the bodies of every faith, including Muslim, Druze, and Bedouin.

American Friends' CEO Arnold Gerson explains the success of the the group's first major L.A. event.  Entertainment was provided by Neil Sedaka and Jackie Mason.

Pride vs. prudence? How publicly should we flaunt Judaism in this diaspora climate? Hanukah's metaphor for our survival

Dearbornistan: Shi’ite Muslim Subject to Hate Crimes for Hanging US, Israel Flags at Home – Hezbollahstan USA - Debbie Schlussel  
What happens to a (Shi’ite Muslim Arab) husband who displays American and Israeli flags at his home in Dearborn, Michigan?  He is subject to non-stop hate crimes from fellow Muslims in his Muslim-dominated city  “They left Nazi signs in our front yard,” said wife, Terresa, raised in Canada. “Two people were standing there, one with a lighter and one with a gas tank, telling us that they were going to burn our home down.” And late Friday night, Nov 30, a group of men in an SUV came back firing paintballs at the cars and on the side of the house. 

video platformvideo managementvideo solutionsvideo player

Meanwhile in Salt Lake City early Sunday morning, Dec 1s, a large menorah was vandalized in front of a Chabad synagogue center:
Around 1 a.m., police were notified that the 6-foot menorah that is on display outside the Chabad Lubavitch of Utah had been vandalized. Three arms had been ripped off the left side, including the wiring that enables the menorah to be lit during Chanukah, according to Rabbi Benny Zippel, executive director of the Chabad Lubavitch of Utah.  Read more at KSL-TV
Yet, on Sunday evening Dec 1st, over 1,000 (mainly orthodox) Jews attended L.A. Chabad of The Valley's 12th annual Chanukah at Universal CityWalk.   Is such an orthodox event in such a public space- too public? Or is such a public expression of orthodox Jewish pride actually good for the Jewish public image?  JooTube interviews Chabad of the San Fernando Valley Rabbis Mayer Greene and Yochanon Baitelman, and Dovid Eliezre (of Orange County Chabad in Yorba Linda) give their views on the event's message to both gentiles and Jews.


 JooTube's video report includes performers Eli Gerstner and the Yeshiva Boys Choir soloists, joined by Yisroel Williger, Moshe Hecht, Yakov Mordechai Gerstner and Yossi Newman. 


Time to Take Back Hanukkah by Ari Soffer, Arutz 7 Managing Editor 

Is Hanukkah a festival or a farce? How many of those who celebrate it appreciate what it's all about? And is it even worth celebrating at all?
The superficial popularity of Hanukkah is a charade. It is not real. In fact, it is precisely the "ease" with which the day can be (at least on a basic, ritualistic level) commemorated which is its downfall - despite the crucial significance it holds. ... 
Hanukkah is actually one of several rabbically-ordained festivals (as recorded in the "Megillat Ta'anit") which took place during the Second Temple period. And yet, whereas all the others were annulled by the sages following the tragic destruction of the Second Temple and onset of exile in 70CE, Hanukkah remained. Why? . . . 
The observance of Hanukkah has morphed into a tragicomic light show. Tragicomic, because so many of those who inanely go through the motions of Hanukkah emphatically reject all, or most, of what it represents in their daily lives. And a mere light show, because without appreciating its core message, that is all that it is.  . . . 
Hanukkah is not just some quaint historical reenactment of a Jewish military victory; and the Maccabean Revolt was not a simple struggle of national liberation - though it was that as well - but rather an ideological struggle between good and evil.   By celebrating the Maccabees' victory we are expressing our solidarity with their values, and its triumph over hellenistic Greek values, with all the latter represented (and still represents). 
Enjoy the complete article

At CityWalk's conclusion last year, British-American ba'al tshuvah, Yehuda Landsman, discussed his perceptions of the holiday in the context of  his Chassidic theology in the world.

Thanksgivukah provides an opportunity to listen to the true story of Chanukah (and its lessons)

Chanukah means "re-dedication" - but to what, why, and how? Rabbi Moshe Parry teaches the little-known but historic story of Chanukah, what it means for you and our people in these times of defending Judaism against its enemies.


Israel Matzav reports that 'Palestinians are destroying priceless archaeological site from Hasmonean times'

The 'Palestinians' are once again attempting to rewrite history, this time through an archaeological dig at the remains of an ancient Hasmonean fortress

News of PA digs at the site is particularly of concern given the organization's penchant for rewriting history. In 2011, amid renewed PA digs in Shechem, which the Bible records was bought by Jacob (Yaakov), Hamdan Taha, director of the PA's Department of Antiquities, said the dig would help in “writing or rewriting the history of Palestine.”
The Field School guides discovered the archaeological digging during a trip taken in advance of a walking tour planned for December 6 during Hanukkah. The Field School said Israeli groups have not traveled the area in roughly 20 years.
Given the lack of a mandate for rule and for IDF involvement in Area A, the School said "all that's left is to hope that the findings will be dealt with according to the great importance the site has to the Jewish people."
The Hasmoneans successfully forced the occupying Greek Empire out of Israel and established their own dynasty over 2,000 years ago. Their revolt, sparked by Greek decrees outlawing Judaism, lead to the purification and rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
Regarding the site, representatives from the School explained that Judah Maccabee, a key leader in the uprising, died three years after the Temple was purified. Following his death "the Hellenist Jews together with the Greek army returned to rule over Judea and the gains accomplished by the Hasmonean revolt nearly fell completely. The recovery from this hard setback happened in the Judean desert between Bethlehem and Tekoa at the hill named Beit Betzi."
At the ruins remains of a magnificent fortress from the Hasmonean and Early Roman period were found. According to Dr. David Amit's research in the 1980s the site played a critical role in the Hasmonean struggle against Greek forces.
'Tis the season to try maintain a truthful narrative....

Jewish / Zionist perspectives on the John F. Kennedy assassination anniverary

John F. Kennedy (like his brother Robert F. Kennedy) was quite Zionistic.  Read excerpts of address by 1960 US presidential candidate, Senator John F. Kennedy to Zionists of America Convention, Statler Hilton Hotel, New York,  August 26, 1960 The American Presidency Project at Univ of Calif, Santa Barbara

"I first saw Palestine in 1939. There the neglect and ruin left by centuries of Ottoman misrule were slowly being transformed by miracles of labor and sacrifice. But Palestine was still a land of promise in 1939, rather than a land of fulfillment. I returned in 1951 to see the grandeur of Israel. In 3 years this new state had opened its doors to 600,000 immigrants and refugees. Even while fighting for its own survival, Israel had given new hope to the persecuted and new dignity to the pattern of Jewish life. I left with the conviction that the United Nations may have conferred on Israel the credentials of nationhood; but its own idealism and courage, its own sacrifice and generosity, had earned the credentials of immortality.



Some do not agree. Three weeks ago I said in a public statement: "Israel is here to stay." The next day I was attacked by Cairo radio, rebuking me for my faith in Israel, and quoting this criticism from the Arabic newspaper Al-Gomhouria:
As for the question of the existence and the nonexistence of Israel, Mr. Kennedy says that Israel has been created in order to exist. Time will judge between us, Mr. Kennedy.
I agree. Time will judge whether Israel will continue to exist. But I wish I could be as sure of all my prophecies as I am of my flat prediction that Israel is here to stay.

For Israel was not created in order to disappear - Israel will endure and flourish. It is the child of hope and the home of the brave. It can neither be broken by adversity nor demoralized by success. It carries the shield of democracy and it honors the sword of freedom; and no area of the world has ever had an overabundance of democracy and freedom.


It is worth remembering, too, that Israel is a cause that stands beyond the ordinary changes and chances of American public life. In our pluralistic society, it has not been a Jewish cause - any more than Irish independence was solely the concern of Americans of Irish descent. The ideals of Zionism have, in the last half century, been repeatedly endorsed by Presidents and Members of Congress from both parties. Friendship for Israel is not a partisan matter. It is a national commitment."

Who was Abraham Zapruder, the man who inadvertantly filmed the moment of the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy on Nov. 22, 1963?  From "As he filmed, Abraham Zapruder knew instantly that President Kennedy was dead" by , in the Washington Post  Nov., 21, 2013




Abraham Zapruder had moved to Dallas from Brooklyn in 1941 with his wife, Lillian, and their children Myrna, 6, and Henry, 2. 

He hadn’t wanted to go at first, his daughter told the Oral History Project at the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza in Dallas in 1997. 

His family lived in an apartment in a four-unit building. His mother lived down the hall. Two sisters lived upstairs with their husbands. 

They had all been part of the great wave of Jewish immigration from Eastern Europe in the early 1900s. The Zapruders had come from Kovel, in what was then Russia, now northwestern Ukraine. 

The Nazis would later murder thousands of Kovel’s Jews during World War II. 

Zapruder’s daughter said her father’s childhood in Russia had been one of misery and starvation. Zapruder’s father, Israel, had emigrated to the United States about 1915, during the chaos of World War I. Zapruder followed in 1920. He was 15. He learned English and went to work as a pattern maker on Seventh Avenue in New York’s garment district. 

Kerry's weak deal to de-nuclearize Iran will force Israel to war; Meet Jews who have had to fight for our freedom in both America and Israel

American-born oleh, Ronny Weinreich (www.RonnyW.com), discusses his I.D.F. service and the price our servicemembers pay to maintain our free society. He explains Victor Frankel ("Man's Search for Meaning") notion why the Statue of Liberty ought rightfully be called the "Statue of Responsibility." Addressing a Veterans Day gift-basket wrapping party held by Iranian-American civic-group, 30 Years After, at Sephardic Tifereth Israel in Los Angeles.



Jewish US Navy Chaplain Irving Ellson serves with 1st Marine Expeditionary Force based in Camp Pendleton, San Diego and oversees the Jewish chaplains in the Western United States. Ellson explained his work to JooTube at the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces dinner in Southern California.


What are Lucas Siminofsky's views now that he (an American high-school graduate) has completed his  elective enlisted service as a Lone Soldier (i.e., without familial relations in Israel) sharpshooter in the Israeli Army?


Cmdr. David Zwerin of Jewish War Veterans discusses the history of the organization- founded in 1896 - is America's oldest veterans' association.


  
Jewish War Veterans march in Salute to Israel Parade  June, 2011

The Jewish War Veterans- at 115-years old, the oldest veterans service organization in the nation. Jews have fought and died in every war fought by the United States. June 2012


 
Frenchman, Marcel Berkovitch, joined Machal to defend Israel in her War of Independence and 1956 against attacking Arab armies

In Los Angeles, Iranian-American 30-Years After group sponsored a gift-wrapping event for Veterans Day. 


Hy Arnesty, Jewish War Veteran and Chairman of the Cemetery and Burial Committee for the Los Angeles National Cemetery- addresses 30 Years After at Sephardic Tifereth Israel.


White House has Israel's back (to stab) on Iran nukes; True colors lose Zion's trust- writes Richard Baehr

"Backstabbed" by Richard Baehr in Israel Hayom 11/11/13: 

Who would have thought it would come to this -- the French interceding to block a giveaway deal to Iran on its nuclear weapons program, a deal advanced enthusiastically by the United States? On the other hand, the Obama administration's rapture for a deal that would involve empty Iranian promises in exchange for real hard cash to be released to the mullahs with sanctions relief, is not at all surprising.  As Daniel Pipes argued, a second term for U.S. President Barack Obama was bound to lead to this:
"I wrote before the last presidential election that Israel's troubles will really begin should Obama win a second term. At Obama's second inauguration, I predicted that he, freed from re-election constraints, can finally express his early anti-Zionist views after a decade of political positioning. Watch for a markedly worse tone from the second Obama administration toward the third Netanyahu government."
Richard Baehr
Obama is now finished with elections, unless he seeks the U.N. secretary-general's post (for which he is eminently qualified with his anti-Zionism). He is done fundraising from his many liberal Jewish "friends" in Hollywood and Wall Street, who always cared a lot more for his policies on abortion, or for business favors he could deliver, or ambassadorships, than they did about Israel, assuming they cared about Israel at all.

Nonetheless, Obama made sure to say that "he had Israel's back" and "would stop Iran from securing nuclear weapons," empty words that were enough to clear the very low bar that has been set for those seeking the designation of "pro-Israel" from the organized Jewish community. Obama voted for foreign aid as a senator (like almost all members of the House of Representatives and Senate). He was, therefore, deemed by the Jewish community to be acceptably pro-Israel. The fact that Obama remained a member of the Rev. Jeremiah Wright's church for 20 years, to hear his continuous Israel- (and America-) bashing, was simply not a concern for those who wanted to ignore all evidence to the contrary. Now, the president no longer needs to even pretend that Israel's views, or the pro-Israel community's views, matter on issues that concern that nation.

Art among Jews, Jews among art: Contemporary gallery in mixed, trendy / orthodox part of Hollywood reaches out through L.A. Jewish Chamber of Commerce

Jews in Art: Contemporary, Moskowitz Gallery hosts L.A. Jewish Chamber of Commerce in Orthodox, La Brea area of Hollywood

Adam Moskowitz, curator of Moskowitz Gallery in orthodox part of L.A.'s Hollywood district, gives candid interview about the Jewish role in the contemporary art scene- and contemporary art in Jewish culture.



Gallery partner, Brooke Gerson discusses her ambitions establishing the Moskowitz Gallery in the mixed fashionable and Orthodox, La Brea neighborhood of Los Angeles. 



L.A. Jewish Chamber of Commerce president, Jeff Gurman and Executive Director, David Nemetz brought the group to the contemporary-art, Moskowitz Gallery for their October meeting. Mr. Gurman discusses the mission and benefits of affiliation with their group.



To thwart Iran's nuclear weapons program, Obama tells Jews to quit sanctions legislation? "Israel can not trust Obama" says ex-V.P. Dick Cheney

Obama presses Senate and American Jewish leaders to hold off on new sanctions as part of Iran de-nuclear strategy.

'Congress loves Israel, but is even more averse to another conflict'  Israel Hayom
Fresh U.S. sanctions over Iran's disputed nuclear program being debated behind closed doors in the Senate aim to slash the country's oil sales in half within a year of the plan being signed into law, an influential senator said this week. Bob McNally, adviser on energy to former President George W. Bush: "There is a concern in Congress about tightening the sanctions so much that it would lead to a conflict"  
Israel Hayom
Day After Rushed White House Meeting With Jewish Leaders, Simon Wiesenthal Center Calls-Out Obama Admin. on Iran Algemeiner Oct 30

A leading Jewish human rights group called out the Obama administration Wednesday for its recent efforts to block new Iran sanctions legislation, and urged the senate to “immediately adopt the Nuclear Iran Prevention Act, which earlier passed the House with broad bi-partisan support.” 

“We respectfully disagree with the White House’s push to give the Iranians more time,” said Rabbis Marvin Hier and Abraham Cooper (founder and dean and associate dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center) who also called on the President to sign the bill if it is ratified by the senate.

The criticism comes only a day after Jewish leaders were urgently summoned to the White House to discuss sanctions on Iran. Although Jewish leaders touted the meeting as a “constructive and open exchange,” the Jerusalem Post characterized it as “an effort to dissuade them from lobbying the Senate towards passing harsh new sanctions against Iran.” The Simon Wiesenthal Center was not invited to participate in the meeting.



JooTube asked Rabbi Hier to clarify his position during a screening of Moriah Films' "The Prime Ministers" in Los Angeles.




On Monday U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said that “the US would not ‘succumb to fear tactics,’ of those who oppose diplomacy,” with Iran, the Jerusalem Post reported. The post said that the remarks “could be construed as a reference to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s warnings to the world not to fall for the ‘charm offensive’ of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.”  Algemeiner Oct 30


On US CBS-TV news, former Vice-President Dick Cheney said President Obama ought be trusted by Israel to keep Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Vice-President Cheney believes that Israel should attack Iran's nuclear facilities.



While Obama has been criticized for impeding past Israeli attack plans, the Bush / Cheney  administration also stalled Israeli military pre-emption to rely on sanctions and diplomacy. Israeli intelligence now views Iranian weaponization as imminent, and Mr. Cheney now appears to doubt the Obama administration's Middle East strategies.

Friends of I.D.F. Western Regional Gala brings soldiers, celebrities, and donors together

Tickets to the annual, Friends of the I.D.F. fundraiser have again sold-out. 

Watch JooTube's coverage from FIDF's 2012 event (with David Foster presenting Chaka Khan who replaced the controversially, bowed-out Stevie Wonder ), and their 2011 event (with Barbara Streisand, Antonio Banderas, and Zionistic Christian singer, Michael W. Smith).


2012 F.I.D.F. JooTube Event Video Playlist



2011 F.I.D.F. JooTube Event Video Playlist

AFSI to commence "strengthening mission" to Israeli settlements without Charlotte Wahle, 92, z"l

German-Jewish-Zionist, Charlotte Wahle, devoted her life to promoting Israel and the Jewish people against anti-Israelism & anti-Semitism

From Helen Friedman, Executive Director: "Americans for a Safe Israel mourns the passing of our beloved volunteer of over twenty years, Charlotte Wahle (z"l).  She was buried today at the Beth-El cemetery in Paramus, NJ. Rabbi Schwartz and Rabbi Gans officiated. A devoted group of family and AFSI friends, who made up a large part of her extended family, were present to pay their last respects. An Israeli flag was placed at her grave symbolizing her great passion for Yisrael Shlayma (a whole Israel).
Those who knew Charlotte were always amazed at her tenacity and devotion to AFSI and its principles. She was at every demonstration and protest, wrote letters to the editor, and was a driving force in the AFSI office, even in her 92nd year of life.  In addition, Charlotte's interests kept her active in her synagogue, in politics, and with her many friends and associates.

Those wishing to send donations in her memory are encouraged to send them to AFSI, her favorite organization. Contributions can be sent by check, or through the donation buttons on the www.afsi.org website."   

Part of Charlotte's energies went to help arrange AFSI's "Chizuk" (Strengthening) missions to Israel.  AFSI begins another trip this weekend, with Charlotte participating this time from shomayim. 

Helen Freedman spoke with JooTube last year about AFSI's tour which would focus on (rather than most others which avoid) Jewish settlements and outposts to live on Jewish holy lands.  Many of these developments face the similar threat of uprooting that Gush Katif experienced in 2005, but at the behest of a new American administration.

"The Hebrew Hillbilly," musical about the life of a bluesy, Dolly Parton-esque entertainer, offers broad appeal

The Hebrew Hillbilly, written and performed by singer songwriter Shelley Fisher, is a musical one woman play which chronicles Ms. Fisher’s Hollywood odyssey that begins in the heart of the Mississippi Delta in her hometown of Memphis, Tennessee, birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Blues and Bar-b-cue. Growing up Jewish in the deep South with a flamboyant mother who frowned on her dating the local redneck boys, the Hebrew Hillbilly begins singing as a little girl and never stops.


From her early years as a blonde bombshell, through her current incarnation as The Memphis Belle of L.A., Ms Fisher has been on a show business rollercoaster that slows down just long enough for her audience to climb on board this deeply personal, yet universally appealing and hilarious ride. The production is directed by Rory Mitchell and produced by Debra Ehrhardt, with 14 songs written by Shelley Fisher, Ken Hirsch (musical director and keyboard accompanist), and Harold Payne. 

 JooTube visited the Santa Monica Playhouse where The Hebrew Hillbilly debuted its fall-run, for weekends through November 3rd. We spoke with Cantor Linda Rich, Johany Locayo, Shelley and composer Ken Hirsch, and Shelley's daughter, Melissa, whose life is referenced in the show.