San Diego Jewish World~home page


	L'Shana Tovah, chaverim! San Diego Jewish World 'There's a Jewish story everywhere'

Vol. 1, No. 135

Wednesday Afternoon, September 12, 2007

Community Phone & Email Directory

Jewish World Community Calendar

AJE Makor Calendar

UJF Community Calendar

Search This Site
(click here)

Jewish Forum questions: join the discussion;
click here

Jewish Grapevine files

Back issues by date

Back-issue headlines

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS; THEY ARE HELPING TO BRING San Diego Jewish World TO YOU:
●Agency for Jewish Education
●America's Vacation Center
●Anti-Defamation League
●Bubbla Packaging
●Chabad at University City ●Congregation Beth Israel
●Elijah's
●Humanistic Jewish Congregation
●I'm There For You Baby radio show
●In the Know radio show
●Israel Guide Dog Center
●JCC Maccabi games
●Jewish American Chamber of Commerce
● Jewish Community Foundation
●Jewish Family Service
● Museum of Man: Journey to the copper age
●Ohr Shalom Synagogue
●Old Town Trolley Tours of San Diego
●San Diego Community Colleges
●San Diego Jewish Academy
● Seacrest Village Retirement Communities ●Tifereth Israel Synagogue

Columnists/
Writers
*David Amos
*Laurie Baron
*Judy Lash Balint
*Shoshana Bryen
*Cynthia Citron
*Carol Davis
*Rabbi Wayne Dosick
*Garry Fabian
*Gail Forman
*Sandy Golden
*Gerry Greber
.*Norman & Roberta Greene
*Alex Grobman,PhD
*Donald H. Harrison
*Irvin Jacobs, MD
*Natasha Josefowitz
*Bruce Kesler
*Judith Apter Klinghoffer
*Rabbi Baruch Lederman
*Dov Burt Levy
*Elizabeth Levy
*Ya'acov Liberman
*Bruce Lowitt
*Joel Moskowitz, MD
*Joe Naiman
*Sheila Orysiek
*Yoni Peres
*Fred Reiss
*Michael Rosen
*Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal
*Dan Schaffer
*Ira Sharkansky
*Dorothea Shefer-Vanson
*David Strom
*Lynne Thrope
*Eileen Wingard
*Isaac Yetiv
*Edward Zeiden
*Heather Zeiden
____________
San Diego Jewish World interns
*William Bohannon
*Harry Doshay

Contact us
Email: sdheritage@cox.net
PO Box 19363
San Diego, CA 92159
(619) 265-0808

San Diego Jewish World is a publication of The Harrison Enterprises of San Diego, co-owned by Donald & Nancy Harrison.

L'shana Tovah!

Nancy and I would like to extend our best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous Jewish New Year to the San Diego Jewish community and to readers throughout the country and the world who have visited this website.

We share the prayer that the New Year bring peace and reconciliation to all of God's peoples, and that we all soon can rev up our "swords-into-plowshares machines" with only one-time use necessary.

To any and all who we have offended in the course of putting out this newspaper, in the tradition of our people, we sincerely apologize and ask your forgiveness.

Donald H. Harrison

(Please click on headline below to jump to the story)

Israel and Middle East

Yad Vashem wins Prince of Asturias Award for Concord; ceremony Oct. 26

Judy Lash Balint: How we celebrate Rosh Hashanah in Jerusalem

Shoshana Bryen: Speculation deepens that Israel struck terrorist-related target in Syria raid

Israel's military celebrates its heroes in 2nd Lebanon War

Mizrahi to retire as head of Israel's
National Security Council in November

ZOA urges Israel to investigate 'illegal Palestinian housing'

Iraq Debate

Boxer invokes memory of two Op-Ed writing soldiers to call for Iraq change

Europe

TV talk host Eva Herman sacked in Germany for pro-Nazi comment

Five soccer fans face prison terms for inciting anti-Semitism during match

Australia

EJAJ Supports Terror Listing

New Package to Benefit Survivors

Jews respond to Darfur Crisis

United States of America

Oregon civil case evolving into a court fight over circumcision

ADL condemns 'noose' used for racial intimidation at U Maryland

Democratic chairman Howard Dean sends Rosh Hashanah greetings

NJDC urges Stevens removal from Senate Appropriations Committee

Features

Jewish Grapevine

Greater San Diego County

JFS schedules child-rearing workshops

Sports

Joe Naiman: SDJA drubbed 58-14, but coach is proud of squad's first 11-man outing.

San Diego Jewish World by email

Would you like to receive an e-mail each evening with an interactive list of our stories similar to the one below?

Simply e-mail your request to us at sdheritage@cox.net with the word "subscribe" in the subject line of your message form.

This service, updating you on Jewish news from around the world, is free, and you may unsubscribe at any time!

Oregon civil case becomes court battle over circumcision

SALEM, Oregon—The American Jewish Committee this week filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court of the State of Oregon defending a custodial parent's right to enable his son to undergo ritual circumcision.

"AJC firmly believes that denying the right of ritual circumcision is a clear violation of the Free Exercise clause, which has always allowed parents to take into account religious interests when determining what is best for their children," said Jeffrey Sinensky, AJC's general counsel.

The case, Boldt v. Boldt, concerns a custodial father who, after converting to Judaism, wished to have his son circumcised. The boy's mother opposes the circumcision, and has been supported by anti-circumcision proponents who are using this case as an opportunity to advocate for the abolition of all circumcision, including those performed on newborns. This would directly affect the ancient Jewish tradition of circumcising males when they are 8 days old.

"Male circumcision is precisely the type of religious and medical decision that is squarely within the rights of a custodial parent, and discretion to make that decision has been granted by Oregon law and by constitutional right to the custodial parent," states the brief.

The brief was filed jointly by AJC, the Anti-Defamation League, the American Jewish Congress, and the Union of Orthodox

The preceding was provided by the American Jewish Committee

ADL condemns 'noose' used for racial intimidation at U Maryland

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) strongly condemned the reported incident in which a noose was hung on a tree at the University of Maryland at College Park’s campus.

ADL also applauded University President Dan Mote for taking quick and decisive measures to issue a statement and conduct a full investigation. The noose was hung between the Stamp Student Union and the Nyumburu Cultural Center.

“We condemn this expression of bigotry and intolerance, and commend the President’s Office and University Police for their forceful response,” said Rachel Werner, ADL Assistant Regional Director.

Hate crime statutes have been adopted by 45 states. Many of those laws are based on a model statute crafted by ADL, which has long been in the forefront of national and state efforts to deter and counteract hate-motivated criminal activity.

RAC seeks answers on federal prison policy on religious books

WASHINGTON, D.C (Press Release) -- Rabbi David Saperstein, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, on Tuesday called on Harley G. Lapin, Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, to “publish the standards being used in the Standardized Chapel Library Project, as well as the names of those religious leaders with whom it is consulting.” According to recent press reports, under the auspices of that project, hundreds of religious texts are being removed from federal prisons.

“Recent press reports, including a front page story in yesterday’s New York Times, raise a raft of complicated constitutional issues,” Saperstein wrote. “We recognize, of course, that there may be more to the BOP’s actions than the press reports indicate, and are, therefore, writing to seek further information.

“Although we certainly recognize the need to maintain order within our nation’s prisons, it appears from the press reports that in pursuit of that legitimate goal the Bureau has greatly, and unnecessarily, reduced prisoner’s access to religious texts. The inability of the prisoners to have access to their choice of religious literature may inhibit their ability to exercise their rights to freely practice their religions.

“The restrictions and/or guidelines that have been dictating what religious literature is available to prisoners have been publicized, but do not seem to be published. I urge the Bureau of Prisons to publish the standards being used in the Standardized Chapel Library Project, as well as the names of those religious leaders with whom it is consulting. In a country that values discourse and democracy, rules with such a wide-spread impact should be subject to public scrutiny.

“I encourage the Bureau to submit their restrictions and/or guidelines for public review before continuing to follow them and to contemplate whether or not continuing the Standardized Chapel Library Project truly respects the rights of federal prisoners.”

The preceding was provided by the Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism

Israel and Middle East

Yad Vashem wins Prince of Asturias Award for Concord; ceremony Oct. 26

JERUSALEM (Press Release)--The Prince of Asturias Foundation announced in Madrid today that Yad Vashem has received the prestigious international Prince of Asturias Award for Concord. Avner Shalev, Chairman of Yad Vashem, expressed his appreciation to the Foundation and the jury for recognizing the work of Yad Vashem.

The Prince of Asturias Award for Concord is bestowed upon the person, persons or institution whose work has made an exemplary and outstanding contribution to mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence amongst men, to the struggle against injustice or ignorance, to the defense of freedom, or whose work has widened the horizons of knowledge or has been outstanding in protecting and preserving mankind's heritage. This year, 47 nominations from 28 countries competed for the Prince of Asturias Award for Concord.

Avner Shalev, Chairman of Yad Vashem, thanked the Foundation for its recognition. “I am deeply moved, and very proud, that Yad Vashem has been honored with the Prince of Asturias Award for Concord. My sincere appreciation goes to the Prince of Asturias Foundation for this singular honor. This prestigious international award recognizes that the memory of the Holocaust - the systematic murder of the Jews that took place in the heart of Europe - has profound significance for the coexistence of the family of nations, today, and through the ages. The receipt of the Prince of Asturias Award inspires us to continue in our efforts to build a better future through our confrontation with the past, and emphasizes the awesome responsibility that Yad Vashem bears. As the generation of the witnesses to these horrors dwindles, Yad Vashem will continue to transform their memory into building blocks for a better world - one characterized by tolerance and mutual respect amongst all peoples.”

The Award will be presented on October 26 in Spain, in the presence of the Spanish royal family. Previous winners of the Prince of Asturias Award for Concord include UNICEF, Médicins sans Frontères, H.M. Hussein I, king of Jordan, and JK Rowling. Award winners in other categories this year include Al Gore, Amos Oz, and Bob Dylan.

The preceding story was provided by Yad Vashem

Jerusalem Diaries
Judy Lash Balint

How we celebrate Rosh Hashanah here

JERUSALEM—Signs of Rosh Hashana in Jerusalem: In the run up to the beginning of this Jewish New Year, piles of branches lay strewn all over the streets of Jerusalem-city workers are zealously pruning trees and bushes in advance of Rosh Hashana when the laws of Shmittah take effect.

Without getting into an arcane description of the Shmittah laws that is way beyond the scope of Jerusalem Diaries, suffice it to say that observance of the Shmittah year is confined to Jews living in or visiting Israel, and is one of the very tangible ways that life for Israelis and Diaspora Jews diverges, at least once every seven years.

Every seven years, the Torah tells us, the land must rest and we are prohibited from working the land-that means, according to the rabbinic sages, no plowing, sewing, pruning, harvesting or fruit picking. In fact, the produce that grows this year has the status of kedushah-holiness, and must be handled in a respectful manner. Home gardens too, even including the planter boxes on my balcony, must be allowed to rest, so my geraniums have just had their last cut-back for a year.

Despite the pressure of pre-Rosh Hashanah preparations, a capacity crowd showed up a few days ago to listen to an hour-long presentation in English on the Shmittah laws by the entertaining and erudite Rabbi David Marcus. Sponsored by the Council of Young Israel Rabbis in Israel, the talk expanded on an informative 32-page booklet penned by Rabbi Marcus that outlines how to shop, garden and eat out halachically during the coming Jewish year.

The other unusual feature of this coming Rosh Hashana is the added day tacked on by Shabbat falling right after the 2-day festival. While observant Jews in the Diaspora are accustomed to 3-day yomtovs that occur every once in a while, we Israelis who observe only one day at the beginning and end of most festivals (reason enough to make aliya) find the whole thing a little challenging.

Anyone venturing into the shuk or even a local supermarket this week could be forgiven for thinking that a famine was imminent. Shoppers laden with huge nylon bags of every kind of produce, fish, meat and bread, may be seen staggering under the weight of their purchases, secure in the knowledge that they have sufficient provisions for three days when stores are closed .
Certain foods are traditional to eat on Rosh Hashana, and the markets are full of the most beautiful pomegranates; succulent dates and crisp apples. All the produce is local-pomegranate trees grow everywhere, even in private gardens; dates are from the Jordan Valley and apples from the Golan.

For some, the three-day Jerusalem shutdown of entertainment and shopping is a little much. One of my more secular neighbors informed me she's running off to a hotel in Tel Aviv for the duration. Tel Aviv's beaches are generally packed on every holyday.

Other secular Israelis, however, are intrigued by the pre-Rosh Hashana traditions, and join 3 a.m. tours of the Selichot services at Jerusalem synagogues in the old neighborhoods. It's mostly the Sephardic congregations that host the melodic recitation of penitential prayers in the month before Yom Kippur.

Newspaper polls report that only 47 percent of Israelis plan on attending synagogue services to pray during Rosh Hashana, but hotels all over the country report 95 percent occupancy rates.

A uniquely Israeli tradition is the “haramat cosit” -literally, lifting of the glass, in honor of the New Year. Government ministries, corporations and municipal offices all host toasts where wine and good cheer flow. The fleet of diplomatic vehicles double-parked outside the official presidential residence yesterday was an indication that President Shimon Peres was hosting the diplomatic corps for the traditional New Year bash.

No doubt, the foreign emissaries were discussing the tensions of the day, which included the attack on an Israeli army base that wounded 69 soldiers and Israel's alleged stealth strike into Syrian territory last week.

But for the long-suffering residents of Sderot and the communities of the western Negev, the days leading up to Rosh Hashana just bring more of the same-an unceasing barrage of Kassam attacks and a devastating sense of helplessness as politicians debate how to react to the latest escalation.

And just in case we were lacking for entertainment here in the Holy Land, rumors have it that Madonna and an entourage of slightly lesser known performers will be arriving to spend her second Rosh Hashana in Tel Aviv. The tabloids report that the blond Kabbalist wannabe plans to cast her sins into the Mediterranean Sea again this year.

So as we sign off for a few days of introspection and stocktaking, we wish Jerusalem Diaries readers and their families a year of health, fulfillment and success

Speculation deepens that Israel struck terrorist-related target in Syria raid

By Shoshana Bryen

WASHINGTON, DC (Press Release)—It now appears that the Israel Air Force hit something in Syria last week. What it was remains unclear, but the U.S. government confirmed to The New York Times that it was, indeed, something. Take a deep breath here because it may be the beginning of a scary, but ultimately important change in the way the West deals with terrorists with territory.

Unlike transnational al Qaeda, Iran and Syria are traditional state sponsors of terrorism. They provide the assets terrorists/non-state actors need and benefit from the deniability for the mayhem that terrorists create. Iran, sometimes directly and sometimes through its Syrian puppet, provides territory for training and safe haven, money, passports, weapons, ideological and logistical support for its terrorist allies in Lebanon, the Palestinian territories, Iraq, parts of Africa and elsewhere.

They benefit every time a Western asset, ally or friend is hurt, just as al Qaeda benefits. Functionally, Sunni and Shiite terrorists have the same goals - the spread of jihadist Islam and Sharia law. Functionally, they have the same enemy - the United States and our allies, including many in the Muslim world who see fundamentalist, violent Islam as anathema. Persian-religious-Shiite Iran has proven able to look across the differences to the similarities - supporting Arab-religious-Sunni Hamas; Arab-secular Syrian Ba'athists, Arab-religious-Shiite Iraqis; and Arab-religious-Sunni al Qaeda.

What helps to sustain this network is the jihadist operating principle that borders, while meaningless to them, are sacrosanct to us. "The war in Iraq" is understood by some Americans to exist only within the borders of Iraq, while "the war against al Qaeda" can be fought in Pakistan instead, if one is tired of doing it in Iraq. Some Americans worry about "expanding" the war to Iran or Syria, while Iran and Syria routinely send weapons and fighters into Iraq to kill American soldiers. American intelligence has located Iranian Republican Guard bases on the Iranian side of the border and traced weapons from Iran in Iraq. One reason they do is that they can with impunity. Gen. Petraeus showed slides illustrating the inflow of weapons and fighters from both east and west, and called Iranian and Syrian intrusion "malign," an excellent choice of words.

Theories abound over what Israel hit in Syria - CNN thought it was Iranian weapons transiting Syria to Lebanon; The New York Times speculated on nuclear material from North Korea; Agence France Presse and the Middle East Times said it was an Iranian-built airbase; The Jerusalem Post quoted Kuwaiti daily Al-Jareeda saying it was Iranian missiles; others suggested that Israel was probing the new Russian air defense system and, because it is the same one Iran has, would share the information with the U.S. as prelude to an American strike on Iranian nuclear facilities.

The full story will surface eventually - the Syrians are VERY upset and one Israeli source said there was a "very big hole" in Syria. Whatever the specifics, Israel reminded us that, as President Bush wisely said but failed to follow through on, this is a "war against terrorists and the states that harbor and support them." In order to win, the West has to be prepared to fight the war where it is, not where we are.

Bryen is director of special projects for the Jewish Institute of Public Affairs

Israel's military celebrates its heroes in 2nd Lebanon War

HERZLIYA, Israel (Press Release)--A festive ceremony yesterday was held Monday evening, honoring the IAF squadrons and combat soldiers who fought with extraordinary courage during the Second Lebanon War. "It is an honor for me to stand in front of you, to embrace you and to thank you in my name, in the name of the IAF and in the name of the nation," said the commander of the IAF, Major General Eliezer Shkedy during the ceremony held in the IAF base in Herziliya.

One by one, the combat soldiers of the IAF ascended the stage to accept the citations and certificates of excellence from Major General Shkedy: The pilot of the "Owl" helicopter, Colonel Sharon, who put his life in jeopardy and flew under falling mortars in order to evacuate fellow soldiers; Captain Dr. Dovid, the force's evacuation doctor, who risked his life in order to save a combat soldier during heavy battle in Ita- A Shab; Staff Sergeant Michael Droznodovsky, who commanded the squadron that evacuated the wounded from the INS Hanit, saving the life of Staff Sergeant Yehuda Schayuk at the start of the evacuation. A number of other soldiers were rewarded citations for saving the lives of their fellow soldiers during dangerous and extreme situations in the battle.

"The capabilities of a man and a combat soldier are tested during moments of truth. Their actions during those times go far beyond what is asked from them or what their rank or positions demands. It shows what type of a personality they have, how they were raised and educated which ultimately shapes a man's character." said Major General Shkedy.

He added: "I chose to award citations to all the commanders of the IAF because when your friends needed you most, you withstood the greatest test any soldier could face, and in the best way possible. The next generation, our future, will look to you to hear the stories of your great actions on the battlefield. These stories, just like the stories told to us by our fathers, will provide the youth with the strength and education needed to continue down the path you set."

The night continued with the opening of the "Battlefield Photo Exhibition" an exhibition of photographs shot by IAF reporters and other men of the force. The pictures tell the story of the force's actions during the 32 days of war and of their special operations and rescuing of the wounded. The photographs can be seen on the IAF official website:

Separate ceremonies were held elsewhere in Israel for IDF soldiers assigned to the Central and Northern commands

Citations were awarded to the combat soldiers of the Central Command who fought with extraordinary bravery and courage in the Second Lebanon war, during a ceremony held in Jerusalem's Binunai Ha'uma and in the presence of the GOC of the Central Command, Major General Gadi Shamni. The soldiers, who were accompanied by their families, were also given the Second Lebanon War Ribbon.

"Following the kidnapping of three IDF soldiers in September 2000, it was clear that a stronger reaction was needed in order to allow the IDF to freely operate in the northern border, to combat Hezbollah and to make it clear that the blood of the IDF solders and citizens of Israel does not come cheap," said the Major General during the ceremony.

He addedL "The first and foremost obligation of the Israel Defense Force is to ensure the existence and security of the state of Israel, our home. To ensure that the nation will flourish and prosper, its citizens will be secure, its farmers can plant their fields near the borders in peace, and its cities and towns can live a quiet life like any other nation that seeks peace as much as we do."

The Major General then addressed the heroes saying, "The brave actions of you, the IDF warriors, during these times where ugliness and evil pervade, stand out for their beauty and greatness and are worthy of citations of excellence and our appreciation."

The heroes who served on the northern border during last summer’s war were awarded certificates of appreciation and citations by the Northern Command during a ceremony held this week, Monday. The ceremony was presided over by the GOC of the Northern Command, Major General Gadi Eizenkot, the Head of the Northern Command Staff, Brigadier General Alon Friedman and all the commanders of the command.

Sixty-one certificates and citations were awarded during the ceremony. "The Northern Command is in the process of improving operational training, in order to be fully prepared for any mission. The courage of the heroes of the IDF set an example for us and outline how our command must operate in the future", said Major General Eizenkot. "Heroes of the Northen Command- I salute you!"

The preceding combined materials provided by the IDF and IAF

Mizrahi to retire as head of Israel's
National Security Council in November

JERUSALEM (Press Release)--National Security Council Chairman Ilan Mizrahi has asked to conclude his duties in early November 2007.

During his 1.5 years in office, Mr. Mizrahi greatly contributed to upgrading the status of the NSC and was involved in a series of measures designed to improve its abilities and its functioning.

He was also involved in the work of the Lipkin-Shahak committee on implementing the Winograd Committee interim report. He participated in security and diplomatic consultations held by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and oversaw the agenda of the Security Cabinet.

Prime Minister Olmert expressed his appreciation and gratitude to Mr. Mizrahi for his significant contributions and noted that the processes he began regarding the implementation of the Winograd report will continue.

Recently Mizrahi led a National Security Council group that met with the China Institute for International Strategic Studies (CIISS; attached to the Chinese Defense Ministry) September 2-8.

The talks focused on Middle Eastern and Asian regional issues, including Iran. CIISS Director and former Chinese People’s Liberation Army Deputy Chief-of-Staff Xiong Guangkai said that the CIISS-NSC dialogue would be held at least once a year, alternating between Israel and China. The next round of talks will be held in Israel.

The preceding was provided by the office of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert

Please click this ad to learn more about the Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind

ZOA urges Israel to investigate 'illegal Palestinian housing'

NEW YORK (Press Release)-- The Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) is supporting the call made in a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert by Deputy Prime Minister and Strategic Affairs Minister Avigdor Lieberman to establish a committee to examine illegal Palestinian housing construction in Area C, those parts of Judea and Samaria that are under full Israeli control, not that of the Palestinian Authority (PA).

Lieberman argues that such a committee should also be set up to examine the "illegal construction by Bedouins in the Negev and Israeli-Arabs in the Galilee region.” His demand followed by a few hours the decision made by the Vice Premier, Chaim Ramon, chairman of the ministerial committee responsible for unauthorized outposts, that only the Prime Minister or the Defense Minister possess authority to order the evacuation of 26 unauthorized outposts in Judea and Samaria that were set up under former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

In his letter, Lieberman wrote, "According to certain reports, Palestinian construction in Area C is far greater in scope than the unauthorized [Jewish] outposts" and recommends that the new committee should be headed by Talia Sasson, who wrote the Sasson Report on unauthorized outposts. Lieberman added that he regrets the fact that those who wish to evacuate the outposts "are preoccupying themselves with an issue that pertains to Jews only while ignoring the war on terror which is a core issue that has not been dealt with" (Yediot Ahronot, September 2).

ZOA National President Morton A. Klein said, "The ZOA has long argued that the large amount of illegal Arab housing construction in Judea and Samaria and in other parts of Israel including Jerusalem, is a problem that the Israeli government has ignored but must confront.

“Much of this illegal housing is funded by Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Morocco and other Arab states in an effort to move towards de-Judaizing Israel and Jerusalem. We are concerned that the Olmert government has focused only on unauthorized Jewish dwellings but taken no action over literally tens of thousands of cases of Arabs living illegally in houses built without permits and frequently without even applying for permits.

"Already in 2002, then-Israeli cabinet minister Natan Sharansky said that, in recent years, Arabs had illegally built at least 40,000 homes in Jerusalem, many of which are empty. Sharansky said that the homes are 'built for political reasons, in strategic areas of the city, along side roads and in areas where they can help split Jerusalem apart.' He said that the homes are 'built by wealthy Arab contractors, paid for by Saudi Arabia.' The ZOA has in the past urged Israel to deal with this issue and also urged the Bush Administration to use its influence with Saudi Arabia and the Palestinian Authority to halt this illegal construction activity, but so far nothing to our knowledge has been done. We renew our call now, as the problem of illegal Arab housing construction is clearly worsening and not going away."

The preceding was provided by the Zionist Organization of America

Iraq Debate

Boxer invokes memory of two Op-Ed writing soldiers to call for Iraq change

WASHINGTON, DC (Press Release)—U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer today released a copy of a letter she sent to President George W. Bush calling for him to change course in Iraq in light of the deaths of Staff Sergeant Yance Gray and Sergeant Omar Mora:

The body of her letter follows:

"I have just learned the heartbreaking news that Staff Sergeant Yance Gray and Sergeant Omar Mora– two of the seven American soldiers who authored the August 19th New York Times Op-Ed “The War as We Saw It”– were killed near Baghdad this week.

"The tragic irony is that before their deaths, these two soldiers were not only trying to give us direction on how to end this war honorably, but they were also calling on us for help.

"At the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing yesterday, I read General David Petraeus this passage from their Op-Ed:

            “'…we need to recognize that our presence may have released Iraqis from the grip of a tyrant, but that it has also robbed them of their self-respect. They will soon realize that the best way to regain dignity is to call us what we are – an army of occupation – and force our withdrawal… Until that happens, it would be prudent for us to increasingly let Iraqis take center stage in all matters, to come up with a nuanced policy in which we assist them from the margins but let them resolve their differences as they see fit.'”

"I hope you will follow this advice and institute a new policy in which the Iraqis take center stage in defending their own country, thus avoiding the stigma of occupation that is now attached to our troops. This would allow for the immediate redeployment of the vast majority of our soldiers.

"I also ask that you reconsider your decision to extend the surge for one more year. If you insist on extending the surge, it should be done with Iraqi security forces. The U.S. taxpayers have spent $20 billion to train more than 350,000 Iraqi Security Forces in counterinsurgency– surely, there are 30,000 Iraqis that are up to the task of securing their own country.

"Mr. President, you didn’t listen to Staff Sergeant Yance Gray and Sergeant Omar Mora while they were alive. I hope that you will listen to them now, as they have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country."

The preceding was provided by the office of U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer

To learn more about the Agency for Jewish Education, please click on this ad

Europe

TV talk host Eva Herman sacked in Germany for pro-Nazi comment

BERLIN (Press Release)—The German television network NDR has sacked a prominent talk show host after she praised the family model promoted by the Nazis. Eva Herman, 48, a former newsreader who hosted a quiz and chat show, promoting family values was removed after comments made at the launch of her latest book ‘The Noah's Ark Principle - Why we must save the Family.'

Discusing the Nazi era, the presenter said "There were the good things, too, that is to say the values, the children, the mothers, the families, the solidarity ..." NDR's programme director, Volker Herres, issued a statement saying that "Herman's authorial activities are, in our view, no longer compatible with her role as a television moderator and talk show host".

Herman said that her comments were taken out of context and that "Whoever knows me and reads the book will be aware how deeply I reject left- and right-wing extremism." She said that her central thesis is that women have been forced to deny their true nurturing nature by the social pressure to succeed in the workplace. This in turn has robbed men of their sense of manhood and is contributing to Germany's very low birthrate.

The preceding was provided by the World Jewish Congress

(To learn more about these programs, please click on the ads)

Five soccer fans face prison terms for inciting anti-Semitism during match

MOSCOW (Press Release)—Five men from a Moscow suburb have gone on trial for shouting anti-Semitic slogans during a soccer match. The incident took place in April when the men, all in their early to mid-20s, noticed a poster advertising a match between Alliance, a local soccer team, and Moscow’s Jewish team, Maccabi. They showed up at the stadium wearing masks and waving a handmade banner reading ‘Happy Holocaust’ and at one point during the match shouted “Go to Auschwitz!” They face up to two years in jail for inciting racial hatred. The case represents the first time that fans at a sporting event, and not just the teams at play, have been prosecuted in Russia for a hate crime. In this case, one of the teams may be fined as well.

Pavel Feldblyum, president of the Maccabi club, appeared as a witness when the defendants were questioned. “I was stunned when I spoke to them,” Feldblyum said. “When I asked them about the Holocaust and Auschwitz, they appeared to have very little knowledge about either one. One of them bluntly admitted they just knew ‘these words were offensive for the Jews in some way.’ ”

Feldblyum noted that prosecutors and investigators rarely use Article 282-1 of the Russian Criminal Code, which prohibits the incitement of racial hatred or humiliation, “because it is rather difficult to collect evidence and to prove the offender’s intentions."

He credited the authorities' strong response to the incident to the direct intervention of Moscow’s mayor, Yuri Luzhkov, saying that "Yuri Luzhkov intervened personally because he not only knows our soccer club pretty well, but he is committed not to allow the expression of nationalistic sentiments in a megapolis where more than 100 ethnic groups reside."

Australia

The Jews 'Down Under'

                           By Garry Fabian

● EJAJ Supports Terror Listing

CANBERRA —The Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) has welcomed the re-listing of three terrorist organisations by the Australian Government.

This follows Attorney General Phillip Ruddock's announcement that the government will relist Hamas' Izz al-Din al-Quassam Brigades (Hamas Brigades), the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PU) and Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) as terrorist organisations under the Criminal Code for another two years.

The re-listing means it will continue to be an offence to be a member of, associate with, train with, provide training for, receive funds from, make funds available to, direct or recruit for
these organisations, Ruddock said.

ECAJ President Grahame Leonard said "All peace-loving Australians will support Mr. Ruddock's decision. Clearly the three organisations re-listed by the Australian Government have violent terrorist objectives"

The Hamas Brigades and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad are committed to the establishment of an Islamic Palestinian state and the destruction of Israel. To this end Islamic Jihad has carried out suicide attacks and indiscriminate bombings that
target civilians. Hamas has conducted rocket attacks from Gaza, also against innocents, despite Israel's withdrawal from there more than three years ago, Leonard said.

●New Package to Benefit Survivors

MELBOURNE--Hundreds of Australian Holocaust survivors are
set to benefit from an additional US$250 million in restitution payments from the Conference for Jewish Material Claims Against Germany.

Up to 6,000 survivors worldwide could receive payments over 10 years. Australian survivors whose applications are successful will receive around $1,500 per quarter.

Under the new guidelines, survivors who are not currently receiving any restitution payments and were previously ineligible for Article 2 pension because their income exceeded the cut-off could now receive payments. Until recently, those with an annual income above US$16,000 were excluded.

Nina Bassat, a Claims Conference and Jewish Care Board member, said payments from the German and Austrian governments "are not only about the money. They're about having missed out on an education and not having the same start in life and having your entire life shattered".

"It is damn well time that the Holocaust survivors are getting as much as they can, particularly in their old age," Shmuel Rosenkranz, a survivor of Kristalnacht and past president of Melbourne's Jewish Holocaust Museum and Research Centre, said.

●Jews respond to Darfur Crisis

MELBOURNE—A packed forum to provide a better understanding of the background and history of the current conflict in Darfur triggered contributions for refugee relief from many B’nai B’rith members who attended.

A panel chaired by Mr. Michael Danby, M.P., Member for Melbourne Ports, consisted of Abdenhadi Matar, President of the Darfur Community Association of Australia; Brendan Ross,
The Human Advocacy Co-coordinator of Oxfam Australia; and David Manne, Solicitor from the Refugee and Immigration Legal Centre.

Abdenhadi Matar in his opening remarks commended the world Jewish community for being among the first to raise attention to the humanitarian crisis. He stressed that the conflict, that has seen 4.5 million displaced, and some 400,000 killed, was
not based on tribal rivalries, but along ethnic lines.

Historically at the end of the 19th century Arabs had been welcomed to settle by the four African Sultans, but over time they became more dominant, with the area eventually being annexed by Arab/Egyptian forces and the Darfur region being neglected as a backwater.

In the 1960's two political movements emerged to raise the issue of neglect to the Darfur region, along peaceful lines. But as they could not influence the central government, their efforts evolved into an armed movement to press their aims. This was crushed by an Arab militia supported by the central government, who supplied them with arms, in the main sourced from China and Russia.

The Sudan government as an Arab state regards the African, non Arabic speaking population as second class citizens, according to Matar. Villages have been destroyed, land taken over and African culture suppressed.

"In short a systematic program of ethnic cleansing has been in progress, leading a refugee crisis of massive proportions" he concluded.

Brendan Ross, who worked on the ground in Darfur for over 12 months, said the critical issue was the protection of both the refugees crowded into the camps, and the staff carrying out
humanitarian operations. While there was a presence of some 8,000 from the African Union, they were ineffective due to the lack of trucks, helicopters and equipment to provide protection
from the militias, who carried out raids, rapes and killings.

"Even if we can stem the violence, there will be huge reconstruction issues to be implemented. The destruction of villages has seen a large segment of the population move from
self-sufficiency to being reliant on aid".

David Manne outlined the five levels of visa classes currently applying to entry into Australia. One of the problems facing the Darfur refugees under UNHCR guidelines is that they
favour refugees outside their country of origin, while some 2.5 million of the Darfur refugees are in camps inside their country.

"Australia admits some 13,000 per annum, 6,000 refugees, and 7,000 under humanitarian guidelines, such as family reunions. While we cannot increase these numbers dramatically, and Australia can only take a small segment of the Darfur refugees,
we need to call on other countries to also render assistance in the resettlement issues"

Panel members said countries such as Australia, Germany, France and others need to provide a peace keeping force that would intervene, and put a stop to the killings and displacements, allowing the local population to be able to resume some normalcy in their own country.

The hall was packed to overflowing, a proof that there is a real concern in our community when it comes to humanitarian issues, not only locally, but in other parts of the world. The proceeds of the evening have been donated to relief funding for Darfur refugees.

United States of America

Democratic chairman Howard Dean sends Rosh Hashanah greetings

WASHINGTON, DC (Press Release)— Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement today marking Rosh Hashanah:

"This Wednesday at sundown marks the beginning of Rosh Hashanah. Jews from around the world will gather to celebrate this new beginning. This is a time not only to reflect on the past, but also to recognize the promise of the upcoming year.

"Rosh Hashanah also marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, between the New Year and Yom Kippur. We use this special time to reflect on how we can improve ourselves and the world around us. We rededicate ourselves to combating poverty, hunger, genocide and the horrors of war. As we recognize these challenges we have faith that the upcoming year brings unlimited opportunity to continue to work for a better world.

"From my entire family, we wish all those who are celebrating Rosh Hashanah, a happy and sweet new year. L'Shana Tovah."

The preceding was provided by the Democratic National Committee

(Return to top)

NJDC urges Stevens removal from Senate Appropriations Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release)--The National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC) called on the Senate Republican Leadership today to remove Senator Ted Stevens from his seat on the Senate Appropriations Committee until investigation into corruption charges is complete. As USA Today pointed out in its September 6 editorial, Stevens’ “senior position on the Senate Appropriations Committee means that he helps set the budget for the Justice Department, the FBI and the IRS – all of which are investigating him.” [USA Today, 9/6/07]

“Again we see a double standard on the part of the Senate Republican leadership,” said NJDC Vice Chairman Marc R. Stanley. “They were swift to punish Senator Larry Craig for his involvement in a gay sex scandal. But when homosexuality is not involved, GOP Leaders are slow to hold their own Senators accountable.”

Writes USA Today in its editorial, “Particularly troubling is the case of Senator Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, who has been swept up in a major corruption investigation. Associates, including an Alaska businessman who oversaw the renovation of a home Stevens owns in Alaska, have been convicted or pleaded guilty. The FBI searched Stevens’ home in July.”

“Senator Stevens is entitled to due process, and if he is cleared of these most serious charges, NJDC would support Stevens’ reinstatement to the Appropriations Committee. However, while he is under investigation Stevens should not have special say in the funding of the very agencies conducting the investigation,” continued Stanley.

NJDC criticized Senate GOP Leadership for immediately penalizing Senator Craig for a homosexual sex scandal, while dragging their feet on holding Senator Vitter accountable for a prostitution scandal.

The preceding was provided by the National Jewish Democratic Council

Click the ad above to go to the "I'm here for you baby" website

Features

The Jewish Grapevine

AROUND THE TOWN—Not only did Eileen Wingard survive a minor heart attack following a Selichot performance at Ohr Shalom Synagogue, but her sense of humor also came through nicely. After playing on the bima with daughter Myla Wingard and son-in-law Dr. Lou Rosen, the violinist walked to the back of the sanctuary where her husband, Hal, was seated. She collapsed, and even though she was revived quickly, Rosen and Dr. Eli Meltzer advised that she be taken to the E-R just in case. Turned out, she needed three stents in her heart, and lots of bed rest. So other than that, Eileen, how was the performance? "Well," she said, "we played our hearts out—er, for sure I did."

CYBER-REFERRALS—San Diego Jewish World appreciates and thanks those individuals and organizations which recommend or post stories of interest to the worldwide Jewish community:

●Israel's Consulate General in Los Angeles: A story over the Jerusalem Post wire that a terrorist was arrested before he could carry through with a suicide bombing plot in Beer Sheva. Here is the link.

●Jay Jacobson, St. Louis Park, Minnesota: A slide presentation by David Horowitz providing the history of the Arab-Israeli conflict. Here is the link.

● Bruce Kesler, Encinitas, California: A story on the Politico website that Barack Obama's choice of Zbigniew Brzezinski as a foreign policy advisor is causing some concern in the Jewish community, considering that Brzezinski has been following the same "anti-Israel lobby" line as former President Jimmy Carter and authors Stephen Walt and John Mearsheimer. Here is the link.

● Gail Umeham: A humor column, okay a dark humor column, by Yair Lapid on YNET about the Jewish response to cremation. Here is the link.

●Republican Jewish Coalition: An op-ed piece by U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman (Independent, Connecticut) on National Review Online joining the war in Iraq to the fight against 9/11-style terrorism. Here is the link.

● United Jewish Communities: A story that as the Jewish New Year fell in Israel, so too did six rockets fired from Gaza. They landed harmlessly. Here is the link.

JEWS and POLITICS—Besides for such Jewish communal issues as support for Israel, and domestic separation of church and state, the Jewish community lends its support and leadership to a wide range of issues affecting the broad general community. In this section of the column, compiled from news releases, we note some of those efforts:

Senator Boxer, Jane Goodall and friend

● Forest Destruction and Global Warming
U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (Democrat, California), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, met Monday with Dr. Jane Goodall to discuss the contribution of tropical forest destruction to carbon in the atmosphere and how tropical forest preservation can help offset the United States’ carbon footprint. Deforestation accounts for some 20% of global carbon emissions when global emissions are calculated including changes in land use and forestry. Dr. Goodall is a scientist known for her research relating to chimpanzees, as well as a global conservationist, an author of many books, a Dame of the British Empire, and a United Nations Messenger of Peace.

● Health Care Insurance for Women
U.S. Rep. Eliot Engel (Democrat, New York) denounced the Bush administration's decision to reject New York's State Plan Amendment for increasing eligibility for children to get health insurance under the State’s Child Health Plus program. Last Friday, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services notified the NYS Department of Health it was rejecting its plan which would have increased the CHIP eligibility level from at or below 250 percent of the Federal poverty level to at or above 400 percent. “…(T)he Administration is taking a step which would deny quality, affordable health coverage to the most vulnerable among us," said Engel, a member of the Health Subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee. “I urge the President to reverse course and begin working with Congress to protect the health of our children. This action is mean-spirited.” In rejecting the plan, CMS cited new administration requirements announced last month that restrict flexibility at the state level. On August 17, CMS outlined new conditions that states must comply with before providing health coverage to certain populations of low-income children under CHIP.

● Subway funding for Los Angeles
The Fiscal Year 2008 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development bill approved today by the Senate includes a provision sponsored by U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer (both Democrats, California) that would allow for subway tunneling in parts of Los Angeles. This could allow construction to move forward on the expansion of the City’s Metro Red Line, providing a public transit link between downtown Los Angeles and Santa Monica. “Today’s vote by the Senate brings us one step closer to bringing the long-awaited expansion of the Metro Red Line closer to reality,” Senator Feinstein said. “It’s time to give the commuters of Los Angeles relief from the severe gridlock they face every day.” Senator Boxer said, “This subway project is so important to helping reduce the terrible congestion in Los Angeles. We’ve been told this project can be done safely, so it’s time to move forward.”

● Protection for homebuyers
U.S. Reps. Paul Hodes (Democrat, New Hampshire) and Congresswoman Gwen Moore (Democrat, Wisconsin) unveiled legislation today that would protect homebuyers from risky loan practices." The number of foreclosures in New Hampshire this year has already surpassed last year’s total," Congressman Hodes said. "A home foreclosure is incredibly traumatic for the affected family and for their community. This bill will help protect folks from questionable loan practices and enforce their rights as consumers." The Homebuyers Protection Act would require all subprime loans to include an escrow account for the life of the loan – just like prime loans – so that subprime borrowers aren’t sacked with a huge tax bill at the end of the year, but rather pay on a monthly basis. These huge tax bills often can contribute to early foreclosures. The legislation also would help to prevent faulty appraisals – and the higher homeowner taxes that result from them – by requiring a licensed appraiser to appraise all residential homes when a consumer seeks a mortgage. The legislation would also provide assurance to the secondary mortgage market of a proper appraisal of a home.

● Midwest Airlines merger
U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl (Democrat, Wisconsin) today called the head of the Antitrust Division at the Department of Justice to urge an expedited review of the proposal by TPG Capital to acquire Midwest Airlines. “As you know, Midwest Airlines is crucial to consumers in Wisconsin,” Kohl wrote to Thomas Barnett. “Midwest Airlines's principal hub is located in Milwaukee's General Mitchell International Airport. Many thousands of travelers throughout Wisconsin have come to rely on this hub for competitively priced, frequent, high quality and convenient service to dozens of cities throughout the nation. In 2006, Midwest Airlines served over 3,700,000 passengers out of its Milwaukee hub to 36 destinations by direct service (and to a total of 55 destinations including those served using connections). Midwest Airlines is also a significant employer in Milwaukee where it employs over 2,000 people. The thousands of employees of Midwest Airlines in Wisconsin, as well as its millions of customers in Wisconsin and elsewhere deserve certainty regarding this transaction. I therefore expect that the Antitrust Division will complete its review in a fair and expeditious manner.”

● Global ban sought for lead paint
U.S. Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg (Democrat, New Jersey) sent a letter to President Bush urging him to spearhead a ban on lead paint in children’s products worldwide. Lautenberg’s letter follows recent recalls of millions of toys because of lead paint. In his letter, Sen. Lautenberg said, “Lead is a hazardous toxin that can have a devastating effect on human health, especially for young children whose brains are still developing. I call on you to work with our trading partners to initiate a worldwide ban on lead paint in children’s products. A worldwide ban would protect children at home and around the world from the debilitating effects of lead exposure. Our children deserve no less.”

● Fighting Fish Disease in the Great Lakes
Determined to prevent viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS), a deadly fish disease, from spreading in the Great Lakes, Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow, (both Democrats, Michigan) joined eight of their colleagues in a bipartisan letter to the Senate Agriculture Committee asking them to include authority in the upcoming 2007 farm bill for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide assistance to states for monitoring, testing, controlling and enforcement efforts. “The Great Lakes face a number of ongoing challenges, one of which is viral hemorrhagic septicemia, a very serious invasive species,” Levin said. “We don’t have a minute to spare when it comes to fighting this virus. One way to combat VHS is to require the USDA to help states in managing, researching and monitoring VHS.”

● Support for Julie Myers
U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman (Independent, Connecticut) said today he would support the nomination of Julie Myers to be Assistant Secretary of Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the Department of Homeland Security. Lieberman, who chairs the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, told Myers: " During your nomination hearing in 2005, I and several of my colleagues raised concerns about whether you had sufficient experience and managerial ability to lead an agency such as ICE - a big and complicated agency. I ultimately voted against your nomination in Committee because of those concerns. As you know the Senate never acted, but the President gave you a recess appointment. You have now been Assistant Secretary at ICE for more than a year and a half, and the relevant criterion now becomes whether you have been doing a good enough job running this important agency to have overcome my earlier concerns.All things considered, based on your performance and on more than 20 interviews conducted by members of Committee staff of people, inside ICE and outside of ICE, who have worked with you, I believe that you have what it takes to get the job done and will therefore vote to confirm your nomination.".”

● Protecting journalists and their sources
U.S. Senators Arlen Specter (Republican, Pennsylvania), Chuck Schumer (Democrat, New York), and Richard Lugar (Republican, Indiana), this week introduced the Free Flow of Information Act of 2007. The Act seeks to protect the public’s right to information and a free press by providing appropriate protections to reporters and their employers in order to protect confidential sources while ensuring effective law enforcement.
“There has been a growing consensus that we need to establish a federal journalists’ privilege to protect the integrity of the newsgathering process – a process that depends on the free flow of information between journalists and whistleblowers, as well as other confidential sources,” stated Specter. “It is time to simplify the patchwork of court decisions and legislation that has grown over the last three decades. It is time for Congress to clear up the ambiguities journalists and the federal judicial system face in balancing the protections journalists need in providing confidential information to the public with the ability of the courts to conduct fair and accurate trials.” Said Schumer: “A vibrant, free press that provides accurate information to citizens is fundamental to a healthy democracy. And a reporter’s ability to effectively gather information is central to that process. Our courts already protect the privacy of many forms of communication, and this balanced bill recognizes that a reporter’s relationship with a source deserves substantial protection, too. We have struck a proper balance between preserving journalistic integrity with the public’s right to seek justice.”

● A brush with Rush
U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler (Democrat, Florida) says radio personality owes his constituents an apology. In a segment of Limbaugh's show in which he criticized Wexler's opposition to the Iraq War, Limbaugh also had this to say about Wexler's constituents: "They are deranged -- and, yes, they are listening to me right now. You people down here, you are deranged. You Democrats down here are absolutely delusional, devoid of any rationality or reason." Wexler responded in a press release: “Many of the same people Rush Limbaugh is calling ‘deranged’ and ‘lunatics’ are World War II and Korean War veterans. Many of them are Holocaust survivors. These are the same men and women who re-built American after the Great Depression. These are good, law-abiding citizens -- and he owes them an apology. It is pathetic that Mr. Limbaugh only supports veterans that share his opinions.”

Greater San Diego County

UJF CEO Michael Rassler sends greetings to San Diego Jews

SAN DIEGO —Please allow me to extend my personal best wishes to you and your entire family for a sweet, healthy, happy, and productive Shana Tovah. Throughout the Jewish world, we are preparing to celebrate the new year, and to embrace new ideas and opportunities for Jewish insight, growth and commitment.

This is a unique time of year for the Jewish people — a time for reflection on the past twelve months, on what we have achieved, and on what still remains to be done. We are asked to think about the kind of person we want to be — and what it will take for each of us to fulfill our personal promise.

At this time last year, we were in the midst of responding to Israel's war with Hezbollah. Your generosity of heart, spirit and resources allowed the San Diego Jewish community to surpass some of the largest Jewish communities in the United States in supporting Israel in her time of greatest need. And as the 2007 Annual Campaign reflects, your support enabled the Federation to reach its $7.4 million dollar goal, and provide the funds necessary to sustain the infrastructure of our local and global Jewish communities. Each day, in so many ways, our Jewish community responds to the needs of the Jewish people — often in more meaningful and generous ways than the time before.

So, on this Rosh Hashanah, I hope that you will join me in expressing deep gratitude and appreciation for this wonderful Jewish community in which we live and are able to raise and nurture our families. May our thoughts and prayers this year include our friends and family in Israel as they continue to face threats from those who wish to destroy her, and let us hope that this year brings peace — Shalom —to Israel, the Jewish people, and the entire world.

The preceding was provided by the United Jewish Federation of San Diego County

(Return to top)

JFS schedules child-rearing workshops

SAN DIEGO (Press Release) --Plugged-in Parents, a joint program of Jewish Family Service and The Agency for Jewish Education, offers various parenting workshops to provide parents with the resources needed to help children grow with minimal stress. Led by child development specialists, workshops teach parents to raise children with morals, values, respect and manners.

The upcoming fall parenting workshop is based-off Blessings of a Skinned Knee by Wendy Mogel, PhD, and helps parents gain a deeper understanding of appropriate expectations, children’s needs, and the maturation process. All parents of preschoolers and elementary school-aged children are invited to attend the workshop. Topics include:

· Children Can Reach Their Potential Without Stress

· Freedom for Children and Where to Draw The Line

· Giving and Receiving

· Channeling Passion and Creativity

· Goals for Raising Children

Workshops are offered Wednesdays at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center in La Jolla; Tuesdays and Sundays at Congregation Beth Am in Carmel Valley; and Thursdays and Sundays at Temple Solel in East County. Workshops begin as early as October 11, 2007 and last six sessions. Workshop registration includes a copy of Wendy Mogel’s book, along with a ticket to her evening lecture at the San Diego Jewish Book Fair on November 5. For more information about dates and times contact (858) 268-9200 x121 or register online at www.jfssd.org.

The preceding was provided by Jewish Family Service

(Return to top)

Sports

SDJA drubbed 58-14, but coach is proud of squad's first 11-man outing

By Joe Naiman

RAMONA, California —San Diego Jewish Academy lost the game to Sun Valley, but the Lions made their eleven-man football debut September 6.

Sun Valley, which is a charter school of the Ramona Unified
School District and plays its home games at Ramona High
School's Dawg Pound, hosted the Lions and improved its
record to 1-1 with the 58-14 victory. Sun Valley had played a scrimmage August 30 against La Jolla Country Day but had not played an actual 11-man game prior to a loss to Julian.

The game was also the first as a head coach for SDJA's Pawen Dhokal, who was a quarterbacks coach and trainer for the Lions in 2006.

"It was a rough game for us," Dhokal said. "But we played
hard the whole game."

Sun Valley, which is coached by Jerry Webb, made its football
debut last year as an eight-man squad. This year the Falcons
moved up to eleven-man football and also received school
district approval to play in the same stadium as Ramona
High School. Sharing the stadium with the Bulldogs means
Thursday night games for the Falcons, and while many teams are reluctant to play on Thursday night the date is ideal for San
Diego Jewish Academy, which avoids Shabbat games on Friday
and Saturday.

San Diego Jewish Academy has played eight-man football for its
history through last year, and this year the Lions have a handful
of games against schools with 11-man teams. "The boys, they want to play what they call regular football," Dhokal said. "They like the 11-man game. The field is a little wider, a little
longer. It allows us to do a few more things."

Webb has his own experience taking a small religious school from eight-man to eleven players; when he coached Midway Baptist from 1982 to 2003 the Patriots made the transition for the 1994season. "It just made all the difference in the program," he
said.

Webb's experience both at Midway Baptist and at Sun Valley has
shown that 11-man squads lead to higher turnouts. "It's a good
situation for everybody," he said.

Eleven-a-side football also means that three more players are on
the field for each team. While Sun Valley entered the season
with 23 players, the Lions fielded a squad of 18. Many SDJA
players had to play both offense and defense. "That makes it
rough for them," Dhokal said.

SDJA especially suffered when starting quarterback Lev Mizan, who was also playing defense, made a hit on a Falcon receiver and suffered a concussion. The Lions trainer also treated bruised ribs, a broken wrist, a pulled hamstring, and two sprained ankles. "I think part of that is going both ways," Dhokal said.

The Lions players will have two weeks to recover, since SDJA is off tomorrow due to Rosh Hashonah and will not play again before the Lions' first home game September 20. Mizan's injury was augmented by the temporary ineligibility of 2006 quarterback Bobby Jackson, but that ineligibility is due to a minimum practice requirement prior to competing in an actual football game and Jackson will have met that minimum number by next week.

By the time Mizan was injured in the second quarter, the Falcons
had already compiled a sizable lead. Four first-quarter touchdowns gave Sun Valley a 28-0 lead. Sun Valley made the
score 36-0 in the second quarter before the Lions' first-ever 11-man touchdown which occurred when Illan Bielas, who replaced Mizan at quarterback, threw a 45-yard touchdown pass to freshman Rafi Larie. "The ball got tipped and he had great concentration, brought it down," Dhokal said of Larie.

The Lions' conversion attempt failed, and the score was 36-6 at
halftime.

The Falcons led 50-6 after three quarters, and Webb tried to avoid running up the score by not passing or calling outside
runs during the second half.

In eight-man football a mercy rule calls the game if one team leads by at least 45 points after halftime. No such mercy rule
exists in 11-man football, but the referee offered Dhokal the
option of a running clock for the fourth quarter.

Dhokal declined the quicker conclusion. "When things are rough you can't throw the towel in and quit. You have to learn from your mistakes," he said. "It's important in life not to give up when things are tough."

Sun Valley took a 58-6 lead before the Lions scored the final points of the game when linebacker Hunter Spiegel stripped the ball from a Falcon runner and returned the fumble 90 yards for a touchdown.

"I've never seen him run that fast," Dhokal said of Spiegel.

The Lions were successful on the two-point conversion which
closed out the scoring.

"I'm pretty proud of the boys," Dhokal said.

"We had an uphill battle," Dhokal said. "I think it makes us
a stronger and better team. If forces our hand to play to an even higher and better level."

{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}

A Happy, healthy New Year!