San Diego Jewish World

                                            Friday Afternoon, June 22, 2007    

                                                                      Vol. 1, Number 53
 

House again passes bill to cut off 'aid' to Saudi Arabia

WASHINGTON, DC (Press Release)—The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation Thursday evening, June 21, which prohibits the United States from providing any financial aid to Saudi Arabia. The legislation, passed as an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2008 Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill, closes a loophole the Bush Administration has used in each of the last three years to ignore the will of Congress to cut off this aid. The legislation was introduced by Democratic Reps. Anthony Weiner of New York, Joseph Crowley of New York and Shelley Berkley of Nevada and by Republican Rep. Mike Ferguson of New Jersey.

Each of the past three years, Rep. Weiner has introduced and passed legislation in the House of Representatives banning U.S. aid to Saudi Arabia, only to see the Bush Administration use a waiver provision in the bill or loophole in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to send even more aid to the Saudi Arabian government, $2.53 million over fiscal years 2005 and 2006. 

The Section 571 loophole in the Foreign Assistance Act allows the President to send as much anti-terror funding as he wants—without issuing a public certification—-as long as it is used to “deter terrorism.” The Weiner-Crowley amendment would close that loophole for good by adding a clause to trump the Foreign Assistance Act, making the ban no longer subject to the section 571 loophole.

Saudi Arabia has proven time and again that they are not steadfast American allies by continuing to bankroll terrorist organizations that have attacked both the United States and Israel, supporting the Arab League boycott of Israel and other transgressions against U.S interests and values.

Saudi Arabian Government Is Undermining The War In Iraq - As of May 2007, the Saudi Arabian government has made no official move to stop the 3,000 Saudi terrorists actively fighting U.S. troops in Iraq. Additionally, Sheik Saleh al-Liuhaidan, chief of the Saudi Arabian Judiciary, approved the transfer of money and men to Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi, former head of Al-Qaeda in Iraq.  {jump to continuation}

UNESCO Chief Matsuura opposes boycott of Israel universities

UNITED NATIONS (Press Release) – The head of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) today expressed concern over a threatened boycott of Israeli academic institutions by the British University and College Union, stressing that opportunities for peace and dialogue must be seized especially in conflict situations.

“Academics are responsible for gathering, processing and distributing information, which are tasks necessary for building stable, prosperous and democratic societies,” said UNESCO’s Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura. “We need to preserve the universality of research, exchange and learning, and support all joint academic activities that foster the sharing of experiences and expertise.”

Academic work and institutions are centered on the free flow of ideas and knowledge, which is the core of all intellectual activity, he added.

The request for the boycott is current being circulated to all local Union branches for discussion.

“If we are serious about the need to promote sustained peace, democracy and development, I believe that we have the moral responsibility to share knowledge and promote understanding,” said the UNESCO chief, noting that cooperation among the world’s university is a necessity, not a luxury.

“We must therefore continue to support all efforts within civil societies to nurture contacts in the spirit of respect and mutual understanding which characterize peaceful relations.”

The preceding story was provided by the United Nations 

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ADL urges UN, NGOs to seek release of 3 Israeli prisoners

NEW YORK (Press Release)—On the one-year anniversary of the kidnapping of an Israeli soldier by the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) called on human rights groups, the United Nations and the international community to speak out and demand his freedom, as well as that of two Israeli soldiers held captive by Hezbollah in Lebanon.

On June 25, 2006, Gilad Shalit, 20, was kidnapped by Hamas in an attack on a military installation on Israeli soil.  Shalit remains in captivity in the Gaza Strip.  Israel Defense Forces reservists Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev, kidnapped in a raid on Israel's northern border and taken into Lebanese territory by Hezbollah on July 12, 2006, also remain in captivity, their whereabouts and conditions unknown.

"The continued captivity of these young men after one year with no word as to their fate is unacceptable and a clear violation of international protocol," said Glen S. Lewy, ADL National Chair and Abraham H. Foxman, National Director.  "The international community must demand their immediate and unconditional release."

In letters to the directors of Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and Human Rights First, ADL called on those groups to speak out and demand the release of the soldiers one year after their capture.

The League thanked U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his previously speaking out on the issue and for meeting with families of the kidnapped soldiers.  On the anniversary of Shalit's capture, Lewy and Foxman urged Ban to "reinvigorate efforts" to demand the soldiers' release.

U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, which set the terms of an Israeli-Hezbollah ceasefire in August 2006, calls for the "unconditional release" of the soldiers.  The captors of Goldwasser and Regev have refused to provide any information to international relief agencies regarding their whereabouts or condition.  Hezbollah and Hamas have also denied requests by the International Red Cross for access to the captives.

The preceding story was provided by the Anti-Defamation League

 

A Herald in Zion....           Notes from Mevasseret Zion                                             Dorothea Shefer-Vanson

Differences between being 'planter' and 'planted'

MEVASSERET ZION, Israel—When I was a child in London the nursery was the room at the top of our house which I shared with my sisters. Later it was the place where we were deposited for a few hours each day to play and sing with other children, under the care of ‘Auntie Gina,’ before we were old enough to go to school.

Today the word ‘nursery’ has an entirely different connotation for me. It is the place where I go about once a month to stock up on plants for my garden. I’m obviously not blessed with green fingers, otherwise I wouldn’t have to go so often. But I’m loth to entrust the care of my small plot of land to anyone else, however professional and proficient. I prefer the trial and error method of gardening, hence the high plant turnover. And the joy I experience when plants succeed far outweighs any pangs of chagrin when they fail.

Perhaps it’s my love of nurseries that gives me my philosophic take on the life of plants. Although I’m not exactly jubilant when a plant dies, I’m glad of the opportunity to pay a visit to that other eden down the road where bright petunias jostle one another, fuchsia plants flaunt their drooping, radiant flowers and even humble geraniums seem exotic. I don’t seem to be alone in this, and can see that many of the other customers are regulars, too.

A small confession: my pride and joy was my hydrangea, which survived the harsh Jerusalem winter in a sheltered corner and produced ten reddish-pink blooms all at once. Now that I’ve seen the ones in the nursery, however, I know that my blooms should be bigger and brighter. I’ll have to do better next year.

The foregoing article was reprinted from the AJR Journal (Association of Jewish Refugees) in England.
 

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Date: June 22, 2007
Time: 12:18 p.m, EST
Place: U.S. State Department
Briefing officer: Sean McCormack, Spokesperson for the Secretary of State
Source: State Department Transcript
Subjects: Middle East

QUESTION: Sean, Monday, President Mubarak of Egypt has invited virtually the whole problems of both Gaza and West Bank; he's invited President Abbas, Prime Minister Olmert of Israel, King Abdallah of Jordan. Are you going to also be monitoring what is going to go on at that conference?

MR. MCCORMACK: Of course, yeah. Of course we're going to talk to the participants afterwards. I can't tell you that we're going to have anybody at the meeting. I'm not sure we should be at the meeting. It's -- we don't need to be at every meeting in the Middle East and that's a healthy thing. We encourage the parties in the region, the Palestinians, the Israelis, and larger groups to get together to work on problem-solving and they can also look forward a little bit to the wider strategic horizon and how to move the process forward.

QUESTION: Now have you also asked, would the Egyptians ask others such as the Saudis, the Emirates, and other moderate Arab states to come to that conference to --

MR. MCCORMACK: It's up to them, Joel.

QUESTION: It's up to --

MR. MCCORMACK: It's really -- it's really up to them. They're the hosts.

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The Jewish Grapevine                                                  
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CYBER-REFERRALS—Israel's Consulate-General forwards the video below promoting tourism to Israel.  It's not "dangerous" in the way some people imagine!




DEAD SEA SCROLLS—Various groups are scheduling special events around the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit at the San Diego Natural History Museum, among them LEAD San Diego, the group that trains leaders for civic responsibilities.  It plans a breakfast followed by a briefing and a tour of the exhibit on July 12. 

INSURANCE SCAM—You buy insurance through an agent, who pockets your money for the premiums.  You are uninsured but don't know it.  State Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner said this is what occurred in the case of Alice Linda Constantine, a Santa Clarita broker who also sold insurance under the names of Alice O'Neil and Alice Beard.  In a plea agreement, the defendant will make full restitution of slightly more than $11,000 to her deceived clients, will serve 18 days in county jail, perform 100 hours of community service and will never work in the insurance industry again.

JEWISH MUSEUM—The Jerusalem Post has a story about how the tiny Jewish community of the state of Alaska plans a Jewish museum. Now if only the Jews of San Diego County—with a population some 30 times as large—could bestir itself to do the same thing!

POLITICAL SCENE—The Republican Jewish Coalition has offered its mazal tov to its member Nancy G. Brinker, who "has been named by President Bush to serve as the administration's next Chief of Protocol, with the rank of Ambassador — a position responsible for planning ceremonial events and monitoring diplomatic conduct."

Shalom, Israel! There Went SSDHDS 8th-graders!

Editor's Note: To celebrate their graduation from Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School, 8th graders took a class trip to Israel, now concluded.  We ran some selections from their journal last Saturday evening.  Here are more impressions posted by the students, and chaperones,  on a private website, to which San Diego Jewish World had been granted access. Spellings and punctuation are as posted.

Sunday, June 17

Not enough time to blog during a very busy day visiting Hebron, Gush Etzion, the Kotel tunnel tour, the Kotel Archeological Museum, Machane Yehuda, and Ben Yehuda Street. We’ll try to blog on the bus tomorrow, but I probably won’t be able to upload the website until Tuesday, unless there is internet access at the Bedouin tents (which I doubt). In the meantime, enjoy todays pictures, and have a happy Father’s Day! —Marc

Mikvah near Ha Kotel

Monday, JUne 18

At this very moment we are coming from the Menachem Begin Museum, on our way to Bet Guvirin for an archaeological dig. Though the museum was very well-done, replete with flashing lights, movies, and, of course, information, I’d like to backtrack a little bit and comment on yesterday. Yesterday, as probably mentioned earlier, we visited the holy city of Hevron and davened at the M’arat Ha’machpeila where the patriarchs and matriarchs are buried. There, as we were leaving we passed a
                                                                                                                                        Camel riding
group of eight or nine-year-old boys, davening. And it wasn’t just your standard davening - they sang the words at the top of their lungs, following carefully in their siddurim, and shuckeling (swaying) so that their little peyos were bouncing. Once outside our tour guide gave us a brief talk about them. These boys attend a type of school where they wake up and daven every morning at 7:30 and then afterwards learn Torah, saying each passuk forty times until they have all of Tanach memorized. After they have that very strong foundation  (about age ten) they go on to mishna and gemara. And the clincher was that this school goes 364 days a year, only not studying on Tisha B’Av when it’s forbidden. Can you imagine how much these kids have memorized by the time they are fourteen? Probably more than we have memorized in our lives. They are spending each and every day improving their minds and using their time productively. This brings me to my point about one of the things I love about the trip: We never waste time. Each day of this trip is stuffed full of hikes, activities, and learning and each night, when you go to bed (however late that might be) you’re thinking, “Wow, I did a lot today.” Here in Israel, especially, it’s very fulfilling. And to prove my point, on the agenda for today is digging in Beit Guvrin, riding camels, and sleeping in Bedouin tents. Should be fun  -Alexi

Tuesday, JUne 19

Hi guys! guess what? i finally floated in water! I’ve never been able to do that before! when i got into the water at the Dead Sea i immediately felt the itchyness of the salt. then as i got deeper and put my hands in the water i felt how the water felt like oil. it reminded me of the oil we get on our hands when we make matzoh balls! after like a minute i got too itchy and got out to go shower. i had to rinse my legs a bunch of times just to get the film of salt off of my legs.
Masada at sunrise

Boys and girls went to seperate beaches, ours of course being filled with religious women of both Jewish and Muslim denominations. (We’re talking religious here).  We walked into the beach expecting modest women who wished to take a dip in a modest way. but EW! there were women topless, who SHOULD NOT have been that way. Hilda said she felt like she was in a slum. i kind of agree.

I love you Mommy, Daddy, and Kelilah! I can’t wait to see you in two-ish days Love,  Hannah

Wednesday, JUne 20
 

This morning started off a little hectic, waking up around 4:30 in order to get to the Kotel in time for sunrise. I believe we missed it by a little bit but it was of course, still beautiful and as a plus, much less crowded than Friday night. Afterwards we were hustled back to the hotel to load the bus with our baggage, eat a hasty breakfast, and then we listened to Sherri Mandell, author of Blessings of a Broken Heart. Truly an amazing person - read her book or see the play this January at the Rep in San Diego (I’m
Group photo before Tel Aviv departure

not being paid to write this just so you know). Then we were off to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust museum and (at the risk of sounding repetitive) truly an amazing museum. Even the architecture (it’s in the shape of a triangle, half of a Star of David to signify half of the Jewish people lost) is laden with some sort of message, and much more so the actual museum.  And just know we  are leaving Machon Ayalon, a secret Israeli bullet factory, used during the War of Independence. It seems the entire day we’ve been skipping around the whole of Jewish history, perfectly fitting for the last day n Israel, don;t you think? In my mind it’s ordered like this:

Yad Vashem, showing one of the darkest, most horrific points in Jewish History, filled with cruelty and terror and yet highlighting the the permanence and specialness of the Jewish people still here today, in spite of it.

Then, Machon Ayalon bullet factory where completely dedicated and brave Jewish individuals defied the law to help secure a Jewish state and homeland, now that the world realized the Jews needed a place where they could always go. This, directly a result of the Holocaust.

Third, Sherri Mandell speaking about her son being brutally killed by a terrorist focused on some of the serious problems with Israel today and

Finally, davening at the Kotel during sunrise. The complete epitome of Jewish past, present and future. Past being that it is the remnant of our Beit Hamikdash, enduring from then all the way until now; enduring all the other hardships of our history. Present, in that thousands of Jewish people of all types daven and visit there every single day. And of course future, in the way that we will some day again have a Beit Hamikdash and countless people are davening there for the ultimate future, the final coming of Moshiach, which should come speedily in our days. Truly an amazing way to spend our last day in Israel (you’ve never heard something remotely like that, I swear). All that’s left now is some dinner and then the flight which hopefully will also pass speedily.   -Alexi :)
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__________________________
Rabbi Baruch Lederman

 Amazing tales of Judaism
                                                                      
                                                                          Congregation Kehillas Torah, San Diego         
___________________________________________________Dvar Torah: Chukas

The Russian veteran at the Jewish inn

SAN DIEGO—"Listen now, O Rebels..." (Num 20:10)  Moshe was punished for referring to the Children of Israel as Rebels. Even though they were rebelling at the time, they should not have been perceived as rebels. The Torah expects us to love each other, see the good in each other and perceive each other as good. We must see and understand things from the other person's point of view as the following true story, heard from Rabbi Shimon Zehnwirth, illustrates:

Once, a burly, gruff looking, man who had served in the Russian army, entered a Jewish inn and ordered a meal. When Jewish boys were drafted, it was usually the end of yiddishkeit for them. The army brainwashed them to worship Mother Russia rather than G-d. He plopped himself down and ate in a most disgusting manner - stuffing an entire chicken down his mouth. It was revolting that this man, a Jew, could conduct himself in so repulsive a manner, not to mention the fact that he did not recite a bracha (blessing) or wear a yarmulke (ritual skullcap) while he ate. The innkeeper and the others present were sickened and embarrassed by this display; though none dared say anything.

The Chofetz Chaim (Rabbi Yisroel Meir Kagan) happened to be a guest at that inn. He saw the young man and slowly approached him. Everyone wondered, what would the Chofetz Chaim possibly say to this man. What could he say? Surely this oaf would not listen to any rebuke, even from such a holy man.

The Choftez Chaim asked the man, "Is it true that you served in the Russian army?"

"Yes," snorted the man, bracing his defenses for the oncoming tongue-lashing he was fully expecting.

"Tell me," began the Chofetz Chaim, "How did you manage to keep your Jewish identity in those circumstances? So many Jewish boys entered the army, only to eventually give up their Judaism. They are forced to serve for 25 years without any kosher food, Jewish holidays, or any other vestige of Judaism. Yet, when you could have easily gone to any inn, you chose a Jewish one. You still identify as a Jew. I don't know if I could have done what you did. You are an inspiration. Where did you find the strength?"

The soldier, caught off guard and clearly moved, looked straight at the Chofetz Chaim, "It was so hard, they did everything to pound it out of us - to make us denounce and forget
that we were Jews."

"It is a miracle that you made it through. Now you can begin to learn the Torah and mitzvos that you were deprived of all these years."

"But Rebbi, how can I possibly do that," the soldier, now sobbing bitterly, responded. He continued through his tears, "I want to return to my heritage, but I am so far removed. Surely it isn't possible for someone like me to learn."

"No," said the Chofetz Chaim, "It is still possible. It is always possible. I can show you how."

As the soldier spoke to the Chofetz Chaim, the stones on his heart began to melt. Had the Chofetz Chaim not understood and appreciated this man's perspective, this amazing episode never would have occurred. What did happen was: from that day on, the former soldier began a path to repentance and as the years went by, developed into an observant, well-learned Jew.

Dedicated by Michael & Rivka Spiegel in honor of their children, and by Linda Cohen in memory of her parents Albert & Julia Cohen.
 

 
Epstein             Selig                                                                                                                                   Kinsler

A nostalgic visit for baseball's youngest general manager

BASEBALL JEWS—Stories, columns and charts from the San Diego Union-Tribune provided this information for our linking service concerning the activities and performances of Jews in major league baseball: Theo Epstein, who holds the distinction of being the youngest general manager in baseball history, flew with other Boston Red Sox executives to San Diego to watch a series with the Padres. One reason: Epstein, a University of San Diego law school graduate, learned the baseball business in San Diego.  Another: the two teams are leading their divisions in their respective leagues, and the game could be a harbinger of things to come. The story is by Chris Jenkins ... Baseball commissioner Bud Selig's ultimatum to agree by yesterday to meet with steroids investigator George Mitchell, the former U.S. Senate majority leader, was complied with. Jason Giambi of the New York Yankees announced the meeting would take place soon...Jason Kinsler went hitless, but he scored one run after being walked, helping the Texas Rangers to a 6-5 victory over the Chicago Cubs.

Saudi Arabia...
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Saudi Arabia Exports Hate - Radical Saudi Arabian clerics preach hate towards the U.S, Israel, and their allies. 15 of the 19 9/11 hijackers were Saudi Arabian’s. 61% of all suicide bombers in Iraq are of Saudi Arabian descent.

Saudi Arabian Government Is Working Against Democracy - In February, the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence found that 10 men arrested in Saudi Arabia were incarcerated for calling for democratic reforms in the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia Is Actively Working Against U.S. in the West Bank and Gaza – The terrorist organization Hamas receives more than 50% of its financing from Saudi Arabia. In May of 2007 alone, the Saudi Arabian government planned to send $300 million to Hamas.  In February, King Abdullah brokered a peace-deal, which undermined Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice’s plans for a high profile summit. King Abdullah’s plan allowed for Hamas to continue the non-recognition Israel.

“When it comes to providing aid to countries like Saudi Arabia who actively work against U.S interests we have only one choice, to cut the funds off entirely,” said Weiner. “By cutting off aid and closing the loophole we send a clear message to the Saudi Arabian government that they must be a true ally in advancing peace in the Middle East.”

“The U.S. Congress must continue to make clear to Saudi Arabia that they cannot claim be our ally while its people provide support to terrorists who are a threat to regional stability in the Middle East and around the globe,” Crowley said.  “I am proud to work with Reps. Anthony Weiner, Mike Ferguson, and Shelley Berkley in sending a clear message that the United States will not continue to provide aid to the Saudi government so long as it continues to accept and tolerate hatred of the West and our allies.” 

“Saudi Arabia needs to be a partner with the United States and other nations in the effort to combat terrorism – unfortunately, that’s not the case today,” Ferguson said.  “Saudi Arabia claims to be taking positive steps, but the facts demonstrate otherwise, and that’s why this legislation is needed and important.”

“While Saudi Arabia claims to be America’s ally, their actions tell a far different tale, and we should not be rewarding their record of broken promises and disturbing terrorist ties.  By continuing to promote and finance acts of terrorism, including those targeting innocent families, the Saudis are actively undermining our efforts to promote democracy and bring stability to the Middle East.  Banning U.S. aid to Saudi Arabia sends a clear message that we will not stand by and watch as the Kingdom continues to promote policies that threaten America and our allies,” said Berkley.               

Each of the last three years, President Bush has signed into law Weiner’s legislation banning aid to Saudi Arabia.
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