Features - Winnipeg Jewish Review

To The Editor,

March 5, 2012,

Please see the letter below sent re: boycott at the Lavan store in Vancouver that sells Israeli soap.

Orli Avior and Anne Shalom, Israel

I have read of an appalling demonstration outside a shop in Vancouver. The proprietor, who sells Israeliproducts, has been hounded by anti-Israeldemonstrators, and with anti-semetic connotations, i.e. shouting HeilHitler. Such actions are most unacceptable and distressing.

These demonstrators do not ring of sincerity. The most appallinglack of human rights are prevalent in eg Zimbabwe, the Arab countries,who promote no rights for women, gays, Christians, Bahais, and Lebanon who doesnot allow Palestinians freedom of where to work, live, etc. Genuine humanrights 'carers' should speak out against this, and alsop the shocking anddistressful situation of the Syrians.

I grew up in South Africaunder Apartheid, and I understand extremelywell what apartheid is...not thenonsense spewed out by Anti-Israeldemonstrators. Israel is the only democracy inthe Middle East, which I, too have lived in,and have witnessed.

I strongly protest this hateful, inciteful anti-Israelboycott campaign in Vancouver, and as Canada has always been a strong ally of Israel,I urge you to take action to ensure that these activities cease immediately.

TORONTO, ON – On February 23, 2012, the Ontario Legislature passed Bill 17, An Act to Proclaim the Month of May Jewish Heritage Month. The legislation received strong cross-party support, being introduced by Liberal MPP Mike Colle as a private member’s bill with co-sponsorship from Peter Shurman of the Progressive Conservative Party and Cheri DiNovo of the NDP.

Reacting to the Bill’s passage, David Spiro, Greater Toronto Co-Chair of The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, the advocacy arm of Canadian Jewish Federations, issued the following statement:

“We commend all Members of the Ontario Legislature for establishing May as Jewish Heritage Month in Ontario, and we appreciate the swift passage of this cross-party initiative. For more than two centuries, the Jewish community has worked side-by-side with Ontarians from all backgrounds to help build one of the greatest places in the world to raise a family. Indeed, the values upheld by all Ontarians are values shared by our community. Just as Jewish Heritage Month offers an opportunity to reflect on our past, it serves as a reminder for all in our province to continue building on our collective achievements – for the benefit of the next generation of Ontarians.”

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs is a non-partisan organization that creates and implements strategies for the purpose of improving the quality of Jewish life in Canada and abroad, increasing support for Israel, and strengthening the Canada-Israel relationship.

The Common Swift is a unique bird that spends most of its life on the wing. It feeds on flying insects, which it hunts in the air, it drinks while flying, it sleeps on the wing and it even mates on the wing at the beginning of the breeding season.

The Common Swift spends most of the time living in South Africa in dense colonial groups and at the beginning of spring starts migrating north to its breeding sites.

During mid-February it arrives in Israel, which is known to be one of its first breeding sites, and migrates back to Africa at the beginning of June, immediately after its nestlings have fledged.

It is a small bird, weighing only 35 – 45 grams, but is a superior flier, an aerial acrobat. It has a thin, short body and impressive, long, scythe-like wings with an outstanding aspect ratio.

Ever since humans have started building cities, the Common Swift has found our buildings perfect for nesting sites including ancient holy sites such as churches, synagogues, mosques and temples, and has become dependent on us. The Western Wall in Jerusalem serves as one of the oldest Common Swift nesting sites in the world.

A special study to map the nests was conducted in 2002 by the researcher, Mr. Ulrich Tigges and by the late Prof. Mendelssohn during which 88 nests were noted. This study map served as a guideline during the work of strengthening the Western Wall, keeping the nests unblocked.

However, the future of the Common Swift is not secure at all and their future is at risk. The FRIENDS OF THE SWIFTS Association, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, and Tel Aviv University are working together to promise the future of the Common Swift by all available means: saving existing nesting sites, designing and building new ones, special educational programs in schools, assisting Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers, and PR activities to increase public awareness of this special bird and the problems it faces.

Thank you very much for joining us on this unique and special day, which also symbolizes the arrival of spring.

Dr. Yossi Leshem, Tel-Aviv University and Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel

18:00 –17:35: Guided Observation of Swifts Returning to the Western Wall

WASHINGTON — The American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s (AIPAC) annual Policy Conference is the most important event of the year for America’s pro-Israel community. This year’s conference will be the largest Policy Conference in AIPAC history, with more than 13,000 people participating and thousands heading to Capitol Hill on the final day of the three-day conference to lobby Congress in support of the U.S.-Israel relationship.

This year’s conference gathers at a time when the global threat posed by Iran is at an all-time high. Iran is nearing nuclear-weapons capability, jeopardizing American national security and threatening our friends in the Gulf as well as our broader interests in the Middle East. Tehran’s terrorist proxies have heightened their efforts to strike against U.S. and Israeli targets worldwide—from Washington D.C. to Thailand. And Iran’s leaders call for Israel to be wiped off the map as they pursue nuclear weapons that would pose an intolerable threat to the Jewish state.

Speaking to this very issue and the dangerous national security threat posed by Iran are the leaders of both the United States and Israel. Headlining this year’s conference will be President of the United States Barack Obama, Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu, President of Israel Shimon Peres, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA). Conference delegates will also hear addresses by House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA), House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD), Sens. Carl Levin (D-MI), Joe Lieberman (I-CT) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA), as well as Republican candidates for President former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, former Sen. Rick Santorum and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.

Other notable conference speakers include: U.S. Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro, Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Andrew Shapiro, Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Ron Prosor, Reps. Howard Berman (D-CA), Tom Cole (R-OK), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Eliot Engel (D-NY), Nita Lowey (D-NY), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Peter Roskam (R-IL), Steve Rothman (D-NJ), Tim Scott (R-SC) and Brad Sherman (D-CA).

On the final day of the conference, thousands of AIPAC delegates will participate in approximately 500 lobbying meetings with members of the House and Senate in order to demonstrate support for critical security assistance for Israel and increasingly stringent sanctions on Iran designed to thwart its pursuit of nuclear weapons. AIPAC activists will also be encouraging their representatives to support strengthening the U.S.-Israel strategic relationship.

Consistently ranked as the most influential foreign policy lobbying organization on Capitol Hill, AIPAC is a bipartisan American membership organization that seeks to strengthen the relationship between the United States and Israel. For more than 50 years, AIPAC has been working with Congress to build a strong, vibrant relationship between the U.S. and Israel. With more than 100,000 members across the United States, AIPAC works throughout the country to improve and strengthen that relationship by supporting U.S.-Israel military, economic, scientific and cultural cooperation.

Hoping you can direct me in my serch to find cousins on my mothers side of family.
The information I have is that there were 2 first cousins who lived in Winnipeg, there names: Louis and Bernard Rubin.

I would appreciate any help in directing me to someone I might contact in this regards.
I ama resident of USA and currently live in Florida.

Ottawa, ON – This weekend, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be visiting Canada to meet with Prime Minister Stephen Harper, key officials, and members of Canada’s Jewish community. In anticipation, David Koschitzky, Chair of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, issued the following statement:

“We extend a warm welcome to Prime Minister Netanyahu on his visit to Canada, the second such official trip in three years. For more than six decades, successive Canadian governments have expanded bilateral relations with Israel, fostering a deep friendship based on the values we share as liberal democracies. This relationship has become increasingly beneficial for both countries, as joint projects have poised Canada and Israel to make breakthroughs in fields like healthcare, green energy, and technology.

“By remaining true to Canada’s core interests and ideals, our country is playing a key role in the Middle East on a number of issues. On the one hand, this has meant taking a strong stand against those who violate human rights, export terrorism, and threaten global stability – like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the governments of Iran and Syria. On the other, it has meant actively promoting peace by encouraging negotiations and enhancing Palestinian self-government. All of this is helping to achieve two prosperous states, one Jewish and one Palestinian, living side-by-side in peace and security.

“As we reflect on the extraordinary friendship between our two countries, all Canadians can be proud that Canada is a leading champion of democracy, human rights, and peace in the Middle East.”

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs is a non-partisan organization that serves as the Canadian Jewish community’s official spokesperson to government and media.

I just wanted to say thank you for all your support. If it wasn't for you in the first instance I would not have visited Winnipeg. It really was incredible, the warmth I felt from the community and it really was special, and the Jewish community in Winnipeg truly has a special place in my heart and look forward to visiting again soon, and hopefully we can meet.I would aslo especially like to thank Shelley Faintuch, for all the support and planning for my trip, she really was incredible.

Rhonda,

The drums for war with Iran sound more loudly with every passing day.
Let’s acknowledge up front the very real and legitimate fear that this Iranian regime might acquire a nuclear weapon. Security – for Israel, Iran’s immediate neighbors and frankly for the world as a whole – must be the first and foremost concern in the discussion over what to do to prevent that from happening.
Yet, remarkably absent from the political debate on the campaign trail or in Washington is a realistic accounting of the feasibility or costs of military action against Iran or a discussion of alternative strategies centered on robust diplomacy for dissuading or preventing Iran from pursuing a nuclear weapon.
It really appears that our politicians learned nothing from the failed debate leading up to the war in Iraq.
Agreed, a strong regime of sanctions aimed at making the Iranian regime – not its people – suffer should be one piece of the equation. And non-violent, covert steps to slow Iran’s nuclear program, for instance in cyberspace, have a role.
However, a robust, new diplomatic initiative along the lines laid out by Ambassadors Thomas Pickering and William Luers should be part of the American and international strategy as well. Effective diplomacy doesn’t start with “give up your nuclear program or else.” As these veteran diplomats remind us, "Deployment of military force can bring the immediate illusion of 'success' but always results in unforeseen consequences and collateral damage that complicate further the achievement of America’s main objectives."
An Iran that willingly agrees to halt its possible weapons development will have to be given a face-saving path away from confrontation and be allowed to develop civilian nuclear energy. At the same time, of course, it must be clear to Iran that failure to take this path means utter and complete international isolation.
However, as the political debate on Iran focuses ever more narrowly on whether or when to attack Iran militarily, there’s too little meaningful discussion of the alternatives to, or consequences of, military action.
J Street has compiled statements from Israeli and American military and intelligence officials who highlight the costs and possible consequences of military action. Policy makers and the broader public need to understand that this isn’t Iraq in 1981 when a single bombing run destroyed the country’s nuclear program. It’s also not Syria in 2007 when a similarly limited attack destroyed their partly-constructed nuclear reactor.
Iran’s nuclear program is spread across the country. It’s buried far underground, perhaps unreachable by even the most powerful weapons available. An attack on Iran may cause massive civilian casualties and bring an unpredictable retaliation that could spiral quickly into regional war. (Two panels at our national conference next month in Washington will explore these issues more deeply.)
J Street’s view is clear: military action to attempt to stop Iran’s nuclear program would be a mistake.
We should be listening in advance to the experts telling us that military action can’t prevent Iran from getting a weapon and can, at best, delay the program by a matter of a year or two. We need to recognize now – not after the fact – that an attack on Iran could make the situation worse, not better. It would certainly unite the Iranian people behind a government they don’t like and increase their desire for military confrontation with Israel and the U.S.
What we need in the United States – and what seems so unfortunately lacking in the heat of an election year – is a rational discussion of what actually is the best approach for the United States and the international community to push Iran to choose a different path.
What we’re getting instead is an irrational race to yet another war our country and the world will regret and from which we’ll vow yet again to learn lessons so that, next time, we won't repeat the same mistakes.
This time, maybe our politicians should heed the lessons from prior mistakes before they act.
Thanks,
Jeremy Ben-Ami
President, J Street

Feb 16, 2012
Hi Rhonda,

RE:TIME FOR GAY-STRAIGHT ALLIANCE AT GRAY ACADEMY

Thank you for publishing Eliot's op-ed. As a former JWC student, I was
delighted to read Eliot's article, and proposal for a Gay-Straight Alliance at

the Academy. There are many of us that were in the closet, that could have
benefited from a GSA in the 1970's. I second Eliot's recommendation!

Shawn Corne, San Francisco

To the Editor, Feb 14, 2012

I would like to share with Winnpeg News free weekly good news form Israel including Israel's humanitarian work, medical achievements, technology innovations and much much more at www.verygoodnewsisrael.blogspot.com"

Michael Ordman

I would like to speak with you to get an update on the story about criminal charges against the Simkin nursing home in the death of one of its residents, Mrs. Lilyan Peck.

Our organization, the Coalition to Support SENIORS AT RISK, advocates on behalf of seniors and their families against elder abuse crimes perpetrated by institutions and by public agencies and authorities.

Despite different laws and different jurisdictions, there are remarkably similar issues arising across Canada and in the United States with respect to the risks, rights and protections afforded elderly people by public agencies. One of those similarities, a growing trend it seems, is the reluctance of authorities to enforce laws on behalf of elderly people, especially in residential care facilities.

“We condemn this resolution and call on the Student Union to repeal it immediately. The campaign to boycott Israel rejects constructive dialogue and solutions that promote peace and reconciliation. On the contrary, it holds Israel as solely responsible for the conflict and punishes all Israeli academics – including those who are themselves activists for peace.

“Israel, the most free and liberal country in the Middle East, is the only democracy in the world whose citizens are singled out and personally boycotted for the policy decisions of their government. It is outrageous that the University of Regina’s Student Union would endorse such a repugnant campaign. We call on students, academics, and alumni of the university to give voice to their conscience by contacting the Student Union and university President to demand the repeal of this resolution.”

For a Toonie ($2.00) your child will be able to purchase a leaf, label the leaf and pin it on the bare Acacia tree that will be displayed in the multi – purpose room (MPR). The goal of this project is to help sustain the Arava Valley in Israel. Acacia trees are the basis of the eco-system, providing a source of nitrogen to the soil for farming. Its roots offer protection from soil erosion and its leaves and pods serve as fodder to nourish desert animals and livestock.

Toronto, ON – Today, the CBC reported that hackers in Europe have exposed an international network of white supremacists, including a list of 74 Canadians involved with hate organizations.

In response, Shimon Fogel, CEO of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, made the following statement:

“We were disturbed to read today’s report, which reminds us that classical antisemitism continues to exist, and occasionally inspire violence, here in Canada.

“Such toxic hatred disgusts the overwhelming majority of Canadians and stands in stark contrast to Canada’s core values. Today’s report should serve as a wake-up call for all of us to remain vigilant in standing against hate, regardless of the community that is targeted.”

Ottawa, ON – Today, the Government of Canada announced measures to enhance sanctions targeting Iranian nuclear proliferation.

The new measures target front companies used by the Iranian regime to circumvent existing sanctions, entities known for funneling weapons to the brutal regime in Syria, and three highly placed Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) officials.

In response, David Koschitzky, Chair of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, made the following statement:

“We commend the government for this initiative, which exemplifies the important role Canada plays in the international effort to counter Iran’s illegal drive to obtain nuclear weapons. We are gratified that Canada continues to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with likeminded nations in taking peaceful measures to confront the Iranian nuclear threat.

“The most recent UN report from the International Atomic Energy Agency paints a grim picture of Iran on the cusp of developing the capability for nuclear weapons. Combined with its funneling of weapons and funds to terror groups around the world, the Iranian regime poses a grave threat to international peace and security. If these sanctions fail to convince the regime to abandon its dangerous course, Canada must be prepared to take further peaceful steps in response, such as listing the IRGC as a terrorist entity.”

Steve McDonald
Associate Director, Communications
(416) 953-4417
[email protected]

I am hoping that you will be able to provide me with this information I am
having a heck of a time finding his item grape leaves but, they can’t be in
brine either dried or fresh any help I can’t have vinegar at all.

Toronto, ON – In honour of Raoul Wallenberg Day, which was established ten years ago by Parliament to be observed every January 17th, David Koschitzky, Chair of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, issued the following statement:

“Raoul Wallenberg Day serves two important purposes. First, it reminds us that, just as we must never forget the horrors of the Holocaust, we must honour those who took action to save lives at great personal risk.

“Known as the ‘Righteous Among the Nations’, countless individuals resisted the cruel power of Nazi Germany and demonstrated that even a single person of conscience can have an extraordinary impact. Raoul Wallenberg’s tireless and solitary campaign, in which he used his diplomatic post to provide safe haven for the doomed Jews of Hungary, is credited with saving thousands.

“As Canadian Jews, we are blessed to be citizens of a country that values freedom and human rights as universal, core principles. Indeed, these are the bedrock values of a country that sacrificed so much in the fight against Nazi Germany – something for which all Canadians can be proud.

“This speaks to the second purpose of Raoul Wallenberg Day. For it is a day that should inspire us not only to preserve these values for future generations, but to continue to take a firm stand against evil. We can best honour his legacy by speaking up and taking action on behalf of those who face persecution around the world.”

Steve McDonald
Associate Director, Communications
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs
[email protected] / (416) 953-4417

Rhonda

I am writing you to express my disappointment for including my picture in the article that was sent to you by Howard Morry entitled:

Recognition of Israel as a Jewish State.

Showing my picture with Howard in this article gives the reader the impression that I am in support of the position that Howard stated in the article.

As you are aware, Howard and I debated this point at great length at the Arab Jewish Dialogue chapter meeting on Wednesday November 16th

At that meeting I disagreed with Howard's view of the subject and gave my rational for not agreeing with this position as it is an obstacle for peace. The Palestinian Authority already stated they will never accept Mr. Netanyahu‘s position which he placed as a precondition for negotiation.

We are now at square one, obstacles are again put in place such as this one and the expansion of settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem which have resulted in stalled negotiations and continuation of the conflict. At the meeting I stated that both parties should seize the moment and set down at the negation table and be open for discussing all the issues without preconditions. Changes are taking place rapidly in the Middle East and the time has come to have the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians resolved, this is past due as well. As co-chair of the Arab Jewish dialogue, I am proud of the fact that we can debate all the issues freely in a secure environment without any fear of negative labelling. We don't have to agree with one another on all issues, all we seek is understanding of each other's narratives and hopefully find common ground.

Editor's response: I put in the photo of you next to Howard becasue you are co-Chairs of the Arab-Jewish dialogue and I thougth it was a nice photo of the two of you. By no means did I mean to imply that you agreed with the content of Howards's article. Similarly, when newspapers have photos of world leaders next to each other it by no mean's implies that they agree with eachother on a given point. However, given your letter, I have taken down the photo.

For the record Ab, I think that Netanyahu's position is not that recognition of Israel as a Jewish state is a pre-condition to negotiations, but that this recognition will be required in order for any peace agreement to ever be made, otherwise it will not signify an end to the conflect but only a prelude to the next stage of the conflict.

Ab-Can you clarify what you disagree with in particular in Howard's article. It is a lenghy piece and he said a lot. i.e. Do you agree with Howard that the crux of the dispute is that Israel's neighbours haven't accepted a Zionist state in the region, or do you think that Netanyahu has no interest in peace and is simply stalling by introducing irrelevant conditions ?

Ab Freig's response: As I mentioned above, neither party should place obstacles they know would discourage peace negotiations.

Editor's response: For the record Ab, I think that Netanyahu's position is not that recognition of Israel as a Jewish state is a pre-condition to negotiations, but that this recognition will be required in order for any peace agreement to ever be made, otherwise it will not signify an end to the conflect but only a prelude to the next stage of the conflict.