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‘Shari & Lamb Chop’ Documentary At The Boca International Jewish Film Festival By Linda Chase - Jewish Connection News Jan 7, 2025 The Boca International Jewish Film Festival returns for its second season with the Florida premiere screening of the documentary “Shari & Lamb Chop.” The film will be presented during the festival’s Cinebash on January 27th, 2025, at the Wick Theater in Boca Raton. The evening includes a patron dinner beginning at 5:00 p.m., film screening and a live performance by Mallory Lewis (Shari Lewis’ daughter) and Lamb Chop. Film only tickets are available for $36. The festival runs from February 23rd through March 16th with screenings presented at both Movies of Delray and Cinemark Palace 20 in Boca Raton. “Shari & Lamb Chop” explores the legacy of Puppeteer and Television Host Shari Lewis through Mallory’s eyes. During our interview, Mallory (who tours performing the Lamb Chop Legacy Show) shared memories of her mother. “Mom was from the Bronx. My grandfather was Peter Pan the Magic Man (the official magician for the city of New York.) He was also a professor at the Yeshiva. My grandmother was a music teacher in the Bronx schools. Between them, my mother inherited both the magic and the music. She was surrounded by Vaudeville performers as a child and used to perform alongside her father. She learned all of the Vaudeville arts, but it was the ventriloquism that made her famous.” Mallory shared how her mother and Lamb Chop became cultural icons and changed the face of children’s television. “When mom got her first television series in 1956/57 she did something no other performers were doing at the time; she broke the fourth wall and looked into the camera and connected deeply with the children. Throughout her career, she treated children with respect and encouraged them to be their best self rather than just offering them mindless entertainment. In fact, mom was the creator of the term ‘edu-tainment.’ It is important to remember that when mom first began performing there were only three channels and most homes only had one TV, so likely most families were watching the same program. Unlike children’s performers of her time she did a very sophisticated show that appealed to parents as well.” “It was wonderful to grow up as Shari’s daughter and even to this day it is wonderful being her daughter. I am very blessed to always be greeted by people with the love that she engendered. My comments section on my Social Media is filled with people telling me how much my mother meant to them and how happy they are that I have kept the legacy alive for the last 25 years,” Mallory continued. Mallory shared her thoughts on her mother receiving the long overdue cinematic tribute she deserves. “Director Lisa D'Apolito is passionate about telling the stories of strong, smart, funny women, so mom‘s story spoke to her. I am very happy that the true story will be told. Not with mom being portrayed as a ‘cute little lady with a puppet’ but a more accurate portrayal of her as a three-dimensional woman and a brilliant business person.” For more information regarding the film festival, visit: www.JFilmBoca.org Photo credit is Brad Hood Previous Next

America’s Middle East Upheaval: Assessing Egypt and Jordan’s Opposition To Trump’s Gaza Refugee Plan https://jcpa.org - Dr. Dan Diker, Yoni Ben Menachem Feb 18, 2025 Pictured: Egyptian protesters at the Rafah crossing on the border with Gaza. (Screenshot) President Donald Trump’s recent suggestion to “clean out Gaza” and send its displaced population to neighboring Egypt and Jordan either temporarily or beyond, has sent shock waves through the Arab world, breaking decades-long understandings on the Palestinian issue. Many Arab leaders in the Middle East are deeply concerned over Trump’s Oval Office meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which signals a significant realignment between their two countries over the future of the Middle East. Trump’s proposed initiative to pressure Jordan’s King Abdullah and Egypt’s President Al-Sisi, both recipients of billions of dollars of U.S. aid, has reset, even if only perceptually, the Middle East chessboard. Already in his first two weeks in office, Trump has proven that he “speaks Middle East.” He has already forced Hamas and Israel into a three-stage hostages-for-terrorists deal. He has also dared to do what no U.S. president has done – delivering an electric shock over the Palestinian issue to two major Arab allies of the United States. Trump’s plan, it should be said, has triggered a flurry of urgent meetings, statements, and warnings by the major Arab powers including Saudi Arabia. The plan and its tension-filled response sets the stage for a possible clash between the United States and Israel, on the one hand, and the Sunni-Arab establishment, on the other. No doubt, the Iranian regime will also exploit these differences. However, Trump is determined to disrupt the decades-long failed paradigm that has only prevented the resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict. For their part, Abdullah and Al-Sisi have expressed in no uncertain terms their opposition to Trump’s plan to resettle Palestinians from the Gaza Strip in their respective countries. Jordanian and Egyptian opposition to the Trump plan presents a major security and diplomatic challenge for the region, as it forges a pathway to confrontation with the U.S. Administration. Trump’s groundbreaking declaration represents the first time in modern Middle Eastern history that a U.S. president has suggested such a far-reaching proposed solution that breaks the decades-long Arab-U.S. understandings on the “two-state solution.” From the Arab world’s viewpoint, the initiative signals a U.S. retreat from Trump’s 2020 “Deal of the Century.” Trump has wasted no time advancing the idea. On January 27th, 2025, Trump told reporters during an Air Force One flight that he had spoken with al-Sisi regarding the relocation of Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt. He said, “I want them to live in a place without violence. Gaza has been a hell for so many years, and they could live in much better and more comfortable areas.” Trump clarified his approach to “friend-foe” diplomacy.” He noted, regarding al-Sisi, “I have helped him a lot, and I hope he will help us. I think he will take in Palestinians from Gaza, and I believe the King of Jordan will do the same.” For his part, Abdullah’s central concern reflects a longstanding conspiracy theory that Israel considers Jordan a Palestinian state, and intends to flood the kingdom with millions of Palestinians from the West Bank, Judea and Samaria and Gaza. Jordan is not alone in rejecting the U.S. initiative. Egypt and the Palestinian Authority (PA) have also panned the plan. However, no sitting Israeli prime minister has deemed Jordan to be a Palestinian state. Jordan’s and Egypt’s sensitivity to Trump’s plan is deeply rooted in their common fear that, since the beginning of the October 7th War, Israel has been quietly planning to repopulate Gaza and establish new Jewish communities there. The drama tearing across the Middle East does not come as a surprise to regional observers. Since the beginning of the Hamas-Israel war, the issue has become a primary focus of the Arab and Muslim world. Muslim Brotherhood-led protests have taken place in Jordan in support of Hamas in Gaza, threatening the stability of the monarchy. Abdullah is deeply concerned about maintaining power. It is commonly understood and confirmed by Israeli security officials that Abdullah opposes any American initiative that could be perceived as harming Palestinian rights and interests in Gaza as well as the West Bank. Abdullah’s position is a reflection of the regime’s fragility and fears of self-preservation. Al-Sisi faces a similar predicament. The Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt also poses a threat to regime stability. Both leaders are actively seeking ways to remove the plan from the U.S. Middle East agenda. There is a precedent. While Egypt and Saudi Arabia supported Trump’s call during his first administration for the resumption of negotiations between Israel and the PA, 1 Jordan aligned with the PA in rejecting his January 2020 “Deal of the Century” peace plan, 2 despite its inclusion of a Palestinian state in some 70% of Judea and Samaria a.k.a the West Bank. Trump’s initiative to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan is seen by Egyptian and Jordanian leaderships as a redesigned and reengineered version of the previous “Deal of the Century.” The U.S plan has set off a fierce chain reaction. Senior Palestinian officials said PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, Egypt, and Jordan are coordinating their opposition, 3 to Trump’s plan with Saudi Arabia by strengthening their strategic ties with the European Union, Russia, and China. The stakes are high. Egypt and Jordan rely heavily on annual U.S. economic and military aid. Trump’s recent decision to cut off foreign aid to Jordan sends a powerful message to these countries and others in the region. Both Egypt and Jordan face severe economic difficulties, including foreign currency shortages, large external debts, and the challenge of providing their populations with basic necessities such as food and fuel. On January 28th, the London-based Al-Araby Al-Jadeed news outlet reported that Egypt is adopting a “strategic patience” strategy—waiting and attempting to manage the crisis through careful calculations behind closed doors. Egypt understands that any direct confrontation with Trump could damage its political and economic ties with the United States. Egypt is fully aware of the precariousness of its situation. Its multidimensional relationship with the U.S. is not solely political but also includes significant financial and military support. The sensitivity of this relationship requires al-Sisi and Abdullah to step gingerly when working with the Trump administration. Egypt fears that an outright rejection of Trump’s plan could complicate its relations with Washington, which plays a central role in securing international aid for Egypt—whether directly from the U.S. or through its Gulf allies. Moreover, any diplomatic confrontation with Washington over the Palestinian issue could expose Cairo to both internal and external pressures that it cannot afford. Senior Israeli political and military officials estimate that the Egyptian leadership is relying on several factors: Widespread Palestinian rejection – The PA and Hamas will oppose Trump’s plan. Total Arab rejection – Jordan and other Arab nations will refuse to cooperate. Shifts in U.S. priorities – Egypt is betting that over time, U.S. foreign policy or the administration’s direction may change. Egypt and Jordan now face a significant challenge in dealing with Trump’s determination to implement his migration plan for Palestinians from Gaza. It is understood in American political circles that Trump is motivated to win a Nobel Peace Prize and “when he decides on something, he goes all the way to make it happen.” Arguably, Trump should have received a Nobel prize in his first term following the signing of the Abraham Accords, but this did not happen for political reasons. Egypt and Jordan are attempting to buy time to prevent implementation of Trump’s plan and that only massive public protests in Egypt and Jordan, rallying around al-Sisi and Abdullah’s leadership, could possibly deter Trump from implementing his proposal. It is not unreasonable to assess that Hamas and the PA will join forces to incite the Palestinian public against Trump’s plan. The issue is already gaining traction in Palestinian media and on social networks. In fact, on January 31st, 2025, several thousand people protested, 4 – with the support of the Egyptian regime – on the Egyptian side of the Rafah Border with Gaza against Trump’s plan. In sum, the Trump plan represents a loud, opening salvo of American primacy in the Middle East, reversing both the Obama and Biden administration’s policy of appeasement. Trump’s bold declaration and follow-up moves have created conditions for a near-term collision with some of America’s Arab allies, which has far-reaching implications for Israel. However, it is possible that Trump’s bold assertion of American power and its use of economic leverage and military aid will succeed in softening Jordanian and Egyptian opposition to his plan, thus setting a new American-driven paradigm for U.S. policy in the Middle East. It could also foretell a completely unexpected pathway to regional security stability and a possible U.S.-imposed mitigation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Credit: https://jcpa.org/americas-middle-east-disruption-assessing-egypt-and-jordans-opposition-to-trumps-gaza-refugee-plan/ Previous Next

The Terrorist Who Shattered The Oslo Myth By Moshe Phillips Jan 7, 2025 Moshe Phillips is National Chairman of Americans For A Safe Israel (www.AFSI.org ), a leading pro-Israel advocacy and education organization. If there was one terrorist whose life epitomized the Arab war against Israel, and shattered the illusions fostered by the Oslo Accords, it was Fuad Shubaki, who recently died at 83. Shubaki was born in Gaza in 1940. Note that the Jews didn’t rule Gaza in those days (the British did), so Gazans didn’t demand a Palestinian state and didn’t organize any movement for independence. The next occupier was Egypt. The Egyptians illegally occupied Gaza in 1948 and ruled it for the next nineteen years—yet still there was no uprising against an occupation. According to the Palestinian Authority’s Wafa news agency, Shubaki “was one of the first to join the Palestinian fedayeen movement in the mid-1960s.” Remember, there were no settlements or Israeli-occupied territories in those days. The territory Shubaki and his fellow terrorists were trying to “liberate” was pre-1967 Israel. The exact extent of Shubaki’s personal involvement in terrorism may never be known, but it is clear from his Wafa obituary that he was involved in many attacks. Wafa put it this way: “He underwent training in the camps of the Palestinian revolution and participated in its battles.” Shubaki gradually rose through the terrorist ranks. He was invited to serve on both the Palestinian National Council and Fatah’s Revolutionary Council. He became a senior aide to Yasser Arafat, and Arafat appointed him to manage Fatah’s “military financial administration,” Wafa’s euphemism for arranging the financing to murder Israeli Jews. When Arafat tried to take over Jordan, Shubaki was by his side. When Arafat and his guerrillas were expelled by Jordan and tried to take over Lebanon, Shubaki was there, too. When Israel succumbed to United States pressure to let Arafat and his senior terrorists escape Beirut in 1982, and set up bases in Tunis, Shubaki was among them. From Gaza to Jordan to Lebanon to Tunisia, Shubaki devoted his life to financing the bombers, snipers, grenade-hurlers, stabbers, and rock-throwers waging non-stop Jihad against Israel. Then came Oslo. Arafat, Mahmoud Abbas, Shubaki and their colleagues announced they would live in peace with Israel. They signed the first Oslo agreement in 1993. They signed Oslo II in 1995. They promised to give up terrorism, to arrest and extradite terrorists, and to stop teaching anti-Jewish hatred in their schools. The Jewish world was deeply divided. Optimists said Arafat could be trusted; he was really laying down his arms. Others said he couldn’t be trusted; he would use front groups to continue terrorism and would never keep his Oslo obligations. As the months passed, the pessimists’ worst fears began coming true. Terrorism resumed. Arafat refused to use his new Palestinian Authority security forces to take action against Hamas. Arafat’s Fatah set up thinly-disguised front groups, such as the “Fatah Hawks” and the “Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade,” to carry out attacks. Israel’s requests to extradite terrorists were ignored. A revolving-door “prison” was used by the PA when it wanted to pretend it was “detaining suspects” but really setting them free. Arafat’s incitement also continued unabated. There was the infamous “Jihad speech” (there were actually many). There was the “Abir and Dalal speech” (there were many of those, too), in which he presented Arab women terrorists as role models for Palestinian Arab girls to emulate. Another generation of young Arabs was being raised to hate and kill Jews, Oslo or no Oslo. At the center of it all was Fuad Shubaki, the master financier who made sure that funds were always available to keep terrorizing Israel. Early on the morning of January 3rd, 2002, the Oslo myth exploded. Israeli forces intercepted the Karine A, a ship carrying fifty tons of weapons bound for Gaza. Shubaki had purchased them from Iran. Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon packed them. Fifty tons—100,000 pounds!—of Katyusha rockets, mortar shells, Kalashnikov rifles, sniper rifles, anti-tank missiles, anti-tank mines, and ammunition, as well as several tons of explosives. So Arafat, Abbas and Shubaki, the “men of peace,” were stocking up for war. Oslo had been a ruse. They had never intended to live in peace with Israel. The accords were just a means of gaining control of Gaza and the major Palestinian Arab cities in Judea-Samaria; creating a de-facto army posing as a security force; sheltering fugitive terrorists; and building up a huge arsenal of weapons. Shubaki was finally captured by the Israelis in 2006. During questioning, he revealed that the PA directly funded terror cells; that the PA spent between $7 Million and $10 Million every two years to buy weapons for terrorists in Gaza, and an additional $2 Million for weapons used by terrorists in Judea-Samaria. Shubaki was sentenced to twenty years in prison, but released after 17 due to his age and health—an Israeli gesture of compassion that Shubaki and his fellow terrorists never showed to their Israeli victims. Future historians could use Shubaki’s life as a case study for explaining the Palestinian Arab war against Israel. Everything you need to know about the PA leadership’s strategy, tactics, and true intentions can be found there. Photo Credit: AFSI Previous Next

Miami Jewish Film Festival - Reaffirms Its Mission To Foster Empathy And Understanding Through Cinema By Alan Goch - Jewish Connection News Jan 8, 2025 The Miami Jewish Film Festival (MJFF) proudly announces the program for its 28th edition which will be January 9th, 2025 - January 23rd, 2025. The Festival will showcase 110 feature films and 23 shorts from 25 countries, including 20 world premieres, 8 international premieres, 9 North American premieres, and 6 U.S. premieres. As the largest Jewish film festival in the world, 28th Edition will host over 80 in-theater screenings across eight venues in Greater Miami, including Miami Beach, Coral Gables, and North Miami. Additionally, an online component will make over 80 films available for streaming to audiences across Florida and the United States. The Festival’s opening night kicks off with the world premiere of Soul of a Nation, directed by Jonathan Jakubowicz. This inspiring and eye-opening film delves into one of Israel’s most turbulent chapters, chronicling the journey from crisis and division to unity and resilience following the October 7th tragedy. Featuring exclusive insights from influential leaders and a heartfelt vision of hope, the premiere will include an introduction by Jonathan Jakubowicz and Producer Claudine Jakubowicz, followed by a post-screening Q&A. The Festival’s closing night will feature the premiere of Matchmaking 2, the latest by renowned Israeli Filmmaker Erez Tadmor. This sequel to the beloved 2022 romantic drama is Israel’s biggest box office hit of the year, offering an endlessly witty and sweetly romantic take on a modern Romeo-and-Juliet tale starring some of Israel’s most dazzling young talents. This year’s festival will welcome 30 international guests, including Israeli superstar Michael Aloni (Shtisel) for the premiere of the gripping drama The Stronghold; legendary Florida-based Singer-Songwriter Janis Ian for the premiere of Janis Ian: Breaking Silence; Director Tom Nesher and Producer Anthony Bregman for the premiere of Come Closer, Israel’s official entry for the Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film; Hollywood actress Lisa Brenner (The Patriot) for the world premiere of her new film One Big Happy Family; Director Sandi Dubowski and film subject Amichai Lau-Lavie for the Award-Winning Sabbath Queen, presented under the stars at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden; and the comedy duo Eli Batalion and Jamie Elman (YidLife Crisis) for the world premiere of their latest film, Swedishkayt: YidLife Crisis in Stockholm. In light of recent tragic events in Israel and the rise of Antisemitism worldwide, the Miami Jewish Film Festival reaffirms its mission to foster empathy and understanding through cinema, with a spotlight on Israel’s vital role in the Jewish narrative. This year, the Festival proudly presents the world’s largest Israeli film program, featuring more than 30 premieres. “Made in Miami” movies this year, featuring several films receiving their world premieres. Among them is Miami Schmatta, a compelling exploration of the vibrant immigrant legacy that shaped the American garment industry, set against the colorful backdrop of Miami. Also premiering are Miami-based filmmakers Wendy Sach’s October H8te, a timely film about Antisemitism on college campuses following the October 7th tragedy, as well as Leslie Benitah’s Milk & Honey, Blood & Tears, a powerful documentary chronicling the resilience and recovery of Kibbutz Be'eri following the devastating October 7th attack. The film poignantly contrasts the kibbutz’s peaceful past with the harsh realities of survival and healing. MJFF’s Headliners program features standout selections and award-winning films from festivals worldwide. Tickets for the festival’s in-theater and virtual events go on sale and sales continue throughout the festival. In addition to individual tickets ($11-$54), the festival offers All-Access Theater Badges ($325) providing entry to all in-theater events and All-Access Theater Badges ($325) providing entry to all in-theater events and All-Access Virtual Passes ($249) giving access to all films streaming in the festival’s digital screening room. Full details and tickets to the festival can be found at: www.miamijewishfilmfestival.org Photo credit: Courtesy of United King Films Previous Next

Amidst Reports On Hostage Deal, 2 Ex-Hostages Raise Awareness In West Palm Beach Fundraiser At New Kosher Restaurant Grand Opening By Linda Chase - Jewish Connection News Jan 7, 2025 I was honored to be invited to this wonderful event where I met two ex-hostages who were held in captivity in Gaza for nearly a year after being kidnapped at the Nova Music Festival in Israel and arrived in West Palm Beach to meet with the local community and share their story. Amid reports of negotiations to release the remaining hostages, rescued hostages Almog Meir Jan and Andrey Kozlov are determined to raise awareness for the issue. Michelin Star Chef Eyal Shani held the grand opening of his brand-new Malka Kosher Restaurant in West Palm Beach on Sunday, in collaboration with the La’Aretz Foundation. The former hostages discussed the harsh conditions in which Hamas terrorists kept them in for eight months, along with the vitality of an imminent hostage deal. The two were kidnapped during the Nova Music Festival and spent eight months in captivity in Gaza until they were rescued by the IDF in June. Jan was attending the festival with friends, while Kozlov was a volunteer security guard. “We felt it was vital for the residents of South Florida to hear what the hostages experienced and are still currently experiencing,” La’Aretz Foundation Founder Shelly Pitman said. “We are thankful to Chef Eyal Shani, who graciously hosted the La’Aretz community once again. This outstanding community understands how critical each day is for the remaining hostages, and we must bring them home now.” In an emotional discussion with Netflix Star Maya Vander of “Selling Sunset,” Jan and Kozlov detailed the physical and psychological trauma they endured while in captivity. The audience was silent as the two explained in excruciating detail what October 7th was like for them and in the days and months after, along with the moment IDF soldiers came to rescue them. “In order to build the country, people immigrated – made Aliyah to Israel from across the world – basically drying swamps and building the country. This is what La’Aretz is doing now. It is the equivalent of the drying swamps of 100 years ago,” Ambassador Maor Elbaz-Starinsky, Consul General of Israel in Miami, said. “La’Aretz is the modern Zionism – to develop a great education system and support soldiers and reservists in need. Of course, rebuild the communities in the north and the south and help the internally displaced people from the north and south. The way this community has rallied together, has come together to support our people and the State of Israel is just unimaginable.” An IDF soldier who serves in a classified role and is also a singer who has captured the hearts of Israelis since October 7th. “M,” as he is known, performed several songs with his face covered to protect his identity in his American debut. While cherishing the all-new Floridian menu created by the Michelin Star Chef, guests supported the La’Aretz Foundation, which provides direct assistance to Israelis in need. The La’Aretz Foundation and its vibrant community of over 2,000 members has provided direct financial support for 300-plus Israeli families who have been impacted by October 7th, along with scholarships to 172 students serving in the reserves, and assisted 70 Aliyah applicants return to Israel. About The La’Aretz Foundation: The La’Aretz Foundation strengthens Israel through direct support by focusing on three fundamental areas. In times of need, La’Aretz provides timely financial aid to families in distress who lack government support, offers scholarships to ensure equal educational opportunities, and facilitates the integration of new Olim to make them feel at home. Photo: La'Aretz_A: Almog Meir Jan (right) speaks about his eight months in captivity in Gaza with fellow ex-hostage Andrey Kozlov (middle) in a discussion with Maya Vander during the La'Aretz Foundation's fundraiser at Malka Restaurant in West Palm Beach. Photo credit: Shay Cohen Previous Next

Volunteers Needed For Inaugural James Hardie Invitational Press Release Jan 7, 2025 Want to have an up-close look at some of the greatest pro golfers and NFL players playing tournament golf while raising money for South Florida charities? Then sign up to become a volunteer at the inaugural James Hardie™ Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational, which will be held March 31st, 2025 - April 6th, 2025 at The Old Course at Broken Sound in Boca Raton. For a $75 fee, every volunteer receives: Two polo shirts and one hat/visor. One volunteer badge. Two tickets per day. Volunteer parking and meals on scheduled workdays. One spot in the Volunteer Shotgun Outing (three shift minimum). Net proceeds benefit Boca Raton Regional Hospital, First Tee Gold Coast and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County. The tournament will feature 26 Pro Football Hall of Famers competing alongside 78 PGA TOUR Champions professionals. Sign up to volunteer at: https://jameshardieinvitational.com/ Previous Next

United States Ambassador William Taylor Shares An Update On Russia’s War On Ukraine By Linda Chase - Jewish Connection News Jan 7, 2025 United States Ambassador William Taylor is a diplomat, government official and former military officer. He currently serves as Vice President of the Russian and European Center at the United States Institute of Peace. From 2006 to 2009 he served as United States Ambassador to Ukraine, and as Chargé D'affaires to Ukraine from June 2019 to January 2020. On Wednesday, January 8th, 2025 at 12:30 p.m., Ambassador Taylor will lecture at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) on Florida Atlantic University’s Boca Raton campus. He will also give a presentation at FAU’s Jupiter campus on Thursday, January 9th, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. During our conversation, Ambassador Taylor explained what needs to be done to end the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine. “A peaceful agreement between Russia and Ukraine is clearly going to have to be initiated between the two nations. Only those two nations can forge and agree to negotiations. Ukrainians need to convince the Russians that they cannot win on the battlefield and all of Ukraine’s allies (including the United States) need to support it. If the Russians can be convinced that they can’t win, they will be motivated to come to the negotiating table. Over 780,000 Russian soldiers have been killed during the conflict. The Ukrainians will not sacrifice their soldiers the same way Putin has and they (Ukrainians) will never stop fighting. Russia started the invasion and it must stop with the Russians coming to the table. Negotiations have still not been reached between the countries. Ambassador Taylor explained how the Russian-Ukraine conflict affects global security. “The Russian invasion is a challenge to the security of the US, Europe and all nations. Russia is trying to establish a precedent where a large, powerful, nuclear armed nation can invade its non-nuclear smaller neighbor and get away with it. That has dramatic significant implications for every nation around the world. We have a moral obligation to realize what the Russians are doing to Ukrainian civilians is just wrong.” Ambassador Taylor reflected on the optimism of the Ukrainians despite nearly three years of ongoing conflict. “Since the big war started on February 24th, 2022, I have been to Ukraine several times and have been amazed by the heroism displayed by the Ukrainians and their leader since the invasion began. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has declared from the start of the invasion (over 1,000 days ago) that Ukraine will win this war. When Ukrainians push forward aggressively their morality goes way up. Their determination is to win this war. They understand that if Russia wins there is no Ukraine. After more than 1,000 days, Ukrainians are tired, but their will to survive keeps them motivated.” For more information regarding the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at FAU, visit: https://olli.fau.edu/ollifau/category/category.aspx Previous Next

For The First Time Since October 7th - Birthright Israel Participants Return To Visit And Volunteer In Northern Israel By Linda Chase - Jewish Connection News Jan 8, 2025 Birthright Israel is excited to announce the launch of its winter season, with a special milestone: for the first time since October 7th, participants will return to visit the northern regions of Israel. This week, the first groups have already begun touring the historic city of Safed, marking the return of Birthright trips to this iconic part of the country. Additionally, participants in the Birthright volunteering program will begin engaging in volunteer activities in northern towns within the next few weeks. The winter season, which will run through March 2025, is expected to bring over 300 groups from around the world to Israel, with 6,500 young Jewish adults participating in life-changing 10-day trips, internships, and volunteering opportunities. In 2025, Birthright Israel will celebrate its 25th anniversary, marking a significant milestone for one of the most impactful Jewish programs in history. Since its founding, more than 850,000 young Jews from across the globe have visited Israel through the program. The 25th anniversary will be commemorated with a series of events and announcements starting early next year. In addition to the traditional 10-day trips, Birthright Israel is preparing to welcome approximately 10,000 volunteers in 2025 through its expanding volunteering program. In response to the growing demand, the age limit for participation has been extended to 50 years old. This year alone, 8,500 volunteers participated in the program, underscoring the increasing interest in contributing to Israeli communities while deepening Jewish heritage connections. “Since the war began, we’ve been inspired by the remarkable resilience and unwavering determination of our participants to come to Israel,” said Gidi Mark, CEO of Birthright Israel. “Each day, I meet participants who are so happy to finally be here. They share how safe they feel and how deeply proud they are to be part of the Jewish people.”  Mark continued, “While the war has undoubtedly presented challenges, it has only underscored the vital importance of our mission. As we mark 25 years since our founding, Birthright Israel remains steadfast in its commitment to strengthening Jewish identity, fostering a connection to Israel, and building a strong sense of community. These values empower college students and young adults to confidently address and combat the growing Antisemitism worldwide. I urge every young Jewish adult to apply as soon as possible. Whether it’s the gift of a 10-day trip, an internship, a fellowship, or a volunteer program, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with your heritage and make lasting memories.” In the meantime, Birthright Israel has announced that while anyone can submit an application, summer trips will drop on January 14th via its website, and applicants will be able to choose their trip at: www.birthrightisrael.com Photo: Participants with the Mayor of Safed, Yossi Kakon - Photo credit: Nehemia Rosenfeld, courtesy of Birthright Israel Previous Next

Slow Burn Theatre Company Presents "Parade": A Story Of A Newlywed Jewish Couple, Who Are Struggling To Make A Life In The Old Red Hills Of Georgia Photo Credit Broward Center for the Performing Arts Feb 18, 2025 Slow Burn Theatre Company presents “Parade,” a powerful and poignant musical revival based on the true story of the trial and lynching of Leo Frank, as part of its 2024/2025 Season supported by American National Bank and Visit Lauderdale through Sunday, February 23rd in the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Winner of the 1999 Tony awards for Best Score, Jason Robert Brown, who also wrote the lyrics and Best Book of a Musical, Alfred Uhry as well as the 2023 Tony for Best Revival of a Musical, “Parade,” co-conceived and directed on Broadway by Harold Prince, follows a newlywed Jewish couple, Leo and Lucille Frank, who are struggling to make a life in the old red hills of Georgia. When Leo is accused of an unspeakable crime, it propels them into an unimaginable test of faith, humanity, justice and devotion. Hailed as an “an essential American musical” by Variety, “Parade” is a “phenomenal production that feels more poignant and powerful than ever,” according to Entertainment Weekly. Time Out New York writes, “What you hear at this Parade…will echo for a long time to come.” Directed by Slow Burn Theatre Artistic Director and Carbonell Award winner Patrick Fitzwater and presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI), Slow Burn’s riveting and gloriously hopeful production features lead actors Justin Albinder* (Leo Frank) and Mikayla Cohen (Lucille Frank) joined by Kevin Patrick Martin* (Hugh Dorsey), Michael Hunsaker* (Britt Craig), Erik Schark* (Judge Roan/Old Soldier), Jessica Balton (Mary Phagan), Joel Hunt (Frankie Epps), Kareema Khouri* (Minola “Minnie” McKnight/Angela), Chaz Rose* (Newt Lee/Jim Conley/Riley), Michael Materdomini (Governor John Slanton), Landon Summers (Tom Watson/Detective Starnes), Ana Marie Calise (Mrs. Phagan), Nolan Montgomery (Young Soldier/Fiddlin John/others), Bridget Rose Pirrota (Iola Stover), Erica Gouldthorpe (Monteen/others), Sofie Poliakoff (Essie/others), Allyson Rosenblum (Sally Slanton), Steven Ross-Dybash (Mr. Peavy), Eli Jacobson (Officer Ivey/others), Austin Gladstone (Luther Rosser/others), Elizabeth Sackett (Nurse/others), Sam Hoffman (Mr. Turner/others) and Sara Sun Park (Nina Formby/others). The creative team features direction and musical staging by Fitzwater joined by Music Director Travis Smith, Lighting Designer Eric Norbury, Scenic Designer Nikolas Serrano, Costume Designer Rick Peña, Technical Director Timothy Dickey, Production Stage Manager Jeffry George* and Assistant Stage Manager Jolie Rubinchik*. Single tickets to Slow Burn Theatre’s 2024/2025 Season are on sale now. Supported by American National Bank and Visit Lauderdale, the season continues in the new year with “Something Rotten!” from Saturday March 29th – Sunday, April 13th and “The Bodyguard The Musical” from Saturday June 7th – Sunday, June 22nd. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Broward Center and The Parker. Buy tickets online at: www.BrowardCenter.org - Or: www.Ticketmaster.com - By phone at: (954) 462-0222; in person at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 Southwest Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information visit: www.BrowardCenter.org - Like us on Facebook at: www.Facebook.com/BrowardCenter - And at: www.Facebook.com/BrowardCenterEducation - Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @BrowardCenter. Subscribe to our channel at: www.YouTube.com/user/BrowardCenter - And join the conversation with #BrowardCenter . Major support of Slow Burn Theatre Company is provided by the Broward County Cultural Division, the Cultural Council and the Broward County Board of County Commissioners. Sponsored in part by American National Bank and Visit Lauderdale. Student and community complimentary tickets are subsidized and underwritten by the Salah Foundation and the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation. The Broward Center 2024/2025 Season is supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation, AutoNation, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, Spirit and Nicklaus Children’s Health System. For more information, visit: www.BrowardCenter.org - Or visit Slow Burn Theatre Company’s website at: http://slowburntheatre.org/ Previous Next

“The Abandonment Of The Jews” At 40: A Book That Saved Lives By Rafael Medoff Jan 7, 2025 This month marks the fortieth anniversary of the publication of David S. Wyman’s The Abandonment of the Jews, a book that changed the way we think about our nation’s history—and also saved lives. That is a rare achievement. Wyman (1929-2018), a Harvard-trained historian and grandson of two Protestant ministers, did not set out to write about the Holocaust. But he was puzzled by the reluctance of other scholars to confront the question of how America responded to the Nazi Genocide, so he decided to explore it himself. The Abandonment of the Jews: America and the Holocaust 1941-1945, was published by Pantheon in November 1984. Professor Wyman often spoke about how difficult it was for him, as a Christian, to find himself face to face with evidence of the meager response by American Christians, including our elected leaders, to news of the Holocaust. Sometimes he “cried for days” and had to take a break from his research. He said he “had been brought up with the belief that at the heart of Christianity is the precept that, when people need help, you should provide it.” Prior to the publication of The Abandonment of the Jews, the widespread assumption among the American public was that there was little or nothing the Roosevelt Administration could have done to save Jews from the Holocaust. Professor Wyman’s meticulous research demonstrated that there were many ways the U.S. could have aided European Jewish refugees, without interfering with the war effort or undermining America’s Immigration Laws. He documented how President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his State Department suppressed news about the Holocaust and ignored opportunities to rescue refugees. He exposed how U.S. planes struck within a few miles of the Auschwitz Gas Chambers—yet failed to bomb the railways and bridges leading to the camp, or the mass-murder machinery itself. The Abandonment of the Jews quickly rose to the New York Times best-seller list, and reviewers were nearly unanimous in their acclaim. “We will not see a better book on this subject in our lifetime,” Professor Leonard Dinnerstein concluded. Professor Hasia Diner wrote that Abandonment “systematically demolishes often repeated excuses for inaction.” The Abandonment of the Jews won numerous prizes, went through seven hardcover printings and multiple paperback editions, and was translated into German, French, Hebrew, and Polish. Most remarkably, the book also played a key role in the rescue of Jews from Ethiopia in 1985. A secret agreement between Israel and Sudan in 1984 had enabled Israel to begin airlifting tens of thousands of Jews from an area along the Ethiopian-Sudanese border. But an overly eager American Jewish journalist rushed to publish the scoop, prompting Sudan to suddenly halt the airlifts in January 1985. That left some 800 Ethiopian Jewish refugees stranded at the border. A team of Jewish activists, including Los Angeles Jewish Publisher Phil Blazer and Nate Shapiro of the American Association for Ethiopian Jews, flew to Washington to seek U.S. intervention. In meetings with members of Congress and Vice President George H.W. Bush, they distributed copies of The Abandonment of the Jews and pleaded with them not to repeat the indifference of the Roosevelt years. Senators Alan Cranston (D-California) and Rudy Boschwitz (R-Minnesota) and Congressmen Stephen Solarz (D-New York) and John Miller (R-Washington) spearheaded the bipartisan effort to press the Reagan-Bush Administration for action. Learning that Vice President Bush was scheduled to visit Sudan on diplomatic business shortly, Representative Miller went to see him. Citing The Abandonment of the Jews, Miller told Bush “that this was a chance to write a very different history than the history of America’s response to the Holocaust.” Sudan might refuse to let the Israelis land on its soil, “but Sudan would not be able to say no to the United States–if our government insisted,” Miller argued. On March 22nd, 1985, shortly after Bush’s meetings in Sudan, a fleet of U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules transport planes airlifted the 800 refugees from Sudan to Israel. The Vice President subsequently sent Professor Wyman a handwritten note of thanks and made a point of saying in a speech afterwards, “Never again will the cries of abandoned Jews go unheard by the United States Government.” CNN Anchor Wolf Blitzer, who at the time was the Washington correspondent for the Jerusalem Post, wrote: “Today’s direct and very active cooperation by the U.S. Government in helping to rescue Ethiopian Jews is in marked contrast to the documented abandonment of European Jewish refugees before and during World War II…[which has been] well-documented in David S. Wyman’s recently published book, The Abandonment of the Jews.” In 2008, Professor Wyman visited an Israeli air force base, where he met Major-General Amir Eshel, who was involved in the 1985 airlift operation, and Moshe Gadaf and Ami Farradah, who, as eight year-olds, were among the Ethiopian Jewish children who were rescued. Wyman described meeting them as one of the most moving experiences of his life. Forty years later, The Abandonment of the Jews remains the definitive study of America’s response to the Nazi Genocide. A handful of polemicists and pundits have tried to excuse FDR’s Holocaust record, but additional research in the field in recent years has only reconfirmed Professor Wyman’s original conclusion: President Roosevelt, “the era’s most prominent symbol of humanitarianism, turned away from one of history’s most compelling moral challenges.” Photo Taken by Author Dr. Medoff is Founding Director of The David S. Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies and Author of more than 20 books about Jewish history and the Holocaust. His latest is Cartoonists Against Racism: The Secret Jewish War on Bigotry, coauthored with Craig Yoe. Previous Next

South Florida Rabbis Join 6,500 Colleagues For Conference In New York By Moshe New/Chabad.org Jan 8, 2025 6,500 Chabad Rabbis and Jewish leaders from around the globe gathered recently in Brooklyn, New York, for the Annual International Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Emissaries, the largest rabbinic gathering in the world. While the yearly conference has a celebratory feel, welcoming rabbinic leaders from Alaska to Zambia, the past year was a difficult one for the Jewish people, seeing tragedy in Israel and other parts of the world. Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries, known as shluchim, are husband-and-wife teams who dedicate their lives to strengthening Jewish life in communities worldwide, often in remote locations without established Jewish Infrastructure. They aim to reach both affiliated and unaffiliated Jews, welcoming Jews from all walks of life. From the city streets of Los Angeles to the islands of Thailand, Chabad serves not only as a spiritual home, but a focal point of Jewish life. The conference, also known as the Kinus Hashluchim, united rabbis and lay leaders from all 50 U.S. states and more than 100 countries and territories around the world for four days of workshops, networking and spiritual uplift. The conference concluded with a gala banquet. The first day included a series of workshops on contemporary issues that ran over the course of the weekend. Topics covered included: disaster relief, combating hate, education, counseling and dealing with grief and much more. Conference participants who serve students on college campuses (where Chabad has become the heart of Jewish life) took part in a separate track discussing issues specifically relevant to campus communities. A visit to the Ohel, in Queens, New York (the resting place of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory), marked the pinnacle of the conference. The emissaries came to pray for their families, communities and humanity at large, carrying with them countless prayer requests from people around the world. With the onset of Shabbat on Friday evening, the emissaries spent the Jewish day of rest in prayer. The annual “class picture” was taken Sunday morning under the iconic gables of 770 Eastern Parkway, the headquarters of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. The capstone of the conference was the gala banquet. It was held at the New Jersey Convention and Expo Center in Edison, New Jersey. It was a powerful moment of remembrance and resilience. Speakers honored Rabbi Zvi Kogan, the U.A.E.-based Chabad emissary murdered by terrorists in Dubai, with emotional tributes that emphasized the importance of continuing their global mission. The conference was linked by video with the home of Kogan’s parents in Jerusalem, where his family sat shiva. All 6,500 participants gathered and shared the traditional text of comfort with the family. Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky, chairman of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch—Chabad’s educational arm—greeted the audience, sharing words of consolation with Kogan’s family and the emissaries, his “extended family,” and sent prayers for Israeli soldiers defending the Holy Land, as well as the hostages held in Gaza. A special video tribute was made for Rabbi Moshe Kotlarksy, the energetic Vice Chairman of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch, who passed away after a lengthy illness on June 4th. Among the most inspiring presentations of the evening was that of Rabbi Yehoshua Soudakoff, Director of Chabad for the Deaf Community in Israel, who spoke of his path to finding his Jewish self as a Deaf Jew. “The voice you hear is not mine, but the words definitely are,” he said through an interpreter. “It is hard for a deaf person to find a place within the community. Torah and Mitzvah while deaf is difficult. That is why I established Chabad for the Deaf Community. There are Deaf Jews and Jews with various disabilities throughout the world. Let us continue our holy work to reach out to every single one of them and inspire them, just as I was once inspired,” he said to resounding applause. The 6,500 assembled rabbis united in their determination to continue their mission of Jewish outreach and community building, regardless of the challenges they face. Photo attribution (Shmulie Grossbaum / Chabad.org) Group (Photos) Previous Next

MorseLife Presents Third Annual Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars Film Festival By Alan Goch - Jewish Connection News Jan 7, 2025 From January 22nd, 2025 through February 2nd, 2025, the Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars Film Festival (presented by MorseLife) will return for its third season at two venues. Screenings will take place at the Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts on January 23rd - January 30th and at EVO Entertainment Delray Marketplace from January 31st - February 2nd. Ten of the films being screened will have Jewish themes. Barbara Scharres, SASIFF Artistic Director, acknowledged the cultural significance of presenting Jewish films in the festival. “A passion for Jewish stories is at the top of the list for a significant number of filmgoers. The festival has put together ten Jewish-themed films with broad appeal, from historical dramas, bio-pics, comedies and of-the-moment documentaries.” The Jewish-themed films include: Auction - Le Tableau Volé: The Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center on Saturday, January 25th at 4:00 p.m. Drama, 2024, North Palm Beach County Premiere. Directed by Pascal Bonitzer. France, 91-minutes – In French, English and German with English subtitles. Bad Shabbos: The Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center on Thursday, January 30th at 7:00 p.m. Comedy, 2024, North Palm Beach County Premiere. Directed by Daniel Robbins. USA, 84-minutes. Broken Dolls: EVO Entertainment Delray Marketplace on Sunday, February 2nd at 1:00 p.m. Director Tracy Whipple will be present for audience discussion. Documentary, 2023, South Florida Premiere. Directed by Tracy Whipple and Gilles Bovon. USA, 82-minutes. The Glory Of Life - Die Herrlichkeit Des Lebens: The Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center on Saturday, January 25 at 7:00 p.m. Historical Drama, 2024, North Palm Beach County Premiere. Directed by Judith Kaufmann and Georg Maas. Germany/Austria, 98-minutes – In German with English subtitles. Midas Man: The Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center on Friday, January 24th at 7:00 p.m. Musical Biopic of The Beatles / 2024, North Palm Beach County Premiere. Directed by Joe Stephenson. UK, 112-minutes. Never Alone - El Koskaan Yskin: The Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center on Tuesday, January 28th at 7:00 p.m. Drama, 2025, North Palm Beach County Premiere. Directed by Klaus Härö. Finland, 85-minues – In Swedish, Yiddish, Russian, Hebrew, English, Finnish, and German with English subtitles. Of Dogs And Men - Al Klavim Veanashim: The Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center on Monday, January 27th at 4:00 p.m. Drama, 2024, North Palm Beach County Premiere. Directed by Dani Rosenberg. Israel, Italy, 82-minutes – In Hebrew with English subtitles. Pink Lady: The Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center on Friday, January 24th at 4:00 p.m. Drama, 2024, North Palm Beach County Premiere. Directed by Nir Bergman. Israel, Italy, 106-minutes – In Hebrew with English subtitles. Troll Storm: EVO Entertainment Delray Marketplace on Wednesday, January 29th at 7:00 p.m. Tanya Gersh will be present for audience discussion. Documentary, 2023, Palm Beach County Premiere. Directed by Eunice Law. USA, 83-minutes. Yaniv: The Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center on Sunday, January 26th at 1:00 p.m. Comedy, 2024, North Palm Beach County Premiere. Directed by Ammon Carmi. USA, 80-minutes. For more information on the films or to purchase tickets, visit: www.sasiff.org - Or call: (561) 220-6735. Liza Minnelli on her European Tour 1975 (Photo Credit: Courtesy Atlas Media Corp) Previous Next