xt72fq9q5f1b https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt72fq9q5f1b/data/mets.xml Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass Kentucky Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass 2001-05 Newspaper of the Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass, previously named the Central Kentucky Jewish Association and Central Kentucky Jewish Federation. Published ten times annually. The Federation seeks to bring Jewish community members together through holiday parties, lectures, Yiddish courses, meals, and other celebrations of Jewish heritage and culture. They also host fundraisers and provide financial assistance for Jews in need, both locally and around the world. This collection is part of the Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass records, 2016ms010. newsletters 2016ms010 English Central Kentucky Jewish Federation Inc  Contact the Special Collections Research Center for information regarding rights and use of this collection. Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass records Jews -- Kentucky -- Lexington Jews -- History Shalom, May 2001 text image Shalom, May 2001 2001 2001-05 2025 true xt72fq9q5f1b section xt72fq9q5f1b  
 
  
 

   

Newspaper of the Central Kentucky Jewish Federation

\QSA s
C‘ ~\

Serving the Central Kentucky Jew/5n

  
  

  

Since 1952

 
   
    
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
    
   
   
  
 
   
  
   
   
   
  
    
   
  
   
  
   
 
 
  
 

 

May 2001

It Is Time to Celebrate Yom H
Sunday, May 13th 0 1:00-4:00pm at the ES.

   

he annual celebration of Yom Ha’Atzmaut This entertaining day will include Klezmer music Yom Ha’Atzmaut 1s

(Israeli Independence Day) will be held on by The Sherman Family & Lew Bowling. Aviva sponsored by the

Sunday, May 13, at the ES. Good Barn Bowling will perform traditional Israeli folk songs. Community Activities
(University Drive in front of Commonwealth J oseph-Beth Book Store will provide books of Committee of CKJ F.
Stadium.) This event is organized by the CKJF Jewish interest and current best sellers for sale. See complete details
Community Activities Committee chaired by Ginger Arts and Craft vendors will display and sell their inside on page 3/
Knight and Phil Berger. work. A special display and videos of Modern Day

Israel will include pictures from Daniel Chejfec’s WE NEED

(CKJF Executive Director) recent trip to Israel. ,
The giant inflatable games will be set up outside, YOU
and will include the Super Slide. the Moon Bounce. Volunteers are needed
and Cameron the Caterpillar. Craft projects and to prepare displays
games will be set up for the kids. and food will ahead of time,
provided by Phil‘s Cookshop on Roman} and
SUDVHI) Sandwiches. rm 1th by Jeff Kaplan.
The General (‘ouxul of Israel ll‘. Philadelphia.
the?) in: r v. 2“ iv: present at the festivities.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

decorate. set up, work
a booth, clean up, etc.
Ifyou can help,

please call Diana

  
   

m. . , ‘ . - 1.1,,»

 

. _ _ , bring your family, bring your friends. Everyone 7 h r i »
.. i ‘ i had a great time last year, so plan now to attend! 2 68-06 7 2

“THE PERPETUAL WELL

Contemporary Art from the Collection of The Jewish Museum"
HUNTINGTON MUSEUM OF ART . Sunday, June 17th

 

   
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

e Community Activities Committee of suggests universal concerns that have faced all SpecialProg ra ms Available to
CKJF is organizing a community—wide trip cultures and religions throughout history. The CKJ F Mem be rs
to the Huntington Museum of Art to visit exhibition was organized by The Jewish Museum, 1;00 pm “Walk through the Biblical
“The Perpetual Well: Contemporary Art from the New York, and is made possible in part by the Garden” with the
Collection of The Jewish Museum” exhibit. The National Endowment for the Arts. museum’s Director of
exhibit features more than 60 works in various 9:00 am Departure (nice coach) Horticulture, Dr. Mike
media created from the 19708 to the present. The 12:00 noon Arrive Huntington Museum of Art Beck, who will discuss
exhibit focuses on Jewish themes and artists, yet Lunch at the Museum Cafe the cultural and histori-
cal background of the
plants. The garden
CKJF N f 0 should be in full bloom by
onpro 1t rg. June 17‘h (30 minutes)
EgginRgTzinzYkzggOZ U.Sl;:tl);t)age 1:30 pm Irene Jacobs, founder of
Permit # 719 the Rodef Shalom Blblical
SANDEE WlLD 5 LAND AvENUE Lexington, Ky Botanical Garden in
124 NORTH ASH 2 g P1ttsburgh, W111 lead a
N KY 4050
LEXlNC’T

class about plants used over the centu-
ries to make paper in “From Papyrus
to Paper: Plants Used in Papermak-

Change Service Requested

 

Museum continued on page 5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 
 
     
    

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

Published ten times annually by the Central Kentucky Jewish Federation, Inc.
340 Romany Road, Lexington, KY 40502

Fax (859) 268-0775
May 2001, Volume VII, Issue 8

Marty Barr, President
Daniel Chejfec, Executive Director
Fran Morris, Jewish Family Services
Diana Sisken Lockridge, Activities Director
Lisa Miller, Volunteer Coordinator
Lori Zimmerman, Administrative Assistant
Editor-in-chief, Marcia Blacker

Editorial Board
Michaei Adeistein, Evelyn Dantzic Geller, Judy Levine, Ruth Poley, Jonathan Satin

(859) 268-0672 e-maii: shalom@jewishiexington.org

Production Editor & Advertising Manager, Carrie McDanaid

The editorial staff has the right to edit all articles submitted for publication in \Shulom .The appearance of any advertising in
this publication does not represent a kashruth endorsement on the part of CKJF or any other agency or organization.5hulom
is supported by the advertisements appearing in the paper.

© 2001 by Centrai Kentucky Jewish Federation

 

 

 

2 was—-

\Shalom

In This Issue: MAZEL TOV 10' PRESIDENT'S
President’s Message .................................... 2 Michael Adelstein & (xay Rapley on the” MESSAGE
marriage on March 25. 2001. by
L tt t th Ed't ...................................... 3 . .
e er 0 e l or Sam McDonald, who was selected to Phi Marty Barr
Yom Ha’Atzmaut ........................................ 3 Beta Kappa at Lafayette College, Easton, PA.
And I WillGather The Exiles ..................... 4 Leonardo Radomile & Kim Colley on their
marriage on March 25, 2001.
The Bad News Jews .................................... 5
S Irma Rosenstein on her induction into the
uper Sunday ............................................. 5 College of Social Work Hall of Fame at the
_ Universit of Kentuck .
Letters UK ................................................ 6 y y his year, for the first time in a number of
On the Front Lines ...................................... 7 years, my extended family was able to
. _ REFUAH SHLEMAH (get well WlSheS): gather in Washington, DC. to celebrate
Partners for Solidarlty ................................ 7 Lenny Lerner. PesaCh. There were abOut forty of us, ranging in
Leisure Club ............................................... 7 age from a great niece 0f eleven months ‘0 my “11016
. . of eighty-three. Some of us were Reform, others
Rabbl S Corner ........................................... 8 Cglqlezoé‘ENCEES TO' th d th f Conservative or Orthodox. There are also a few
a e rances arvrs on e ea 0 . . .
Dairy Of My Trip to Israel .......................... 9 Dale’s mother Pearl Jarvis on March 31 people Who marned mto the famlly and are from a
2001 ’ ’ ’ Christian background. While most of us were
Ask JFS .................................................... 10 ' Ashkenazi, my son in law comes from a Sephardi
. , back ro nd.
Belm 8 Run Marathon .............................. 12 Please let us know ofany news you I g, u , ‘ ,
. . n short, my family represents a microcosm of
Lexington Singles Outing ......................... 12 would llke to Share With the the typical Jewish community found in the United
community. States today. Think about it for a moment. For each
Camp Shalom ........................................... 13 word used to describe my family, there is a name in
Tikkun Lexington ...................................... 14 our own community that YOU COUld
_ _ . I substitute. For example, Adath Israel
Community Habitat Proiect ...................... 14 5 'IMII ‘ could be the Lexington word for Re-
JFS Long Term Care ................................ 14 form.
_ . . The most important thing about my
Jews in Suriname ...................................... 15 70,0“ W." family is that despite our diverse and
Jonathan Miller ......................................... 16 ' 1 ‘ “mining” °°mP1°XbaCkM we ‘
. . l'L‘llliUllr'.t't)ilC\l\UgiULlP.L'UiicCiiit‘Li
KET History of Jews in America .............. 16 l I about one another and ready to help
. We“, 1‘ i when required. This has also been a
Scholarships ............................................. 14 ,
hallmark of our local community and
Community Schedule ................................ 17 remains the primary focus of CKJF’s
. 23 3 _ 1 17 3 operating mentality today. It is one of
Ohavay Zion Synagogue ........................... 18 the reasons that we continue to offer an
Temple Adefl: Israel .................................. 10 ever broader array of Programs in both the Family
‘9 h a [0 In Service and Community Activities areas and why

Community Relations stands for a whole commu-
nity in dealing with the media, university, etc.

Approximately 70 ‘70 of our resources go to our
efforts to support and strengthen the local Jewish
family in Lexington. Do not forget us when the time
comes to pledge your support in either time or
money. You will feel good and the entire community
will benefit. Thanks.

SAVE THE DATE
Sunday
June 24th, 2001
Central
Kentucky Jewish
, Federation
,_ Annual meeting

 

  

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Express Yourself — Silence ain‘t
Golden!

I hate to be a pain in the tush...but, I think that it
is in the interest of the CKJF community to have a
forum to confront issues raised in the Easter Sunday
BC strip. The Shalom newsletter can and should
provide a venue to report viewpoints. What is
needed is community, the whole communities’
thoughts.

The Easter Sunday comic strip by Johnny Hart .
shows a menorah with candles extinguished one by
one. After the final candle is extinguished a cross
appears and the cartoon reads, “it is finished.” The
imagery is clear: Christianity replaces Judaism. The
message to these readers that gather their informa-
tion from comic strips is potentially troubling.

I was prepared to ignore, forget, and get busy
with work, kids, etc (what else) until one of my
friends insisted I look at Mr Hart’s defense of his
cartoon. Please take a moment to read his statement.
It’s online with the url: http://www.creators.com/

A Celebrate

 

* Klezmer Band

*Traditional Israeli Folk Songs

* Modern Day Israel
Display & Videos

* Slides from Israel

* Joseph-Beth Book Sale

* Arts & Crafts Fair

 

comics/bc/

Frankly I find it to be quite a potentially frighten-
ing point of view. Consider the following: I ) The
comic strip BC is nationally syndicated and widely
read. Syndicated Features boasts it is perhaps the
single most widely read comic strip. 2) The reader-
ship consists of individuals that gravitate to the
‘funnies’ section: adolescents (& younger) & adults
that get their news & views through what I thought
was intended as a section for children. 3) Mr. Hart
begins his statement with a persecution complex:

“...every time I try to honor this man
[Jesus]...hackles go up.” (Gee those poor maligned
minorities in the Christian world; this sounds like a
well established Christian-Right wing political
tactic); 4) He then goes on to state that, “I too am a
Jew.” WOW! It is well established that Mr Hart is a
fervent evangelical Christian. Perhaps there is lip
service that some Christian/Catholic leaders reject
the notion of supersession, but this strip is yet
another call to arms for youth and the small minded

May 13th
ES. Good Barn

1:00 — 4:00pm

Free
(St
Open
to the Public

* Phil's Cookshop on Romany

* Subway Sandwiches
* Flowers For Sale

Special Guest:

Giora Becher

General Consul of Israel
In Philadelphia

Sponsored by:

Central Kentucky Jewish Federation

to regard Judaism, and Jews as incomplete versions
of themselves.

As one of my usually non-activist, non—militant
New York friends points out this type of propa-
ganda is a historically first step to ‘justifiable’ anti-
semitism.

I do not think it is important to expose the intent
of Mr Hart. Something we cannot ever truly know.
But we must address the possible threat to the
tolerance of our religious beliefs by a vast majority
of non—Jews. Masses often influenced by one -
liners.

Jonathan Satin, PhD.

Associate Professor

Dept. of Physiology

University of Kentucky College of Medicine

Shalom invites your commentary on this
serious issue. Please forward your letters to:
Shalom/Letter t0 the Editor, CKJF, 340

‘Romany Road, Lexington, KY 40502.

Yom Ha’Atzmaut

Dr. in front of Commonwealth Stadium)

* Giant Inflatables
Super Slide
Moon Bounce
Cameron Caterpillar
( Obstacle course for
sma// ch/Ydren)

* Carnival Games

* Childrens Crafts

* Door prizes

We will see you therell

 

 

     
 

   

We need volunteers

to help setup, decorate, fill balloons, help work a booth
during the event, and everyone’s favorite - clean up!
Please call Diana Lockridge at 268—0672

if you can help!

 
    
   

 

 

May 200] ~*— 3

 

 

 

  

 

Gorodetzky - Fuchs
Engagement

Sharyn & Arthur Fuchs of Potomac, Md., announce
the engagement of their daughter, Tamara Fuchs, to
Mark Gorodetzky, son of Barbara & Charles
Gorodetzky of Kansas City, M0.

The bride graduated from the Charles E. Smith Jewish
Day School, the University of Maryland with a bachelor
of arts in Jewish studies and the graduate School of
Architecture of Washington University in St. Louis where
she received a master of architecture.

The groom graduated from Purdue University with a
degree in computer science. He grew up in Lexington,
Ky. and is a licensed pilot.

The groom is currently employed as a software engi-
neer with AetherSystems in Bethesda, Md.

A May wedding is planned in Washington, DC.

The Gorodetzky family were Lexington residents in
the 19605 and 19705. Chuck was a founding member of
CKJF and its first president.

 

Loneliness
Unfulfilling Relationships
Marital Conflicts

I have 22 years professional experience helping
people with these difficulties. My current
special interests include loss of a pet, Benedict
Spinoza, and the search for a sense of one’s
significance and value at midlife. I want to help
you live a rewarding life. '

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Board Certified in Clinical Psychology
Saint Joseph Office Park

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Great Ciao. And Amore.

Portabella's

ITALIAN WOOD OVEN 8t GRILL

115 N. locust Hill Drive 0 Richmond Rd. Off Man 0’ War 0 266-6836
Open 7 Days 0 Private Room Available

 

 

t the end of April, we celebrated
the 53rd birthday of the State of
srael. Like the wicked child of the
Passover Haggadah, somebody might ask
“what is this that Zionism did for you?”
The answer, however, would be different
from the one at the Seder.

For starters, there are not “wicked
children” in the Israel story, just people who
are not clear on their personal connection
with it. But even those who believe they
have no connection are being redeemed in a
way by the very existence of the Jewish
State. Just stop for a minute to think and
imagine that you are a Jew living at the
beginning of the Twentieth Century.

In Europe, France is in the midst of
reviewing the Dreyfus case in which a
French Jew was condemned of treason on
false evidence. In Russia, the failed revolu—
tion of 1905 unleashed a series ‘of pogroms
throughout the Tsurist empire. ln Argentina,
a worker’s demonstration turned into a
pogrom instigated by the government. In
America, anti—Semitism is high and Henry
Ford publishes the “International Jew.” In
Northern Africa, pogroms are decimating
the Jewish community in Djerba, Tunis. The
Jewish communities of Alexandria and
Cairo are also suffering attacks. While all
this is happening, a fledgling Jewish politi-
cal movement led by an assimilated journal—
ist from Vienna is beginning to gain momen-
tum. Zionism begins to attract the imagina—
tion of the Jewish masses.

Today, Jews have a voice not only in the
Jewish State where we are the majority, but
in any democratic country where our people
live, America chief among them. How did
this happen? One could be tempted to
attribute the change to the triumph of
democracy over the prejudices. Some
groups in America might object to this, for
they are not collecting the benefits of full
membership in American society. Even
some Jews might object to this, for anti-
Semitism still exists and Christian funda-
mentalist groups still try to impose their
definition of “American Ethics.” What is
different today?

What has changed is our attitude. Jews
the world over are today more assertive,

AND I WILL WITH“

THE EXILES...

By Daniel Chejfec, Executive Director
Central Kentucky Jewish Federation

more secure of who we are, even when we
can not agree on a definition. We demand the
right to be different; we demand the right to
be citizens without abdicating our Jewish
identity and our Jewish heritage. This would
not have been possible without the State of
Israel to show us the way. Israel reminded us
that we can take our destiny in our own
hands, something that the Shoah denied us.
The triumph of the Zionist movement to re-
establish Jewish sovereignty over the land of
our ancestors changed forever the way we
look at ourselves and helped us to begin the
process of coping with the horrors of World
War II.

Contrary to Palestinian propaganda, it
was not a “quid pro quo.” The world did not
“concede” independence to the Jews out of
guilt for the Shoah. Jews began to redevelop
the land of Israel many years before the
Holocaust. Tel-Aviv was founded in 1909
and was a flourishing city by the 19303. The
world simply acknowledged the right of Jews
for self-determination. The Jewish m -_
bccriiiic the rculmrtion 01a 2000 year old
dream and a safe heaven for every Jew in the
world. It became the tool to make sure that
never again would Jews be without a place to
go.

Israel also became the center of our
common advocacy to free our people in the
Soviet Union and in Ethiopia. The very
existence of Israel changed the direction of
Jewish history. Even among the ultra-
orthodox who do not believe that Israel
represents the awaited redemption of the
land, there is the recognition that Israel has
changed their lives.

I recently returned from Israel, and I saw
what CNN does not show, Israel remains true
to its mission of helping the needy and lifting
the fallen, of freeing the captive and healing
the sick. As part of the Federation system,
our community is a partner in that mission
through our overseas allocation, and know-
ing that made me proud of what I saw. Let us
celebrate, on May 13th, the Jewish revolu-
tion. Let us celebrate Jewish history. Let us
remember the past and let us build for the
future.

Join us on May 13th at the community
wide celebration of “Yom Ha’Atzmaut”,
Israel Independence Day, starting at 1:00 PM
at the Good Barn. Come have fun and good
food.

 

  

Museum continued from front page

ing.” Program will last 30-60 min.
depending on participant interest.
2:30 pm Guided tour of the exhibit.

Children’s Classes

1:30 pm Six children (K-Sth grade) will join a
class being taught on Clay Vessels.

The children will explore different types
of vessels, their forms and functions,
making several and comparing different
cultures’ uses of the vessels. (2 hours) .
Children’s program and tour of
exhibit. This class will be specifically
designed for the children who attend.
When you make your reservation, please
let us know the age of your child(ren)
and any special interests that may
pertain to the exhibit or about art in
general. (1 1/2 - 2 hour program)

1:30pm

Other exhibits and activities
a va i la b i e :

* The Museum Collection includes American
and European paintings, British silver, Islamic
prayer rugs, antique firearms, contemporary prints
and Appalachian folk art. The Daywood Collec-
tion features American and European paintings,
prints, and bronzes from the 19th and early 20th
centuries.

* A spectacular collection of glass is also
featured from the Ohio River Valley and The
Wilbur E. Myers Art Glass Collect/rm of rare New

bugiaudandlauropean art glass from the late 19th ‘

and early 20th centuries.

* Sculpture is displayed in the Great Hall and
on the Museum grounds.

* Edwards Conservatory features year-round
displays of subtropical palms, shrubs, ground
covers. and seasonal flowers. Fountains and
sculpture enhance the atmosphere.

* Nature trails, herb gardens, and a minia-
ture rose garden are situated on 50 acres of
wooded grounds which provide an environment for
learning and fun. With enough interest, and a
pretty day, we can meet and walk the trails together
(1 hour) or you can explore on your own.

4:30 pm Picnic box dinner is planned for the
courtyard (or the museum cafe depend—
ing on the weather).

5:00 pm Departure

7:30 pm - Arrive home happy from a day well

8:00 pm spent with spectacular art and great
friends!

Look for a trip flier in your mail around the
beginning of May. If you have any questions
before then, don’t hesitate to call Diana Lockridge
at 268-0672. This will be a fun trip for all, so mark
your calendar today! !

 

 

hope the incessant unfavorable stories about

American Jews are ending. You know, the

ones about Clinton’s pardoning of the four
Hasidic men and of Marc Rich and Pincus Green.

New I know that all Jews are not “good” Jews.
There are bad eggs in every basket and we’ve had
some notorious ones in the past. For example, there
was the era of Jewish gangsters featuring such
crooks and Mafia types as Meyer Lansky, Louis
Lepke, Bugsy Siegel, Abe (Kid Twist) Reles,
Arnold Rothstein, and others, a real “Kosher
Nostra.” Although some were common thugs, most
were shrewd tough Jews, who ran their gangs
around Hester Street as cleverly as other Jews
operated on Wall Street.

Which brings us to more recent criminals—Ivan
Boesky and Michael Milken. Both these men were
admired on Wall Street for their brilliant dealings,
but both went to jail for their financial chicanery.
Boesky seems to have disappeared from public
View but Milken has been in the nevx s by trying to
atone for hisjunkbonddealings by sponsoring
cancer research.

Next we come to the recent scandal involving the
four Hasidic Jews. Fortunately, this story didn‘t
play as strongly around the country as it did in New
York state where it was involved in Hillary Rodham
C linton’s senatorial campaign. Allegedly, the men
were pardoned by her husband to pay their commu-
nity for voting 1,400 to 12 for Mrs. Clinton. The
four men had been convicted in 1999 on 21 charges,
including conspiracy, mail fraud, embezzlement,
and money laundering. Specifically, these Orthodox
Jews were found guilty of bilking the government

 

 

are usually not petty criminals but major ones.

_ 859).?68ééd72f6rinfamation'

THE BAD NEWS JEWS

by Michael E. Adelstein

out of $40 million in education aid, housing subsi—
dies, and small business loans. True, some of the
money went to their community, but some went into
their own pockets.

But the Presidential pardons granted to these
men were not considered as outrageous as those
bestowed on Marc Rich and Pincus Green. We
haven’t heard much about Pincus, but we’ve heard
too much about Marc and there is probably more to
come.

Indicted on 51 counts of tax evasion, racketeer-
ing, conspiracy, mail and wire fraud, and trading
with the enemy (Iran), Marc Rich fled to Switzer—
land. There he ran a $30 billion business, mainly
involved with commodities.

About a year ago, he is alleged to have launched
an intensive lobbying campaign to obtain a Presi—
dential pardon.

His ex-wife, Denise Rich, a good friend of the
Clintons mainly because of her contributions to his
library and the Democratic party, was persuaded to
use her influence. Various other people close to the
President, particularly Jack Quinn, a former White
House counsel, were hired to lobby for Rich. And
numerous international dignitaries, including Ehud
Barak, wrote letters praising Rich for his philan—
thropy.

Then, somehow, the Justice Department’s
customary routine checks were bypassed. Trusting
in Jack Quinn’s advice and probably influenced
greatly by Denise Rich, Clinton pardoned her
former husband.

Congress and the media were in an uproar. The
story has died down but will probably be back in the
headlines again as various investigations are being
conducted and legislation is being crafted to restrict
the President’s freedom to pardon.

Many Jews like me cringe at such unflattering
accounts of Jews in the media. As God’s chosen
people we should be better than others. Perhaps most
of us are, or if not better, at least as good. Yet we have
our losers. And as is the case with Marc Rich, they

    

May 2001' '_..,.__

 

 

 

  

 

Over the last several weeks, a series of forums was presented at the
University of Kentucky about the Israeli-Palestinian situation. The
series had a strong anti-Israel bias. The first panel was on April
2nd, with the Palestinian perspective presented by Ira Grupper
and Ibrahim Imam from the Louisville Committee for Israeli/
Palestinian States and Khalid Turaani from “American Muslims
for Jerusalem” from Washington, DC. The Israeli perspective was
presented by Dan Frank, head of the Judaic Studies Department

second forum, on April 3rd, the presenters were Gary Brooks
from the Christian Peacemaker Teams and Rabbi Uriel Smith,
Chairman of the Community Relations Committee of CKJF. The
third forum on April 16th featured Rifi'at Hasan, a Pakistani
feminist, and Tom Pearce, who opposed Operation Desert Storm
in 1991. No speaker for an alternative view was scheduled. In
light of our concern over this bias, CKJF sent a letter to the
President of UK. The letter, and Mr. Wethington’s response are

 

at UK, and Daniel Chejfec, Executive Director of CKJF. At the reproduced below.

9 April, 2001 April 16, 2001

Mr. Charles Wethington Mr. Daniel Chejfec

President Executive Director

University of Kentucky Central Kentucky Jewish Federation, Inc.
340 Romany Road

Mr. Wethington,

It is with great surprise that we recently learned about a troubling situation
at the University, which we believe needs to be addressed.

On April 16th, the UK Student Government Association is planning to hold
a program entitled “Israel, Palestine, and the Middle East; Discussing the
Movement against the continuing legacy of Western imperialism and today’s
Third World Liberation struggles”. The keynote speakers for the event are
Riffat Hassan and Tom Pearce.

Having learned of this event and the speakers involved, the Jewish Students
Organization J SO, as part of the SGA, suggested that it would be good to have
another speaker presenting an alternative viewpoint of the issue. Their sugges—
tion was rejected.

While I am a strong supporter of academic freedom, I also believe that such
freedom should be responsibly balanced. Presenting a one-sided version of the
issue more resembles a political rally than an academic program designed to
advance understanding.

The request of the ISO was rejected on the basis that “ it would not be
appropriate for there to be additional speakers, as the focus will be less on
Israel/Palestine and more on the nature of capitalism, imperialism, racism, and
sexism in regard to the situation in the Middle East.” Given this explicit reason,
there is a manifest need for balance, lest, as we suspect, the US. and Israel
alone stand accused of racism, imperialism, etc.

We believe that the organization of this program is contrary to the tradition
of academic freedom at UK, a tradition committed to a healthy intellectual
pluralism and openness. We believe it would be a terrible mistake to allow this
program to proceed without a dissenting voice defining the role of the US in the
Middle East. All opinions need to be presented. We are sure you will give this
issue the consideration it deserves. The academic integrity of the University is
at stake.

Sincerely,
Daniel Chejfec

Executive Director
Central Kentucky Jewish Federation

cc: Herald — Leader
Victor A. Hazard

 

Lexington, KY 40502
Dear Mr. Chejfec:

Thank you for your letter of April 9 regarding the Student Government
Association sponsored program “Israel, Palestine, and the Middle East: Dis-
cussing the Movement Against the Continuing Legacy of Western Imperialism
and Today’s Third World Liberation Struggles.”

It has always been the position of the University to encourage a diversity of
thought, opinion and expression. Certainly, in the programs developed and
controlled by the University. we make every effort to present a balanced
approach, which may spread over several weeks or more. In the programs that
we do not directly control, such as student developed and sponsored events, we
consistently advise and encourage them to follow this balanced approach.
However, since these programs are not developed or financed by the University,
the students have a wide variety of options available to them.

in this particular case, a SCI‘IC\ of three programs was developed by .1
coalition of student groups including Phi Alpha Theta (International History
Honorary), the Muslim Student Association, the Jewish Student Association]
Hillel and three other organizations. The purpose of the programs that were
proposed to the student Government Association for funding was to “...foster
understanding, diversity, and reconciliation by creating an open and honest
dialogue for all members and participants while promoting cooperation among
diverse groups.” A number of speakers were proposed, including Ira Grupper,
Riffat Hasan, lbrihim [man and Tom Pierce. As these programs were being
discussed and developed, apparently there were communication problems and
differences of opinion between the sponsoring groups and J SO/Hillel’s partici-
pation in the coalition was diminished.

As you may be aware, the April 16 event is the third and last program of the
series. It is my understanding that the first two programs included a variety of
perspectives as well as a historical view of Jerusalem by Rabbi Smith. It is
unfortunate that this final program did not carry on with that standard.

I have learned that J SO/Hillel and the Central Kentucky Jewish Federation
are presenting 3 “Partners for Solidarity” program in the Student Center on
April 17 that will provide an Israeli perspective of the current cycle of violence.
Hopefully, this will provide interested individuals with the balanced perspec—
tive, albeit in separate forums, that we both wish for.

Again, I appreciate your interest in this matter and in the University of
Kentucky.

Sincerely,

Charles T. Wethington, Jr.
President

 

  

  

Partners for Soli

uesday, April 17th, UK’s Jewish Student

Organization/Hillel Foundation held a very

successful program featuring two speakers
from Israel. The topic was the Israeli perspective on
the current cycle of violence. Reuven Stein, founding

member of the Conservative Synagogue in Gilo, and
Gideon Eldar, resident of Moshav Mei Ami and host

darity Program a Success for JSO/Hillel

of recent solidarity missions, spoke of their personal
experiences in formerly peaceful areas. The two
speakers were accompanied by Michael Yankelowich
from JAFI. There were over 20 students, faculty, and
community members attending. The program was
sponsored by the Community Activities Committee
and ISO/Hillel Foundation.

Pictured left to right: Austin Cantor, faculty advisor for Hillel; Gideon Eldar, resident of Mei Ami, Israel;
and Reuven Stein, founder of the Conservative Congregation of Gilo, in Jerusalem, Israel.

 

Leisure Club Tries Out New Programs

he program in April was a big success. We

met at OZS on April 19 for tea and a talk

on gardening. Annette Milch shared her
tips on growing beautiful irises and showed us
pictures of her prize winning pieces. Thanks
Annette! ’

You won’t want to miss May’s Leisure Club
program which will be at ArtsPlace for their lunch
time “A La Carte” program. There will be a lute
duo and we will enjoy the music while eating lunch
that we each bring from home. The date will be
Tuesday May 22 from 12—1pm. *Note this is a new
day of the week for us to meet. We will all gather at
Temple Adath Israel first at 11:30 am and carpool
downtown from there. Please RSVP to 269—8244 if
\(m plan on attending.

We arealways open to suggestimahtnew and
exciting ideas to do for Leisure Club programs, so
don’t hesitate to talk to Ruth Moser, A