xt7n2z12rx3v https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7n2z12rx3v/data/mets.xml Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass Kentucky Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass 2003-06 2003-07 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, June/July 2003 text image Shalom, June/July 2003 2003 2003-06 2003-07 2025 true xt7n2z12rx3v section xt7n2z12rx3v  

Newspaper of the Central Kentucky Jewish Federation

  

halom

Serving the Central Kentucky Jewish Community Since 1962

 

June/July 2003

Sivan-7ammuz-Av 5763

Wekstein, Geller, Miller to Receive Awards,
Highlight of Federation Annual Meeting

Election of New Board Members, Reports,
scheduled for CKJF Event June 25‘“

hree Lexington residents will be honored

for their effort and commitment to Federa-

tion and the Central Kentucky Jewish
community at the Central Kentucky Jewish
Federation’s Annual Meeting Wednesday, June 25‘”.
Dr. David R. Wekstein will receive the President’s
Award, Evelyn Dantzic Geller will be recognized as
the Volunteer of the Year and Lisa M. Miller will
receive the Young Leadership Award.

The President’s Award is presented to a volun-

teer who has demonstrated significant long-term
effort for the welfare of the Central Kentucky
Jewish community. The Volunteer of the Year is
awarded to a person who over the past year has
demonstrated outstanding effort on behalf of
Federation tobenefit the local community. The
Young leadership Award is given to a volunteer
between the ages of 25 and 45 who has demon-
strated proven commitment to the local Jewish
community through activities of Federation.

 

Mission to Israel for Central Kentucky planned
for November, precedes General Assembly

""'"’““"“’Other “Small Cities" Federations join CKJF v
Susan Caller, named Central Kentucky chair, reparls asfollovirs:

The Central Kentucky Jewish Federation
Officers and Board have recently an-
nouncedplans to join with nearby “Small
Cities” Jewish Federations of Knoxville, Chatta-
nooga, and Southern Illinois to have a Mission to
Israel this coming November.

The General Assembly (annual meeting) of
United Jewish Communities will take pl ace mid-
November in Jerusalem, Israel. Thousancb of
Jewish leaders and volunteers from the Jewish
Federations of North America will converge on the
capitol of the Jewish homeland, not only to conduct
the usual once-a-year convention, but to send a
clear message: American Jews stand with Israel
and the Israeli people.

While the General Assembly (6A.) will take
place from November 16 through the 20, many
communities, including ours, are also plannirgpre-

ber 16. The full trip will last from November 9 to
November 20.

Central Kentucky is planning to join with Knox-
ville, Chattanooga, Southern Illinois andperhaps
others on a “Small Cities” mission. It will be a great
chance to see Israel and participate in the
celebratory support of American Jewry for our
fellow Jews in our homeland

Duringthetripwewillhaveachancetosee
how Israelis continue to seek peace while defend-
ing their country. We will visit many places which
bear testimony to the past andpresent of our
people: Jerusalem, Tel-Aviv, the Galilee, Massada,
andmore. We will be able to see how our contribu-
tions to the Community Campaign help Israel
continue to bring home andintegrate into Israeli
society Jews from Ethiopia, South America, France,
and the Former Soviet Union We will see how our

 

 

GA. community trips from November 9 to Novem- see "I scion on page 2
00‘ Nonprofit Org.
1mmm,mzo3 U_S_Pow

Permit # 719
bxhstm. Ky

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At the Annual meeting each year elections are
held for the Federation Board of Directors. Ap-
proximately one-third of the 24 member Board,

seeAnnual Meeting on page 10

 

Temple Chooses

New Rabbi

Marc Kline to begin
duties July 1“

abbi Marc Kline, 42, of Florence, South
Carolina has been named the new spiritual
eader of Temple Adath Israel. The reform

’ .. cmnoh’apmmmdi’fitsh arrow that

Rabbi Kline will assume thepostasrabbi ofCentral
Kentucky’s largest congregation on July 1".

Rabbi Kline comes to Lexington following eight
years as rabbi of Beth Israel Congregation in
Florence, SC. He brings with him a history of having
reached out to his community, dcscnbinglrimself as
“passionate about social justice andeducation.”

His activities have included chairing Florence’s
Human Relations Committee, teaching at an
Episcopal day school and at a Catholic church, as
well as achninistering a community center along
with a Black minister.

A native of Las Vegas, Rabbi Kline was gradu-
ated from Tulane University and the University of
Arkansas Law School at Little Rock. I-Ie practiced
law for six years prior to entering Hebrew Union
College. Following graduation and then ordination
he acceptedhis firstpulpitin Florence.

Rabbi Kline says he believes people should have
equal access to opportunity. “In accepting as my
standard ‘justice first,’ I afirm the teaching of
Pirkei Avot ‘Ifnot now, when?’ I am also all about
youth work. The children of today are the CEOs of
tomorrow. If we do not care for them and respect
them, we have no future.”

A love of college sports andhaving a 15 year old
son who loves baseball prorrpted the Rabbi to state
“I will take any “Wildcats tickets available andif the
Legends need a chaplain, I volunteer.”

Rabbi Kline andhis wife, Cindy, lave four
children, Corrine 16, Joshua 15, Dana 10 andRachel,
who is threeAhearty welcome to the Kline family
from the Central Kentucky Jewish community.

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

_ MAZEL TOV TO:
I" ““5 ISSUE: Ken Ain & R. Sara Rosenthal on their
. marriage on May 31, 2003.
Hoffman Elected OZS Presrdent 3 Eric Ellsworth, who won first place for
President’s Message 4 Overall Horsemanship at the 4H Bluegrass A193
Council 2003 Competitive Trail Riding Event held
Grossman Vifrns Freedman Award S at the Rockcasfle Saddle Club. Eric also won 2nd
place in the trail riding event itself, which covers
JFS Says Goodbye to Intern 5 15 miles. Eric is the son onynthia andRobert
CKJF Erecutive Director’s Column 6 Ellsworth. .
Jennifer & David Goldman on the birth of
Emily Szekely Holocaust Essay Contest 6 their son, Benjamin Merrick.
. Bea Milner, on the confirmation of her grand-
Teach Your Children Hell ........................... 7 daughter, Patty Milner in Indianapolis, IN. The
- proud parents are Robert Stedron and Molly
LersureClub 7 Milner Stedron.
Rabbi’s Column 3 Morris & Roz Rowen on the Bat Mitzvah of
their granddaughter, Rebecca, in Cincinnati, OH.
ASk IFS About 9 Barbara & Mark Rubin on the birth ofa son_
Havurah 25thAnniversary 10 3:3; and mm" “be“ m m" pm" md‘
YoungLeadership 11 T” Temple Adath 15"“ Confirmands:
Amanda Dyer, daughter of Francine Dyer;
Tikkun Lexington Visits Stewart Home 11 Eric Ellsworth, son of Bob & Cindy Ellsworth;
_ _ Michelle Grise, daughter of Bill 8: Jane Grise;
Spellbrnderscometo Lexmgton ll Leah Martin, daughter ofLynn & Karyn
, Martin~ Dennis Masters son of Jeff & Debbie
B T A .............................................. ’ ’
ay von 12 Masters; Lindsey Waldman, daughter of Randy
Happy Birthday Israel .. 12 & Marianne Waldman
Yom Hashoah r3 CONDOLENCES TO:
Jacquine Bndol'f, on the death of her sister-in-
.IeWLS Retreat 13 law, Lam“ Budoil' Bingham, on April 19, 2001
Micah & Mimi Kaufman, on the death of
Campfires a Success l4 Mimi s | other, MaryAnn Baumstarlg on
CurpShalomRegisu-auon {S Apn128,2003. -
. ’ Brian Nusbacher and family on the death of
Hmah chonal G’nfcmnm ............... 16 his mount, Gertrude anbacher
Web Fai l7 Shel & Meg Schneider on the death of Shel’s
ry uncles Boris Pressman and Alan Waldman.
UK Research Professors 18 Al" Sheckett on the death ofhis mother; J”!!-
Mark Simpson on the death of his father,
OhavayZionSynagogue 18 Joseph.
- Hamid, Brian, & Doug Weinberg, on the
Terrple Adath Israel [9 deathofl-I “,5 motherandB . & Dorg’s
Community Calendar 20 modes Frtnm Weinberg. onApril II, 2003.
Jim Wenneker and family on the death of his
wife Irene June 7th.
3". loll

Published can times annually by the Carnal Kentucky Jewish Federation, Inc.
1050 Crime Road, Suite 203, Lexingon, KY 40502

(859) 268—0672 0 Fax (859) 268-0775 0 e-mail: shalom®jewishladngtomag
Inna/Duly 2003, Volume K, {sue 9

 

Stanley Saxe, President
Daniel Giejfec, Executive Director
Fran Morris, Jewish Family Services
Jana LaZur, Activitia Diredior

Editon'al Board
Evelyn Dantzic Geller, Judy Levine, Ruth Poley

Production Editor & Advertising Manager, Carrie MdDanald

The editorial staff has the right to edit all articles submimd for publication in 55.14:» .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.
Jill-loan is suppoted by the advafiserneiits appearing in the paper.

© 2003 by Central Kentudty Jewish Federation

 

 

2 O 5hntom

Mission from front page

dollars help protect children from terrorism and
provide medical care for all those affected by the
violence.

Going to Israel today is a show of confidence in
the firture of the Jewish State and hope that peace
will finally come to that troubledpart of the world,
so Israel can focus all its energies in bettering life
for its citizens in an atmosphere ofgood—will and
security.

Israel is a country of contrasts, from the archeo-
logical digs to the modern cities; from the timeless
sounds of prayer at the Western Wall in the Old
City to the restaurants and night clubs of J afl‘a.
Safed, the home of Jewish Kabbalah, is also the
home of a modern artistic colony near the shores of
the Sea of Galilee. The whole country is a book in
which the history of ourpeople is written, and the
beauty of the land fills your eyes. See the accom-
plishrnents of the new immigrants; join us to stand
together where our ancestor stood 2000 years ago.

The trip will be the kick-off for our 2004 UJC!
CKJF Community Campaign which makes possrble
all the activities we do locally and the financial
support we provide for Israel and the Joint Distribu-
tion Committee. The original cost of the trip (round
trip New York-Tel Aviv included) was $2,040, but
thanks to a subsidy provided by UJC for those
participating in the GA., the cost for participants
will be $1,940 for 10 days with hotels and most
meals included .
from all over North America to celebrate our ‘-
commitrnent to Israel and the Jewish people. Those
interestedin joining me to work on this project can
contact me at 266-1314.

 

$halom emu».
Deadline for articles for the
August Shalom is July 11.
E-mail articles to
shalom@jewishiexington.org
Articles submitted in hard copy
should be double-spaced.

 

 

 

:----------------‘

EDON’T MISS OUT”

I Get this great paper delivered FREE I

to your home ten times annually. Mail your
name & address to:

‘Slmlom / CKJF
1050 Chinoe Rd., Suite 203
Lexington, KY 40502

or by e-mail at
shalom@jewishlexington.org

 If

 

 

Hoffman Elected Synagogue President;

Ohavay Zion Installs New Officers and Board

ong-time Lexington resident and Jewish board of trustees of OZS.
community activist Nancy Hoffman was Hoffman is a former Community Campaign
installed as president of Ohavay Zion chair for the Central Kentucky Jewish Federation

Synagogue at a ceremony June 8. Other officers as well as having been Women‘s Division campaign

beginning two—year terms are first vi ce-presi dent chair. In addition she has served as Federation
Bret Caller, second vice-president Sandy Goldberg, treasurer and a member of the board of directors
Secretary Jonathan Satin and treasurer Ronit Eves. for six years.

Having served as first vi ce-president ofthe Other community activities include service on
conservative congregation, Ohavay Zion, for the the board of the Lexington Chapter of Hadassah
past two years prior to assuming the presidency, and on the board of the NCCJ— Bluegrass Region.
Hoffman has a history of service to the synagogue. The new congregation president said her goals
She has been treasurer, and has served on the included "further involvement (:rf(:)havay Zion

Jewish Fomiy Services of the
Central Kentucky Jewish Federation in coordination with
firm of Cincinnati invite you to:

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Nancy H oflman

members in all synagogue activities” and she
will strive for “maximum participation."
President Hoffman noted her high regard and
respect for Rabbi Sharon Cohen with whom
she has worked the past three years, since
Rabbi Cohen accepted the position as OZS
rabbi. “I look forward to working with Rabbi
Cohen. we work well together."

We. mmumebxflmeamnsos
of our religious school,” Hoffman said, “the
program has thrived under the leadership of
Simone Salomon.”

A native of Nashville, Hoffman was
graduated from Sophie Newcombe College in
New Orleans. \Vith her husband, Phil, an
internist at the Lexington Clinic, she came to
Lexington 25 years ago from Houston where
Phil completed a medical residency.

The Hoffman’s have three sons; Benjamin
is in Los Angeles writing movie scripts, second
son Scott is in New York City where his band
is making an album, Mark is completing his
first year of medical school at the University
of Kentucky and will be married at the end of
summer. ’

In addition to its officers, Ohavay Zion
Synagogue added three new members to its
Board of Trustees. They are Sue Dworkin,
Howard Grotch and Steve Caller. Those re-
elected for a second 3-year term are Stanley
Isenstein, Benjamin Karp and Art Schechet.

Trustees continuing on the OZS board
include Jim Rakes, Beth Goldstein, Michelle
Rivkin-Fish, Jeff Kaplan and Lauren
Goldenberg.

June/July 2003 o 3

 

 

  

 

 

 

t has been a quick two years since I became

president of the Central Kentucky Jewish

Federation; two years in which we saw the
terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and
The Pentagon; two years in which we saw the
economy tank, an event of particular concern to the
airlines and to many of us retirees.

But in the past two years good things have
happened in our local Federation. We have seen our
physical plant improve, programs develop, staff
excel, and volunteers, our community members,
demonstrate exemplary effort.

It is now one year since Federation has been in
the Chinoe Center ofiice building. As a result of the
long-term plan developed three years ago in Marty
Barr’s presidency, we now have adequate room for
staff, room for committee and board meetings, and
accessible and easy access for community members.

Program development has included the planning
and implementation of our website,
Wm. Linked to the United
Jewish Communities website, UJC FedWeb
provides us with a first class intemet resource
where world news is updated three times daily
along with a host of features related to Jewish life
and interests. We provide the local material and
calendar, with links to our local organizations.

This past year Central Kentucky saw Federation

President's Message

by Stan Saxe

A Quick Two Years

sponsor its first Holocaust education program,
sending high school teachers to the United States
Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC.
This activity, named for the late Mike Adelstein,
ardent CKJF worker and UK educator, is planned
to be an annual event. Gay Adelstein was the
initiator of this important concept.

This spring saw the first recipient of the Ken
Freedman Social Action Award. Established and
fiinded by the family and friends of the late Univer-
sity of Kentucky counselor, Ken Freedman, this
award acknowledges a college student who has
demonstrated commitment to the principles of social
justice and tikkun olam. Andy Grossman is this
year’s recipient of a certificate and cash award.
Marcia Risk Freedman and her family have estab-
lished a model for honoring the memory ofa loved
one.

Most recently Central Kentucky’s successfiil
observance of Yom HaAtzmaut, Israeli Indepen-
dence Day, was the result of Community Activities
Committee dedication. Aviva Bowling, Odette
Kaplan, Ginger Knight and Ruth Poley continue to
lead a group of hard working and resourceful
volunteers who initiate events to bring the commu-
nity together.

The Community Relations Committee (CRC)
has worked with due diligence, chaired by Rabbi
Uri Smith, who now leaves the Board, having
completed two terms. The CRC’s good effort to
encourage individuals to express their views and

write letters-to-the-editor of local

 

Tomas Milch H.
First Vice President—Investments

@ Prudential

Prudential Securities Incorporated
Lexington Financial Center, Suite 2900

 

tomas~milchh@prusec.com

250 West Main Street, Lexington KY 40507
Tel 859 233-0321 KY 800 998—8766 800 354—9066

media has been headed by Dave
Wekstein.

Campaign Cabinet Committee
members who carry the pledge
cards, contact us, and make the calls
deserve our utmost appreciation.
They create the engine which drives
the effort to promote Jewish com-
munities, locally and abroad. The
fundraising for United Jewish

 

 

   

Jewell/s

233-1173

4 O \Shalom

  

761/0!» fepnir
Jpecinlists

  

Communities/United Jewish Appeal/
Jewish Agency for Israel aids in the
welfare of Jewish communities such
as in the former Soviet Union. This
is one of the three largest concentra-
tions of Jews in the world, along with
the US. and Israel, where much of
the remaining Jewish population is
older adults who survived World War
II and have never emigrated. Last
year Alan Stein was chair of our

UJ C/CKJ F campaign, with Gail
Cohen and Lowell Nigoffin charge
of Super Sunday. This year’s

 
   
 

campaign chairs are Harriet Cooper and Marty
Barr; Sandy Goldberg chaired Super Sunday.

Jewish Family Services continues to thrive.
Some ofthe work is high profile such as promoting
Leisure Club activities for older adults and the
Jewish singles group. Much of the work is low
profile, purposely kept private and confidential, such
as counseling and referral activities for individuals
and families, and the work of the camperships and
scholarships sub-committee. Heading J F S Advisory
Committee this year are chairs Vinnie Dubilier and
Merle Wekstein.

Our newspaper, Shalom, is guided by our intrepid
editorial committee. Marcia Blacker, Evelyn
Dantzic Geller, Judy Levine and Ruth Foley de-
serve the credit for this past year’s effort. Our
thanks to our professional editor who does the
typography and oversees production, Carrie
McDanald.

Our Young Leadership group for couples and
single adults, ages 25 to 45 years, saw a record
representation from Central Kentucky to this past
Spring’s national meeting. Bret Caller continues to
be a driving force in this group. ' ‘ ' ' V

Tikkun Lexington has been established and
Barbara Barr. our volunteer chair. encourages us in
the community to channel our volunteer hours
through Tikkun.

As spring breaks into summer another Camp
Shalom day camp season is reason to rejoice in the
good things which have happened and will continue
to happen in this Central Kentucky Jewish commu—
nity. My personal thanks to committee chair Lisa
Miller and to Camp Director Kathy Feinberg and
their committee members and staff members for
their talent, ability and good works.

Volunteers in the community who work via
Federation to promote Jewish life in Central
Kentucky and overseas are able to do so by means
of a committed staff. Our professionals at Central
Kentucky Jewish Federation enable us to be
successful and reach our goals. Dan Chefjec, our
Executive Director; Lori Zimmerman, our Adminis-
trative Assistant (and Webmaster), Fran Morris, our
Jewish Family Services Director; and Jana LaZur,
our Activities Director have used their knowledge
and skills, along with grace and good humor, to
make being a volunteer in Federation a pleasure.

And finally to the wonderful, kind and committed
folk who have served as CKJ F officers and Board.
of Directors for this past two years — your good
efforts, and considerate manner and great commit-
ment have made Central Kentucky a better place
for all of us.

See you at the CKJF Annual Meeting on
Wednesday, June 25.

  

Grossman Wins Freedman
Social Action Award

niversity of Kentucky rising senior student editor of the Kentucky Kernel in 2001-2002 and has

 

 

 

Andrew Grossman was presented with been a Kernel columnist since he has been in
the first annual Kenneth Freedman Social college. He has served as the director of public

Action Award in a ceremony on the UK. campus relations for UK Student Government and is a
inlateApril. charter member of the UK-Israel Public Afiairs

The award, made possible through a fund Committee (KIPA) on campus. Most recently he
established by the family and friends of the late was a student delegate to the national AIPAC
Kenneth Freedman, acknowledges a college policy conference.
student who has demonstrated a firm commitment The cash award accompanying the certificate
to the principles of social justice and Zikkm olam, was a $500 check presented to Grossman by Dr.
repairing the world. Stanley Saxe, president of the Central Kentucky

Introducing the ceremony and welcoming Jewish Federation. CKJF administers the Freedman
attendees was Marcia Risk Freedman, widow of Award. Dr. Saxe noted recognition of a student
Ken Freedman and a member of the award com- was a most appropri ate way to honor the memory
mittee. of Ken Freedman whose protessional life was

Presenting the certificate to the awardee was advising and counseling students at UK. He
associate provost Dr. Phillip J. Kraemer, who thanked the Freedman family forestablishing the
described activities in which Andy Grossman has fund which allows for the award, and for being a
been involved. Grossman. who is in a double major model for others who wish to honor the memory of dents Kathy and Mike Grossman. Andy has a
o f history and poli tical science and is enrolled in the a loved one. younger brother, Jonathan, a student at Oberlin
I’K honors program, served as an assistant news Andy Grossman is the son of Lexington resi- College in Ohio, and a sister, Becky, a student at

Henry Clay High School.

 

 

 

 

Bye Bye Joan - JFS Bids Farewell

to I nte rn
By Fran Morris. JF S Director

E-mail us at

Shalom @JewishLexington.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e ot Jemsh family Sernces or the .

Central» Kentucky JewishFedem—

tion were sad to say goodbye to our '
most recent MSW intern, Joan Kast. Joan
began her placement with J FS early in January
2003. Her leaving marked not only the comple-
tion of the requirements for her internship but _ ;
also her graduation from UK. Joan received a V
Master’s Degree in Social Work after studying
for two years. She was also recipient of the
prestigious “Outstanding Student of the Year” _
award which is determined by the faculty of the
Social Work department. Mazel Tov Joan!

Prior to her enrollment at U. K, Joan was an

accountant in Lexington for many years. She
decided to pursue a change ofcareers when she

felt the need to work in a field where she could iTALW Wm WEN & GRILiL

actively make a difference in people’s lives. And = RY: ll {W ifii m . gm“! 5!! m m QM ‘ “”4!“
there is no doubt that she has made a difference . ‘ W iwtfitm W i

to the staff of CKJF and to the individuals and
families that J FS assists. According to Joan, the feelings were mutual. She
stated that she “very much enjoyed many aspects of the work at Jewish Family cl . 7
Services, especially visiting seniors and families in their homes, listening to stories DO you WENT} l0 Sill H piano .
about their lives, and establishing connections.” She also felt that clients, staff,

- Stewar- ‘ fietséifcss ‘

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

and volunteers were all very welcoming. Svetlana Alkhasova is giving piano lessons for adults who
Besides taking another Class this summer towards a certificate in geronmlogy: would like to sharpen their minds, and for children at all skill
Joan Will Spendher time TeSfinga taking can ther house and famflY: andJOb levels. Svetlana Alkhasova was educated in Russia (St. Peters-

hunting. We are sure that it won’tbe long before Joan finds fulfilling employment

burg Conservatory). She taught at the college level for 20
with a social service agency, where she can indeed make a difference.

years and has taught for four years at the University of Ken-
tucky. If you want to schedule a lesson or/and get more
information please call (859) 263-2327 or e-mail her at
H syalkh0@hotmail.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

June/July 2003 o 5

 

  

From The Executive Director

 

 

ore than a century ago, in France, a

Jewish officer of the French army was

accused of selling secrets to the German
Army — specifically, the design ofa new revolu-
tionary cannon which gave France a distinct
military edge. The officer’s name was Alfred
Dreyfuss. He was found guilty, stripped of his rank,
publicly humiliated and sent to Devil ’s Island for a
life sentence. All along, the French people were
yelling: “Death to the Jews.” While covering this
trial, Austrian Jewish joumalist Theodore Herzl re-
encountered his own Jewish identity and, conse-
quently, began the quest to create a common forum
for the multiple Zionist movements sprouting
throughout Europe and the Americas.

We know the story of how Herzl organized the
First Zionist Congress in 1897, beginning the
political process which would culminate in 1948
with the Declaration of Independence of the State
of Israel. But the Dreyfuss trial was even more far
reaching.

Several years after Dreyfuss was condemned, a
French writer by the name of Emile Zola discov—
ered evidence that the real culprit in the espionage
affair for which Dreyfuss was blamed was a
general by the name of D’Esterhazy. Zola published
a courageous letter entitled “J ’Accuse” (I Accuse)

By Daniel C heifer; Executive Director
Central Kentucky Jewish Federation

I Remember Emile Zola

D’Esterhazy and the role of several members of
the French government and Army in the cover-up
and using Dreyfuss, the Jew, as a scapegoat. Emile
Zola exposed the anti-seminsm behind the accusa-
tions and the trial, eventually forcing a review of the
case and leading to Dreyfirss’ freedom in 1905.
Dreyfuss died two years later ofhealth complica-
tions created by his stay on Devil’s Island.

Today, it is not the French Army accusing the
Jew. It is the Arab World with the silent conrplicity
of the European Union. They blame the Jew for his
actions, for his inactions and for not accepting the
blame.

Almost nobody today denies the fact that any
realistic solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
demands the existence of two states for two
people, but the problem becomes how to get there.
Daniel Pipes, in a recent New York Times article
asked why the Palestinians are so angry? If their
anger comes from accepting Israel but opposing
some of its policies, Israel is to blame for the
situation and should change its policies. In this
situation, theburden of achieving peace falls with
her. On the other hand, if Palestinian anger comes
from failure to recognize Israel’s right to exist then
the burden falls upon the Palestinians. Therefore,
they should accept the UN’s 1947 endorsement of
Israel as a state. While Pipes makes a convincing
case that the Palestinians are still refusing to accept
Israel’s existence, he is a Jew and his voice does
not have as much influence as Emile Zola’s.

A recentpoll (April 2003) of the Jerusalem

Media Communications Center, a Palestinian
Research organization, shows that more than 76%
of those polled support the continuation of the
intifizda; 53% support the continuation of suicide
bombings; 60 % support the continuation of attacks
inside Israel and 65 % still maintain that the goal of
the intifada is the “liberation of historical Pales-
tine” (from the Jordan to the Mediterranean). Yet
no European writer, with the honorable exception of
Oriana Fallaci, has ever spoken against the travesty
of the truth perpetrated by Arab propaganda. Are
all Emile Zolas dead?

We also have problems in our country, where
recent documents on the Ames espionage case
point to a strongprobability that Jonathan Pollard,
imprisoned since 1984 for spying for Israel, might
have been used as a fuse and charged falsely. Yet
no American public figure is demanding an investi-
gation.

My great-grandparents lived in a time when anti-
semitism was pervasive and accepted as natural.
My grandparents fought that notion especially after
the Holocaust, and their generation responded to
anti-semitism with the establishment of Israel. My
parents’ generation defended Israel and very much
believed that anti-semitism was retreating. My
generation has the sad awakening that the old
monster hasjust changed spots, but is still alive,

I remember Emile Zola, and I thank him from
the perspective of history. Will another Zola have
the guts to denounce the lies and the hate that are
growing today?

 

Emilie Szekely Holocaust Awareness

in French newspapers, exposing the guilt of
Essay Contest La unched

 

 

he Central Kentucky Jewish Community is proud to sponsor the

Emilie Szekely Holocaust Awareness Esaay Contest for public

schools. The goal of this contest is to promote the study and
understanding of the Jewish Holocaust during WWII and its lessons and
implications for the world we live in today.

Itis also a tribute andrecognition to Emilie Szekely, a local Holo-
caust survivor from Auschwitz who championed Holocaust education
and prej udice reduction in our public schools for many years. We thank
the committee for helping put this contest together: Emilie’s son George
Szekely, Public High School teacher Pat Pryor, Jewish community
activist Rachel Belin.

We believe that the best way to honor her memory is to continue her
work of educating against racism and discrimination, and to that effect
we are inviting students in the Fayette County Public School system to
submit essays on the subject Awards are scheduled to be presented as
part of the commemoration of Yom Hashoah 2004.

The Emilie Szekely Memorial Fund, setup with the contributions sent
in her honor by family and friends, is used to provide the awards for this
contest Anybody interested in adding to this fund can send a check to
CKJ F with a memo indicating “Szekely Fund”

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