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Jewish Journal

Connect. Inform. Inspire.

December 14, 2000

Cornerstone of Diversity

Leave a Comment / Entertainment, Theater /

In the play “For Here or To Go?” set during the holiday bustle of Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and Ramadan, a Jewish businessmen teaches a lonely Chinese American girl how to light a chanukiyah. An interfaith romance blossoms between a Palestinian Muslim and an African American woman. A Black family risks losing its soul food restaurant to a soulless fast food chain. An Indian, a Latino and even some Anglo cops opine about such L.A. concerns as racial profiling, earthquakes, three strikes, bus strikes, urban flight and Krispy Kreme.

Welcome to the multicultural Los Angeles landscape of “For Here or To Go?,” a 42-character play in rhymed verse about the challenges of life in L.A., courtesy of the Cornerstone Theater Company. It’s the first time the Taper’s main stage is hosting the work of another local theater group, but then again, the Cornerstone is no ordinary troupe.

What makes it unique in this showbiz capitol is that it casts residents from the megalopolis’ diverse ‘hoods alongside professional thespians. The actors have included cops, bus drivers, librarians, postal workers and even a 55-year-old Westside Jewish attorney who is on the board of Jews for Judaism. “The Cornerstone has allowed me to meet the ‘other Angelenos,'” reports the attorney, Bruce Friedman, who plays the Jewish businessman in “For Here or To Go?”

“The play aims to touch on the things that bring us together in L.A. and the things that keep us apart,” adds author Alison Carey, a Cornerstone co-founder.

Bridge-building has been the company’s agenda since 11 Harvard graduates — including Amy Brenneman, star of the TV hit “Judging Amy” — piled into a big blue van and headed off to bring theater to the American heartland in 1986. Carey, a 40-year-old Irish American from Storrs, Conn., explains the goal was to test some stuffy dramatic theory they had learned at Harvard. “Some were saying that the theater was dead and that it could make no impact on society,” she recalls. “But we wanted to see if we could make theater that mattered, even to people not used to going to the theater.”

Before long, the thesps were living in an abandoned railroad bunkhouse in the lunar-looking badlands of Marmarth, N.D. (population 190), selected because it was the place the Ivy Leaguers knew least about in the States. In a tiny, unheated old vaudeville house, they staged a Wild West-version of “Hamlet” that starred a third of the town and brought the Cornerstone national attention.

Other endeavors included a racially integrated “Romeo and Juliet,” starring Brenneman, in Port Gibson, Miss.; a version of Brecht’s “Good Woman of Setzuan” in a cattle-sale barn in Long Creek, Ore.; and an adaptation of Chekhov’s “Three Sisters” that explored Appalachian out-migration in the Rust Belt.

For five years, the actors lived out of suitcases, traveling from town to town in decrepit vehicles (Carey’s favorite: an old milk van) and setting up shop in such places as a closed fast-food restaurant in Dinwiddie County, Va. (“I lived in the storage room,” Carey recalls). But after a 1991 “bridge show” that joined Cornerstone alumni from 10 states, the troupe wearied of the road. It was time to settle down, and members chose as their new headquarters a city sorely in need of bridge-building, Los Angeles, the most ethnically diverse city in the nation. They arrived here in 1992, in time for a riot and an earthquake, and quickly established a reputation as one of the city’s most multicultural arts institutions.

On the rooftop of Angelus Plaza, a low-income senior housing complex, they performed a piece in English, Spanish, Korean and Mandarin Chinese, with downtown L.A. as a backdrop. In the aftermath of the Gulf War, they collected oral histories from Arab Americans for a show called “Ghurba,” which means estrangement, or the feeling of being away from home. That show led to a play inspired by Jewish and Arabic folk tales, created by members of both communities. The latest Cornerstone endeavor is a three-year project that will explore questions of faith in L.A.

Friedman, a member of Temple Emanuel, came to the Cornerstone after reading a flyer about its residency in the city of Beverly Hills in 1998. “I decided to audition on a lark,” says the litigator, who had no previous acting experience but promptly landed roles alongside performers from Chinatown to Boyle Heights to Baldwin Hills.

Along the way, he’s made a point of conversing with his diverse colleagues during rehearsal breaks at the Cornerstone’s downtown warehouse space at 708 Traction Ave. He’s gotten to know an African American who was blinded in a shooting in South Central L.A. and a young Arab American who’s performed her one-woman show on the road in the Midwest. In Cornerstone tradition, they’re building bridges on a personal level. “We don’t dwell on Middle East politics,” Friedman says. “We try to find the common ground.”

“For Here Or To Go?” runs Dec. 15-24. For tickets, call (213) 628-2772.

Cornerstone of Diversity Read More »

Calendar

Leave a Comment / What's Happening /

16/Saturday

Temple Isaiah: 9 a.m. Informal worship service followed by a study sessionexamining scripture in light of modern scholarship. 10345 W. Pico Blvd.,Los Angeles. For more information, call (310) 277-2772.

Temple Judea, Tarzana: 9:30 a.m. Tot Shabbat service. 10:30 a.m. Shabbatmorning service. 5:30 p.m. Shabbat afternoon service. 5429 Lindley Ave.,Tarzana. For more information, call (818) 758-3800.

17/Sunday

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Westside JCC: 2 p.m.-4 p.m. “Boychik,” a play by Richard Krevolin, starringRichard Kline. $10 (members); $12 (nonmembers). 5870 W. Olympic Blvd.,Los Angeles. For reservations, call (323) 938-2531 ext. 2225.

MEETINGS

Congregation Shaarei Torah: 10 a.m.-noon. Open house program featuresa panel of Jewish youth discussing the “December Dilemma: How to be a Jewduring the holiday season.” 550 S. Second Ave., Arcadia. For more information,call (626) 284-5451.

Jewish War Veterans: 10 a.m. Meeting with guest speaker, third Sundayof each month. Temple Adat Elohim, 2420 E. Hillcrest Dr., Thousand Oaks.For more information, call (805) 484-4181.

Republican Jewish Coalition: 7 p.m. First meeting of the Los Angeleschapter, with national executive director Matt Brooks. Studio City location.For more information, call (310) 273-8250.

CHANUKAH GIFTS

Temple B’nai Hayim: 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Chanukah bazaar and boutique. 4302Van Nuys Blvd., Sherman Oaks. For more information, call (818) 788-4661.

CLASSES

Congregation Mishkon Tephilo: 5 p.m.-6:15 p.m. Sundays at the Shul withRabbi Dan Shevitz. Also, 6:30 p.m. Yoga with Yiddishkayt. 206 Main St.,Venice. For more information, call (310) 392-3029.

Westside JCC: 8 p.m.-midnight. Israeli folk dancing with David Dassa.$4 (members); $5 (nonmembers). 5870 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles. Formore information, call (323) 938-2531 ext. 2225.

YOUTH & FAMILY

Temple Beth Hillel: 1 p.m. The Shpieler Troupe performs their Chanukahmusical “Mac and the Bees.” 12326 Riverside Dr., Valley Village. For moreinformation, call (818) 763-9148.

West Valley JCC: 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Showboat Youtheatre presents “Bye,Bye, Birdie.” $5.50 (members); $6.50 (nonmembers); $4.50 (children); reservedseats add $2. 22622 Vanowen St., West Hills. For more information, call(818) 464-3300.

18/Monday

MEETINGS

Jewish Family Service of Orange County: 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Weekly issues-orienteddiscussion group. 250 E. Baker St., Suite G, Costa Mesa. For more information,call (714) 445-4950.

LECTURES

Jewish Genealogical Society of Los Angeles: 7 p.m. Jerry Freedman Habushspeaks about “Jewish Roots in Los Angeles: The impact of Jews from pioneerlife to suburbia, movies to politics.” Haas Conference Center, SkirballCultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. For more information,call (818) 712-9031.

Em Habanim Sephardic Congregation: 8 p.m.-10 p.m. Monday night lectureseries. This week: “Chanukah, the real meaning,” with Rabbi Aaron JaffeeShalhevet. CSUN Hillel House, 17729 Plummer St., Northridge. For more information,call (818) 832-8293.

CLASSES

Yeshiva of Los Angeles: 9 p.m.-10 p.m. Mishna Sukka for beginners withRabbi Rafael Stefansky, men only. Beit Midrash, 9780 Pico Blvd., Los Angeles.For more information, call (310) 229-0958.

West Valley JCC: 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Torah study group. 12:30 p.m.-2p.m. Yiddish music and conversation class. Each class, free (members);$4 (nonmembers). 22622 Vanowen St., West Hills. For more information, call(818) 464-3300.

Robertson Recreation Center: 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. International andIsraeli folk dance class with Tikva Mason. 1641 Preuss Road.  Formore information call (310) 278-5383.

North Valley JCC: 9 a.m. Beginning bridge class. 10 a.m. Pan classes.11 a.m. Senior friendship club with lunch followed by entertainment. 16601Rinaldi St., Granada Hills. For more information, call (818) 360-2211.

CHANUKAH

Encore/OASIS: 1 p.m. Holiday Gala for the older adult program, withlive music, dancing and refreshments. Pierce College Campus Center, 6201Winnetka Ave., Woodland Hills. For more information, call (818) 710-4163.

19/Tuesday

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Jewish Community Library of Los Angeles: 7 p.m.-9 p.m. “The 30-minutekosher cook,” culinary discussion with Judy Zeidler. JCCLA Jewish Federation-GoldsmithCenter, 6505 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. For reservations or more information,call (323) 761-8648.

MEETINGS

Ezra Center for Mature Adults: 9:45 a.m. Rabbi Stephen Einstein presentsa program on “Historical Chanukah.” Kosher lunch available following theprogram, $5 (members); $6 (nonmembers). Temple Ner Tamid of Downey, 10629Lakewood Blvd., Downey. For more information, call (562) 861-9276.

Marina del Rey B’nai B’rith: 6:30 p.m. Chanukah dinner meeting withentertainment by Archie Barkin. $10. Burton Chace Park Community Building,12600 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey. For more information, call (310) 477-9367.

LECTURES

Jewish Vocational Service: 10:30 a.m. Presentation on the secret truthsabout ageism in the workplace. 6505 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 200, Los Angeles.For reservations or more information, call (323) 761-8873.

The Kabbalah Centre: 7 p.m. Lecture on the power of Kabbalah every Tuesdayand Thursday. 1062 S. Robertson Blvd. For reservations or more information,call (310) 657-5404 ext. 1017.

CLASSES

West Valley JCC: Israeli Folk dancing with James Zimmer. 6 p.m. Israelidance for teens. $6. 7 p.m. Swing/salsa/tango lessons. $8 (members); $9(nonmembers). 8 p.m.-midnight. Instruction until 9:15 p.m.; open dancinguntil midnight. Also on Sundays. $5 (members); $6 (nonmembers). 22622 VanowenSt., West Hills. For more information, call (818) 464-3311. Also Thursdaysat Temple Emanuel, 300 N. Clark Dr., Beverly Hills. For more information,call (310) 284-3638.

YOUTH & FAMILY

Skirball Cultural Center: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Archaeology workshop forchildren ages 5-7, learning about artifacts, mosaics, the first Olympics,and making crafts. Also Wed., Dec. 20, for ages 8-11. $15 per child (members);$20 (nonmembers). For registration or more information, call (310) 440-4636.

Kaufman-Brentwood Branch Library: 4 p.m. Chanukah storytime and craftprogram. 11820 San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles. For more information, call(310) 575-8273.

20/Wednesday

MEETINGS

Open Tent Middle East Coalition: 8 p.m. A monthly Arab/Jewish dialoguegroup, the Levantine Project, meets the thrid Wednesday of each month.Flight Theater, 6472 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. For reservations ormore information, call (323) 650-3157.

Jewish Women International with Temple Ner Tamid Sisterhood: 11 a.m.Combined meeting for a Chanukah luncheon with musical entertainment. $5.10629 Lakewood Blvd., Downey. For reservations or more information, call(562) 861-9276.

CLASSES

Shomrei Torah Synagogue: 8 p.m.  Talmud class with Cheryl Peretz,focusing on obligations of parents and children. 7353 Valley Circle Blvd.,West Hills. For more information, call (818) 346-0811.

Yeshiva of Los Angeles: 8:15 p.m.-9:15 p.m. “Laws of Blessings,” classfor women with Rabbi Rafael Stefansky. Mogen David Congregation, 9717 W.Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. For more  information, call (310) 229-0958.

21/Thursday

MEETINGS

Congregation Ner Tamid: 11 a.m. Lunch Bunch program with psychotherapistWilliam Stokes discussing Humanistic Judaism in his work. $12. 5721 CrestridgeRoad, Rancho Palos Verdes. For more information, call (310) 377-6986.

LECTURES

Temple Beth Hillel: 10 a.m. Dr. Kay Goodman speaks on “Magic and Superstitions.”$2. 12326 Riverside Dr., Valley Village. For more information, call (818)763-9148.

CHANUKAH

Shomrei Torah Synagogue: 6:15 p.m. Family Chanukah dinner and celebrationwith “The Mazel-Tones,” band featuring Rabbi Richard Camras on drums. 7353Valley Circle Blvd., West Hills. For tickets or more information, call(818) 346-0811.

Chabad of Simi Valley: 4 p.m. Menorah lighting at the Ronald ReaganPresidential Library. For more information, call (805) 577-0573.

Congregation Adat Israel and Chabad of West Orange County: 7:30 p.m.Menorah lighting ceremony with performance by the Hebrew Academy Choir,at the Westminster Mall. For more information, call (714) 846-2285.

Chabad of South Bay: 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Chanukah family festival withcraft workshops, music, latkes, gelt and entertainment, followed by a menorahlighting ceremony. Peninsula Shopping Center. For more information, call(310) 326-8234.

Temple Judea: 1 p.m. Chanukah presentation by Rabbi Dan Moskowitz. Attendeesshould bring an unwrapped child’s gift to be donated. 5429 Lindley Ave.,Tarzana. For more information, call (818) 705-3557.

22/Friday

CHANUKAH

Congregation Or Ami: 7:30 p.m. Family-oriented Chanukah celebrationat the Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center. Families encouraged tobring homemade menorahs. For more information, call (818) 880-6818.

SHABBAT

Kehillat Ma’arav: 6:30 p.m. Shabbat Chanukah service and dinner. $21(adults); $13 (children). 1715 21st St., Santa Monica. For reservationsor more information, call (310) 829-0566.

Congregation Beth Meier: 8 p.m. Shabbat and Chanukah celebration includesrededication of the house of worship. 11725 Moorpark St., Studio City.For more information, call (818) 769-0515.

Congregation Beth Chayim Chadashim: 6 p.m. Chanukah potluck party andmusical dedication of the first of 12 stained-glass windows. 8 p.m. Shabbatservices. 6000 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. For more information, call (323)931-7023.

Upcoming — Chanukah Events

Sun., Dec. 24.

Chabad of the Conejo: 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. “The Chanukah Wonderland,” withgame booths, pony rides, petting zoo, jugglers, music and kosher food stands.Conejo Creek Park. For more information, call (818) 991-0991.

Chabad of Mt. Olympus: 4 p.m.-6 p.m. “Chanukah Extravaganza,” entertainmentincludes music, olive press demonstration, and hebrew school performance.$5. Franklin Canyon Park. For more information, call (323) 650-1444.

Singles

16/Saturday

Conejo Jewish Singles Connection (35-55): 9:45 a.m. Hike  the MisheMokwa Trail in the Santa Monica Mountains. Seven-mile easy to moderatehike, bring boots, snack and water. $2 (members); $5 (nonmembers). Formore information, call (818) 707-1290.

The Wise Years (60+): 6 p.m. Chanukah party at a private home in theValley, with latkes and entertainment. Bring an unwrapped child’s gift.With gift: $4 (members); $6 (guests). Without gift: $12. For more information,call (310) 395-1235.

Jewish Association of Single Professionals (25-55): 8 p.m. Holiday danceparty, with live band, appetizers, games and prizes. $20. Sportsmen’s Lodge,12833 Ventura Blvd., Studio City. For more information, call (323) 656-7777.

New Age Singles (55+): 7 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Holiday dinner dance. $10 (menbefore 8 p.m.); $12 (members); $15 (guests). Leo Baeck Temple, 1300 N.Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. For more information, call (310) 473-1391.

17/Sunday

Singles Helping Others: 10:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.; or 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Volunteeringfor the Chanukah Festival at the Skirball Cultural Center. For reservationsor more information, call (323) 851-9070.

Harbor Jewish Singles (50+): 5:15 p.m. Dinner followed by viewing ofthe Newport Boat Parade. Dinner at Zubie’s Chicken Coop Restaurant, 414N. Newport Blvd., Newport Beach. For more information, call (949) 722-9515.

JBB Allstars (25-45): 7 p.m.-11 p.m. Chanukah celebration with ’80smusic, latkes and dancing, to benefit Jewish Big Brothers/Camp Max Straus.Bring a book for children ages 5-12. $35 (in advance); $40 (at the door).Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, 1700 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica. For moreinformation, call (323) 761-8675 ext. 12.

Congregation Mogen David Singles: 10 a.m. Breakfast with  JerrySolomon, who will speak on “Questions you never thought to ask.” $3. 9717Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. For more information, call (310) 276-5442.

Nexus: 9:45 a.m. Rock-climbing class for all skill levels. $20. LosAngeles Rock Gym, 4926 W. Rosecrans Ave., Hawthorne. For more information,call (562) 799-9965.

L.A.’s Best Connections: Carpooling for a day trip to Palm Springs.For more information, call (323) 782-0435.

Quick Date (40-55): Rapid introductions event for Jewish singles, 10introductions in one hour. For reservations or more information, call (310)488-8716.

18/Monday

Israeli Folk Dancing: 8 p.m. All levels of experience welcome, withinstructor Israel Yakovie. Lessons until 9 p.m.; open session 9 p.m.-12:30a.m.  Also meets Thursday. $5. 2244 Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles. (800)750-5432.

19/Tuesday

Sinai Temple (25-40): 7 p.m. Torah on Tuesday, with socializing, atWestwood Brewing Company.  $5 (members); $7 (nonmembers).  Formore information, call (310) 474-1518 ext. 3234.

Kollel — Valley Jewish Learning Center: 8 p.m. Discussion group foryoung professionals, with Rabbi David Morris. Java Jive Coffee Shop, 11282Ventura Blvd., Studio City. For more information, call (818) 760-3245.

Jewish Single Parents and Singles Association: 6 p.m. Dinner followedby viewing of the Newport Boat Parade. Dinner at Coco’s Restaurant, 151Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach. For more information, call (714) 804-0028.

Westwood Jewish Singles (45+): 7:30 p.m. Coffee, cake and conversation.Professionally led discussion and support group. Also meets Sun., 8 p.m.$8. For more information, call (310) 444-8986.

20/Wednesday

ACCESS (25-40): 7:30 p.m. Chanukah celebration with candle lighting,food, open bar, and D.J. $85 includes $50 pledge to UJF. Gotham Hall, 1431Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica. For more information, call (310)689-3600.

Aish (20-35): 8 p.m. Dating 2000, class for singles taught by Ross Hirschmannat a private home. For more information, call (310) 247-7477.

JeffTennis (25-37): 7 p.m. Social-Vintational, with tennis rallyingand mixed-doubles play, near Beverly Hills. $5. For reservations, call(818) 342-9402.

21/Thursday

Orange County JCC’s “The Group” (21-34): 6:30 p.m. Hip happy hour atThe Shark Club, 841 Baker St., Costa Mesa. For more information, call (714)840-8740.

Conversations!: 7:30 p.m. Singles group with a guest speaker every Thursdaynight. Light dinner served. $15. 820 Harvard St., Santa Monica. For reservations,call (310) 315-1078.

22/Friday

Shabbat Dinners by Aaron Deutsch (21-50): 7 p.m. Short service, followedby potluck dairy/Hungarian meal and discussion on celebrating miracles.For reservations or more information, call (310) 360-1322.

Upcoming — Chanukah Parties

Sat., Dec. 23.

Sephardic Jewish Singles (40’s-50’s):  6 p.m. Potluck Chanukahparty in Santa Monica. $5. For reservations or more information, call (323)936-1882.

Sun., Dec. 24.

Synagogue for the Performing Arts: 6 p.m. Chanukah in the HollywoodHills. $15 (members); $20 (nonmembers). For reservations or more information,call (310) 472-3500.

Klutz Productions and SpeedDating (21-40): 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Two events:7 p.m.-9 p.m., “World’s Largest SpeedDating Event.” Then, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.Klutz Productions Holiday Party. $20 (for just the party, at the door);$25 (for SpeedDating and party). The El Rey, 5515 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles.For more information or to register in advance for SpeedDating, call (310)247-7477.

Jewish Federation of Orange County, Young Business andProfessionals Division (25-45): 7 p.m.-midnight. “Winter Gala Under the Stars”Chanukah party, with dinner, dancing, and silent auction. $55 (before Dec. 20);$70 (after Dec. 20). Orange Hill Restaurant, 6410 E. Chapman Ave., Orange. Forreservations or more information, call (714) 755-5555 ext. 255.

Calendar Read More »

Forgive, But Don’t Forget

Leave a Comment / Community /

Rabbi Alan Lachtman began Shabbat services at Temple Beth David in Temple City on Dec. 8 by having the children’s choir sing “Light One Candle,” a song by Peter, Paul and Mary. The song had symbolic meanings, both positive and destructive, for the congregation. Twenty years ago, on Dec. 6, 1980, the fifth day of Chanukah, two neo-Nazis broke into the synagogue, poured gasoline on the pulpit, and set the synagogue on fire. The sanctuary was gutted, the cabinet containing the Torah scrolls was singed and two Torah scrolls — one of which had been rescued from the Holocaust from a temple that had burned years ago — were damaged.

Four rows of pews, a complete set of prayer books and seven of the temple’s 12 stained-glass windows depicting the Twelve Tribes of Israel were destroyed. The blaze caused $100,000 in damage to the building and $30,000 damage to the contents. Yet the synagogue survived, due to its determination and to an outpouring of support from the community. The fire evoked outrage throughout the San Gabriel Valley among community residents of all faiths. The interfaith Temple City Ministerial Association offered the use of their buildings to the Jewish community. And on the Friday night following the fire, more then 300 members of the Synagogue of the Performing Arts in West Los Angeles traveled to Temple Beth David to express their support and to contribute to the rebuilding funds. Among the participants were Leonard Nimoy, Ed Asner, Jack Carter and director Arthur Hiller.

The synagogue was completely rebuilt, the Torah scrolls were repaired, and the prayer books and other items destroyed in the fire were all replaced. The old stained-glass windows, which were blown out by the intensity of the fire, have been replaced by new ones that contain some of the glass from the old windows. The murals on the windows depict the Torah and Menorah encircled by flames shooting up on all sides of them.

Last Friday, the temple dedicated new Torah covers and thanked the community for two decades of support. Rabbi Alan Lachtman compared the fire to the biblical burning bush.

“The synagogue was burned but not eliminated,” he told the congregation. “At Temple Beth David, we found out what could be truly mean and destructive in the actions of misguided people and how someone’s match can destroy what generations tried to build. When we light the candles during Chanukah, we think of the lights as dispelling darkness and gloom as opposed to doing things that terrorize people.”

Asked about the echoes of the Nazis’ Kristallnacht in acts like arson, he said, “Yes, there’s a parallel. The arson was not a spontaneous act, nor was Kristallnacht a spontaneous act. But the difference here is we were able to rebuild, while Kristallnacht was part of a systematized crescendo of anti-Semitism, racism, hatred and cruelty. Here, in our sleepy little town, people banded together when adversity happened. They had the opportunity to reach out to one another. That’s what a community really means.”

Lachtman went on to reflect on the implications of the experience of the fire. “I think about how goodness overcame negativity and the power of people to do evil,” he said. “Out of the darkness came a sense of light. And the truth is that adversity made us stronger.”

Lachtman recalled that after the fire, the children of the synagogue “had nightmares. They took their Chanukah menorahs out of their windows out of fear.” Referring to the new generation at Temple Beth David, he said: “I think it’s so important that those children who didn’t experience this should realize that the community can overcome the horrible acts of a few and affirm the goodwill of the majority.”

Irwin Frazin, a former president of the congregation who saw the results of the fire that day, recalled “the smell of burned, charred wood and fabric.”

“You looked around and saw the destruction. And you felt disbelief that this was happening in America,” he said.

Among the community speakers Friday night were the mayor of Temple City, Chuck Souder, who presented a proclamation from the Temple City community in support of the synagogue, and Dr. Ilena Blicker of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations.

David Lehrer, L.A.-based regional director of the ADL, had spoken at the rededication ceremony when Temple Beth David was rebuilt in 198l. “The arson at Temple Beth David,” he said, “was certainly a catalyst in helping us focus on hate crimes and in the adoption of the first hate crime law in California, which ADL drafted.”

One of the strangest and most hopeful consequences of the arson was alluded to by Lachtman in his sermon. There was someone not present Friday night who was inevitably on people’s minds: Michael Canale, one of the two men who had committed the arson. Since coming out of prison in l983, Canale has repented and has committed his life to opposing the neo-Nazis he had once supported.

While in prison, Canale had been befriended by Jewish doctors, social workers and fellow prisoners. He realized he had been misled and mistaken. When he came out of prison, he sought to apologize to Lachtman and the congregation for what he had done. Through the efforts of Irv Rubin, head of the ultra-militant Jewish Defense League (JDL), who arranged a public meeting filmed by CBS-TV, Canale expressed his sorrow for what he had done. Commenting on Canale’s atonement, Lachtman said, “So out of the darkness came a sense of light. Through the court system and people reaching out, Michael Canale’s life was also changed. He came back after prison and visited us. He even played bingo with us.

“A reporter recently asked me, if Michael was here, what would you say to him? I said that I have talked to Michael on and off over the years. It’s been long enough that I think the anger is gone for our congregants as well. And I think if they knew some of the changes that he’s made, there would be a sort of acceptance.” Lachtman pointed out Irv Rubin in the audience and praised the efforts he had made with Michael.

Later, in an interview, Rubin, who wore a red-white-and-blue American-flag tie and a dapper purple shirt, told The Journal: “Michael and I were bitter enemies. He tried to attack me from the witness stand during his trial for arson. He lunged off the stand and four bailiffs pinned him to the ground. It took me a long time to put aside my feelings about him. Because all I wanted to do was kill him at the time for firebombing the shul and for being a Nazi.”

When Canale came out of jail, he sought out Rubin. Rubin had misgivings, but he discovered Canale was sincere. He sent him undercover into the Ayran Nations in Idaho to infiltrate the group. Canale also testified in the Allan Berg murder case in Denver in front of a federal jury. Since that time Canale has continued to help the FBI and law enforcement to unmask neo-Nazi organizations and has given valuable testimony against them. “I never thought a neo-Nazi could change to that degree. But he did,” Rubin said. The JDL leader described Canale’s public apology to Lachtman in l983. “You could see Canale sweating profusely,” Rubin said. “The TV camera was glaring on him. It was actually a very touching, emotional moment. At first Lachtman thought that his apology was contrived because I was pressuring him. But it was a sincere apology.”

Rubin posed the obvious question: “How does a rabbi forgive someone who burned down his sanctuary? God only knows. He’s managed to do it. Rabbi Lachtman is a very tolerant guy.”

Today Michael Canale is on disability. He spoke to The Journal by phone from his home. “I changed in prison,” he said. “I had a Jewish trustee bringing me food in L.A. County Jail. At first I was afraid he was going to poison me. I started trusting him. I met other Jewish friends that I would eat with and play cards with. After meeting these Jewish guys, I saw a lot of stuff I was told about the Jewish people was wrong. I saw how the Nazis would lie and change the Bible around to make it sound their way. Like they were trying to say the Jewish people were the beasts of the field.

“I just couldn’t hate anyone anymore,” Canale explained. ” I just couldn’t. CBS filmed me with Rabbi Lachtman, a really nice man. He said to the news media, ‘We can forgive but never forget.’ I can understand.”

Forgive, But Don’t Forget Read More »

Dear Deborah

Leave a Comment / Dear Deborah /


Halting Taboo Tales

Dear Deborah,
I am a 34 year-old single woman. My parents divorced when I was 22 and my younger brother was 19. At the time my mother and father explained that they had been unhappy for some time, but since my brother and I were on our own, they saw no point in staying together.

My brother and I were devastated, and everything we had counted on in our lives was turned upside down. Coming home for holidays, family functions, everything became an ordeal. All in all, we handled it pretty well and have remained close, although with the obvious changes in groupings. My mom and I have grown particularly close these past years.

My father recently got married. My brother and I are happy for him and glad that he found love in his life. The problem has become my mother. Ever since my father got engaged, she has been increasingly agitated and upset about their marriage, which has been over now for 12 years. She has begun to confide things to me about my father and his former affairs and their sexual problems. I am very uncomfortable hearing these things, yet I am concerned about my mother and want to be there for her.
Last week I asked my mother to please stop telling me intimate details about my dad’s and her marriage. She cried and accused me of being immature and unsympathetic. I feel bad and have begun to avoid her phone calls at work and home. Please advise.

Distressed Daughter

Dear Distressed Daughter,
Your mother sounds very upset indeed to have forgotten that despite your age and the number of years since your parents’ divorce, you still are the daughter — not the parent.

It’s boundary time, DD. Let your mother know you want very much to be supportive, but that you draw the line at hearing the intimate details of your parents’ marriage. If she feels a need to share those, suggest she do so with a friend, rabbi or a therapist.

It is equally important to consider that if, as you say, your mother has grown “increasingly agitated and upset” since your father found a new mate, some old feelings of being hurt or cheated have been reanimated by your father’s marriage. She may feel that your father has finally moved on and that perhaps she has not.

In any case, stick to your boundaries. You will be better able to support your mother through this painful time if you do so, because at the very least, you won’t be avoiding her calls.

Parents, remember that divulging intimate secrets to one’s children (of any age) is not usually a good idea. When in doubt about whether or not to spill certain beans, stop and check out your motive for telling. If it is to relieve yourself of a burden, don’t. Unload elsewhere. If sharing the information is meant to instruct, such as discussing the family’s history of alcoholism, then it’s usually OK.


Sidestep Self Serving Singles

Dear Deborah,
I am sick and tired of my wife’s single male friends who think they ought to be invited to married people’s homes and never have to reciprocate. We have one guy (age 52) who doesn’t take a hint. He continues to call after not being invited here in over two years and has the chutzpah to ask for an invitation to our home, saying things like, “I won’t eat much.”
Give me a break.
I think that too often Jewish parents raise spoiled, overly entitled boys who think that every home that has at least one adult female in it ought to feed them forever because they are so precious. Come on, Jewish parents! Teach your sons that single does not mean exempt!

Martin M.

Dear Martin,
Why not start in your own backyard by phoning your “overly entitled boy” and being the Jewish parent he never had? Give the poor guy a chance to step up to the plate by telling him why you no longer invite him to your home. If he whimpers about not knowing how to cook, remind him about restaurants, take-out food and bagel-and-lox Sunday mornings.


Cyber-Mazal

Dear Deborah,
After reading your Oct. 13 column, I had to write and tell you that one year ago I answered an online ad posted in the Jewish section of an Internet server’s personal ads. There wasn’t even a photo, but the words felt as if they’d been written just for me. As it turns out, they had been.

After one phone conversation, which lasted 2 1/2 hours, my Internet friend and I made a date, and we’ve been together ever since. We just got engaged. We are extremely compatible, with many similar interests, and our paths had nearly crossed many times. But it took the Internet to introduce us, two people who live less than one mile apart, work in the same business, were on the same “singles circuit” and had more than one mutual acquaintance.

I am writing to say two things:

1. The Internet is just a way to meet, not good or bad. Whether you have a good experience or not depends on all the other usual factors, such as ability to communicate well, honesty, reliability, mutual interests and goals. Are you being honest with each other? Is the other person reliable over time? Do you want the same things?

2. Mostly I am writing to say to all the single people out there who are searching for a mate: Don’t give up hope! It took me a long time, but I’ve met a very special and compatible guy (and I had to answer a lot of personal ads and attend a lot of singles events to do so).

And by the way, you may like to know that I just turned 40 this year.

Lucky in Love at Last

Dear Lucky,
Thank you for writing to share your experience, your advice and the good news. Mazal Tov!

All letters to Dear Deborah require a name, address and telephone number for purposes of verification. Names will, of course, be withheld upon request. Our readers should know that when names are used in a letter, they are fictitious.
Dear Deborah will appear once each month. She welcomes your letters. Responses can be given only in the newspaper. Send letters to Deborah Berger, 1800 S. Robertson Blvd., Ste. 927, Los Angeles CA 90035.

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Violence Harms Israeli Economy

Leave a Comment / Finance /

With images of violence in the West Bank and Gaza Strip flashing across television screens around the world, it did not take long for Israel’s tourism industry to start feeling the pinch.

Hotel occupancy has plummeted, Ben-Gurion Airport is deserted and taxi drivers and tour guides have lost a big chunk of their income as cancellations of planned trips have flowed in.

Despite the impact on tourism and other industries, especially those that rely on Palestinian laborers, the crisis is unlikely to harm economic growth in the Jewish state this year because there is often a lag between political instability and economic fallout.

Since the crisis broke out at the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2000, its impact on this year’s overall statistics will be limited. However, business experts say, next year could be a different story.

“The tourism industry is always the first industry to be affected all year round from the geopolitical situation, and safety and security are the main pillars for the industry,” said Abraham Rosental, chairman of the Israel Hotel Association.

“We have been in crisis before, but this time it is different, because nobody knows exactly how far it is going to go and when it will end.”

Before the crisis, Israel was on course for 3 million tourist arrivals, which Israel had promoted as part of the Christian millennial year.

It was expected to be a record year for the industry, which makes up about 3 percent of the Israeli economy. Now, at least 10,000 of the hotel industry’s 35,000 employees are at risk of losing their jobs, as are many more workers in other tourism-related fields.

In the short term, Rosental’s only hope is that Jews around the world will choose to show solidarity with Israel by visiting.

But even if large numbers of Jewish tourists suddenly order solidarity packages with Israel, it will not be able to prevent the crisis affecting other areas of the economy.

Other industries already hit hard include construction and agriculture. Even though these sectors have increasingly relied on foreign labor during the past few years, Palestinians still made up a big part of the work force.

With the West Bank and Gaza Strip sealed, many kibbutzim and other settlements have no means of harvesting, and building contractors are often without enough manpower to complete projects.

All of this has happened just as the Israeli economy was finally pulling out of a four-year economic slowdown.

Gross domestic product, which measures all goods and services produced in an economy — and is the main indicator of overall economic health — has grown about 2 percent in each of the past three years. Just before the crisis broke out, the Israeli government estimated the economy would grow at a robust rate of 5.8 percent.

But late last month, the government lowered projections for economic growth in 2001 from 5 percent to between 4 and 4.5 percent.

At the same time, in anticipation of massive layoffs in tourism and other industries, it raised unemployment forecasts from 8.1 percent to 8.4 percent.

Some economic officials add that Israel should count its blessings. The economy is in better shape than ever before, with strong growth and low inflation of about 1 percent.

“This does not mean we will not be affected if the unrest continues,” said Avi Ben-Bassat, director general of Israel’s Finance Ministry. “But we are entering this period with a stronger economy than ever before, and that will enable us to endure more easily.”

According to conventional wisdom in the business sector, Israel’s high-tech industry, which has been the engine for economic growth in recent years, will have a greater ability to withstand political volatility.
The biggest sign of this came on the October day that President Clinton announced a truce in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheik.

The same day, Marvell Technology, a communications equipment company from California, announced that it would acquire Galileo Technology of Israel for $2.7 billion in a stock deal.

However, there are already signs of weakness in the industry, which has always been considered immune to the political ups and downs of the region and more affected by the U.S. NASDAQ exchange.

“It may become much more difficult to attract foreign investors,” said one Israeli venture capitalist, speaking on condition of anonymity.

While hoping for an end to the worst violence before the economy suffers too greatly, financial analysts are assessing the potential impact of a drawn-out conflict.

“This is much more significant than high-tech,” said Jonathan Katz, chief economist at Nessuah Zannex Securities, a Tel Aviv brokerage firm. “If there is gloom and pessimism, people will certainly shop less and go less to malls and restaurants. They will also be more wary of taking on increased debt or mortgages when their future permanent income is uncertain and it’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

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Letters

Leave a Comment / Letters to the Editor /

Agape

Your story on Agape and how so many Jews are flocking to “non-Jewish” services was an eye-opener (“The Gospel According to Agape,” Dec. 1).
There is nothing in the Torah that mandates boredom and nothing that precludes synagogue services that inspire, that uplift, that surprise, that renew, that move the soul and engage the mind. I challenge every rabbi to do just that, but with one caution: You’ll need a lot more space to handle the flood of new members.

David Suissa, Founder and Editor,OLAM Magazine

If there is a moral to be gleaned from your article about the Agape Center, it is that there is more to life than feeling good about one’s general moral sentiments. Feeling inspired to pursue one’s higher morality in the context of an interdenominational service produces a temporary high, but it does not give us the guidance or support needed for dealing with actual conflicts within our society, such as those over abortion, immigration, public education, ecological problems, foreign policy, etc.

Larry Selk, Los Angeles

I stopped over to visit my folks last night and got an earful from my 87-year-old dad. He asked if I saw the article on Agape and then proceeded to tell me what I didn’t know and what was not presented by Julie Gruenbaum Fax. In the dictionary, agape is used to describe Christian love, among other things. I used an Internet search engine to research the term. Almost all of the sites were like the following: www.agape.com.

The site tells us “What a friend we have in Jesus.”

Does anyone do journalistic research anymore? Or is this part of the philosophy which concurs with the notion that intermarriage doesn’t matter?

The Jewish Journal has a higher duty of responsibility than any other Jewish paper in our community. I don’t think this paper is the appropriate place for a puff piece on what is basically a Christian organization.

Geoff Seaman, Hermosa Beach

Editor’s Note: The organization Religion Editor Julie Gruenbaum Fax wrote about can be found online at www.agapeonline.org. It has no affiliation with any other Web site. To read her article, visit us at www.jewishjournal.com and click on “Archives” for the issue of 12/1/00.

In the past eight years, I have studied and or worshiped with all of the clergy in your article. But you omitted the supreme parallel to the Agape Church. I have found my special place in Congregation N’vay Shalom. Rabbi Stephen Robbins and his wife, Cantor Eva Robbins, are an exceptional pair.

The services are uplifting with Rabbi Steve’s words and Cantor Eva’s music. Weekly we are touched Judaically, intellectually, emotionally, spiritually and physically. There is a strong sense of being part of a caring, loving community. We have members who drive in from Long Beach to the south and Westlake Village to the north. We wouldn’t do this on Friday nights if it weren’t for the magnetism of the services led by our dynamic duo.

Robin Feldman,Westlake Village

Intermarriage

I would like to commend Rabbi Dov Fischer for his recent article (“No Big Deal,” Dec. 1), which criticized segments of the Jewish community for their nonchalance on the issue of intermarriage. However, he overlooks an even more disturbing and pernicious problem that goes beyond simple ignorance of Jewish law and traditions. There is an open disdain and hostility toward our faith and culture by some that further undermines any interest in finding a Jewish mate. At a recent Jewish function, for example, I was asked by one prospective woman, “Are you one of those freaks who keeps kosher?”Sadly, as long as such closed-minded sentiments flourish, it may not even be possible to hold a constructive dialogue on the need for greater Jewish education to promote intramarriage.

Joshua Sostrin, Los Angeles

I was struck by the ignorance that Rabbi Dov Fischer possesses. Love is universal. It’s what keeps the human family growing and progressing. Love is what is in a person’s heart, not where the person worships. What allows a relationship to thrive is the sharing of one’s culture and beliefs with their romantic partner. This opens a whole new world to each other. Thank goodness there are many rabbis who are open-minded and progressive.

I was also offended by Fischer’s snide remarks about Teresa Strasser. Although I am old enough to be Strasser’s dad, I am able to relate to her columns with no difficulty at all. She’s very much like my own daughter. I dig her style.

At least Fischer didn’t offer an opinion about Strasser’s mom’s new husband. He probably doesn’t dig it. I agree with the statement that Strasser and Fischer are from different centuries. She is now, he of the very distant past.

Pedro J. Baez,Los Angeles

Rabbi Dov Fischer is smart and correct about how to preserve Jewish identity in the new century. I applaud his ideas. It makes sense to stress the positive and fulfilling tenets of Judaism instead of the tired tales of woe and suffering that foster a negative stereotype.

I feel, however, he could have done so without taking cheap shots at fellow Journal writer Teresa Strasser. It is healthy to disagree with her point of view on intermarriage in print. But to make rude comments about her tastes in music and appearance, as well as what sound like veiled barbs about how seriously she takes her religion, is uncalled for. In a sense, it violates the very philosophy he espouses. His argument is to demonstrate to a young Jewish generation how good the inside Jewish world is rather than how evil and unjust the outside secular world is. After all, apple and honey are easier to swallow than vinegar. Yet in the same article, he demeans a fellow Jewish person. Certainly someone as creative and intelligent as Fischer could make his points without those harsh remarks.

Marc Edward Heuck, Encino

I have a non-Jewish son-in-law and will have two more by the end of this Jewish calendar year. My husband and I did provide our three daughters with a Jewish education and set an example of Jewish living in the fullest sense. All three are planning to raise Jewish children, because they feel strongly about Judaism.

I found Rabbi Dov Fischer’s article to be self-congratulatory, smug and at times off the mark. In addition, I took offense at the nasty remarks he made about Teresa Strasser, who is a regular columnist and deserves respect as such.

Our family, like many other Jewish families, has the misfortune to have at least one or more genetic conditions common in the Eastern European Jewish community. Ours include Tay Sachs, which was probably the cause of death of two of my grandmother’s children. Although we encourage our daughters to date Jewish men, in our hearts we are worried about the risks to our future grandchildren.

I suggest that synagogues welcome interfaith couples, provide Jewish education classes and treat them with the utmost warmth and respect. Interfaith couples are welcome at my synagogue, which has resulted in the conversion of many non-Jewish spouses. Interestingly, the new Jews-by-choice often become more religious and committed than their born Jewish spouses.

I’m not sure what is achieved by turning away interfaith couples, but I do know what can be achieved by welcoming them to the Jewish way of life.

Diane Mautner, Oxnard

Palestinians

While Israelis are listening and pleading for peace, Palestinians are shooting and exploding bombs. Ninety-eight percent of Palestinians live in Palestinian Authority self-rule areas, and Arafat already controls 40 percent of the West Bank and 95 percent of Gaza. Barak offered Palestinians statehood in the contiguous West Bank and Gaza territory. Arafat preferred a glorious intifada.

Violence against Israel and Jews is based on Arab nationalism and Islam’s rejection of any Jewish claim to independence in the former Arab empire. Arabs also deny Iraqi Kurds and Berbers (in Algeria and Morocco) their right to autonomy or independence. Many Arabs and other Muslims say they want to destroy Israel and kill Jews everywhere. There is no Jewish equivalency to such worldwide, murderous hate.

Leonard Fein envisages “the grand day” when each sides’ stories can be “incorporated in a common narrative.” But no amount of “listening” by Jews will erase ancient Arab Muslim hostility toward Jews. Self-defense (historically unavailable to European Jews surrounded by hostile Christians) is the only credible, longterm survival strategy for Israel. Fein’s exercise in “postmodern” narrative equivalency fails to meet any reasonable test of plausibility.

Bob Kirk, Los Angeles

Bravo to Leonard Fein for his courage to mention the Palestinian’s narrative, especially in these difficult days for Israel. Almost every week in Israeli papers, especially by the fine journalist Gideon Levy in Ha’aretz, similar and worse situations of humiliation and intentional and senseless suffering of Palestinians caused by some Israeli soldiers and settlers are described. There are many Israelis who are torn between their loyalty to Israel and the injustice and plain humiliation and suffering caused by some Israelis to Palestinians. Even Ehud Barak declared some years ago that if he were born a Palestinian, he probably would join the intifada or even Hamas.

People often ask me if it is true that Arabs understand only the language of power, as supposedly claimed by Jews from Middle Eastern countries, who speak from experience. Absolutely not, for the simple reason that no Jewish community in the Middle East, outside of Israel, had an opportunity to test this assumption. They were too small and too weak and had no weapons to prove this, even if they were at times in danger. Their best defense was the traditional Jewish weapons: prayers, fasting, paying ransom or bribing.

If there is any experience that we can learn from, it is this: When you show an Arab some respect, he will respond with twice as much, and vice versa. Humiliate him, and he will never forget that. The evidence of this is quite clear. The more we humiliate them, the stronger they become as people and as a nation; very similar to what the ancient Egyptians did to the children of Israel: “But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and the more they burst forth ” (Exodus 1:12).

Dr. Yona Sabar, Professor of Hebrew and Aramaic UCLA

Corrections

In Judy Zeidler’s recipe for Double Chocolate Chanukah Stars (“Chanukah Gifts From Your Kitchen,” Dec. 8), 1/2 cup sugar was accidentally omitted from the list of ingredients.

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Assessing Netanyahu’s Past Policies

Leave a Comment / Worldwide /

It’s still unclear whether former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be able to run in the upcoming election, but analysts already are wondering how a second Netanyahu administration might differ from the first.

Three years after defeating incumbent Shimon Peres by a hair’s breadth, Netanyahu was trounced by Ehud Barak in May 1999 by a margin of 56 percent to 44 percent, a landslide in Israeli electoral terms.

As returns filed in, Bibi, as he is known to friend and foe alike, announced his resignation from the Likud Party and from Israeli politics, but few believed his exile would be permanent.

Soon after Barak stunned the nation with his announcement Saturday that he was resigning, Netanyahu stepped in to announce that he intended to run for the premiership.

He denounced Barak’s resignation as a “cynical trick” intended to prevent Netanyahu from running. According to Israeli law, he is not eligible because he is not a sitting member of the Knesset.

The Knesset is now considering legislation that would amend current law, thereby enabling him to run.
There are Israeli precedents for political rehabilitation.

Yitzhak Rabin’s first term as premier was marked by frequent mistakes born of political immaturity, but he returned to power 15 years later, in 1992, for a second term that set in motion Israeli-Palestinian peace talks and changed the course of Israeli history.

Netanyahu, too, pledged in announcing his candidacy on Sunday to learn the lessons of his failed term, which was marked by frequent scandals, policy shifts and abominable relations with his party and cabinet.
But has he learned enough in such a short time to chart a more successful course the second time around?
So far, he has offered few clues to the policies he would pursue if re-elected.

During the past 18 months, Netanyahu rarely criticized the Barak government publicly, concentrating instead on his business interests as a high-tech consultant and public speaker and toughing out a police investigation on bribery and fraud charges from which he emerged without indictment this fall.

Since announcing his candidacy, Netanyahu has criticized Barak for “broadcasting weakness” in his handling of the 10-week-old Palestinian uprising in the West Bank and Gaza Strip but was vague about what he would do differently.

Israel needs to be tougher with the Palestinians, Netanyahu said.

“I think it’s using force more wisely, and not necessarily only military force,” he said. He also said that he would “restore Israel’s deterrent strength” and strike at the Palestinian Authority’s organs of government.
Absent was any larger vision for the peace process, which lost much of its momentum under Netanyahu, who insisted on Palestinian “reciprocity” when Israel fulfilled its commitments under the Oslo process.
The best to which Israel can aspire is a “cold peace,” Netanyahu said on Sunday, not the pipe dream of Scandinavia-style relations in the Middle East.

After three years in which Labor Prime Ministers Rabin and Peres did not halt Israeli concessions despite Palestinian violations of the accords, Netanyahu’s insistence on reciprocity was seen by much of the world — and much of the Israeli public — as an excuse to hinder a peace process he had inherited but never really accepted.

Netanyahu, however, said Sunday that his policy of caution and reciprocity has been vindicated, and he contrasted it to what he called Barak’s determination to reach an agreement with the Palestinians “at any price.”

Knowing that they would pay a price for their transgressions, the Palestinians sharply reduced the level of terror when he was in office, Netanyahu said.

Comparing casualty figures during his term to those both before — which included the wave of bus bombings in 1995-96 — and after, including the current Palestinian uprising, Netanyahu claimed that Israelis regained a sense of personal security during his term.

The Arab world, however, was deeply suspicious of Netanyahu, and his honeymoon was brief.
In September 1996, after Netanyahu opened a new exit to a tourist tunnel in Jerusalem’s Old City, Palestinians rioted throughout the West Bank and Gaza Strip, leaving some 15 Israeli soldiers dead.
It was the first time Palestinian policemen turned Israeli-supplied weapons on Israeli forces, a grave escalation that foreshadowed the current violence.

Despite his mistrust of Palestinian intentions, Netanyahu, the son of a right-wing ideologue, became the first Likud leader to make territorial concessions in the West Bank, the cradle of Jewish history.

International pressure after the “tunnel riots” forced Netanyahu to hand most of the biblical West Bank city of Hebron to Palestinian Authority control.

Likewise, under fierce pressure from President Clinton at the Wye Plantation summit in October 1998, Netanyahu agreed to cede more West Bank territory to the Palestinian Authority, though little of the accord ultimately was carried out.

Israel’s relations with the United States and the world also suffered during Netanyahu’s term.

Clinton, in particular, reportedly was angered by Netanyahu’s purported arrogance and his willingness to appeal directly to the U.S. Congress when he found the president’s positions unpalatable.

On the economic front, Netanyahu accelerated the privatization of state-owned industries and took several major steps to liberalize the Israeli economy.

As the peace process slowed, however, the giddy economic boom of the early 1990s gave way to recession, and unemployment and social issues had replaced peace as the most prominent campaign issue when Barak challenged Netanyahu in 1999.

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