Germany protected one of Iran’s ayatollahs despite protests from people calling for the country to arrest the ayatollah.
The Jerusalem Post reports that Germany provided Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi with a visa so he could receive treatment in the country for a brain tumor. Shahroudi recently flew back to Iran without any intervention from the German government.
Around 80 Iranian dissidents formed a protest outside of Hamburg airport, where they called for Shahroudi’s arrest and cried, “Down with Khameini! Down with Rouhani!”
German politician Volker Beck, who filed a criminal complaint against Shahroudi, told the Jerusalem Post, “Germany should not be a sanctuary for such people, who in their country persecute people for political or religious reasons and threaten them with death. The Iranian regime persecutes women who were raped, homosexuals, Baha’is, Kurds and atheists.”
Stephan Hashemi, the son of Canadian photojournalist Zara Kashemi, who was murdered by the Iranian regime, told the Toronto Star, “My mother was unlawfully detained, brutally interrogated, tortured and killed by the Iranian regime. None of the individuals responsible for these unforgivable crimes have ever been held to account.”
Shahroudi’s record includes leading the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in 1982, which oversaw a couple of Shia militia during the Iran-Iraq War, and was Iran’s judiciary chief from 1999 to 2009. Despite his promises to reform the judiciary, numerous instances of human rights abuses occurred under Shahroudi’s reign.
“Shahroudi failed to end arbitrary arrests of political activists, journalists and human rights advocates,” Muhammad Sahimi wrote at the Huffington Post. “Cruel and inhumane treatment of prisoners, often accompanied by torture and biased, and often totally unlawful trials behind closed doors persisted. He did not attempt, or was unable to make progress on the arbitrary shuttering of hundreds of newspapers, weeklies and monthly publications.”
McGill University Professor Payam Akhavan told the Toronto Star, “Thousands of political dissidents, journalists, bloggers, human rights lawyers have gone through the revolutionary justice system and ended up in the torture chambers or on the gallows, and all under the direction of Mr. Shahroudi as head of the judiciary.”
Shahroudi is believed to be a mentor to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameini is a potential successor to Khameini.
The Trump administration is reportedly waiving sanctions on Iran’s nuclear sanctions as part of the Iran deal but is announcing new sanctions on specific individuals and entities in Iran.
According to anonymous officials on a conference call with various reporters, Trump will not issue any more waivers after Friday unless specific fixes are made to the Iran deal. Trump is hoping to fix the sunset clause in the deal, which removes restrictions on Iran’s nuclear programs by the end of 10 years, as well as make clear that Iran’s nuclear and missile programs are “inseparable” and in need of restrictions.
Additionally, the president is hoping that the Iran deal will require better United Nations inspections of Iran’s nuclear sites and that Iran avoid a “breakout period” of being able to produce enough uranium for a nuclear bomb.
If Trump’s fixes aren’t met within 120 days, the White House signaled that the deal would be nixed altogether.
The Treasury Department also announced on Friday that sanctions would be leveled against 14 individuals and entities in Iran that are connected to “serious human rights abuses and censorship in Iran” as well as Iran’s missile program.
“The United States will not stand by while the Iranian regime continues to engage in human rights abuses and injustice,” Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said in a statement. “We are targeting the Iranian regime, including the head of Iran’s judiciary, for its appalling mistreatment of its citizens, including those imprisoned solely for exercising their right to freedom of peaceful assembly, and for censoring its own people as they stand up in protest against their government.”
Some of the people targeted on the new round of sanctions includes:
Today administration does exactly this. One of the most repressive and corrupt of them all: Sadeq Larijani, one of the infamous Larijani brothers. https://t.co/BsTCxP018Zhttps://t.co/lqFkEmQMmD
Also sanctioned Rajaee Shahr Prison and its director, Gholamreza Ziaei, where many Iranian protestors imprisoned & reported incidents of sexual abuse, unlawful executions, denial of medical care for prisoners on hunger strikes. #IranProtestshttps://t.co/sqrf4ee5yx
Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA) notes that Iran’s Central Bank was not included on the list of sanctions; had the bank been sanctioned it would have been a major blow to the Iranian regime.
Nevertheless, Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif lashed out at Trump on Twitter over his Friday moves:
Trump's policy & today’s announcement amount to desperate attempts to undermine a solid multilateral agreement, maliciously violating its paras 26, 28 & 29. JCPOA is not renegotiable: rather than repeating tired rhetoric, US must bring itself into full compliance -just like Iran.
Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) didn’t like the idea of waiving Iran’s nuclear sanctions.
“Waiving the sanctions on the ayatollah while protesters are dying in the streets would be a serious mistake,” Cruz told The Weekly Standard. “We should be doing everything humanly possible to support, to encourage those protests, to tell the Iranian people, we stand with you.”
Rubio issued a statement recommending that Trump should “impose new sanctions against elements of the Iranian government, including the Central Bank of Iran and other Iranian banks, that are involved in or facilitating the regime’s human rights abuses against Iranian protesters, its ballistic missile program, or its support for terrorism.”
According to the Daily Beast, Sens. Bob Corker (R-TN) and Ben Cardin (D-MD) have been working with White House National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster on an agreement that would keep the Iran deal intact.
As if new year’s dieting isn’t already making you cranky enough, January has been designated Get Organized Month by the National Association of Professional Organizers. Yippee! Don’t let the call to organize stress you out, though. You can start small, like making this handy desktop organizer out of duct tape and two used boxes. It’s a fun, do-it-yourself project that will take your mind off of all the clutter in your home — and that cake in the refrigerator.
What you’ll need:
Two small boxes
Ruler
Scissors or hobby knife
Duct tape
Toilet paper cardboard tubes
1.
1. Upcycle two small boxes that are the same size. I used microwave popcorn boxes because they are small yet roomy. You can choose larger boxes (like family-size cereal boxes) if you’d like to make a bigger desk caddy.
2.
2. Using a ruler, draw a horizontal line on each box that is 3 to 4 inches from the bottom. With scissors or a hobby knife, cut each box along this line, but leave the back of the box intact. You now will have two compartments with a tall back.
3.
3. To create a handle for your desk caddy, cut a circle in the back of each box, about a half-inch from the top. Although you will be covering up this hole with duct tape in the next step, pre-cutting this circle now will help you open it again at the end.
4.
4. Position the two boxes back to back and attach them with duct tape. Choose two to three colors and patterns of duct tape, and wrap them all around the boxes to secure them. There are so many fun designs for duct tape available these days.
5.
5. Now go back and cut the circle again that you covered with duct tape. Pre-cutting the hole earlier makes that section thinner and easier to cut. I did realize after making this that a rectangle would have been much easier to cut than a circle, so I will do that next time.
6.
6. To create dividers for pens and smaller objects, cut some cardboard toilet paper tubes so they are shorter than the box, and squeeze them into one side of the caddy. You will not even need to glue them in place when they’re squeezed in tightly.
Jonathan Fong is the author of “Walls That Wow,” “Flowers That Wow” and “Parties That Wow,” and host of “Style With a Smile” on YouTube. You can see more of his do-it-yourself projects at jonathanfongstyle.com.
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr., Shomrei Torah Synagogue is holding a tot Shabbat service led by Cantor Jackie Rafii and Education Director Adrianne Pasternak. “I Have a Dream”-themed artwork by children will decorate the worship space. Service, 6–6:30 p.m.; catered Shabbat dinner, 6:30 p.m. Dinner: adults $18, kids free. Shomrei Torah Synagogue, 7353 Valley Circle Blvd., West Hills. (818) 854-7693. stsonline.org.
MLK WEEKEND AT ADAT ARI EL
The 2014 documentary film “Joachim Prinz: I Shall Not be Silent,” about the German-American rabbi, civil rights leader and Zionist activist, screens at Adat Ari El synagogue. Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m.; dinner (RSVP required), 7 p.m.; screening, 8:15 p.m. Dinner, $21. On Jan. 13, an afternoon discussion explores Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel’s contributions to the civil rights movement. 1 p.m. Free. Adat Ari El, 12020 Burbank Blvd., Valley Village. (818) 766-9426. adatariel.org.
TEMPLE EMANUEL SHABBAT SPARK
Shabbat Spark, an inspirational Shabbat service at Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills, celebrates a year of social justice study at the shul. Sixth- and seventh-grade students lead Shabbat alongside the Soul Singers and the Shabbat Spark Band. Dinner follows the service. Live stream at tebh.org/livestream. 6:15 p.m. Free. Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills, Corwin Family Sanctuary, 300 N. Clark Drive, Beverly Hills. (310) 288-3737. tebh.org/sparkdinner.
KOL TIKVAH MLK SHABBAT SERVICE
Kol Tikvah Associate Rabbi Becky Hoffman, Cantor Noa Shaashua and musical guests Dr. Dee and the Sacred Praise Chorale participate in services in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. 6:30–8 p.m. Free. Kol Tikvah, 20400 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills. (818) 348-0670. koltikvah.org.
SHABBAT EVENING SERVICE TO HONOR MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
Rev. Ben McBride, co-director of PICO California, the largest multiracial, faith-based community-organizing network in the state, shares his motivational message of peacemaking and transformation: What does it mean to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. in today’s political and social moment? Open your heart and mind to prayer, song, words of the Torah and the prophetic call to do justice in our time. 7:30–9 p.m. Free. Leo Baeck Temple, 1300 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 476-2861. leobaecktemple.org.
ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. UNITY SHABBAT
The Ted and Hedy Orden & Family Friday Night Live welcomes Rabbis Nicole Guzik, Erez Sherman and Jason Fruithandler; Cantor Marcus Feldman; Rev. John-Paul Foster; poet Rick Lupert; and musicians Craig Taubman, Aqua Marina and the HB Barnum Life Choir for a celebration of the iconic civil rights leader. 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, the Feit Family Shabbat Live welcomes Pastor Mark Whitlock, the COR AME Choir and actor Stuart K. Robinson for a special event. 10:45 a.m. (Services begin at 8:45 a.m.) Sinai Temple, 10400 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 474-1518. sinaitemple.org.
FRI JAN 19
VOICES OF UNITY: INTERFAITH PRAYER EXPERIENCE”
Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities honor the vision of Martin Luther King Jr. with an evening of music, mutual respect and peace. Participating congregations are Temple Aliyah, St. Bernardine of Siena Parish, the Word of Encouragement Church, the Greater Zion Church Family, the Ezzi Masjid Center and the Islamic Society of the West Valley. 8 p.m. Free. Temple Aliyah, 6025 Valley Circle Blvd., Woodland Hills. (818) 346-3545. templealiyah.org.
FRI JAN 12
ITZHAK PERLMAN AND THE L.A. PHIL
Itzhak Perlman.
Renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman shares a wide-ranging program as both conductor and soloist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The musical program features Bach’s Violin Concerto No. 1 in A minor, Brahms’ “Variations on a Theme of Joseph Haydn” (opus 56A) and Elgar’s “Enigma Variations” (opus 36). 11 a.m. Also 8 p.m. Jan. 13. Tickets $20–$215. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 850-2000. laphil.com.
SAT JAN 13
“THE STATE OF ISRAEL: 70 YEARS YOUNG”
Jonathan Davis, vice president for external relations at the Interdisciplinary Center in Herzliya, Israel, and a military veteran, will discuss the Jewish state at a Shabbat service lecture. Davis, who was educated at Columbia University and Hebrew University of Jerusalem, served on the Syrian-Iraqi border during the Yom Kippur War. Co-sponsored by the Jewish Journal. Free. Service, 9:30 a.m.; lecture, 11:30 a.m. The Beverly Hills Hotel, 9641 Sunset Blvd., Beverly Hills. Limited seating; RSVP is urged at info@beverlyhillssjc.org. (310) 276-4246. beverlyhillsjc.org.
“FREUD’S LAST LESSON”
Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, and C.S. Lewis, the British novelist and Christian apologist, talk about God, sex and the meaning of life in “Freud’s Last Session” by Mark St. Germain. Starring Monty Rayner and Martyn Stanbridge; directed by Robert Mandel. Tickets start at $45. 8 p.m. Through March 4. Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda, Los Angeles. (310) 477-2055, ext. 2. odysseytheatre.com.
SUN JAN 14
“WHY CONVERSOS MATTER”
Devin Villarreal
Temple Ramat Zion’s Adult Education and Breakfast Program presents Rabbi Devin Villarreal, chair of the Jewish Studies department at deToledo High School, who will discuss ways to create a school environment that fosters Jewish commitment, meaning and growth through the implementation of rigorous and soulful curricula. $13. Breakfast, 9 a.m.; program, 9:30 a.m. Registration requested. Temple Ramat Zion, 17655 Devonshire St., Northridge. (818) 360-1881. trz.org.
“CHALLAH RISING IN THE DESERT”
Julie Whiteman
The documentary “Challah Rising in the Desert: The Jews of New Mexico” premieres in Los Angeles at the Skirball Cultural Center. In the film, the braiding of the challah bread is a metaphor for the five waves of settlement of the New Mexico Jewish community, including conversos escaping the Spanish inquisition 400 years ago, German Jewish pioneers of the Santa Fe Trail in the 1800s, and Jews in the 1960s seeking the counterculture of New Mexico’s unique landscape. A Q-and-A follows with director Isaac Artenstein and co-producer Paula Amar Schwartz — along with a sampling of green chile challah. 3 p.m. General admission $12, full-time students $8. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 440-4500. skirball.org.
“ROE AT 45”
The National Council of Jewish Women Los Angeles (NCJWLA) presents reproductive justice advocate Dr. Willie J. Parker, recipient of the 2013 Physicians for Reproductive Health Dr. George Tiller Provider Award and Planned Parenthood’s 2015 Margaret Sanger Award. The doctor will be the featured guest speaker at a program illustrating the experiences of women seeking abortions and the legal, financial and personal barriers they face. Free. RSVP required. 5–7:30 p.m. NCJWLA Council House, 543 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles. ncjwla.org.
THU JAN 18
SECRETS OF ‘SHARK TANK’ SUCCESS
Julie Whiteman, who with her husband, Brian, appeared on a Season 5 episode of “Shark Tank” to pitch their idea about Groovebook, will discuss how they got their idea, how they launched their business — acquired by Shutterfly for $14.5 million — and the behind-the-scenes secrets of the reality TV show that features aspiring entrepreneurs. Sponsored by the Woodland Hills chapter of JNET, a business networking organization for the Jewish community. More than 250 business professionals, entrepreneurs, owners and representatives from companies all over Los Angeles are expected to attend. Appetizers and desserts served. Free. Reservations required. 6–8:30 p.m. Temple Aliyah, 6025 Valley Circle Blvd., Los Angeles. jnetjanuary.com.
“THE LEGAL AND FINANCIAL WAR AGAINST TERROR”
Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, an Israeli activist and attorney who has led the legal fight against the financing of terrorism, anti-Israel boycott campaigns and the “lawfare” tactics utilized against Israel, participates in a book signing and lecture at the Beverly Hills Jewish Community. Co-sponsored by the Jewish Journal. Book signing, 7 p.m.; lecture, 7:30 p.m. Free. Private home adjacent to The Beverly Hills Hotel. Limited seating; RSVP is urged at info@beverlyhillsjc.org. (310) 276-4246. beverlyhillsjc.org.
“THE TRUMP PRESIDENCY AND THE AMERICAN JEWISH COMMUNITY”
Steven Windmueller, professor of Jewish communal service at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, discusses the American Jewish community and President Donald Trump. The lecture is part of a three-part series designed to explore key factors shaping American Jewish life for future decades. 7:30 p.m. Free. Temple Beth Am, 1039 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 652-7353. tbala.org.
COMEDIAN DANIEL WEINGARTEN
Daniel Weingarten
Writer, comedian and actor Daniel Weingarten brings to the stage his fresh, multicultural (Mexican, Argentine, Jewish) perspective about his life and the world at large. $18 (two-item minimum). 18 and older. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Hollywood Improv, 8162 Melrose Ave., Hollywood. (323) 651-2583. hollywood.improv.com.
Rabbi Craig Marantz is the senior Rabbi at Emanuel Congregation in Chicago. Rabbi Marantz has over 17 years as a Jewish educator and congregational leader. A native of Los Angeles, CA Rabbi Marantz has Master’s degrees from Stanford and The Reform College.
The week’s Torah portion- Parashat Va’era (Exodus 6:2-9:35)- features Moses and Aaron’s appearance before Pharaoh, their showdown with Pharaoh’s sorcerers, and the first seven plagues of Egypt. Our discussion focuses, among other things, on the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart and on the enigmatic question regarding God’s role in it.
You can watch previous conversations on this parsha with:
Personal gardens can serve as incredibly soothing sanctuaries where one can unwind and enjoy the fresh air. However, if you live in a more populated area, charging your inner batteries might be interrupted by noisy neighbors and the prying eyes of passers-by. It’s not just the awkwardness of feeling someone might be watching you as you sunbathe, but also about obtaining peace and quiet. Don’t stress out just yet: there are numerous effective ways to make your garden more private.
Install a Portable Partition or a Privacy Screen
Portable partitions or privacy screens can help you bring the most out of your backyard space and contribute to the ambient, both aesthetically and in means of space functionality. There are a few things you need to consider before choosing the best solution for your gardens, such as available budget, the amount of space, the sunlight, and the specific purpose of different parts of space. There are many successful DIY projects you can explore or try to copy. From wallet-friendly bamboo screens and wattle turned into a natural fence to the creative use of the materials you don’t need anymore – the possibilities seem endless. Consider unusual materials such as plexiglass, which blocks the curious views but allows the penetration of light.
Turn To Nature for a Perfect Solution
If you’re looking for a greener way to protect your privacy, planting privacy trees is a perfect choice. Not only is it soothing to relax your eyes on beautiful trees and plants, but the green shield keeps you safe from the unpleasant winds and reduces your house heating costs, while at the same time isolating the street sounds and the chatter coming from the houses next door. According to the Tree Center, the best choices include thuja green giant, Leyland cypress, Italian cypress, and emerald green thuja. Modern breeding techniques ensure fast growth: some species can grow a stunning 10 feet per year until they reach their full height. Surprisingly enough, privacy trees are more affordable than most types of fences.
Build a Solid Stone Wall
If you have money on your hands and are looking for a more permanent privacy solution for your property, consider building a stone wall. Stone doesn’t have to feel cold and or hostile. As a matter of fact, there are various types of stone available on the market today that can give a vintage and rustic feel or on the contrary – smooth and elegant. You can use anything from concrete blocks and stone-veneer panels to fieldstone. Whatever your choice may be, it can potentially transform your outdoor space. Depending on the size and style of your garden, you can even start a bigger landscape project and make small oases or seating areas within the garden from the same stone material so they match the wall.
Try Lattice for Semi-privacy
If you don’t feel like cutting your backyard off from the rest of the world (be it due to feeling a bit too claustrophobic or simply because you’re striving for a more open concept), the lattice is the perfect compromise. Grow small vines (black-eyed Susan, morning glory and cardinal vine look lovely), or climbing roses to integrate the panels into space better. Generally, lattice panels are not hard to find, they will surely fit into your budget so you can arrange your funds easily to pick lovely plants and enrich the space. If you’re not a big fan of plants, you can leave the wooden panels uncovered or play with texture and color, depending on the look you’re aiming for.
Especially today, in the fast-paced world we live in, we need to spend more time outdoors, in touch with both ourselves and nature. The garden definitely makes a perfect scenery for that: take these tips in mind and you’ll realize privacy is not such a hard-to-reach luxury.
