Club Z has challenged the progressive activist group IfNotNow group to a debate on Israel and the what Club Z says are the “publicity stunts” that IfNotNow uses to advance their agenda.
Club Z Teen Board member Ron Belman and alumni Sam Wolf and Daniel Rutenburg wrote in a letter posted to Twitter on Wednesday that the two organizations have differing viewpoints on what it means to be “pro-Israel.”
“Your organization staged a series of public media stunts to demonize Israel but is conspicuously silent about the country’s right to exist,” the letter states, highlighting IfNotNow’s Birthright walkouts because it “whitewashes the occupation.”
“We are puzzled by these words because know Birthright to be an entirely different experience,” the letter continues. “Those of us who have had the privilege of traveling to Israel with Birthright saw the Jewish state up close – in all of its beauty, complexities, and challenges.”
Belman, Wolf and Rutenberg offered IfNotNow the opportunity to debate them during Club Z’s Youth Zionist Leadership Forum, which takes place in San Francisco on Jan. 18-21.
“We’ll articulate the merits of Birthright and supporting the State of Israel, and you can share your opinion as well,” the trio wrote.
Belman told the Journal in a phone interview that “this is actually the first time that they’ve [IfNotNow] has been challenged in such a way” and he was particularly bothered by IfNotNow’s Birthright walkouts.
“They could have just not gone and not wasted other people’s time,” Belman said, adding the walkouts were than a “publicity stunt to make Israel look evil.”
“If they really do want to have this debate and actually show their side to other Jewish teens that will be at the forum, then they have their right to accept this open invitation,” Belman said.
IfNotNow has not responded to Club Z’s invitation as of publication time. IfNotNow also did not respond to the Journal’s multiple requests for comment as of publication time.
And [the locusts] will obscure the view of the earth, and no one will be able to see the earth
In terms of the amount of locusts I am okay with,
this feels like too many. I don’t mean to get political
but I’m against walls, in general, except for the
ones in my house which keep out the temperatures.
I’m also, to be honest, not conceptually against
insects, but prefer them to be on the other side
of these walls. (It seems I’m more fond of walls
than I’m willing to let on.) What I really don’t want
is a wall of insects.
I’ve heard the songs of the locust when driving
through the mid-west and, if I’m still being honest
I’m for anything that makes music, but I may be
overly generous calling the sound they make songs.
So I’m for no walls, except for the walls I like,
which are meant to keep out the weather and
not people. I like people, and I’m for all songs
even if I don’t download the latest tracks from
the locusts, I may stream them every now and then
just to remind myself.
But never a wall of insects, obscuring my view
of anything. That’s how I’d think if I were put
in charge of Egypt. Though, as a native
New Jerseyan the odds of that happening aren’t
even worth mentioning.
Don’t you yet know that Egypt is lost?
I’m still thinking about what would happen if
I was in charge of Egypt. I wouldn’t want it to
be lost on my watch. I’d hate for the history
hieroglyphics to have images of me, refusing
to let the unpaid help go because of ego-
based decisions and a preference for my
many, many Gods, one of which, I’d been
brought up to believe, is me.
Didn’t he know his country was lost the
historians would ask. He should have paid
attention to the signs. When the great Contractor
in the Sky has built a wall of locusts. When
the river had already turned to blood, When the
cows had simply dropped dead – it was long
past time to let the people go.
…for it is a festival of the Lord to us.
Like Godstock
Like God-apalooza
Like God-achella
Like Burning God
Like the New Orleans God Festival
Like Godaroo
Like the Godonbury Festival
Like the Electric God Carnival
I could go on, but so many of you
stopped reading at God-apolooza.
But for those of you still here
that’s what we wanted it to be like
every day, before the need for darkness
or the slaying of the first-born anyone.
The Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) San Francisco affiliate told the Journal in a statement via email that it’s “appalling and disturbing” that a Jewish café owner in San Francisco is being harassed for being pro-Israel.
Manny Yekutiel started Manny’s as a “community space” for people to discuss social justice with cheap coffee and food. But he’s being hounded by some far-left groups for running a “Zionist Gentrification café”:
Last night, Black and Brown Social Club, the Lucy Parsons Project, QUIT (Queers Undermining Israeli Terrorism) and allied groups showed up to fight the Zionist-Gentrification cafe Manny's while white supremacist Zionists ate a meal in support of Manny's: pic.twitter.com/Ff7g8VhZcx
Protesters that have appeared at the café have broken a window as well as painted the words “F— Zionism” underneath a Star of David.
The Lucy Parsons Project also sent out a Dec. 5 email decrying Yekutiel’s “racist, Zionist, pro-Israel ideals.”
“We will not tolerate gentrifiers and Zionists attempts at invading and destroying our community through ‘woke-washing’!!” the email stated.
Among the quotes from Yekutiel that bothered the Lucy Parsons Project include “Happy 70th Birthday Israel!” and “I’m so proud of Israel and its people” on his Facebook page.
ADL San Francisco Regional Director Seth Brysk told the Journal, “It is appalling and disturbing that protestors are targeting Manny’s on the basis of Manny Yekutiel’s religion as well as his mere affirmation of the right under international law to Jewish self-determination, also known as Zionism.”
“Some have even resorted to anti-Semitic vandalism and personal harassment, disconnected from any mention of Israel,” Brysk said. “Anyone who values inclusion and dialogue, let alone peace and justice for Palestinians and Israelis, must reject the extreme bias and fringe assertions of the protestors.”
Yekutiel, who has previously interned for the Obama administration and volunteered for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, has said that while he supports Israel’s right to exist, he disagrees with numerous policies from its government, including how the Israeli government has handled the Israel-Palestinian conflict.
“Everyone visiting San Francisco should go to Manny’s Cafe and support Manny Yekutiel who is a proud Zionist,” Simon Wiesenthal Center Associate Dean Rabbi Abraham Cooper told the Journal in a statement via email.
Ron and I had the opportunity to visit Cochin (Kochi), India, where Judaism has roots going back to the time of King Solomon. We learned about the early settlers from the Diaspora and the subsequent immigrants (Moors, Portuguese, and others).
The community once boasted seven active synagogues. But today, most of the buildings are in decay while a couple remain intact as museums. There is one congregation that continues to hold regular services for the five remaining families as well as for visitors from around the world. Most of the former members emigrated to Israel in the 1950’s and ‘60’s.
One particular synagogue, the Kudavumbagam Synagogue, has only one member, Elias Josephai. Elias has single-handedly restored this building with love, tears, and hope. His father was once the cantor, and he sang some of the Hebrew melodies of his childhood. But he cried when he reflected on how there is no one left.
Sure, Ron and I visited the great and tremendous monuments of India. But it was embracing Elias and sharing the word “shalom” that transformed 2000 years and 10,000 miles into a moment in time.
DEMA is the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association show which is the largest trade-only event in the world for companies doing business in the scuba diving, ocean water sports and adventure/dive travel industries. It attracts hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of dive and travel industry professionals from around the world each year. The next show will be in Orlando on November 13-16, 2019.
During the show, I saw Wyland who I had met earlier in 2018 on the NCL Bliss. I love learning from Jean Michel Cousteau! He spoke with Scuba Radio and gave a talk about underwater wonders.
Did you know Bonaire is a blue destination? I loved my trips there and to the Solomon Islands.
Have you heard singing in Fiji? Enjoy the music in my video.
Where do you want to dive next? I want to go to the Galapagos and PNG for my first visits.
I learned about diving in Oman at the Aggressor talk.
Thank you to everyone who is working together to deal with invasive lion fish. I cannot wait to learn to spear lion fish and take the new specialty class.
Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa.) is currently under fire for being quoted in The New York Times asking how the term “white supremacist” became “offensive.”
The article, which focused on King’s support for a border wall before President Trump made it his hallmark campaign issue, says that King told them he’s in favor of immigrants who come to the country legally and assimilate into American culture.
The Times then quotes King as saying, “White nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilization — how did that language become offensive? Why did I sit in classes teaching me about the merits of our history and our civilization?”
The reported quote has prompted calls to Congress from the Anti-Defamation League and Journal columnist Ben Shapiro to censure King:
King has previously come under fire for endorsing a white nationalist mayoral candidate in Toronto and re-tweeting white nationalist Twitter accounts. He has been in Congress since 2003.
Sex Talk Rabbi Shmuley Boteach’s Jewish take on today’s sexual crisis was so thoughtful and refreshing. The “No More Porn Pledge” for men is a start and a possible solution. But what would be even better is if the women who perform in these porn films and pose for these photos would take the “No More Porn” pledge too, and not accept these work/job assignments. Without the women, there would be no porn. No? Sonya Tamara Sargent, Los Angeles
Women’s March Controversy Thank you for printing David Ruhm’s eloquent Jan. 4 letter explaining why most anti-Zionism is indeed anti-Semitic, and how crucial Israel is as a refuge for European Jewry. One wishes Rabbi Robin Podolsky could see reality as clearly (“Why I Will Walk With the Women’s March,” Jan. 4).
Podolsky defends Linda Sarsour, who’s been slandering Israel for years but recently expressed support for Jewish and LGBTQ Women’s March participants. But Sarsour supports the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement, and the so-called “one-state solution,” which would be the end of Israel as a Jewish homeland. She also advocates Shariah law, which considers women possessions of men, condemns gays and preaches hatred for non-Muslims. Has the rabbi considered that Sarsour is just using Jewish sympathizers as cover to retain her leadership position?
Podolsky asserts that “Jews have a stake in intersectional politics,” but it’s just a form of “groupthink,” using coercion and intimidation to foment a mob mentality. For instance, Israel isn’t perfect, but neither are the Palestinians, yet criticism of them, or even asking what they can do to bring peace, is forbidden by leftist leaders. And woe to the free-thinking gay, bi or trans folks who question why they should hate Israel, since it’s the only place in the region they’re allowed to live. Although the progressive movement claims to be egalitarian, it’s really autocratic, so it’s no surprise its leaders hate Jews. When are American Jews going to realize this and fight back? Rueben Gordon, via email
Wonderful article, thank you! Michelle Gubbay, via Facebook
You are defined by the company you keep. If you march with an organization that is co-led by a supporter of Louis Farrakhan, you are giving credibility to the anti-Semitism he promotes. You cannot have it both ways. Stuart Shlossman, via Facebook
It would be incredibly easy for [Linda] Sarsour and [Tamika] Mallory to simply declare their rejection of the rabid anti-Semite Louis Farrakhan. This has not, and will not ever happen. Therefore, Rabbi Robin Podolsky has allied herself with anti-Semites. Mitchell Felder, via Facebook
Rabbi Podolsky, I am sorry that you have been so hurt by Jewish men in your lifetime. This is no reason to support this march, whose leaders support of a rabid anti-Semite is simply a deal-breaker. Sarsour and Mallory have to denounce Farrakhan. All the good the Nation of Islam does in black communities does not give Farrakhan a pass to speak so horribly against Jews.
Rabbi, you should be upset about being ignored, disrespected or tossed out by Jewish men. Fight that, talk about it, but don’t support a group that allows this awful hate speech. Sam Tramiel, via Facebook
Barbara Yaroslavsky, Unsung Champion for All Over the years, Barbara Yaroslavsky forged her own path of altruism and compassion for so many whose voices needed to be heard. Her drive to help had a quiet and gentle urgency. Her nudging sometimes required a firm resolve that persuaded many to listen to her and draw attention to important issues that needed to be addressed.
She saw the need and never stopped working to shape policy, change people’s lives and get the job done without fanfare or recognition. Her time, efforts and generosity of heart were her gifts to all. She had so much integrity that went along with her honesty and authentic nature.
Thank you, Barbara, for your larger-than-life heart, boundless love and immense humanitarian efforts. You are already missed and will always be remembered by so many. Frances Terrell Lippman, Sherman Oaks
Setting Record Straight on Anti-Zionism Thank you for Karen Lehrman Bloch’s column “A Missed Virtue Signal” (Dec. 21), lambasting Michelle Goldberg’s New York Times column defending anti-Semitism, and David Ruhm’s Jan. 4 letter noting that Zionism is “inseparable from Judaism” and thus anti-Zionism is “inherently anti-Semitic.”
One additional criticism of Goldberg’s New York Times column bears mentioning. Goldberg smugly asserted that “people with an uncompromising commitment to pluralistic democracy will necessarily be critics of contemporary Israel.” I couldn’t disagree more. Israel epitomizes a vibrant, pluralistic democracy. Its governments alternate between security-minded and peace-seeking. Its diverse population includes Holocaust survivors; Jewish refugees from Arab lands; immigrants from Ethiopia, India and the former Soviet Union; Arab and Bedouin Muslims; and Christians, Druze, Buddhists and B’hai. Women comprise a majority of Israel’s university students.
By contrast, Palestinian Authority (P.A.) President Mahmoud Abbas was elected to a four-year term — in 2005. He demands a judenrein Palestinian state. He has called the Holocaust “the fantastic lie” and insists Jews be barred from Jerusalem’s holiest sites lest they “defile them with their filthy feet.” The P.A. is corrupt, tortures political critics, terrorizes minorities and LGBT people, and condones honor killings of women. Goldberg, self-appointed uncompromising paragon of pluralistic democracy, is silent on this. Stephen A. Silver, San Francisco
Don’t Compromise Values It is becoming exhausting to constantly hear that our deeply divided political parties should engage in compromise.
Dan Schnur, quoting Jon Meacham (“We’re Divided, but Been Here Before,” Jan. 4), says, “So healing on the other side of the divide to find even a small patch of common ground …” sounds and feels good but it is of little consequence. Compromise is the way our political system works. In areas such as monetary issues, entitlements, national debt and others — very tough issues to be sure — we work it out. But I ask Schnur and Meacham: How do we compromise values? Values such as religious freedom, abortion (particularly late-term abortion), illegal immigration that is changing the nature of the “American dream” by virtue of expanding foreign cultures, the First and Second Amendments. Do we say: I’ll trade you the First Amendment for the Second?
We have reached a point, as pointed out in the column, that we have been here before. True enough, but until now the dissension has generally focused on a single or very few issues. We have all been united under Judaic-Christian values. But no more. Now we seem to be divided on just about everything. The battle between leftism and conservatism has become overwhelming.
How do we reach a compromise? C.P. Lefkowitz, Rancho Palos Verdes
CORRECTIONS A photo accompanying Rabbi Chanan (Antony) Gordon’s commentary in Table for Five was incorrect in the Jan. 4 edition.
A photo credit accompanying a story on Anna Shternshis was incorrect in the Dec. 21 edition. The credit should have said: Courtesy of Roman Boldyrev.
Ambassador Daniel Taub Israeli diplomat, lawyer and writer Daniel Taub, who served as Israel’s ambassador to the United Kingdom from 2011–15, appears as the scholar-in-residence at Beth Jacob Congregation. During Friday night dinner at Pat’s Restaurant, he discusses “Lessons for Negotiators — From the Bible and the Israeli Negotiation Room.” During Saturday services, he gives a talk in the synagogue sanctuary on “The Future of Israel, Our Shared Challenge”; and at the conclusion of Shabbat, in a private residence, he speaks on “Why Is This Diplomat Different From All Other Diplomats? Behind the Scenes of Israeli Diplomacy.” Kabbalat Shabbat, 4:50 p.m.; dinner, 5:45 p.m. Pat’s, 9233 Pico Blvd., Pico-Robertson. $55 members, $65 general. Shabbat morning talk, 11 a.m.; Shabbat evening talk, 8 p.m. Beth Jacob Congregation, 9030 W. Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills. (310) 278-1911.
MLK Day Unity Shabbat In advance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 21, Sinai Temple Rabbi David Wolpe, the temple clergy, musician Craig Taubman and Southern California multifaith leaders lead a Shabbat celebration honoring King’s legacy. Open to the entire community. A dinner for young professionals — ages 21–39 only — follows, with cocktails, appetizers, dinner buffet and dessert, all catered by Pat’s Restaurant. 7:30 p.m. Shabbat service is free. 8:45 p.m. dinner is $20. Sinai Temple, 10400 Wilshire Blvd. (310) 474-1518.
SAT JAN 12
Shlomo Ben-Ami Israeli professor Shlomo Ben-Ami, who served as foreign minister under former Prime Minister Ehud Barak, highlights Sephardic Temple’s Distinguished Speakers Series. On Saturday morning, the renowned scholar and former ambassador to Spain discusses “Why Is Peace With the Palestinians Unlikely These Days?” After Kiddush, he examines “Why Did the Camp David Summit Between Clinton, Barak and Arafat Fail in 2000?” 9:30 a.m. Free. Sephardic Temple, 10500 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 475-7000.
Kugelplex
Sounds of Klezmer Kugelplex, the klezmer band-in-residence with the Oakland Symphony for the past 10 years, brings its repertoire to the Torrance Cultural Arts Center. Kugelplex members tour internationally and perform and record with a range of bands before coming together for the klezmer shows. A free klezmer workshop takes place before the show. 8 p.m. $30–$40. Torrance Cultural Arts Center, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. (310) 781-7171.
Trivia Night If trivia is your forte, you can test your knowledge at Adat Ari El’s Winter Wonder-Land Trivia Night that matches teams of trivia mavens with a professional trivia master. If you do not have a team, an on-site social engineer will match you up with one. 7:30–10 p.m. $15 per person. Adat Ari El, 12020 Burbank Blvd., Valley Village. (818) 766-9426.
SUN JAN 13
“Notorious RBG in Song” Soprano Patrice Michaels, daughter-in-law of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and pianist Andrew Harley perform “Notorious RBG in Song,” a concert saluting the life of Justice Ginsburg and her 25 years on the court. The 75-minute, nine-song program at the Skirball Cultural Center features remembrances from letters, conversations and court opinions. In addition, the exhibit, “Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg,” will be open to ticketholders before the concert. 7:30 p.m. $30 general admission, $25 members and full-time students. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd. (310) 440-4500.
“Dora: Discovery and Despair” The Holocaust traveling exhibition, “Dora: Discovery and Despair,” featuring photographs and artifacts from the little-known World War II slave labor camp Mittelbau-Dora, opens at the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust. In 1943, the Nazis brought prisoners from Buchenwald to the southern Harz mountainside near Nordhausen, Germany, to begin construction of what would become the world’s largest underground factory. Mittelbau-Dora became the model for secret underground industrial complexes. Of the 60,000 prisoners there, more than one-third died. The site was sealed until 1990. Speakers at the exhibition’s opening include photographer Alvin Gilens, Deputy Consul General of Germany Kathrin Steinbrenner and former Jewish Journal publisher Irwin Field. 3 p.m. Free. RSVP required. Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust, 100 The Grove Drive. (323) 651-3704.
Freedom and Fashion Show A runway fashion show, “Freedom and Fashion,” honoring Human Trafficking Awareness Day, features clothing designed by survivors of human trafficking. Additionally, survivors share their stories and attendees learn about how the Freedom and Fashion organization has helped abused and homeless teens move forward with their lives. Snacks served. Ages 10 and older. 3–5 p.m. $18 per person. Children free. Temple Isaiah, 10345 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 277-2772.
Prepping For Tu B’Shevat Eight days before Tu B’Shevat, the birthday of the trees, Temple Beth Israel of Highland Park and Eagle Rock celebrates the holiday through a sale of California native plants. California native plants conserve water, enhance wildlife and provide other benefits. Beth Israel’s plants have been selected for local gardens. An expert will advise what fits your garden. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Free. Temple Beth Israel of Highland Park and Eagle Rock, 5711 Monte Vista St., Highland Park. (213) 300-3373.
TUE JAN 15
Jewish Life in Morocco Professor Khalid Ben-srhir, known in his native Morocco as “Mr. Jewish Studies Translator,” appears in conversation with UCLA professor Aomar Boum. They discuss Ben-srhir’s personal and professional experiences with Jewish history in Morocco. Additionally, Ben-srhir, editor of the oldest history journal in Morocco and a leader in Arabic and French translation of Jewish scholarship, provides an overview of the past, present and future for Moroccan Jews. Noon–1:30 p.m. Free. 314 Royce Hall, UCLA, Los Angeles. (310) 267-5327.
“God is in the Crowd” Author Tal Keinan discusses his new book, “God Is in the Crowd: Twenty- First Century Judaism,” which focuses on what he believes the Jewish people must do to survive the 21st century. He appears in dialogue with Rabbi David Wolpe at Sinai Temple. Book sale and signing follow. 7:30–9 p.m. Free for temple members. $25 general. Sinai Temple,
10400 Wilshire Blvd. (310) 474-1518.
THU JAN 17
Ancient Jewish Communities Visiting UCLA professor Liran Yadgar, whose research examines the history of Jewish communities in the Mamluk Sultanate of Egypt and Syria from 1250–1517, and Jewish-Muslim interaction and intellectual exchange during the late Middle Islamic period, lectures on Khaybari Jews from the early Islamic period to the 20th century. 4–5:30 p.m. Free. 314 Royce Hall, UCLA, Los Angeles. (310) 267-5327.
JNET Speed Networking Start the new year by upgrading your networking productivity, making new friends and engaging with the Jewish community in a meaningful way.
JNET’s Woodland Hills and West Hills chapters hold a night of speed networking with a TED Talk-style presentation.
6:30–9 p.m. Free.RSVP requested. Temple Aliyah, 6025 Valley Circle Blvd.,
Woodland Hills. (424) 281-9764.
East Side Jews’ 2019 Brainstorm Voice your ideas for awesome Jewish programming during East Side Jews’ 2019 Brainstorm in Atwater Village. Participants enjoy pizza, beer and red wine and offer imaginative suggestions for what they would like to see from the East Side Jews organization this year. No previous experience with East Side Jews is required. 7 p.m. Free. ATX Art and Innovation Complex, 3245 Casitas Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 663-2255. RSVP by clicking on the link above.
Flavors of Israel The broad variety of cultural flavors that inspire Israeli cuisine — with a focus on foods from Morocco, Tunisia and Yemen — highlight “Flavors of Israel: Come Taste the Foods That Shape Our Heritage” at Morry’s Fireplace in the Pico-Robertson district. The event features chef, blogger and cookbook writer Amelia Saltsman, discussing with host Daniel Housman her journey with Israeli cuisine and how her relationship with it served as a platform for her culinary success. Co-organized by Aish L.A. and IAC Bina. 7–10 p.m.$36 advance, $40 door. Morry’s Fireplace, 9118 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. (818) 466-6405.
Michael Chabon’s 2007 “Yiddish Policeman’s Union” is being adapted for TV by Chabon and his author wife, Ayelet Waldman, for PatMa Productions, Keshet Studios and CBS TV Studios. The story is a murder mystery/political thriller set in an alternative universe in which Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazis established a settlement in Sitka, Alaska, and the State of Israel doesn’t exist.
The main character is homicide detective Meyer Landsman, who is investigating the murder of Mendel Shpilman, son of an organized crime boss and rabbi, who many believed was destined to be the next messiah.
No casting or network has been set, but the producers are taking the project to premium cable and streaming channels first.
