April 25, 2024

California Republican Senate Candidate Steve Garvey held a press conference at the Beverly Gardens Park on April 25 calling for action to be taken against the pro-Palestinian encampments on college campuses.

The former Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star referred to the protests as “terrorism … disguised as free speech … How do you do this? You go to the soft underbellies of our society,” he said. “Now it’s the campuses, great institutions who all of a sudden are lacking leadership, who all of a sudden saying that one group under the disguise of free speech can attack another. It’s time for us to stand up.”

He added that while he supports free speech, “demonstrations that allow people to build encampments that obstruct the pathway to classes and the opportunity to learn is terrorism.” He emphasized that  “these institutions have to be able to be supported… by our good men and women in local enforcement, in state and federal enforcement … It has to be enforced so that the will of the people is observed.”

Garvey stressed the importance of local leaders standing with law enforcement. “(T)hey’re the ones … who are standing on the front lines. They’re being abused, rocks are thrown at them, bottles are thrown at them. And what are they doing? They’re standing up to protect this country.”

Garvey outlined a series of actions that he believes need to be taken against the protests, urging “the leaders of Washington to bring forward the leaders of these institutions and ask them why they have forsaken their mission statement of providing an education for the future and protecting those students. How can you forget about a whole class of students you’re supposed to represent?”

He also called for “taking away federal aid” from “administrators and leaders” that “aren’t listening” as well as taking “away tenure from professors who are enjoining these encampments, enjoining these terrorists.” Additionally, Garvey advocated for District Attorney George Gascon “to apply the full letter of the law to these terrorists.”

“I stand for Israel yesterday, today and tomorrow,” Garvey later added. “As allies, there [is] no greater ally than Israel. We stand with them in technology, innovation and materials. We can’t back away. For those that support a pro-Hamas demonstration, an attack on Israel, I say: Not on my leadership.”

“We can’t back away. For those that support a pro-Hamas demonstration, an attack on Israel, I say: Not on my leadership.”

He also challenged the media to “find out who are supporting these pro-terrorist groups. I’ll stand with you. I’ll support your free speech.”

Asked if he would support terrorism charges being brought against the students who are part of the encampments, Garvey replied: “They’re obstructing the natural flow of life on campus, and what they’re saying is they’re pro-Hamas. They’re pro-terrorist.” Upon further questioning, Garvey said “if it’s determined by the DAs, absolutely” regarding bringing terror charges against the students in the encampments.

“Let’s make a statement. Let’s be leaders,” Garvey declared. “This is Los Angeles. This is California. Everyone looks to California for leadership; where is it?”

Garvey was also asked about the decision by USC to not have any commencement speakers following controversy over this year’s valedictorian. “That’s leadership,” he replied. “They’re determining what they need to do. And I think the most important thing is to put the safety and security of the students, of the community, in front.”

The Journal spoke with Garvey following the press conference, and asked him if he would support the use of the National Guard being deployed against the encampments. “I think leaders will determine that. I think law enforcement will determine that,” replied Garvey. “Because their role is to protect the citizens of this country … I support law enforcement and their decisions.”

The Journal also pointed out that some of the pro-Palestinian protesters in these encampments were arrested and subsequently released; Garvey said that it “absolutely” is a problem. “That’s why I ask DA Gascon to step up, to prosecute these people to the full extent of the law,” he said. “Let’s not let them go out the back door and then be on a college campus 10 hours later. That’s what leadership is: Leadership is being the DA of Los Angeles and having your people feel safe and secure. State legislature, federal government … from California, you wield a lot of power, and it needs to be used at this time. So that’s why I’m imploring everybody that’s out there to step up now and not pander to ideology or party.”

Does Garvey plan to go to the campuses of UCLA, USC or elsewhere to stand with Jewish students? “Absolutely,” he replied. “I’ve been to other synagogues throughout California and listen to them speak. I have so many friends who are Jewish and have done a number of bar mitzvahs and bat mitzvahs … we’re talking about the roots and foundation of religion in Los Angeles and this country because it’s God’s chosen people. Like I said, I will support them yesterday, today and tomorrow.”

His message to Jewish students on campus right now: “Continue to have their faith, as I know they will. There are so many people who are supporting them, have them in the prayers, to be in safe … and again, just know that there are people who care about them.”

Also speaking at the press conference was Israeli Special Forces Veteran and Counterterrorism Analyst Aaron Cohen and Rabbi Chaim Mentz of Chabad of Bel Air. Cohen warned that the “incitement and rhetoric” at the encampments could lead to violence and “mass casualty-style incidents across university campuses.” Mentz said that “in Judaism we have a teaching: You let one little crime go, it grows and grows and grows.” “We have a thing in America — you want to go march in the streets? It’s not my religion, but maybe it’s the way of the new America,” Mentz said. “You can go in the streets and smash windows and get away with it. Today people are running through the streets screaming at Jewish people here at Hancock Park, over there in Pico, what’s going on is ridiculous.”

As a “Jew of history, he said, “I know where this turns.” But Mentz told the Jewish community to not worry and “hold strong. This too shall pass. We will be here tomorrow.”

It started as an eight-week writing course, “Heart. Soul. Pen.,” with writer Robin Finn. Women from all walks of life, ages and backgrounds found the joy of writing. It helped them gain confidence, understand themselves better and contend with what they were going through. Some even claimed it was therapeutic. 

Seeing the great impact of her writing workshops on women, Finn thought about a way to reach a larger audience. That’s when she decided to write a book, “Heart. Soul. Pen: Find Your Voice on the Page and In Your Life.” The book serves as a tangible extension of her workshops, offering guidance and encouragement to a broader audience.

“I tell all my students that writing is healing, and I joke with them that it’s cheaper than therapy.”

“I tell all my students that writing is healing, and I joke with them that it’s cheaper than therapy,” Finn told the Journal. “It doesn’t require you to get on a plane and go somewhere. There are no barriers in terms of finance or even time. It’s enough if you write for five minutes a couple of times a week. And it’s accessible; you just need a pen and a paper, and you can start writing.”

Finn has been a writer for many years. She wrote for The New York Times and Los Angeles Times, she’s published a book and been teaching at the UCLA Extension Writer’s Program. In her writing courses, she taught hundreds of women how to tell their story pass on her motto, “Don’t think. Just write.”

“Too many women think their stories are not important or their voice doesn’t matter, which could not be further from the truth,” she said. “We’re writing from the heart and soul. We get out of our heads and we just allow ourselves to be unleashed on the page. When people read what they wrote, they are like: ‘Oh my God, I didn’t even know that was inside of me.’ When you stop telling yourself you’re not good enough, you’re not smart enough, you’re too old, you’re too whatever, you find that your writing is so meaningful.”

Finn’s debut novel, “Restless in L.A.”’ tells the story of a woman on her 40th birthday who reconnects with her former love from college on Facebook – which sends her on a midlife crisis. It’s a book about infidelity, intimacy and motherhood, and received acclaim from critics and readers alike. Finn’s workshops attract a diverse array of women, united by their desire to connect with themselves and tell their stories. From new mothers grappling with parenthood to retirees reflecting on their life’s journey, Finn’s workshops offer a transformative experience.

“On many occasions those are women in transition – [maybe] they just had a baby and are trying to figure out how to be a mom and how to keep their identity,” said Finn. “There are empty nesters; their children left the home, and they are in midlife. I talk a lot about midlife because I think there is a point in a woman’s life when she suddenly wants to connect more deeply with her own identity and a lot of time women don’t know when and where to start. Writing is such an easy and powerful way to connect to yourself.”

Some participants who are taking Finn’s course are professional writers. Others had never written before and some are what she calls journal writers, but they all share a common desire – to reclaim their voice and assert the worthiness of their words.

Finn’s workshops serve as a powerful catalyst for writers to tap into their creative potential. Initially, many participants doubt their abilities, thinking, “I’m not a writer.” Yet, as she aptly puts it, “The fact that they think they are not writers is not true.

“I see women get a total creative jumpstart where they come away thinking, ‘I can write,'” Finn said. “They come away with increased confidence, knowing they have everything they need to write, whether it’s a personal project or something else.”

Finn offers writing retreats and a variety of workshops — some online — that attract participants from across the United States and beyond. Through platforms like Zoom, she continues to cultivate a supportive community where women can explore their creativity and share their stories with one another.

Another popular workshop is “Hot Writing,” a specialized program that delves into topics like midlife, menopause and life transitions, with candor and compassion. Through “Hot Writing,” women confront the challenges and transformations of this stage of life, finding solace and strength in their shared experiences.

“When you give yourself permission to delve into these issues, you tap into a wellspring of courage and confidence,” Finn said. “Writing becomes a courageous act, and sharing your writing becomes even more courageous.”

Through her guidance, participants discover the strength of their voices and the boundless reservoir of creativity within them. Finn’s greatest reward is witnessing this transformation firsthand. “Everyone has a voice, and when you stop judging it and allow it to emerge, you’re really delighted by your own creativity,” she said.

Participants emerge from her workshops with newfound confidence, realizing they possess all they need to embark on writing endeavors, be it a personal project or a long-cherished book idea. Finn’s approach fosters a total creative kickstart, empowering women to embrace their writing aspirations and believe in the power of their own words.

A book signing event and book discussion with Robin Finn will take place on May 2 at Book Soup in Los Angeles.

On April 11, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger held its 15th annual National Hunger Seder on Capitol Hill. Members of congress, government officials and anti-hunger advocates gathered to participate in Passover traditions and call attention to food insecurity. This year’s National Hunger Seder was held in conjunction with the House Hunger Caucus. 

“This truly is one of the most unique events that takes place on Capitol Hill,” Liza Lieberman, MAZON’s vice president of public affairs, told the Journal. “It offers an opportunity to take a step back and reflect on the key themes that guide our anti-hunger advocacy, such as freedom, redemption and justice.”

Inspired by Jewish values and ideals, MAZON is a national advocacy organization working to end hunger among people of all faiths and backgrounds in the United States and Israel.

“It was eye-opening to everyone in the room to understand that together, we can reverse the course of hunger in this country.”  – Liza Lieberman

“It’s not every day that you see advocates and government officials come together to partake in ancient traditions that foster discussions about how we can work together and advance policies that reflect our shared values,” Lieberman said. “It was eye-opening to everyone in the room to understand that together, we can reverse the course of hunger in this country.”  

Participants read from MAZON’s 2024 Hunger Seder Haggadah, which frames the Passover rituals around hunger issues. Also, each year, MAZON, along with the traditional Four Questions of Passover, creates and distributes a Fifth Question to bring a new reflection about hunger to the seder table. 

This year’s question, “How will we find our way to freedom and justice?” highlights the fact that 44 million Americans are “bound by the burden of hunger.” MAZON said policymakers must learn from the effectiveness of pandemic-era protections, flexibilities and benefit boosts for programs like SNAP. 

“This is my first Seder experience, but the message and the overall intent is not new to me,” Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.) told the Journal. Hayes is the ranking member of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Nutrition, Foreign Agriculture and Horticulture. “It has become my clarion call in Congress: Hunger is something incredibly basic that speaks to all of humanity.”

Hayes was one of eight members of Congress in attendance, along with .U.S. representatives Tracey Mann (R-Kan.), Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), Becca Balint (D-Vt.), Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) and Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.).

“Shame on us; it’s shameful that we need to fight to ensure millions of people have enough money for food,” Schakowsky told the Journal. “We must demand that every person in this country, whoever they are and wherever they come from, has enough to eat.” 

She added, “We can do this.”

Abby J. Leibman, MAZON’s president & CEO, called this National Hunger Seder the best one yet. “This annual event allows us to create a unique space for community, which is one of the core themes of Passover,” Leibman said. “The Passover story illustrates how [the] community created bonds and purpose, so that our ancestors could move toward the promised land — together. “It was the strength and courage of community in action that allowed our ancestors to find freedom,” she said. “Today, it is the strength and courage of our community in action that can bring an end to the pain and indignity of hunger.” 

Although U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.), House minority whip and chair of the Democratic Faith Working Group, was unable to attend the Seder, he offered a quote of support. 

“During this Passover season, as we reflect on shared traditions and find strength in the story of the Israelites’ escape from hunger and hardship, let us not forget those in our own communities who face challenges such as food insecurity,” Clyburn told the Journal. “My Democratic colleagues and I stand for policies that ensure sufficient sustenance reaches every American. Wishing all who celebrate a meaningful holiday of liberation!”

For Passover materials from MAZON, including additional information on the Fifth Question, go to Mazon.org/passover.