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disaster

‘World Trade Center’ Writer Views Film as Catharsis

Morris Newman August 4, 2006

\”I wanted the movie to be a catharsis,\” says Andrea Berloff, the screenwriter of \”World Trade Center,\” the Oliver Stone-directed docudrama that opens Aug. 9. \”I\’ve felt that way from the beginning.\” The film is a surprising coup for the young writer, a soft-spoken graduate of Cornell\’s Drama School, who has never before had a script produced.
If having her script produced is a coup for Berloff, the completed film is likely to be greeted with hailstorms of discourse, not least because it seems the current spate of 9/11 movies is a reminder that films have become a primary way for Americans to digest difficult and painful events.

Remembering Zvika

Dina Adler August 3, 2006

A 42-year-old Apache pilot, Zvika rose to the rank of colonel in the Israeli Air Force. He was, according to his peers, \”professional and talented,\” and he did his job with diligence and dedication. Since he had enlisted in the air force at the age of 18, he was due to retire in a year.

This Time They’re Ready for the Wave

Peter Ephross December 29, 2005

Some 50 South Indian villagers are spread out along the sandy beach. Women clad in brightly colored saris converse in groups, while men repair fishing nets. Teenage boys playfully tackle each other.

Then, the residents of Vellakoil get some news from fellow clansmen: Dangerous weather is on the way.

A year ago, when the tsunami hit, 19 died in this village of less than 500; 14 were children. And everyone\’s house and belongings were washed away.

This time, they are ready.

Their Spirit Survives

Richard Sherman September 15, 2005

It was hard to be in Los Angeles in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, perhaps the biggest natural disaster in our history. I had some previous Red Cross training, and, with some additional fast-track prep on disaster response, I was on my way to Louisiana — first by plane to Houston, then by car to Baton Rouge.

Lodging on one of the first nights was the floor of a church gymnasium. At times, I felt like I was part of a sad \”Amazing Race,\” hurrying throughout Louisiana to provide some assistance to some of Katrina\’s victims.

Disaster Exposes Government Failures

James D. Besser September 8, 2005

President Bush and Congress talk a good game when it comes to homeland security, but the tragic truth is that the country is less able to cope with disasters than before Sept. 11, 2001. The proof is on the flood-ravaged streets of New Orleans, where an unprecedented natural disaster quickly produced violent anarchy and a flaccid government response that multiplied the suffering.

For all the money thrown at preparing for massive terror attacks and other disasters, the new Department of Homeland Security looked more like a Third World bureaucracy, as armed gangs roamed the city and people died for lack of food, water, sanitation and medical supplies.

City’s Plight Brings Flood of Memories

Rabbi Anne Brener September 8, 2005

In New Orleans, the Jews are the only ones buried in the ground. Others, if their mourners have any means at all, are laid with the expectation of eternal rest in stone crypts to protect them from rising waters. My mother used to say, \”Someday, we Jews\’ll all be floatin\’ down the river.\”

Just as in California, where we know that one day \”the big one\” will come, in New Orleans, we knew that someday the water would overtake us. But the denial overtakes the wisdom, and we stay and build lives. I think of Pompeii. New Orleans was so beautiful.

A Race Against Time and Floodwaters

Chanan Tigay September 8, 2005

Stepping up to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina, Jewish day schools opened their doors to evacuees, families welcomed strangers into their homes, Jewish rescue squads searched through the storm\’s wreckage and Jewish organizations raised millions of dollars for those whose lives were turned topsy-turvy by the deadly storm.

Houston has quickly become a major haven for victims who have been left, for the moment at least, without homes. The Jewish Federation of Greater Houston quickly jumped into action to aid the beleaguered evacuees, Jew and non-Jew alike.

Memo to Oscar: Just Say ‘No’ to Swag

Gloria Baran February 24, 2005

The contrast was just too much. On one channel, I watched as tens of thousands of people struggled to survive the devastating impact of the tsunami that left more than 250,000 dead and countless others injured and homeless, and on another channel, presenters at last month\’s Golden Globe Awards leaving the ceremonies with their \”travel-themed\” gift baskets worth $37,890 each.

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