the 'ATHERWOOD RETIREMENT COMMUNITY A Capital Senior Living Community 248-350-1777 Direct Link? 22800 Civic Center Drive Videotaped execution of U.S. Jew raises questions about terror's targets. www.capitalsenior.com JOE BERKOFSKY Jewish Telegraphic Agency New York T they knew he was Jewish," his father was quoted saying. "If there was any doubt that they were going to kill him, that probably clinched it, I'm guessing." His father also told reporters his son routinely wore a tzitzit, or traditional fringed undergarment, although he did- n't wear it in public. Sharona Shapiro, Michigan area direc- tor of the American Jewish Committee, said, in her mind, Berg's death is forever linked to his Jewish background. Steven Silverman, president of the Jewish Community Council of he world may never know for sure if Nicholas Berg's religion played a role in his grisly execution at the hand of terrorists in Iraq. But many, including his family, are speculating that it was a factor in the terrorists' decision to kill the American Jewish civilian who had gone to the war-torn country in search of business. A video that sur- faced on the Internet on May 11 showed the decapitation by masked Iraqis of Berg, 26, of West Chester, Pa. The scene echoed the 2002 murder in Pakistan of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl, who was forced to admit his Jevvishness on tape just before his captors cut off his head. The killing raises A family snapshot of slain U.S. civilian Nick Berg is taped questions about to a mailbox near the Berg family residence in West whether a Jewish per- Chester, Pa. son — civilian or mil- itary — is in any graver danger than anyone else in such a Metropolitan Detroit, said, "The mur- volatile region. der of Nicholas Berg, a man who came Shoshana Bryen, director of special to Iraq voluntarily out of a humanitari- projects for the Washington-based an impulse, should repulse all humanity. Jewish Institute for National Security "I don't really think that it's fruitful to Affairs, said it makes sense that Jews speculate on the motives of people who would be targeted in Iraq. could commit such an act. The "There are people in these countries deplorable abuses in the Abu Ghraib who are looking to kill people who are prison could [never] justify the murder of an innocent, especially an innocent members of certain groups," Bryen said. "The two at the top of the list are ironically trying to help the people of Americans and Jews." Iraq." Though Berg's religion wasn't men- Joseph Kashnow, an Army Cavalry tioned on the video posted on a Web , scout from Baltimore who has returned site linked to Al Qaida, Berg recites the from Baghdad, felt strains of anti- names of his family members, similar to Semitism before coming home after a the way Pearl did. severe injury. Berg is seen saying, "My name is Nick Kashnow, an Orthodox Jew who wore Berg, my father's name is Michael, my a kippah but usually hid it under his mother's name is Susan... I have a broth- helmet, said that while most of the time er and sister, David and Sarah." his religion wasn't an issue, he did His father, Michael, said his son's reli- encounter problems. gion may have made him a target. "It's certainly possible there are peo- "There's a better chance than not that BERG on page 18 Southfield, Ml 48034 ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT OR CARING FOR AN AGING PARENT? If you are...you're not alone. Many people throughout the area have the same concerns that you have about caring for their aging parents. Take our simple test to find out if independent living is right for your family. Yes No (check one) ❑ ❑ Is your older relative forgetting to take medications or over medicating? ❑ ❑ Is getting out for errands, appointments and shopping increasingly difficult? ❑ ❑ Is making new friends all but impossible? ❑ ❑ Is preparing healthy, nutritional meals and snacks a burdensome chore? ❑ ❑ Is being home alone less desirable than it used to be, but assisted living is not an option either? ❑ ❑ Would being part of a social environment make life more meaningful for your older relative? If you answered "Yes" to 2 or more of the descriptions above, call The Heatherwood to schedule a free 822540 lunch and tour. - We want your opinion Look for th JN Favorites voting ballot in the May 28th issue and let us know which establishments get your vote! 5/14 2004 17