This section is sponsored by
• Congregation Shaarey Zedek of Oakland County
• Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit
This Month In 1948
Speed Essential For Zion Solution
The following editorial was in a January 1948 issue of the
Detroit Jewish News. Statehood came to Israel that May.
E
nmeshed in a net of international politics,
the situation affecting Palestine remains in a
complicated state due to the failure of our State
Department to act firmly in the matter because of pro-
crastination in the ranks of United Nations officials and
thanks to attempts by Bevin's British officials to sabotage
the U.N. decision and to destroy the Jewish state even
before it is set up.
British machinations are responsible for the spread of
rioting and the destruction of property. Instead of step-
ping out of Palestine gracefully and with an effort to
cement friendship with Arabs and Jews, British troops
have confiscated Haganah arms, thus interfering with
adequate defense efforts; they have antagonized Arabs
AJC Celebrates Israel
The American Jewish Committee is the lead sponsor for
the Mylsrael Video Competition as part of its celebration
of Israel's 60th birthday.
Mylsrael asks individuals 18-26 to make a short video
expressing the way that Israel has touched their lives or
their thinking. In less than two minutes, participants are
asked to share a perspective, thought, question or experi-
ence that contributes to the continuing discussion about
Israel's role in our lives, community, and world.
Entries can be uploading to my.israel.org . The compe-
tition will close Feb. 29 at midnight.
Finalists receive a trip to AJC's annual meeting in
Washington, D.C., where their films will be screened in
front of hundreds of leaders from around the world. First
place will win a trip to Israel.
Co-sponsors for the competition include Hillel: The
Center for Jewish Campus Life and the Israel on Campus
Coalition.
For information, see my.israel.org or contact the
Detroit AJC office, (248) 646-7686.
Na'amat Convention
During the Na'amat USA convention, Nov. 4-15 in Israel,
the Golda Meir Human Relations Award was presented to
Yitzhak Navon, former president of the State of Israel.
The award is named in honor of Golda Meir, the first
female prime minister of Israel. Meir also served as head
of Na'amat USA (then Pioneer Women).
In accepting the award, Navon, Israel's fifth president,
noted that Na'amat is addressing the problems that face
Israeli women on a daily basis. "You are doing the real,
necessary things," he said. "The state doesn't see the
faces of individuals in their houses ... you do that."
Navon also expressed concern about Jewish identity in
the United States. "Jewish education is essential:' he said.
"The Jewish population needs more Zionist education
and a stronger link with the State of Israel."
Two delegates from the Detroit area attended the
convention: Judith Holtz of Bloomfield Hills and Linda
Friedlaender of West Bloomfield.
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January 17 • 2008
and Jews alike and have displayed a spirit of vengeance,
which aggravates the situation.
The trouble within the U.N. is due to the failure of the
five nations chosen for the implementation commission
to select their representatives. The delay occasioned by
the half-hearted reactions of these nations is cause for
concern. It is to be hoped that the appointment of the
commission will be completed by Jan. 7 — the date set
by U.N. Secretary General Trygve Lie for its organiza-
tional meeting. Once the commission is announced, there
is grounds for belief that inauguration of constructive
efforts in Palestine will serve to eliminate tension and
will introduce a period of construction.
Our State Department's attitude certainly aggravates
the situation. We depend in great measure upon the
determination of the U. S. government to insist upon
speedy implementation of the U.N. decision. The issue
is certain to be handled by the Security Council, and it
is of the utmost importance that the U.S. and the Soviet
Union should continue to work in harmony in support of
the plan for the establishment of a Jewish state in a par-
titioned Palestine. Established policy of our government
demands a firm stand against intrigues. We would like
to retain faith that the policies that were pursued at Lake
Success, N.Y., by Herschel V Johnson and Maj. Gen. John
H. Hilldring will not be betrayed.
The situation is tense but not hopeless. President
Truman, the Russian leaders and our other friends in the
U.N. can effect a speedy solution and immediate peace by
acting to secure both. Those who have access to chancel-
leries must do everything in their power to force prompt
action for the implementation of the U.N. Palestine deci-
sions. ❑
During the 12-day convention, delegates toured sev-
eral Na'amat facilities, including the Ma'amat women's
center in Beersheva, the Frieda Leemon Technological
High School in Lod, the Beba Idelson Agricultural School-.
(Kanot) in Gedera and the Elkin Day Care Center in
Ramat-Gan.
The delegates also attended a groundbreaking cer-
emony for a new day care center in Dimona, funded by a
$600,000 gift from Gertrude and Julius Green of Detroit.
Other featured speakers at the convention included
Israel President Shimon Peres, Knesset Members Yitzhak
Herzog, Amira Dotan, Ophir Pines-Paz and Dr. Ephraim
Sneh; Noa Rabin Rothman, granddaughter of Prime
Minister Yitzhak Rabin, and Israeli author A.B. Yehoshua.
Na'amat (a Hebrew acronym for Working Women and
Volunteers) works to advance the status of women in
Israel through a network of social services that includes
day care centers, technical high schools and community
centers. Na'amat USA supports the work of Na'amat
Israel through fund-raising, advocacy, and education.
in diaspora Jewry. The Jewish People Policy Planning
Institute was established by The Jewish Agency for Israel
in 2002 as an independent, nonprofit organization.
Israel At 60
At 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, Israel's 60th year of state-
hood will be honored at a silent and live auction fund-
raiser to benefit a Children's Concert Series at the Jewish
Community Center in Oak Park.
A light supper with dessert will be served.
Call Elaine Schonberger, (248) 967-4030, for tickets
($30) or to donate an item or cash gift.
Jewish Numbers Up
Jerusalem/JTA — The world Jewish population in 2007
rose to 13.2 million, according to a Jerusalem-based
think tank. The figure is 200,000 more than in 2006, said
a report by the Jewish People Policy Planning Institute.
In addition, the number of Jews living outside of Israel
dropped by 100,000, and Israel's Jewish population grew
by 300,000, making it home to 41 percent of world Jewry.
The 92-page report, which can be found at www.jpppi.
org.il/JPPPI/Templates/ShowPage.asp, also discusses
world reaction to the Second Lebanon War and tiers
- Compiled by Editorial Assistant Sy Maneilo
Orthodox Institute Ordains Women
New York/JTA — The Shalom Hartman Institute will
begin ordaining Orthodox women as rabbis. It is the first
Orthodox institution to do so.
The Jerusalem-based institute, which runs Orthodox
middle and high schools for boys, will begin accept-
ing women and men of all denominations this fall for a
four-year course leading to ordination, according to the
Jerusalem Post. The candidates will receive ordination, or
smichah, from the streams to which they belong.
Rabbi Donniel Hartman, co-director of the institute
and son of founder Rabbi David Hartman, told the Post
that the institute was responding to a need for "master
educators" in North American Jewish high schools.
Answering
Israel's Critics
The Charge
The international media last week described Israel's
recent military actions in Gaza as "the heaviest in
years" and a "harsh response'
The Answer
Israel's national security and the protection of civilians
is the paramount concern of the government. If the
Palestinian leadership does not act to reign in terror-
ists and armed groups in Gaza that are attacking Israel
every day, Israel's military will strike back to catch or
kill the enemy wherever it is.
- Allan Gale, Jewish Community Relations Council
of Metropolitan Detroit
@copyright Jan. 17, 2008 Jewish Renaissance Media