Front Lines EDITOR'S LETTER Farrakhan's Absurdity I t wasn't so much that Rev. Louis Farrakhan, who in the past has branded Judaism a "gutter reli- gion',' in June accused Jews of being the "worst enemy" of blacks. Anti-Semitic vitriol is part of his outrageous act. What annoyed me more was that the Nation of Islam leader produced research" that "proves" what he called "an unde- niable record of anti-black behavior" on the part of Jews. The so-called research claims that Jews for centuries have worked to financially undermine blacks. It maintains that Jews charge anti-Semitism to silence critics and obscure the truth. How absurd is that? Abraham Foxman, the New York- based national director of the Anti- Defamation League, hit the bull's-eye in his assessment of Farrakhan's latest out- burst: "Never, in our more than 20 years of following Minister Louis Farrakhan, have we seen him so obsessively devoted to his hate crusade against Jews,His anti-Semitism is obsessive, diabolical and unrestrained. He has opened a new (( chapter in his ministry, where scape- to see it. goating Jews is not just part of a mes- Farrakhan's words are as scathing sage, but the message and disgusting toward Jews as they Farrakhan said Foxman and other come. "We could charge you with being Jewish leaders were guilty of "the most the most deceitful so-called friend," he vehement anti-black behavior in the wrote, "while our history with us shows annals of our history in America and you have been our worst enemy." the world." Amazingly, the letter extended an In a June 24 letter sent to the ADL, offer to Jewish groups "and the gentiles the American Israel Public Affairs whom you influence to help me in the Committee, the American Jewish repair of my people from the damage Committee as well as the Orthodox and that has been done by your ancestors Reform movements, the Chicago-based to mine." Farrakhan sought dialogue to "repair" Such hatred is no way to spark the damage caused by alleged Jewish dialogue. The important role of Jews in the civil rights movement and in mistreatment of blacks. Accompanying the letter was a copy continuing to improve black-Jewish of the two-volume "history" titled 'The ties reinforces the disingenuousness Secret Relationship Between Blacks and of Farrakhan's "historical" paperbacks Jews" — an anti-Semitic — long on conspiracy theo- screed written and pub- ries about Jews and Israel and lished by the Nation of Jewish control of government, Islam "historical research finance and Hollywood. department." The irony is that Farrakhan If that's a reputable continues to draw crowds eager department, research has to, as Foxman put it, "bear witness to his bigotry and to hit a new low. Not surprisingly, believe that he holds the truth." Farrakhan sent the Obama Like Foxman, I wonder administration a copy where the outcry in the black Rev. Farrak han of the "history" as well. community is to Farrakhan's Obama's strange flirtation attempt to inflame black- Jewish relations. Foxman is right: "When with Israel's enemies hasn't endeared him to the Jewish community, but I will good people in the community be have to think he rejected the abomi- courageous enough to stand up and say nable book outright if he actually got `Enough already!" ❑ Al CONTENTS July 8 14, 2010 - th@JEWISHNEWS.com 26 Tammuz-3 Av 5770 I Vol. CXXXVII, No. 23 Your donation to Hebrew Free Loan makes a positive impact. Cover Story on page 12 Arts/Entertainment .... Business Community Family Focus Food/Health & Fitness.. Letters Marketplace Maze! Toy! Metro Obituaries Opinion Platinum 35 26 48 45 33 6 49 46 12 58 24 P1 9 Roundup Staff Box/Phone List .... 8 30 Synagogue List Teen2Teen Extra 44 To Do!/Calendar 40 To Do!/Crossword 42 Torah Portion 32 16 World/Israel Shabbat Lights Candlelighting: Friday, July 9, 8:53 p.m. Shabbat Ends: Saturday, July 10, 10:03 p.m* Candlelighting: Friday, July 16, 8:49 p.m. Shabbat Ends: Saturday, July 17, 9:58 p.m* * Times according to Yeshiva Beth Yehudah calendar. Havdalah practices may vary. Consult your rabbi. Columnists Robert Sklar Arthur Horwitz Danny Raskin Years ago, Rob Schwartz was Federation's Young Adult Division liaison to Hebrew Free Loan, and was impressed as he learned more and more about the agency. "When I agreed to work with this group, I had no idea what they did, but I showed up, and they put me right to work." Since that time, Rob has remained active on the HFL Board, helping to shape new policies and initiatives, such as hfl.bis small business loan options. Recently elected as HFL President, Rob has nothing but praise for the agency's mission. "We are active. We have a positive impact," says Rob. "Many people come away with the bridge they need to sustain their lives, which is so important." Rob emphasizes HFL is a frontline agency directly assisting Jews in need, and is part of Federation's No Wrong Door initiative. "Hebrew Free Loan is connecting with greater numbers of people who are experiencing more financial urgency than ever," Rob says. "I'm looking forward to helping HFL creatively bolster our community." 3 5 38 Our JN Mission The Jewish News aspires to communicate news and opinion that's useful, engaging, enjoyable and unique. It strives to reflect the full range of diverse viewpoints while also advocating positions that strengthen Jewish unity and continu- ity. We desire to create and maintain a challenging, caring, enjoyable work environment that encourages creativity and innovation. We acknowledge our role as a responsible, responsive member of the community. Being competi- tive, we must always strive to be the most respected, outstanding Jewish community publication in the nation. Our rewards are informed, educated readers, very satisfied advertisers, contented employees and profitable growth. On The Cover: Chef Zack Sklar Photography, Brett Mountain Design, Deborah Schultz The Detroit Jewish News (USPS 275-520) is published every Thursday at 29200 Northwestern Highway, #110, Southfield, Michigan. Periodical postage paid at Southfield, Michigan, and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: send changes to: Detroit Jewish News, 29200 Northwestern Highway, #110, Southfield, MI 48034. Hebrew Free Loan provides interest- free loans for living expenses, medical fees and many other needs: small business start-up costs, tuition assistance, summer camp, training, and much more. If you or someone you know needs help, please click or call. www.hfidetroit.org 248.723.8184 HEBREW FREE*LOAN hfldetroit.org We Provide Loans. We Promise Dignity. lc Jewish iiiiiiimmoinimme Federation of Metropditon it WE'RE PART OF THE TEAM July 8 • 2010 3