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Temple Beth El Couple
Will Miss Keren Alpert
If there was ever anyone who was meant
to be a rabbi, it is Keren Alpert ("No
Winners:' Nov. 28, page 18). She is
extremely intelligent — knowledgeable
about all things Jewish and the world at
large. Her Hebrew chanting is beautiful.
Her sermons were always a wonderful
combination of humor and inspiration.
We traveled with her and a group
from Temple Beth El to Washington,
D.C., in October. She led a fabulous trip.
Her caring and concern for her traveling
companions was evident daily. We are,
of course, very disappointed and sad for
her. We will miss her greatly.

Judy and David Schwartz
West Bloomfield

ZOA Showcases Efforts
At Balfour Celebration
More than 300 friends of Israel attended
the Nov. 10 Zionist Organization of
America-Michigan Region's Balfour
Celebration at Congregation Shaarey
Zedek in Southfield.
The event honored the memory of
Donald Van Curler, patriot, Christian
Zionist and stalwart friend of Israel.
ZOA-MI presented its Louis D.
Brandeis award to community leaders
Janice and Martin Stoneman for their
invaluable contributions to Israel and
the Jewish people.
Eugene Greenstein, ZOA-MI presi-
dent, highlighted the group's important
work, which has become more essential
than ever in these dangerous times.
ZOA provides scholarships for stu-
dents to visit Israel, combats anti-Israel
propaganda and discrimination on
college campuses, and supports educa-
tional programs for students and adults
in the Jewish community.
The keynote speaker was Daniel Pipes
of the Middle East Forum. Mr. Pipes, a
well-regarded author and scholar, gave
an informed review of the volatile state
of the Middle East and the perils of a
nuclear Iran. His address gave attendees
a better understanding of the current
situation and possible future trends.
The event was chaired by Cheryll
Israel. Funds raised support ZOAs mis-
sions.

Harry Onickel
Ferndale

Where Is Influence Of
Moderate Palestinians?
It saddens me to read a column by
an obviously well-intentioned person
who seems to be oblivious to reality

and unfamiliar with history ("Road To
Tomorrow:' Nov. 21, page 44).
Yes, there are Palestinians who are
willing to accept the existence of Israel
and a two-state solution. But they are
obviously in the minority as evidenced
by whom they repeatedly elect and
whom they tolerate to lead them.
Why, for example, did the column's
author need to travel in an "armored
bus?" Where is the influence of the
moderate Palestinians, like One Voice
Palestine, in stopping the never-ending
rocket attacks and suicide bombings of
Israeli civilians? The answer is that they
have little to no influence because the
vast majority of Palestinians want the
destruction of Israel, as evidenced by
the PLO and Hamas charters that they
approve, and as shown by recent polls.
There can be no peace unless and
until Palestinians and their leaders dis-
avow those charters, recognize the exis-
tence of Israel, and stop indoctrinating
their children to hate and kill Jews.
I do agree with the author that the
issue is "land:' but not as she apparently
thinks. The "land" issue, as Palestinian
leaders understand it, is that all of Israel
should be Palestinian and that Jews are
to be pushed out into the sea, or at least
into "dhimmitude" [subservient status].
Consider the 1994 Oslo Accord, in
which Israel offered to withdraw from
Gaza and approximately 95 percent
of the West Bank, and to recognize a
Palestinian state in those territories. The
PLO walked away from that accord. This
should be proof that the issue is not
"land" as the column's author wants us
to believe.

Sylvia C. Fleshman
Farmington Hills

Holocaust Author
Tells Parents' Story
After 25 years in the making, I finished
writing a book, Maybe One Day, per-
taining to my parents and my journey
through the Holocaust. It was accepted
by the Jewish Book Fair, which was
recently held at the West Bloomfield
and Oak Park Jewish Community
Centers.
To top things off, I was invited to
speak in commemoration of the 75th
anniversary of Kristallnacht. What an
honor that was, and equally, to receive
the support of so many dear friends,
acquaintances and members from the
community-at-large.
There has been a drastic change in
attitude regarding the Holocaust since
my parents and I first arrived here in

1951. We now have Holocaust museums
all over the country and in many parts
of the world. The subject is taught in
schools. Many books have been writ-
ten on the subject, and Hollywood has
made movies about it, further educating
the general public.
When we arrived, my parents were
hushed by statements from our own
people, such as, "Forget about it; let's
talk about good things," and "We
suffered, too; we went through the
Depression:' How frustrating that was
for my mother who needed sympathetic
ears to ease her anguish.
To make matters worse, newcomers
to this country were called, "Greeners"
and "Greenhorns:' disrespectful names
that did not lift the spirit of the down-
trodden. As I spoke to my wonderful
audiences at the Book Fair on Nov. 7
and 8, I thought of my parents, especial-
ly my mother, and I felt at peace. People
are listening.
L'dor v'dor — from generation to gen-
eration, let us never forget.

Jeannette Olson
West Bloomfield

No Joke: I Enjoyed
JCC Jewish Book Fair
This year's Jewish Book Fair programs
and lectures were outstanding. I was
personally so impressed that I attended
13 (but unfortunately missed several
due to my personal scheduling con-
flicts) and subscribed to many for which
there were charges. Most of those were
well worth the nominal fees.
However, I was disappointed by
comedy night. The setting, logistics,
snacks and beverage arrangements were
very well presented. But except for the
master of ceremonies, Alan "Big Al"
Muskovitz, the featured comedians left
me flat. When the emcee is the best
of the bunch, I, for one, was seriously
unimpressed!
This book fair is considerably more
than just authors lecturing, selling and
signing books. It is an extremely invit-
ing opportunity to attend, participate
ask the lecturer/author questions, speak
with the author lecturer, dialogue with
them and others and, most important
of all, an opportunity to network with
friends, colleagues, acquaintances
as well as to meet and/or make new
acquaintances.
Please encourage more of the same
excellence in 2014 and beyond, but also
improve the comedy portion!

Joel Bussell
West Bloomfield

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December 5 • 2013

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