By Gloria Yousha
Scene Around 

Scene Around

 


A must read...

This comes (in part) directly from the American Jewish Committee (AJC):

“Iran subjects children to the death penalty, including public hangings from cranes; North Korea maintains vast gulags where political prisoners, including the descendants and distant relatives of alleged political offenders, endure arbitrary executions, starvation and forced marriages for the purpose of breeding slaves; Russia has enacted sweeping homophobic legislation that criminalizes the sharing of information about gay, lesbian and other ‘non-traditional’ relationships...

So when the American Studies Association (an organization of U.S. academics) wanted to demonstrate its piety on the issue of human rights, against what country, on all the earth, from the autocrats of Africa to the martinets of the Middle East, did it decide to direct its ire? Why, Israel, of course.” (Shocking, I know.)

Read on:

“The American Studies Association (ASA) recently voted to boycott Israeli academic institutions. It follows moves by the Association for Asian-American Studies and the Native American and Indigenous Studies Association. The head of the ASA did not disagree when a reporter pointed out that Israel, a place where academics have total freedom of expression and thought, is not exactly the world’s worst offender of human rights.

‘So why Israel,’ he asked? His answer, ‘One has to start somewhere.’”

(Do you believe this load of...pardon my French...excrement? This in-spite of the fact that it is widely known about the magnificent breakthroughs in medicine and science being made at Israeli universities.)

Back to the American Jewish Committee (AJC) report:

“Now, were these scholars honest in ‘starting’ with a genuine boycott of Israeli universities, they would lay down their cell phones, stop taking a host of medications and urge the people of Africa to cease and desist eating foods grown with drip irrigation... all technologies developed or advanced at institutions in the Jewish State.”

(There have been even more breakthroughs since this report... possible cures for Juvenile Diabetes, some forms of cancer, etc.)

Back to the report:

“These efforts are part of a far broader global campaign to demonize and isolate Israel. It is called ‘BDS’... Boycott, Divest and Sanction.

What does the Boycott, Divest, Sanctions movement actually hope to achieve by singling out Israel for treatment as a pariah state?

The truth is that the leaders of the BDS movement do not want two states. They want one... and suffice it to say they do not want it to be Israel.

The BDS leaders believe the very existence of a Jewish State is illegal, and they will not rest until Israel is gone. But neither will AJC rest in the face of this tangible threat to Israel’s legitimacy. Will you stand with us?”

(To find out how to stand with them, you can phone 212-891-1456 or go online to http://www.ajc.org/actnow .

A true talent...

The next meeting and performance for the Congregation Ohev Shalom Seniors will take place on Sunday, June 1, at 2 p.m. in the COS Ballroom.

The featured entertainer is none other than SCOTT BERRY, a true talent! Scott is a versatile pianist and singer who has performed in New Orleans and New York and is now proud to call Orlando home.

In the Central Florida area for over 20 years, Scott performs a variety of musical styles including jazz, blues, Broadway, pop, rock, country and new age. His song list includes over 1000 songs and he also sings in Spanish, Italian and French. (What? No Yiddish?)

He did major work in the music industry while in New York, including off-Broadway, leading his own band, and also appeared in a BILLY JOEL video.

When Scott moved to Orlando, he began performing around town and quickly became a favorite in Winter Park at Park Plaza Gardens.

(I made my Florida singing debut there accompanied by pianist, Hal Rose.)

While at Park Plaza Gardens on Park Avenue, Scott entered into the studio to write and produce jingles, children’s music and TV and movie themes. He was also a lecturer in the Music History courses at Full Sail School for the Recording Arts, and taught students about rock and roll, American folk, and Gospel music. Scott currently performs around Orlando in venues as diverse as Park Plaza Gardens, Timpano’s and Seasons 52, both in Altamonte Springs and Sand Lake Road, as well as other restaurants, hotels, country clubs and private events. His latest passion is performing at assisted living centers and senior centers. His one-hour musical programs are nostalgic and stimulating, filled with interesting information and the greatest songs ever written... American 20th century standards!

(I totally agree. Gershwin, Berlin, Porter, Kern... the best of the best!)

Refreshments will be served following the performance. Invite your friends. The cost is still only $5, per COS Senior member; $8, all others.

For info or directions, phone BERNY RAFF at 407-767-6763.

A musical reminder...

We are just a couple of days away from a swinging musical performance by JEFF RUPERT, head of UCF Jazz studies, and his fabulous musicians, PER DANIELSSON, RICHARD DREXLER and MARTY MORRELL. The talents will perform on Sunday, May 25, 2:30 p.m., at the Altamonte Chapel, 825 East SR 436, Altamonte Springs. For cost and other info, phone the chapel at 407-339-5208. Our own ALAN ROCK is emcee of the event you shouldn’t miss!

Israel’s Independence...

I received an email from EMILY NEWMAN of Jewish Pavilion about the recent Israel Independence Day celebration at Serenades by Sonata in Longwood. I pass it along to you:

“Israel’s Independence Day was celebrated at Serenades by Sonata in Longwood. Close to 35 Jewish Pavilion members, volunteers and sponsors gathered together on May 8 to enjoy a home made Israel style luncheon with hummus, falafel, couscous salad and more.

Following the luncheon, CATHY SWERDLOW presented a power-point titled ‘Israel... Amazing Facts on Culture and Innovations.’ Cathy is well-versed in the history and culture of Israel so sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm with the crowd came easily.

Serenades by Sonata is an assisted living facility specializing in memory care. Tours were offered to the group to see the beautiful grounds and neighborhoods. For more information on Serenades by Sonata and other senior services, contact the Orlando Senior Help Desk at 407-678-9363.”

One for the road...

(This is not a joke. It really happened. Names have been changed to protect the guilty... oops... innocent.)

Today was the day that Naomi has been waiting for... her wedding day! At the end of the shul service, her father escorted her down the aisle to the chuppah. She looked absolutely stunning in her white bridal gown and all eyes were on her.

They reached the groom, but just before her father moved away from her to take his seat, Naomi smiled at him and placed something in his hand.

Those in the front row could see what it was and began to laugh.

(In return for giving his daughter “away” in marriage, Naomi gave her father back his credit card!)

 

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