Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

Canada, our true friend...

I read this in a recent issue of the World Jewry Digest and pass it along:

“The Canadian government has decided to formally adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of anti-Semitism as part of its anti-racism strategy. The definition was approved by all 31-member states of IHRA in May of 2016 and has since been adopted on a national level by more than a dozen countries.

In response to the announcement made by Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, PABLO RODRIGUEZ, WJC President Ambassador, RONALD S. LAUDER said: ‘Canada has taken a most welcome and worthy step today in acknowledging that any national strategy on combating racism deserves specific attention to the challenges facing individual communities, so as to be able to properly deal with the problems at hand. The adoption of the IHRA definition allows governments to carefully analyze anti-Semitic incidents within a universal standard, thus bypassing any argument of ambiguity, and enabling a swifter and more comprehensive response to any event as it arises.

This is only the beginning of a long road ahead, however, for Canada as well as all IHRA member states. In order for the adoption of the definition to prove fruitful, governments must be diligent in encoding this definition on the proper levels and enforcing its efficacy. We applaud Canada for embracing this important move, and urge other governments to follow suit, to help curb the rise of anti-Semitism still proliferating across the globe.’

JOEL REITMAN, co-chair of WJC’S affiliated community in Canada, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs and WJC vice president, said, ‘Peddlers of anti-Semitism must be held accountable, but this can only happen if authorities can clearly and consistently identify acts of Jew hatred. This is why CIJA has been calling on all three levels of government to use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of anti-Semitism. The IHRA definition is a vital tool in countering the global rise in anti-Semitism.’”

(My mom was born in Montreal, Canada. I believe I have many relatives still living there.)

Anti-Israel Double Standard...

Israel is the only UN member state whose right to exist is under constant challenge.

Israel is the only UN member state that has been targeted for annihilation by another UN member state—Iran.

Israel is the only nation whose capital city, Jerusalem, is not recognized by other nations.

Israel is the only country that has won all its major wars for survival, yet is confronted by defeated adversaries insisting on dictating the terms of peace.

Israel, (rather than actual violators of human rights like North Korea or Saudi Arabia) is the only country targeted by the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement.

A special reminder...

On Sunday, Nov. 3rd, The Jewish Pavilion’s gala event, “Gems & Jeans” will take place at the Westin Lake Mary, Orlando North, 2974 International Parkway in Lake Mary.

Two wonderful ladies, DENISE BEUMER and SHARON LITTMAN will be honored.

A joyous evening with dinner, music and a silent auction is planned.

(An evening NOT to be missed!)

Speaking of martial arts...

(Were we speaking of martial arts? I don’t think so!) Anyway, so many wonderful problem-solving solutions and cures come out of Israel.

Here’s one that can defeat bullying!

Krav Maga, a wonderful form of martial arts comes from Israel. It helps us get in shape. It also lets us get home safely (if needed.)

(Gee, I could have used the art of Krav Maga when I was a tike living in Red Hook, facing anti-Semitism every day!)

Anyway, there is a company offering a free trial to see if it suits you. Just phone 407-671-7300 or email .

Shout-Out...

Okay, so I ate out again! What else is there to do when one reaches the “Golden Years.” (Are these the Golden Years? Why are mine so rusty?)

While dining at Too-Jays Restaurant in Altamonte Springs I had a terrific server. Her name is ANNI SWAN, an absolute sweetheart and very proficient. I even asked her to take out all the calories in my food and she obliged!

This subject is too important not to repeat...

I’m speaking of hate and especially anti-Semitism. To quote our own wonderful KEITH DVORCHIK, “The growth of hate in our society is frightening, and Jews are not its only targets. But it is up to us to demonstrate by example that we are unbowed by hate.” He concluded,

“Shabbat gives us an opportunity to rest and reflect. The rest of the week, it is up to us to take action to improve our community, to reach out and build relationships so that together we can truly experience Tikkun Olam and repair our world.”

I didn’t know. Did you?...

I am just learning that there is a Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Orlando.

The Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Orlando is a nonprofit organization founded in 1990, dedicated to sharing genealogical information, techniques and research tools to anyone interested in Jewish genealogy.

Annual dues are $35 for an individual and $40 for a family. JGSGO’s monthly meetings are free to members.

For more information, visit . If you have questions, you can email to or phone 407-494-4230.

I would love to know who my ancestors were and who my good-looks come from. (Oh shut up!)

One for the road...

“I’ve had it with my wife.” said Moishe to his friend Sam. “I’m filing for divorce.” 

“Sorry to hear that Moishe.” said Sam. “May I ask why?” 

“I found her supply of birth control pills.” said Moishe. 

“So what, Moishe? How can you leave her just for that? My wife also has her supply of pills.” 

“It’s not just that,” said Moishe. “I had a vasectomy over five years ago.”

(Oy vay!)