Editor’s E-Mail Box: March 8, 2019

Berrie and Seidle named to Leichtag Foundation board of directors

Charlene Seidle
Angelica Berrie

Philanthropist Angelica Berrie, president of the Russell Berrie Foundation and a co-chair of the Jewish Funders Network, and Charlene Seidle, executive vice president of the Leichtag Foundation, have both been named to the board of directors of the Leichtag Foundation, it was announced by Jim Farley, the Foundation’s President and CEO.

“Angelica has been such an important adviser, supporter and role model for the Foundation and our team,” said Farley.  “Her focus on impact and talent is well-aligned with the Foundation’s core strategic goals and tactics.  In particular, her involvement in Jerusalem civil society and philanthropy has already helped drive and animate our impact.”

Seidle’s “passion and creative efforts especially in Jerusalem for well over 20 years have brought great honor to the Leichtag legacy,” Farley said.  “Her example inspires all of us to be better professionals.”  — From Leichtag Foundation

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StandWithUs: Congress should have held Ilhan Omar accountable

StandWithUs agrees wholeheartedly with the content of House Resolution 183, which condemns anti-Semitism and other forms of hate. At the same time, we echo the disappointment of Congressman Ted Deutch (D – Florida), who made a strong moral case that anti-Semitism deserves its own attention and condemnation. The resolution that passed was an amended version – the original focused almost entirely on anti-Semitism.

“Congresswoman Ilhan Omar insinuated that Jews and others who care about Israel are not loyal enough to America. The House resolution includes a clear explanation of why such rhetoric is not only anti-Semitic, but also harmful to our values as a nation of immigrants,” said Roz Rothstein, CEO of StandWithUs. “There is no question that all the other forms of hate that were added to the original resolution must be stopped as well. That said, it is troubling that Congress could not condemn anti-Semitism on its own or hold one of its members accountable more directly.”

StandWithUs hopes this will be the last time Omar and other Members of Congress use their platform to express anti-Semitism or any other form of bigotry. We will continue to educate people and fight back against hatred towards Israel and Jews around the world.  – From StandWithUs

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Pope Francis speaks out against anti-Semitism

American Jewish Committee (AJC) President John Shapiro led a leadership delegation during a private audience with His Holiness Pope Francis at the Vatican on Friday

Pope Francis spoke of the church’s longstanding relationship with AJC and the value of interreligious dialogue. “Your commitment to Jewish-Christian dialogue goes back to Nostra Aetate, a milestone in our journey of fraternal reckoning,” Pope Francis said to the visiting AJC leaders.

The Pope expressed “great concern” about “an excessive and depraved hatred” spreading in many places around the world. “I think especially of the outbreak of anti-Semitic attacks in various countries,” said Pope Francis. “I stress that for a Christian any form of anti-Semitism is a rejection of one’s own origins, a complete contradiction.”

“In the fight against hatred and anti-Semitism an important tool is interreligious dialogue, aimed at promoting a commitment to peace, mutual respect, the protection of life, religious and the care of creation,” he said.

Shapiro, addressing the Pope during the audience, praised him for the role he has played in the “historic reconciliation” between Jews and Catholics.

“It is a great joy for this leadership group of the American Jewish Committee to meet with you and to express deep appreciation for the special relationship we have enjoyed with the Holy See over more than half a century,” said Shapiro.

Shapiro expressed appreciation for the Pope’s announcement earlier this week that the Vatican Archives covering the World War II period and papacy of Pius XII will be opened to international researchers in 2020. “We look forward especially to the involvement of the leading Holocaust memorial institutes in Israel and the U.S. to objectively evaluate as best as possible the historical record of that most terrible of times, to acknowledge both the failures as well as valiant efforts during the period of the Shoah,” Shapiro said.  – From American Jewish Committee

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Baron, Hall to lecture at College Avenue Center on anti-Semitism, media

The College Avenue Center will host lectures on April 18 and April 25 respectively by Prof. Lawrence Baron on the history of anti-Semitism and by Matt Hall, director of the San Diego Union-Tribune’s Op-Ed page, on citizen journalism.

Baron, a professor emeritus of history at San Diego State University and “Humoring the Headlines” columnist for San Diego Jewish World, will show a movie on historical anti-Semitism as part of his presentation.

Hall plans to discuss the charges of “fake news” that have been hurled against the media.

Both presentations begin at 12:45 p.m.  The Center leases space at Temple Emanu-El at 6299 Capri Drive, just off College Avenue,  in the Del Cerro neighborhood. — From College Avenue Center

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Temple Beth Shalom offers to rent out its 4-bedroom historic parsonage

The Parsonage/Rabbi’s house is for rent, Arlene LaGary, president of Temple Beth Shalom in Chula Vista, has announced.  Built in 1925 for the former St. John’s Episcopal Church, the property is part of the Historic site designation Temple Beth Shalom received in 2017.

“There are  four bedrooms upstairs, living, dining room, and kitchen downstairs, along with a room that could be an additional bedroom, or an office,” LaGary said.

“The house is renovated with all new appliances, paint, light fixtures,” LaGary added.  “It is charming, has loads of closet space.  It has a private driveway, and 1 1/2 bathrooms.  The rent is $2595.”

LaGary may be contacted for further information via ikhheysarlene@gmail.com — From Temple Beth Shalom