USA

‘Jews in Space’ Lecture Filled with Anecdotes

Boris Volynov was first among approximately 19 Jews who have flown in space, serving as a Russian cosmonaut in 1969.  Thereafter, Judy Resnik, Ilan Ramon and Gregory Chamitoff joined him in an exclusive club, being the first Jews from their nations to go into space.  Resnik was from the United States, Ramon from Israel, and Chamitoff from Canada. These were among the factoids presented by Roger Weiss, a contractor on the International Space Station (ISS) program, in a Zoom program sponsored on Sunday, March 11, by the San Diego Outreach Synagogue. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Donald H. Harrison, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, Travel and Food, USA

Good News from Israel (April 11, 2021)

Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
*Israeli scientists have found that bacteria can help fight cancer.
*Local and international students are returning to Israeli colleges.
*New Israeli visual technology can see both under the skin and from high in the air.
*Microsoft plans to invest over $1 billion in Israel.
*Israel has upgraded its plans for this year’s Independence Day celebrations [Michael Ordman]

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Business & Finance, International, Jewish History, Michael Ordman, Middle East, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Science, Medicine, & Education, The World We Share, USA

Once Again, Iran is Beating U.S. in Nuclear Negotiations

It may be uncomfortable for me to bring this up, but anyone who doesn’t have his or her head in the clouds knows that in the Middle East, the first one to concede in negotiations has already lost. Middle Easterners have a “bazaar” mentality, always asking their opponents to “make an offer,” knowing that doing so rigs the game in favor of those who have patience and wait. [Steve Kramer]

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International, Middle East, Steve Kramer, USA

Lawson-Remer recalls Jewish ancestors’ immigrant struggles

Three of my great-grandparents fled to the U.S. one hundred years ago, escaping torture and mass killings against Jews in Ukraine, Lithuania, and Austria-Hungary. Some of their relatives stayed behind and did not survive, but my great-grandparents arrived penniless on Ellis Island to find a better life. [County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer]

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International, Jewish History, San Diego County, USA

Global Holocaust Remembrance Goes Virtual

Participants from across the world joined leaders, dignitaries and Holocaust survivors April 8 in March of the Living’s virtual events marking Holocaust Remembrance Day across the Jewish world. This year’s March of the Living paid special tribute to the medical professionals who risked their lives during the Holocaust. [From News Releases]

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International, Jewish History, Middle East, USA

Another Shoe May Drop in Chabad of Poway Case

The Passover 2019 attack on Chabad of Poway in which congregant Lori Gilbert-Kaye was murdered and three other persons were wounded has prompted a pair of criminal cases and a civil case in its wake, while a fourth criminal case involving tax fraud proceeds in federal court. [Donald H. Harrison]

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Donald H. Harrison, International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Middle East, San Diego County, USA

AMCHA Initiative Director Testifies Against Ethnic Studies

During the California Assembly Education Committee’s first hearing on AB 101, legislation to make the recently approved Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum a high school graduation requirement, AMCHA Initiative Director Tammi Rossman-Benjamin was one of two experts to testify in opposition to the bill. [Press Release from AMCHA Initiative]

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Science, Medicine, & Education, USA

Global webcast to mark Yom HaShoah April 15

Enabling communities to experience Independence Day as one global community, the International March of the Living (MOTL) program, “Salute to Israel’s 73rd Birthday,” includes panoramic views of Israel’s natural beauty and a special performance by Israel Army Choir and Chief Cantor Shai Abramson. [Marcia Wollner]

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International, Jewish History, Marcia Tatz Wollner, San Diego County, USA

Italian American groups sue Philly mayor over renaming of Columbus Day

PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia City Councilmember Mark Squilla and dozens of Italian American groups sued Mayor Jim Kenney’s administration in federal court Tuesday for changing the name of the city’s Columbus Day holiday to Indigenous Peoples’ Day. “While both groups’ ethnicity deserve recognition, Mayor Kenney may not take action that discriminates against Italian Americans to exalt

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USA

Tax proposed on firearms, ammunition sales

Legislation by Assemblymember Marc Levine (D – Marin County) to impose an excise tax on retailers for the sale of new firearms and ammunition was approved by the Assembly Public Safety Committee today. The measure, co-authored by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D – Oakland) will provide ongoing funding to reduce gun violence through the highly successful California Violence Intervention Program (CalVIP). [Press Release from Marc Levine]

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Business & Finance, USA