-
Home
- frontpage
- Details
- Written by Silvia G Golan
The memorial was established in the Israel-Argentina Friendship Park in Ben Shemen Forest, next to the monuments commemorating the 1994 and 1992 terror attacks in Buenos Aires
This morning, on the 4th anniversary of his tragic death, Israel’s largest Jewish-environmental organization, Keren Kayemet L’Israel-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) unveiled the monument built in Alberto Nisman’s honor in a formal ceremony with officials from both Israel and Argentina.
Nisman was appointed Chief Investigator of the 1994 car bombing against the Israel Argentina Mutual Association (AMIA) which killed 85 people, making it the worst terrorist attack in Argentina’s history and the worst attack against Jews since the Holocaust.
On January 18, 2015, Nisman was found dead just one day before he was scheduled to report on his findings on the attack. His death led to public protests in Argentina and drew vast international attention.
Over 300 attendees from both Argentina and throughout the state of Israel gathered at the event to commemorate Nisman’s memory and his courageous efforts to bring those behind the AMIA terror attack to justice. Among those attending the ceremony were: Nisman’s mother, Sara Garfunkel; Knesset Chairman, MK Yuli Edelstein; Argentinean Ambassador to Israel, H.E. Mr. Mariano Caucino; KKL-JNF Vice Chairman, Mr. Hernán Felman; AMIA President, Mr. Agustin Zbar; and DAIA President Jorge Knoblovits.
The monument in memory of Alberto Nisman was built by KKL-JNF and KKL Argentina in the Israel-Argentina Friendship Park, next to the memorial built in honor of those killed in the 1994 car bombing of the AMIA building in Buenos Aires and the 1992 suicide bombing of the Israeli Embassy in Argentina.
KKL-JNF Vice Chairman, Hernán Felman thanked the many KKL-JNF team members responsible for planning the event, who worked with dedication and commitment to make the event possible. Regarding the unresolved investigation of the AMIA bombing, he said that “Evil will not prevail, evil would prevail if we were to forget this tragic event; and that is why we are here, to commemorate Nisman’s memory and the memory of those lost.
“The malicious minds that tried to kill us found out, to their disappointment, that we had only gotten stronger. We will keep strengthening Israel’s defense and the protection of our brothers in the diaspora – the blood of our blood. They are there for us in quiet times and in crisis, and we are here for them. When we stand together, there is nothing in the world that can take us.”
Knesset Chairman, MK Yuli Edelstein expressed that today Alberto Nisman’s name is widely known, and spoke of his courageous quest towards the truth. “There are those that are afraid of the truth. Those that will do everything to hide it, but the truth is rooted deeply in the ground. Just like the trees we planted today, it has deep roots. Nisman was a brilliant attorney, dedicated to his family, and more than anything he was a man of truth.
“All those who come to the beautiful forest planted by the KKL-JNF, all those who visit the monument we established for Alberto Nisman will remember that all the attempts at attacking the Jewish people and destroying the state of Israel will not succeed. Because the truth will rise from the roots of the earth.”
Argentinean Ambassador to Israel, H.E. Mariano Caucino reaffirmed Argentina’s commitment to exposing the truth in the case of AMIA and in the case of the death of Nisman, “Today we commemorate the memory of the federal persecutor of Argentina who was responsible for investigating the worst terrorist attack in the history of Argentina, and the worst attack against the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Nisman dedicated the last years of his life to find the truth but death stopped him short from bringing the case to justice.”
AMIA President, Agustin Igdal Zbar called for swift action regarding the AMIA bombing investigation and bringing the Iranian suspects to be tried in Argentinian court for the 1994 terror attack that has yet to be brought to justice. He mentioned also the ceremony in Nisman’s memory and said that “It is no coincidence that Israel has answered the call of establishing such a memorial in Nisman’s honor, as we hold the same values and the country is always there for us. Even before the establishment of the state of Israel, we have had strong ties with this nation, as we were part of the state’s founding.
“At this time I’d like to thank KKL-JNF, that established this incredibly important monument in Israel, and this memorial in the middle of the forest, which is something unique to Israel. The significance is even greater since we will be celebrating Tu Bishvat soon, which is the New Year for the trees.”
DAIA President, Ariel Cohen Sabban noted the special meaning of this event occurring in Israel, as the Jewish state has always stood in solidarity alongside Argentina on the journey to uncover the truth. He added that “This July will mark 25 years since the AMIA bombing which has yet been brought to justice. We must advance this investigation to truly honor the memories of those killed in the attack.”
Nisman’s mother, Sara Garfunkel acknowledged the recognition given to her son with a few words, “I would like to warmly thank the Keren Kayemet for establishing this monument, I needed this honor for my son. I thank the state of Israel, KKL-JNF, Argentina’s ambassador in Israel and everyone else that contributed to making this memorial possible.”
Photos by Silvia G. Golan
- Details
- Written by Leenoy Ellner and Steven Aiello
On Thursday, January 10th, the “Chen” Young Ambassadors School of Petah Tiqva hosted TiqvaMUN 2019, the largest Model UN conference ever held in Petah Tiqva. In total, 200 students from more than 20 schools and cities around Israel joined the conference themed “Human Rights”. The conference was hosted at the Ahad Ha’am Junior High school in Petah Tiqva.
Students competed in 5 committees, addressing protection of journalists, racism and xenophobia, children in armed conflicts, Kashmir, and child soldiers. Students came from schools all over the country: Sakhnin, Akko, Arabba and Iksal, Nazareth, Even Yehuda, Haifa, Jerusalem, Modi’in, Mazkeret Batya, and many other towns and cities. From Petah Tiqva, schools from all over the city were represented, including the diplomatic classes run through the Young Ambassadors school at Ahad Ha’am six-year school, Ahad Ha’am Ramat Verber, and Ben Zvi junior high school.
Students were assigned countries and topics in advance, and researched to prepare their positions. During the conference, they gave speeches, debated, negotiated and tried to solve the pressing issues covered in their committees. Rachel Amrani, the director of the Young Ambassadors program, noted that all of this took place in English and the students represent their countries as diplomats in line with their country’s policies in reality: “This process teaches multiculturalism and international relations. This is just one example of the important work we do at the Young Ambassadors to promote the leaders of the future.”
Following the conference, there was the awards ceremony, during which the top performing delegates in each committee were called up to receive certificates. This recognized their hard work and success in the conference, but each delegate also received a certificate of participation acknowledging their impressive work.
What is especially unique about this conference is that it also incorporated 4th-6th graders, the youngest MUN students in the country, who are trained through the Young Ambassadors school programs in their elementary schools. They discussed the topic of child soldiers, and eventually reached a resolution which passed unanimously. Mrs. Amrani told Diplomacy that “we are very pleased to see these young students joining and integrating into the national MUN framework, as they too represent the brightest future leaders. It’s never too early to start with MUN, and with leadership training in general! TiqvaMUN is just the beginning of a long term vision for MUN success.”
Yonatan Avidor, a participant from Herzliya as part of the Debate for Peace delegation, said that he believes that MUN gives students “so much: Debate skills, understanding the world, English, understanding people in depth, group work” and more. Moad Shadafni from Iksal village added that participating has given him “self-confidence that I didn't have before, as well as maintaining a close connection with my friends since we have the same interests.”
Photos by Young Ambassadors School
Steven Aiello
Founder--DebateforPeace
- Details
- Written by Maccabi World Union
Chanukah - The Maccabi Festival
Dear friends,
Chanukah is, of course, Chag HaMaccabim, the Festival that celebrates the liberation of the Jews under the leadership of the Hasmonean family -- Matitiahu Cohen ben Yochanan and his five sons Shim'on, Yochanan, Yehudah, Yonathan and El'azar -- from the yoke the Greeks inflicted on the Jewish People. Because of its ethos - the ethos of spiritual and physical strength, independence, pride in and commitment to our legacy, their name - the Maccabees -- was chosen as the name of our Union, independently of the names our Clubs and institutions worldwide had and have, and as a means of illustrating the ideological link that connects Maccabi members worldwide.
Since the establishment of our first Club (in Turkey, 1895), Maccabi Clubs and affiliated Jewish Community Centers have selected various names over more than the 110 years of our history as a Jewish-Zionist Movement: Hakoach, Hagibbor, Shimshon, Bar-Kochba, Hebraica... and, of course, Maccabi. When our leaders searched for the one name for our Movement[1], they came to the conclusion that of all those very meaningful names there was only one that included their diversity, and at the same time embodied our Movement's most transcendent contents: Maccabi.
It was probably Menachem Ussishkin[2], one of the forefathers of Zionism, who expressed this in the most beautiful way. Ussishkin addressed the Maccabi Association in Odessa in 1917 to congratulate them for having chosen the name Maccabi for the Association - a name with deep significance and meaning:
"A child of Europe, a scholar of Roman Civilization, holds sacred and extols the adage: "A sound mind in a sound body". We, the children of Israel read -- as is well-known -- from right to left, hold sacred also the opposite of that saying: "A sound body -- for a sound mind". A "sound mind" - that is decisive; a "sound body" - that is the means. And you [the Maccabi leaders] have implemented that! You did not choose for yourselves the name "Samson", the symbol only of physical strength; you chose "Maccabee", symbolizing the power of the spirit. The Maccabees are renowned not for their physical prowess, but for their strategic brilliance. Many of these acts of bravery resound through the history of humankind's interaction with the Hebrews. The Maccabees are uniquely and hugely famous for the strength and daring of their belief."
Ussishkin continued, bringing a story from the Maccabee victory - a story of faith, commitment and total devotion to the continuity of our essence as a Jewish People:
"Here is Modi'in, a remote village in the Judean hills, a few poor and anxious Hebrews gathered before an idolatrous altar to hear the words of King Antiochus. The King's man, guarded by his escort of Assyrian soldiers, commands the Hebrews to make a sacrifice to Zeus, foremost of the gods of Greece. All are afraid, all are meek, all are silent. But here is the voice of the aged Matityahu, eighty years old, tearing and rising through the silence: "Even if my people abandon the Living God and worship Antiochus - I and my sons and what is mine do not, and will not agree! We shall always be loyal to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob!" And thus spoke Matityahu, his body frail, his spirit invincible; the call to revolt! This ancient and great spirit sensed and knew that in Life there is Truth Eternal, more precious than Life itself. And this also he knew: such tremendous truth is not at the whim of the majority, but each person must hold it sacred, and sacrifice to it even all the wealth of the land. And thus our Nation, descended from steadfast Jacob who always sent his sons to the fires of the Inquisition and to battle the riders of the desert, held faith with the Patriarch of the Hasmoneans. From that day until ours, the annals of Israel bear witness that the uppermost truth is not always the gold of the many, but that the uplifting spirit is ever with the few."
Ussishkin brought inspiration to an already inspired Movement, our Movement, which has grown across five Continents - 57 countries!! - sharing the ideals of Jewish continuity, Zionism and Community work. For all engaged in the everyday activity of Maccabi - in your countries, communities, Federations and Confederations - and for all who enjoy the fruits of the efforts of the Maccabi leadership worldwide, let's rejoice in the example of the Maccabim strengthening and spreading our message for the strength and the unity of the Jewish People. Let's make the Maccabim voice our voice to multiply actions that bring out the best in our People.
May this Chanukah bring all of you the light of the torch of the Maccabim, and of our Maccabi.
Chag Chanukah Sameach, Maccabim, and Chazak Ve'ematz!!
RABBI CARLOS TAPIERO
Deputy Director-General
Maccabi World Union
[1]In Carlsbad, Czechoslovakia, at the 12th Zionist Congress, 1921.
[2]Menachem Ussishkin (1863-1941) was one of the leading and founding fathers of Zionism. From 1923 until 1941 he was the powerful chairman of the Jewish National Fund, President of the 20th Zionist Congress, the permanent president of World Zionist Organization's Zionist Action Committee, and a member of the Jewish Agency Executive.
Maccabi World Union, 7 Peretz Berenstein, Ramat Gan, 52105 Israel
Photo provided by MWU
- Details
- Written by GPO
Chanukah ("dedication" in Hebrew) is celebrated this year from sunset on Sunday, 2 December, until sunset on Monday, 10 December. The festival commemorates both the 164 BCE rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after its desecration by the ruling Seleucid (Syrian Greek) Kingdom, under Antiochus IV – and the re-establishment of religious freedom for the Jewish people after a period of harsh repression. The success of the popular revolt led by Judah Maccabee and his brothers has, ever since, symbolized the Jewish people's fight for, and achievement of, its liberty and freedom as a nation against overwhelming odds. Chanukah is not a legal holiday in Israel; offices, shops and public transportation will operate as usual; schools, however, will be closed. The Government Press Office offers the following guide:
Historical background to Chanukah
In 200 BCE, the Seleucid King, Antiochus III, conquered the Land of Israel and incorporated it into his kingdom. While neither he, nor his son and successor, Seleucus IV, forced their Hellenistic culture on the Jews, his second son, Antiochus IV, who acceded to the throne in 175 BCE, instituted – with the active acceptance and support of many Jews – a policy of forced Hellenization and enacted harsh policies against those Jews who refused to adopt Hellenistic culture. Under Antiochus IV, Jews were forced to eat pork, and Sabbath observance and circumcision were made punishable by death. In 167 BCE, the Temple was defiled and dedicated to the Greek god Zeus, and became the center of an idol-worshipping cult.
In 165 BCE, a popular revolt – led by Mattathias, an elderly priest from the town of Modi'in (east of Lod), and his five sons – broke out against Seleucid rule. Mattathias died soon thereafter, and was succeeded by his third son, Judah, also known as Judah Maccabee. Following a brilliant guerrilla campaign – as well as several victories over far larger, regular Seleucid armies – Judah's forces liberated Jerusalem in the winter of 164 BCE. The Temple was cleansed and, on the 25th of the Hebrew month of Kislev, rededicated.
At that time, according to rabbinic tradition, when Judah's men sought to relight the Temple menorah, or candelabra, only one day's worth of pure, undefiled olive oil was found, but the limited quantity of oil miraculously burned for the eight days required for new oil to be pressed. Thus, the holiday of Chanukah commemorates both the liberation of Jerusalem and the rededication of the Temple, and the miracle of the oil. In one of the blessings (see below) recited each night, the Jewish people praise God "who performed miracles for our ancestors in those days at this season."
Observance of Chanukah
The main element of Chanukah observance is the lighting of the eight-branched menorah (or chanukkiah) in the late afternoon, but not before the sun has begun to set, or at night. On the first night, one candle (or oil lamp) is lit, with another one being added on each successive night until the eighth night when all eight candles (or oil lamps) are lit. One extra light (the shamash) stands apart from the others and is used to light them. Special blessings are said when lighting themenorah, which is traditionally placed in a window or doorway where it will be visible from the outside – in order to publicize the miracle of the oil. It is customary to eat foods fried in oil – typically jelly doughnuts or potato pancakes – during Chanukah.
In addition, children are given four-sided tops as toys. In the Diaspora, the sides bear the Hebrew letters that form the acronym: "A great miracle happened there." In Israel, the sides bear the Hebrew letters that form the acronym: "A great miracle happened here." In the State of Israel, Chanukah is marked by a torch relay from Modi'in to Jerusalem and giant menorahs are also lit in public squares.
Chanukah is marked by special prayers and scriptural readings in the synagogue, as well as by a special addition to the regular blessing after meals.
Chanukah in Film
Following are clips from three films (courtesy of the Steven Spielberg Jewish Film Archive) that depict the various ways in which Chanukah has been celebrated:
Tomorrow’s A Wonderful Day (1948) http://youtu.be/9iXkhML3MHk (from 39:04 min to end)
Jerusalem My City (1950) http://youtu.be/w8QO-
As Long As I Live (1961) http://youtu.be/SJ8ZzQOkYh0 (from 15:44 min to end)
Chanukah Events
Chanukah Events in Tel Aviv (Hebrew)
Photo Silvia Golan
- Details
- Written by Talma Gotteiner
Information about an artistic social event that took place, an exhibition of photographs from the private collection of Motty Reif called "Moments" in cooperation and sponsorship of the Baram Group.
Motty Reif, the entrepreneur, and producer has, for the first time, exhibited personal photographs of key moments from his long career, for the benefit of the "Women's Spirit" organization and in cooperation with Baram Group.
Reif's works were exhibited for sale to the general public, and the proceeds were dedicated to the "Women's Spirit" organization.
The exhibition took place at BARAM CITY PRESS Habarzel Street 6 Ramat Hahayal, Tel Aviv on Friday 16th of November, between 10:00 - 14:00.
The exhibition was held at the Baram City Press in Ramat Hahayal, which combines a connection between the world of printing and the world of art.
The exhibition "Moments" displayed 50 photographs from the private collection of the entrepreneur, producer and social activist for women, Motty Reif. A fraction of a second caught in the lens of Reif's telephone camera portrays his passion for love, women, fashion, and pride.
Each photograph presents a special moment so that through the observer, the moment is revived. The atmosphere, the message hidden in it and the music playing alongside it are transformed and revived.
A dialogue that is not limited in time was presented for one important goal that is the economic independence of women victims of violence of all sorts.
Each lady was captured in her moment.
Every donation you give helps another woman escape the cycle of violence!
To buy the Photos:
Telephone 0722507770
Women's Spirit Facebook
Women's Spirit (Ruach Nashit) Organization helps women survivors of violence to rebuild their lives through employment and financial independence.
https://www.ruach-nashit.org.il/
To read more about Baram City Press and Motty Reif, please refer to the full article:
Photos Silvia Golan
