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Emergency campaign to rescue the Jews of Georgia

Dear Community Member,

Your gift to the United Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign supports a global infrastructure that enables our overseas partners to respond immediately anytime and anywhere there are Jews or Jewish Communities in need. Since last week, with the escalation of fighting in the South Ossetia region of Georgia, the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) and the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) have initiated an extensive and immediate operation in Israel and Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, to provide all necessary assistance to the Georgian Jewish community, and especially to the tiny Jewish community of some 250 - 300 Jews in the city of Gori, which is adjacent to the battle zone.  

The United Jewish Federation of San Diego County has long been a supporter of JAFI and JDC’s efforts in the republics of the former Soviet Union, including Georgia (site of the Campaign Chairs and Directors Mission just a few short years ago). Please visit our website to learn what our overseas partners (JAFI and JDC) are doing to assist those in critical need during this latest crisis, and how you can help today!

Sincerely,

Michael S. Rassler
Chief Executive Officer, United Jewish Federation of San Diego County

THE VIEW FROM JINSA


The snarling Russian bear returns

By Shoshana Bryen

WASHINGTON, D.C.—After WWII, Russia secured itself in Central Europe by force, stopping halfway through Germany only because it reached American lines. A half-century later, communism dissolved. "History is over," the pundit said. In that giddy moment, President Clinton and the West made a blunder of enormous magnitude, treating Russia as if it was itself one of the "captive nations" instead of their captor. But it wasn't a disembodied "communism" that occupied Central Europe and the Baltics; it was Imperial Russia with a communist government. History didn't end when the communists were gone.

When the empire dissolved, parts of what Russia considers its territory and its security borders also struck out on their own. Belarus, Chechnya, Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine all had or have greater or lesser political/economic/military trouble with Russia.

The Russian war in Georgia has less to do with South Ossetia than with Georgia's determination to secure itself to the West - specifically to NATO. Russia objects and has decided to punish Georgia in the traditional manner of imperial countries - as it always has and as others used to do. France, Britain, Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire don't march their armies across Europe any more - they don't have armies to march and it isn't clear that they could define strategic interests worth fighting for. They were shamed into peacekeeping in Kosovo and backed into Afghanistan. Today, Russia is the only one of the former great powers still willing to use military force proactively to achieve strategic goals in Europe.

Our sympathies, of course, lie with Georgia, pro-Western, democratic and lying next to the Bear. But the Bear is on a roll.

This is not a new Cold War; Russia poses no ideological or existential threat to the United States. But this is a resurgent and aggressive Russia, newly wealthy, authoritarian and determined to recoup its former glory. Whether with Iran, Venezuela or with the states of its near abroad, Russia will continue to threaten American and European interests. History is back and this time Georgia is paying the price.

Western countries and the Japanese have called for Russian "restraint." They have been ignored, as they were when Russian troops were "pacifying" Chechnya. Monday's reports indicate that Russian troops have gone beyond securing South Ossetia and Abkhazia and are moving toward the Georgian capital. Absent a Western military response - and we see none in the offing - Russia will likely punish Georgia until it believes Georgia no longer poses a political threat.

The West then must, at a minimum, find some way to use its political or economic muscle to impress upon Russia the depths of our outrage. The G-8 should become the G-7 post haste. Georgia asked the EU to freeze its "strategic partnership" talks with Russia - it seems the least the EU can do. And when the political phase begins, as it likely will, the West should be there to back Georgia's claims for territorial integrity and a peacekeeping force comprised of Europeans.

We can do no less.

Bryen is special projects director for the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs (JINSA)





THE JEWS DOWN UNDERRoundup of Jewish news from Australia and New Zealand


Jewish opposition leader likely to be
New Zealand's next prime minister

By Garry Fabian

AUCKLAND, New Zealand- It has fewer that 10,000 Jews - less than 0.2 percent of it's four million inhabitants. But New Zealand is set to elect its third Jewish prime minister.

Opposition National Party John Key, whose mother is an Australian Jew, is far ahead of the Labor incumbent, Helen Clark, in the polls, An election may be called ant any moment, but must be held by November 15.

Key, who turns 47 this week, said he was "not a deeply religious person" but still saw himself as part of the Jewish community, and he had an interest in Israel because of his heritage.

"If I become prime minister, I would like to visit. I am definitely keen to go" Key said. It would be his first trip to the Jewish state.

"New Zealand has a warm relationship with Israel" he said, adding that "there is quite a bit of synergy between the two countries, citing their small size.

Key's mother, Ruth Key (nee Lazar), escaped the Holocaust as a child by fleeing to Britain and came to New Zealand after World War II. Key said "Mum didn't practice the Jewish faith when I was at home, but she sometimes took me to synagogue, and she was always very active in the Jewish community.
According to The New Zealand Herald, Key's party has a considerable 20-point advantage over Labor in polls taken since August 2007.

Julius Vogel, a practicing Jew served two terms as New Zealand's premier in the 1870's and Sir Francis Henry Dillon Bell, a non-praticing Jew who later converted to Christianity, became the country's 20th prime minister in 1925.

If Key does indeed become country's third Jewish premier, he says there are lessons to be adopted from the Israeli experience.

"We hear great things about how strong the Israeli economy is. We have been looking at some of the things that Israelis have been doing with mentoring programs, high-tech and venture capital."

Before New Zealand became a British colony in 1840, the Jewish population numbered fewer than 30. Subsequent Jewish immigration came in four waves; from the United Kingdom in the 1800s, refugees from Europe in the 1930' and 1940s, from Britain in the 1950s and most recently from Israel, South Africa and former Soviet Union.

Most Jews today live in Auckland and Wellington.


Abe Saffron's son to name names

SYDNEY, Australia- The late Abe Saffron, back in the 1960's and 1970's, was what one could describe as a shadowy figure and the Kings Cross kingpin, who ran night clubs, strip joints and other enterprises, and was alleged to have underworld links. Now Alan Saffron, hia son, has alleged that three high-profile members of the Australian Jewish community may be implicated in what he claims were corrupt dealings with his father -– if his memoir titled Gentle Satan is published abroad.

Speaking on a recent book tour of Australia, Alan Saffron, a talent agent who now lives in Los Angeles, said that the trio was among 11 prominent identities, whose names have been suppressed due to Australia’s libel laws.

“One was a businessman, very prominent, in Australia right now, who has everything to lose by me naming him. And the involvements with him are horrible,” he said. “He was the one I had the most documented proof on and I was desperate to name him. But it was told to me, in no uncertain terms, that this man was a litigant and he would need five minutes in the court to stop the book’s publication, even though I have all the facts.”

Released by Penguin Australia this month, the book reveals details of alleged dealings by the “Boss of the Cross”, including the allegation that his one-time standover man, the late James Anderson, killed activist Juanita Nielsen in 1975.

“I’m not releasing the names for any other reasons than the truth,” Alan Saffron said.

“What’s stopped me in Australia is our antiquated civil laws, because I was fighting to release them all.
“In Australia, the truth is not a defence, so they’ll get an injunction and take the book off the shelf. I’ll be waiting two or three years for a court case.

“So I am going to go all out to get it released in America and Europe. And, of course, if it’s released elsewhere -– there’s not the same libel laws.

“I could name every person I wanted and that would give me the greatest joy.”

Alan Saffron, whose memoir spills the beans on his late father’s fractured relationship with his family and his alleged deals with corrupt politicians and policemen, made the claims at considerable personal cost.

He said he received death threats prior to arriving in Australia and touched down in Sydney to a police escort and bodyguard.

But his efforts to name and shame remain undeterred.

Dubbed “Mr Sin” by the media, Abe Saffron presided over Sydney’s hotels, bars, casinos, brothels and strips clubs for more than 60 years.

He was also a staunch supporter of the Jewish community until his death in 2006.

At the time of his death, a spokesperson for the Jewish Communal Appeal said that Abe Saffron had been a donor every year since its inception in 1967.

He also donated to Israeli causes, including the Jewish National Fund, and made a substantial contribution to Moriah College.

Alan Saffron said the memoir had been written to clear up some half-truths and rumours about his father, a noted Australian icon.

He said a disputed will — he received $500,000 out of a $25-million pool— had not motivated his decision to write the book.

“The goal of the book is a tell-all, a warts-and-all about my father, about his history,” Saffron said.



Zalcberg ready for Olympics-style table tennis

MELBOURNE—David Zalcberg had the perfect preparation for the Beijing Olympic Games by retaining his doubles crown in table tennis at the Australian Open late last month at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.

Zalcberg also won the teams event representing Victoria, before bowing out in the quarterfinals of the singles.

The win was a confidence booster for Zalcberg, who will have the distinction of being the only Jewish athlete to represent Australia in Beijing when he competes in his second Olympic Games later this month.

Zalcberg and partner William Henzel cruised through to the decider of the open without dropping a set, but it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the pair in the final.

The top seeds lost the opening game before recovering to dominate 6-11, 11-4, 11-3, 11-4 against a compatriot duo, which included another member of Australia’s Olympic team.

The tournament comprised the cream of Australian table tennis, as well as a host of highly rated internationals, including players from China, Germany, India, Vietnam, Malta and Ghana.
But perhaps more important than the win was Zalcberg’s form in the teams and singles events.
The 27-year-old edged Indian Commonwealth Games gold medallist Shivaji Datta in the team competition, before beating German international Fabian Moritz, in the singles.
Zalcberg said the tournament was a good form guide for the upcoming Olympic Games.

“For me it wasn’t necessarily about the result, it was just about putting some good points together and playing well,” Zalcberg said.

“If you play well in a tournament like this, it’s a great lead up [to the Olympic Games].

“The good thing about having a big tournament close to the Games is that you find out where you’re at, and I felt like I played pretty well.”

The win makes it three titles from three starts at the Open for Zalcberg, with wins in 2005 and 2007 previously. The Olympian missed the tournament in 2006 with a back injury, but says his body is “holding up well”.

In the teams event Victoria staged a stunning comeback to edge an international team for the win.

At 4-2 down, Zalcberg sparked the fightback with a stunning win against Datta.

“It was great to win the teams event and for me personally to beat a Commonwealth Games gold medalist like Datta was a great result and tells me I’m in pretty good form.”

David Zalcberg share his thoughts on going to the Olympic Games

"It’s interesting," he said, "before the last Games, all I thought about was the Olympics. I remember thinking: 'I’ve spent my whole life training for this ... I can’t believe it ... what’s the opening ceremony going to be like, the village, the food court, the uniform?'

"This time around I know what all of that is going to be like. So all my attention over the past few months has been about how I’m going to play, and making sure I’m in good form and the actual table tennis tournament.

"But then I looked on the ITTF [International Table Tennis Federation] website and saw when my first match is going to be and I got goose bumps. Last time it was about excitement and taking it all in, and this time I’m very focused on the competition side of things."

A reporter asked: "In Athens you had a stunning upset win against the Italians, what are you setting yourself for this time around? "

"The one thing I learnt from the last Olympics was not to expect anything," Zalcberg responded. "I didn’t expect anything in my first game and played some of the best table tennis of my life, even against the Dutch who were the European champions at the time. We were unlucky not to get across the line.

"For these games, one of the things I’ve tried not to do is pick a particular round I want to make it to, because I think it almost puts limitations on where I can go.

Wherever the journey takes me is where I’ll end up, but I definitely won’t be saying I need to make it to a certain point, nor will I rest on my laurels when I reach a certain point.

"In your weaker moments, do you dream of a medal?" he was asked.

"The thing about this tournament is that there isn’t a player you could talk to that wouldn’t say there were some chance of winning a medal. Everyone’s saying that, but someone’s still got to get up there and accept those medals. It’s certainly not part of my preparation, but when I do my visualisation I visualise myself beating all those guys."
 
Another question: "Did you have much to do with the Israeli athletes in Athens and will you seek out other Jewish athletes in Beijing?"

"Yeah, I think so. Some of my friends have told me about a few people to look out for, like a guy in the South African team who is a rower and others. I had a very nice call from Rabbi Shimshon [Yurkowicz], who is my rabbi at Chabbad Malvern, and he told me there is a strong Jewish community in Beijing. So I am going to email them about maybe having a Friday night dinner with them and my parents while I’m there. I think that would be an amazing experience, so in that sense I guess I am taking some of my culture with me."
 
"How do you think you’ll cope with the huge crowds? Will you try to shut out the noise or feed off it?" Zalcberg was asked.

"I’ll definitely try to feed off the crowd," he answered. "It’s going to be really noisy, there’s going to be lots of support and lots of non-specific cheering. If you try to block it out I think you’re going to have a pretty tough time focusing on your own game. I’m just going to use it to try and perform better.
I like a bit of noise, I like to make noise and I like a bit of support, so it should suit me. "

How are Australians perceived in the Olympic Village? he was asked

"We’re very friendly in the village, but we’re also trying to make our presence felt and we can be a bit intimidating sometimes. In Athens we had the 'Village Green' set up and we had green and gold flags, blown-up kangaroos and Aussie flags everywhere and that’s sort of the way we showed camaraderie. But it can get a bit scary for other teams who come near our patch."

What’s the most fun thing about being in the village after you’ve finished competing?

"It’s always fun to go out and see the other events because they’re usually medal events at that stage.
You go with all the Australians from all the other sports, so you get to know everyone really well.
The relief of the competition being over combined with the social aspect ... it’s a celebration. We all train so hard and sacrifice so much, that once it’s over, regardless of how you performed, you just enjoy the experience of being at an Olympic Games."

A questioner asked: Do you sometimes have moments where you just think, "Wow, I’m really going to the Olympic Games?'

"In my car, all the time. I’ll be driving my car home from training and it just hits me and I say 'I am going to the Olympics.' I just get so excited and then you can’t get the smile off my face for the next little while.


Jewish member defends Adelaide club

ADELAIDE- South Australian businessman Allen Bolaffi said that joining the Adelaide Club this year – where he believes he is the only Jewish member – was “not really a story." He also said there was no anti-Semitism at the exclusive business organisation.

Bolaffi, who is on the board of Adelaide Hebrew Congregation and a managing partner of accounting firm UHY Haines Norton, said he had been a guest of the Adelaide Club before being offered his own membership, which he accepted seven months ago.

Countering accusations from another local figure, he said it “was not his understanding” that the upmarket gentlemen’s club, located on Adelaide’s North Terrace, had any record of rejecting Jews for membership.

Bolaffi said The Advertiser reported his admission to the Adelaide Club after the paper was contacted by local jeweler Albert Bensimon, who had twice failed in his own applications to join the Adelaide Club two years ago.

Bensimon, a flamboyant local businessman, launched a “No Hoo Ha” political party and ran unsuccessfully for a seat in the 2002 South Australian election, in support of taxing women’s maternity leave. The “no hoo ha” phrase was an extension of a catchcry he developed for Shiels Jewellery. He has also promoted his jewellery business by jumping out of a plane.

But Bensimon said last week his failure to become an Adelaide Club member had nothing to do with these activities. “They’ve got more larrikins and louts than me,” he said.

After his rejection, Bensimon refused to withdraw his application. But with Bolaffi’s admission, and that of friend, local businessman Theo Maris, Bensimon said: “I’m really happy now, I’ve broken the mould” at the club, which he accuses of having “a small but influential racist element.'

Bolaffi rejected any notion that he had been admitted as a “token” Jew. “Not at all, these are my peers. It’s a business organisation and a club where my peers are,” he said

Jewish Community Council of South Australia president Norman Schueler told The AJN he’d had lengthy discussions with the Adelaide Club’s management and they were “at great pains to try to defuse” any ideas that they reject Jews, and said Bolaffi’s admission to the club would help change that image.

When contacted for a comment,  the club’s general manager, David Boggan, offered no comment.



Rising Liberal star confirms support for Israel

CANBERRA- Liberal Party up-and-comer Peter Dutton said his resolve to support Israel had been strengthened by his recent trip to the region.

Dutton, who served as assistant treasurer in the Howard government and is now the shadow minister for resources, energy and tourism, travelled as part of the recent Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC) Rambam Israel Fellowship.

“Although I have considered myself a friend of Israel for a long time, this was my first visit, and it is only when you get a feel on the ground that you gain a deeper understanding of the people, their country, and their struggle,” Dutton said on his return

“The trip to Israel strengthened my resolve that Australia must continue as a true friend in a hostile region. We must make sure a democratic nation is supported and we must continue to provide our support for the goal of peace in the region.”

The Queenslander said Australians must continue to provide support for the goal of bringing peace to the Middle East.

“I must say my view is that issues in the region will be very difficult to solve in coming years, and that a management of the current relative stability will be hard, but absolutely necessary to maintain,” he said.

Dutton was joined on the trip by his Liberal Party colleagues Tony Abbott, Andrew Robb, Michael Keenan and Senator David Johnston.

They toured widely, going north to the Lebanese border and the Golan Heights, visiting Sderot and Jerusalem and travelling to the Park of the Australian Soldier in Be’er Sheva. The politicians spoke with Knesset members, including Avi Dicter, Isaac Herzog and Tzachi Hanegbi, and met former Israeli Defence Forces chief General Moshe Ya’alon.


Rabbi's dismissal threatens congregational split

MELBOURNE - A rift among 613 members of Blake Street Hebrew Congregation (BSHC) is a southern Melbourne suburb over whether their long standing spiritual head, Rabbi Yirmi Garfunkel should have been dismissed could see the development of a breakaway shul.

Rabbi Garfunkel, who has led the shul for 11 of its almost 13 years, was given an ultimatum a few weeks ago to step down - but reportedly refused to do so - which led the committee to terminate his services and requesting that he leave next week.

BSHC president Shimon Weitzman refused to give reasons for the committee's actions but released a statement thanking Rabbi Garfunkel for his tenure.

"After careful thought and consultation, we have identified several pathways for the future, which will enable us to continue to prosper" Weitzman's statement said.

But in a letter to members, the 13-member BSHC committee stated: "Having regard to our present and future needs, we have determined that these will be best served with new rabbinic leadership, and that we require a fresh and different approach to leadership."

The committee identified teenagers. bat and bat mitzvah programs, education, fundraising and membership as areas where the shul wanted to change direction.

But the decision to dismiss Rabbi Garfunkel has drawn a furious backlash from his supporters, who are attempting to rally members ahead of an emergency meeting later this week. One of the people behind the protest move claimed that the rabbi was told by the present committee that "he was blocking the committee in moving the shul in the direction they wanted to go."

The letter also claimed that the majority of members supported the rabbi, but did not respond when asked if they were prepared to break away from the BSHC. "It is not halachic to dismiss a rabbi the letter said, and an application to the Melbourne Beth Din was an option open to Rabbi Garfunkel."

American-born Rabbi Garfunkel was employed part-time at BSHC, and also works as a full-time teacher at one of the Jewish day schools. Raised in Los Angeles, he became a ba'al teshuvah and studied for the rabbinate before immigrating to Australia. 

Margoyles' traditional Jewish welcome

BYRON BAY, Australia— British actor Miriam Margoyles was treated to a feast of home-made kichel and chopped herring following her knock-out performances at the Byron Bay Writers Festival.

The award-winning comedian delighted crowds at the festival with stories of her Jewish upbringing in Glasgow, imitations of her grandmother's Yiddish-Scottish accent and readings from Charles Dickens.
Following the festival, she met with the Jewish community for an informal chat, hosted by the Northern Rivers Jewish Group, Rainbow Kehilah.

"She was hankering for chopped liver, but no butchers are open on Sunday" Byron Bay resident Robyn Grace said. So I whipped up the best next thing, chopped herring decorated South-African style with grated egg, and kichel straight from the oven."

Margoyles told a gathering of about 40 that she had not expected there be any Jewish people in Byron Bay. "But of course, we are everywhere.  When I see you talking and observing the way only Jews do - and I eat this food - I feel at home" she said.

Newspaper columnist Danny Katz and author Arnold Zable also spoke at the festival. Byron Bay is some 250km north of Sydney - close to the Queensland border.

Sydney Orthodox turf war ends

SYDNEY - Rebbetzin Pnina Feldman has announced her decision to withdraw all of her claims against Kesser Torah College (KTC) president Meir Moss, bringing to an end a dispute that has bitterly divided Sydney’s Orthodox community.

Her unexpected decision last Tuesday evening encompasses both her proceedings against Moss in the NSW Supreme Court and her claims against him in the Sydney Beth Din.

“I have instructed my lawyers to discontinue the Supreme Court proceedings. Furthermore, I am also requesting the Sydney Beth Din to discontinue the proceedings brought by me against Meir Moss and remove the contempt order (siruv) made against him,” Rebbetzin Feldman said in a written statement.
Last month, Moss was summoned to appear in the NSW Supreme Court over a dispute with Rebbetzin Feldman relating to the KTC property in Dover Heights.

She had previously sought redress in the Sydney Beth Din, but the proceedings degenerated into a stalemate between the Jewish court, Feldman and Moss. In a bid to keep the latest claims out of the Supreme Court, numerous communal identities attempted to persuade the two parties to agree to mediation.

“It’s not about who is right or wrong, it’s about the good of the community,” said Rabbi Eli Feldman, reiterating his mother’s desire “to achieve communal harmony."

Rebbetzin Feldman added in her statement: “We continue to wish Kesser Torah College success in its endeavours.”

Moss and the board of Blake Napier, which is the trustee of the KTC property, said it welcomed the decision and was “heartened by Mrs Feldman’s statement."

Rebbetzin Feldman retains the power of veto in Blake Napier, which Rabbi Joseph Gutnick rescinded to her when he made peace with his sister last year.

Asked if it would be a source of conflict in the future, Moss said, “In the spirit of Mrs Feldman’s actions, I think it is not appropriate to comment at this point.”

NSW Jewish Board of Deputies president David Knoll received the news positively, saying: “Shalom bayit is an extremely worthwhile outcome ... It is gratifying to see that we have reached a position where the entire community sees the value of supporting Kesser Torah College as the fine school that it is becoming.”

Last Wednesday, the Sydney Beth Din released a statement saying: “Further to the beth din receiving notification that the action has been dropped, it confirms that the siruv [contempt of court] has been lifted.”


Restoring cemetery gates to the past 

MELBOURNE - After 12 month fundraising campaign, politicians and community leaders attended the rededication of the gates to the Jewish section of Melbourne General Cemetery in Carlton earlier this month.

The Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) approached various community groups after the cemetery’s management requested assistance to restore the gates.

The JCCV received a good response with individual donors, Holocaust survivor groups and ex-Australian servicemen and women, who all contributed to the restoration.

“What was particularly moving about yesterday’s event was the involvement of both Holocaust survivors and Australian Jews, who had represented this country in the battlefields,” JCCV president Anton Block said. “I found it a poignant statement about Jewish history and life, the old and the new, and reflected on our good fortune in living in a country that honours its Jewish citizens.”

Victorian Health Minister Daniel Andrews and Opposition health spokesperson Helen Shardey were both in attendance, along with Federal MP Mark Dreyfus and Victorian Upper House Member Martin Pakula.

Bureau chief Fabian may be contacted at fabiang@sandiegojewishworld.com

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THE JEWISH CITIZEN


San Diego Jewry overflow Tifereth Israel for final farewell to a Holocaust Survivor


By Donald H. Harrison

SAN DIEGO—The pain of having Mike Zaks ripped by death from his family and the Jewish community of San Diego was so palpable that all three family speakers faltered in their eulogies, and one was so overcome with the loss she could not finish her reading. Instead, Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal read her memories to the mourners who overflowed the sanctuary of Tifereth Israel Synagogue, where Zaks twice had served as the Conservative congregation's president and once as Men's Club president. So large was the crowd that arrangements had to be made for mourners to park at the Masonic Lodge next door, as happens on the High Holidays.

Although the pain was great, there was also an important historical irony in the funeral service that attracted not only congregants but numerous community leaders, including rabbis from three other congregations--Scott Meltzer of Ohr Shalom Synagogue, Moishe Leider of Chabad of University City, and Yonah Fradkin, overall director of the Chabad movement in San Diego County.

This certainly was not the destiny that his Nazi captors at Bergen-Belsen had envisioned for Zaks, who had grown up in Poland, was moved to a ghetto, assigned to a work camp, and eventually transferred to the death camp, where he nevertheless was able to surive until his liberation by the British soldiers in April of 1945.

Zaks, who like the other Jews of Europe, was targeted for murder by the Nazis, had the final triumph. Besides by his wife Gussie, a nationally-recognized speaker about the Holocaust, Zaks, 83, is survived by three generations of a large and active family including their four children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Furthermore, he went from the degradation of the death camps to build a successful business tailoring uniforms for the United States Marines—a business which he passed onto his son, Jack Morgenstern, born of Gussie's first marriage. Along with Gussie's daughter Marcia, Mike Zaks always considered them "children" and not "step-children," according to Rabbi Rosenthal. They were equal to the children born of his previous marriage, Debbie and Robert.

The Zakses were the leaders of the New Life Club of Holocaust Survivors, based at Tifereth Israel Synagogue, which not only preserved the memory of the Holocaust and its victims, but also raised money to fight anti-Semitism and other kinds of discrimination. Together they supported such institutions as Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C., and the Holocaust Memorial Wall at the entrance to the Lawrence Family JCC, Jaobs Family campus.

The New Life Club was—and remains--a place where Holocaust Survivors can enjoy each other's company and celebrate the bounty that they found after immigrating to the United States. But each year, the size of the once flourishing club shrinks, as more and more Survivors of the Holocaust succumb to old age and its ailments.

Few people were more patriotic than Mike Zaks, whom Rosenthal described as ever-ready to fly the American flag on national holidays. Zaks particularly enjoyed organizing color guard ceremonies at which he could say "Present the Colors!" to uniformed service personnel.

While serving as president of the congregation, the Men's Club, or the New Life Club—and later in life as an eminence gris of the congregation—Zaks was known both for his peace-making abilities and his sense of humor. When meeting someone for the first time--whether at the congregation, in his and Gussie's extensive travels, particularly on cruise ships and to Israel— Zaks was quick to stick out his hand, introduce himself and engage the person in conversation. As often as not, he would find a joke for the occasion, his humor always gentle.

He also had an eye for talent, and one of the people he hired while a supervisor at Pacific Surplus, a company where he worked before helping to found the A. Sonabend tailoring company, remained his friend through six eventful decades. Bill Kolender, a fellow member of the Jewish community, went on to become a policeman on the beat, rose to the top position as the City of San Diego's Police Chief, and today is the long-time sheriff of San Diego County.

Rosenthal commented that Zaks also had been the close friend of all three rabbis who had served Tifereth Israel in the last 60 years since the congregation switched from the Orthodox movement to the Conservative movement: Rabbis Monroe Levens, Aaron Gold, and Rosenthal himself. Telling a joke on himself, Rosenthal recalled one occasion when Zaks, who was style conscious, looked him up and down, and commented that "he liked how Judy (the rebbetzen) dressed me that day."

Whereas some past presidents and board members may flinch at every change or variation that new board members may consider implementing in place of the former regime'sprocedures, Zaks never failed to compliment and encourage the new generation of leadership, no matter what policies they might consider. When debates would sometimes get out of hand at synagogue board meetings (which happens from time to time), there was Mike Zaks with a smile, a conciliatory word and a joke.

Because the Nazis almost had cheated him of life, Zaks decided to live it to its fullest. Although a first marriage was unsuccessful, he one day saw some home movies of a cousin's visit to New York and recognized in the movie the image of a childhood friend from the village of Klobuck, Poland. It was Gussie, and it turned out that her first marriage, also, had been unsuccessful.

After they married on May 12, 1963, and moved to Zaks' home in San Diego, Gussie and Mike spent 45 years together, loving both sets of children from their previous marriages equally.

The rhythms of the synagogue were particularly important to Zaks, whom Rosenthal described as a 3-D man: a doer, a davener and a donor. He could be counted on to make one of the first contributions to any synagogue event or cause. He regularly showed up at Shabbat services, and he and Gussie were proud of the seats they always sat in near the center aisle. Besides contributing money to the congregation, Zaks was a regular volunteer, helping at events for children as well as adults.

Following his funeral service in the sanctuary that he had so loved, Zaks was transported by hearse to El Camino Cemetery, where he was buried. Then many people returned to the Zaks' Del Cerro home to pay their condolences to Gussie and the rest of the family.

The last time I had spoken with Zaks was at the funeral of another Holocaust Survivor and former New Life Club President, Isadore Horne. As a member of the "Kohein" descendants of Jewish priests from the Temple period, Zaks was ritually restricted from actually being in the presence of Horne's body. Yet, he deeply wanted to pay his respects, so he sat outside the service on a bench along an outdoor walkway leading to the sanctuary, so he could express his condolences.

Yesterday's funeral, alas, was one that Zaks, Kohein or not, could not avoid. "For all of us at the synagogue," commented Rosenthal, "Mike was an iconic, larger than life figure. He was a blessing, inspiration and joy to all of us, and it is hard to picture our congregation without him."

Harrison may be contacted at editor@sandiegojewishworld.com





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San Diego Jewish Book Fair to run October 31-November 16, 2008 

LA JOLLA, California (Press Release)- The 14th Annual San Diego Jewish Book Fair, sponsored by U. S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management, and presented by the San Diego Center for Jewish Culture at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, Jacobs Family Campus, will run October 31-November 16, 2008.

Headlining this year's book fair are celebrity writers including journalist, literary critic and author Christopher Hitchens, whose newest book God Is Not Great is a New York Times bestseller; NBC News' Tel Aviv bureau chief, Martin Fletcher; award-winning playwright and author of thrillers, Jesse Kellerman; actor Evan Handler, best known as one of the stars on Sex and the City and Showtime's Californication; and Edgar Bronfman, CEO of Warner Music group and Broadway and film producer; along with more than thirty-five other best-selling writers, journalists, and commentators.

The annual Family Day, sponsored by Sempra Energy, takes place on Sunday, November 9, from 1-5 p.m., and features activities, performances, and readings by children's authors. The San Diego Jewish Book Fair takes place at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla.  Tickets are $8.50 to $22; many events are free.  For information or tickets call 858-362-1348, or visit www.lfjcc.org/bookfair

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Dr. Paul Thomas had a life to celebrate

By Norman Greene

SAN DIEGO—He was born a Lutheran, but knowing him the way I did, I thought he had a "Jewish heart" and an allegiance to "tikkun olam." Dr. Paul Thomas, who passed away at age 74 on August 4, never missed an opportunity to help.

In semi-retirement, every Tuesday night for over two years, he traveled from San Diego to Vista after 10 p.m. to pick up the first 1,000 copies of the Jewish Press Heritage newspaper to which he contributed sports articles and interviews. He was the father of Scott Thomas, the newspaper’s art director and he was my good friend as well as to Heritage co-publisher Donald Harrison, now editor and publisher of San Diego Jewish World.

Whenever someone needed help, there was Paul ready and able to assist. He did so without being asked and always with a smile and a joke. An irreverent joke teller, Paul had a repertoire that spanned decades.

"He did everything in life that he wanted to do. How can you argue with that?" stated his widow, Gwen. Paul had been in intensive care at Scripps Memorial hospital on life support systems for a little over six weeks as the result of pneumonia, heart complications and an implanted pace maker/defibrillator that failed to function.

A staff anesthesiologist at Scripps Memorial for 30 years (1963-1993), Paul served as president of the California Society of Anesthesiologists from 1983-1984. He was active in community affairs as well, serving as chairman of the College Area Community Council, board chair of Alvarado Estates, a 22-year member of the Professional Conduct Committee of the San Diego County Medical Society, a board member of the Copley Family YMCA and long-time president of Trinity Lutheran Church, to name a few of his service activities.

I think Paul was most proud of his successful efforts to obtain a traffic light at the intersection of Montezuma Drive and Yerba Santa Drive...a campaign that last almost 11 years. He was also a driving force in the effort to landscape medians on Montezuma Road, to gate Alvarado Estates and to create within the Estates a community park, as well as to achieve a better working relationship between San Diego State University and the College Area.

On April 28, 2003, the San Diego City Council proclaimed "Paul Thomas Day" in recognition of his many years of service to the community.

After retiring from Scripps Hospital, Paul became an in-house anesthesiologist in the office of La Jolla plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Singer until his health forced him to retire. Not content to be totally out of the medical profession, he joined the medical staff of the Military Entrance Processing Station where he conducted physical examinations of military recruits for the past eight years until his final illness.

Paul once was a Navy Seabee serving on Kwajulein Island in the South Pacific during the Korean War. At age 19, he left the active military when an irregularity in his heart was discovered. He then attended the University of Denver for Pre-Med studies and was a graduate of The University of Colorado Medical School. He served his internship at Porter Hospital In Denver, and his residency in anesthesia at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, from 1961-1963. He became Board Certified in anesthesiology in l967 and a partner in Anesthesia Services Medical Group.

As an instrument rated pilot, Paul flew regularly on a weekly basis and during his career visited most of the U.S. and Western Canada in his own Beechcraft Bonanza. He traveled extensively to approximately 50 countries.

This past spring, Paul and Gwen Thomas celebrated their 52nd year of marriage. They are the parents of sons, Scott and Mark and their wives, Judy and Colette. They have two granddaughters, Stephanie and Theresa. In addition to his wife and children, Thomas leaves behind two sisters and a brother.

A memorial service will be conducted August 23 at the Trinity Lutheran Church to be followed by a "celebration of life" reception at the Thomas home on Yerba Santa Drive. "Paul loved parties and we hope to make this one something that he would have enjoyed," said his son, Scott.

Trinity Lutheran Church has established a Thomas Fund to honor his memory.

Greene is a freelance writer based in San Diego.

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ADVENTURES IN SAN DIEGO JEWISH HISTORY

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