Scene Around

My old fears resurface...

I've written about my experiences with anti-Semitism as a young child in Brooklyn, New York, a few times in this column. I would hope that subject is over and done with... but, apparently not... at least not in Europe.

According to the American Jewish Congress (AJC):

"At a time when 'Death to the Jews' chants can be heard at public gatherings in European capitals, allegedly in protests against Israel, the bold, timely and unambiguous words of the three foreign ministers (of France, Germany and Italy) send a strong message that should be embraced by all EU member states. 'Now the challenge will be to translate the clear words into equally clear actions,' according to AJC Executive Director DAVID HARRIS. 'Threats to Europe's Jews threaten Europe's core values and very future.' he said.

'Anti-Semitism agitation and hostility against Jews, attacks against people of Jewish faith and against synagogues have no place in our societies,' declared ministers, LAURENT FABIUS of France, FRANK-WALTER STEINMEIR of Germany, and FREDERICA MOGHERINI of Italy."

(Clear enough... but will it really matter to Jew haters?) Back to the AJC statement:

"The three foreign ministers denounced the ugly anti-Semitic statements, demonstrations and attacks of recent months and stressed that 'nothing, including the dramatic military confrontation in Gaza, justifies such actions in Europe.

Recognizing that anti-Semitism threatens not only Jews but the very fabric of European societies, the ministers vowed to use all legal measures available to constitutional democracies when the threshold to anti-Semitism, racism and xenophobia is crossed. They said, 'Together and in our individual countries, we will do everything to ensure that our citizens can continue to live safely and peacefully and free from anti-Semitic hostility.'

AJC offices in Brussels, Berlin, Paris and Rome have been in frequent contact with French, German, Italian and EU officials regarding the surge of anti-Semitism in several European countries."

Still on the subject of anti-Semitism...

According to a recent EU study of European Jews, 34 percent have considered leaving. (The numbers are even higher in Belgium, France and Hungary.); 38 percent are afraid to wear or carry something that would identify them as Jews. Some anti-Semitic incidents are especially appalling... the murder of 4 Jews at a school in Toulouse, threats on a Belgium train to send Jewish passengers to Auschwitz, and demands by a member of the Hungarian Parliament for a list of all Jews in the country, calling them security risks. To their credit, most European governments fully recognize the dangers and are seeking to respond. But neo-Nazis, Islamic extremists (surprise!) and ultra-nationalist parties are trying to insert a toxic hatred of Jews into mainstream society. They threaten not only Jews, but all minorities... indeed, Democracy itself. This shouldn't be happening anywhere at any time, much less in Europe 70 years after the Holocaust.

(To help combat anti-Semitism in Europe, go online to ajc.org)

I've got to switch to something positive...

I have mentioned before in this column how I love to write about good people, doing positive things. Thanks to NANCY LUDIN, executive director of the Jewish Pavilion, I learn of many "mensches." Nancy recently emailed me about CAROL FEUERMAN. Read on:

"A mensch is someone who is responsible, has a sense of right and wrong and is the sort of person other people look up to.

Carol Feuerman has devoted her time and talent to our community for many years. Her leadership skills are superb, so she has quickly risen to the top of many organizations. Carol has recently served as the President of the Friends of the Jewish Pavilion, President of the Jewish Pavilion, Vice President of the Kinneret board, Super Sunday chair and more. Currently, she serves on the board of the Jewish Federation.

Carol always has an idea! She thinks out of the box and loves to come up with new strategies to accomplish goals. It is important to her to leave a legacy wherever she serves. Carol wears many hats well, including her most exciting new role as grandmother to JACK. She is also a daughter, wife, mother of five, mother-in-law and good friend."

(And she is lovely looking to... see photo.)

A musical reminder...

On Sunday, Sept. 28, ALAN ROCK, emcee, presents Kid Dutch and his New Orleans music, a real "toe tapper" at the Altamonte Chapel located at 825 East S.R. 436 in Altamonte Springs. The phone number is 407-339-5208. The entertainment starts at 12:30 p.m. and continues for two hours. Professional musicians and singers are always welcome to sit-in the second set.

More music...

Tonight, Sept. 26, starts the 14th Annual New Smyrna Beach Jazz Festival.

Admission is FREE... (yes, you read right!)

The Festival runs through Sept. 28 and features many of the most talented musicians and singers around anywhere. (I know and have had the pleasure of gigging with a lot of them.)

One of my favorite local singers, LINDA COLE, will be among the talents.

For more information and exact location, phone 386-423-9760, 800-541-9621 or go online to NewSmyrnaBeachJazzFestival.com.

(Hope to see you there!)

Do you believe?...

Just when I really need a good laugh... look what's coming!

The Martin & Lewis Tribute Show is coming to Mount Dora next week.

For exact date, location and other information, phone 352-383-2165 or contact the Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce. Tickets are available at http://www.MountDoraLive.com.

Tom Stevens and Tony Lewis, the comedy duo, capture the very essence of the two icons, Dean Martin and JERRY LEWIS... looks wise and also mannerisms.

(This promises to be a fabulous event!)

One for the road...

Sadie and Rose were sitting under hair dryers at the hairdresser having a chat.

Sadie says, "So nu, Rose, how's that daughter of yours?"

Rose replies, "She's OK thanks. She married a fantastic man. He's got such a good job in the city that she gave up her secretary's job. She stays at home but never needs to cook, because he always takes her out, or clean the house, because he got her a maid, or worry about my two lovely grandchildren, because he got her a live-in nanny."

Sadie then asks, "And how's your son?"

Rose replies, "His life is awful. He married a bitch from hell. She never cooks anything and makes him take her out to dinner every night. God forbid she should vacuum a carpet, so she made him get her a maid. He has to work like a dog because she refuses to get a job and she never takes care of my grandson because she made him get her a nanny."