Scene Around

I've been to this "paradise"...

I'm referring to Switzerland, of course. It is truly an inspiring, lovely country. My deceased spouse and I truly enjoyed our visit some years ago and I will never forget it.

I recently read this about the Swiss government committing to security of its Jewish community. I pass it along to you:

"The Swiss National Council has adopted a motion mandating the government to increase its efforts to protect religious minorities, including the local Jewish community.

The motion passed unanimously by the lower house of the country's federal assembly signals an important shift in the government's approach to the security of the Jewish community.

The motion mandates the Federal Council to work together with the cantons to identify additional measures, which could be taken to 'protect religious communities from terrorism and extremist violence.'

It also calls for immediate financial support to be made available for the protection of minorities and opens up the possibility of the drafting of a federal law to enable the Swiss Confederation to take further measures for their protection.

The motion was already passed last year by the Council of States, the upper house, following advocacy by World Jewish Congress's Switzerland affiliate Schweizetrischer Israelitischer Gemeindebund (SIG)."

Remembering Jewish history...

During World War II, Nazi Germany led a systematic campaign to loot and plunder art from Jews and others in the occupied countries. Much of the stolen art was recovered by the Allies in the immediate aftermath of the war, however, thousands of valuable art pieces were not returned to their rightful owners or were never relocated.

On June 30, 1998, 39 countries signed a joint pledge to identify art stolen from Holocaust victims and to compensate their heirs. Nearly every European country... in addition to the United States, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Russia, and Israel signed the agreement.

A Jewish Pavilion mensch...

"Three cheers for PAUL STENZLER who just completed his two year term as the chairman of the board at the Jewish Pavilion.

Paul ran meetings with flair and sensitivity and focused on keeping relationships on the board friendly and polite. He is very popular amongst members of the board of directors.

Paul and his beautiful wife, TERRI FINE, have been active volunteers at the Jewish Pavilion.

They led musical celebrations, Shabbat services, Passover seders and memorial programs.

Paul was instrumental in organizing Music Fest last fall. He has performed, along with his band Rhythm Release, for many of the Pavilion galas.

(I know Paul to be a very talented musician and an all-around likeable guy!)

And while on the subject of the Jewish Pavilion...

If you would like to do a real mitzvah, and give back to your community, won't you volunteer with The Jewish Pavilion? 

From one-on-one visits, regular programs, holidays or office work, you personally can make a difference in an area close to home, at your convenience.  

Please call the office for more information, 407-678-9363

JCC39ers Cinema Sundays...

On Sunday, July 22nd, the featured movie will be "Goya's Ghosts" starring Israeli actress, NATALIE PORTMAN.

The show starts at 2 p.m. in The Roth Family JCC, Maitland, in the Senior Lounge. Refreshments will be available.

Shout Out...

How great is this? Dining at the Outback Restaurant, Aloma Avenue, Winter Park, with a friend recently, my server, VICTOR ALICEA, remembered my name... and not only my name, but my order... drink, dinner and dessert!

(It's a good thing he remembered because I forgot! I always get the same thing!)

One for the road...

The following joke really struck me funny!

Sadie stopped by an usher at the entrance to the synagogue at the start of a wedding ceremony. 

The usher asked, "Are you a friend of the bride?" 

Sadie quickly replied, "No, of course not. I am the groom's mother."

(Relax! I love my daughters-in-law!)