Scene Around

Something to think about...

From Hezbollah's terrorist army in Lebanon to Iran's growing military presence in Syria, Israel's northern border separates its citizens from one of the most dangerous places in the Middle East.

Just miles from the tiny town of Metula, on Israel's border, Hezbollah terrorists have turned Lebanese towns into militarized compounds, armed with thousands of rockets.

(I'm having nightmares!)

A meaningful tribute...

I read this recently and pass it along to you:

The Hungarian football team Ferencvaros Torna Club (FTC), in cooperation with the World Jewish Congress and the Federation of Jewish Communities in Hungary (MAZSIHISZ) held an unprecedented tribute to a Holocaust-era hero prior to its match against Israel's Maccabi Tel Aviv at the Groupama Stadium in Budapest.

The Hungarian team's move to dedicate the match to Istvan Toth, a former FTC player and coach, is the first concrete step taken by the government to combat anti-Semitism following its joint declaration on behalf of 21 co-sponsoring nations delivered to the UN Human Rights Council.

The players of both clubs were escorted onto the field by children wearing shirts adorned with Toth's likeness, as a symbol of civil society's commitment to honoring heroes of tolerance and combating discrimination.

Toth was an early Ferencvarosi TC player and later the club's head coach before joining the Hungarian anti-fascist resistance, following Nazi Germany's invasion of Hungary. Toth helped several hundred Hungarians, including many Jews, escape Nazi detention and death before his arrest and execution in February, 1945.

"Istvan Toth is a football hero and a righteous person, who scoured the biggest goal of the 20th century by saving Hungarian Jews in the midst of the greatest inferno of the century," said ANDRAS HEISLER, president of the Federation of Jewish Communities in Hungary. "By remembering Istvan Toth, we are honoring a celebrated sport figure who stood up against violence, hatred, and discrimination. His life and behavior is an example to follow in all places and times."

(Unfortunately, I never heard of Istvan Toth before and I wonder if you have? I feel richer for knowing about him and glad to bring this story to you.)

Remembering Jewish history...

On Sept. 21, 1922, United States President Warren G. Harding signed a joint resolution of approval to establish a Jewish National Home in Eretz Israel.

One of my favorite people...

I'm referring to LUCILLA WEINROTH, a lovely lady who now resides at beautiful Allegro in Winter Park.

(I wrote about Allegro in a recent column, and knowing that Lucilla reads my columns, it may have sparked an interest for her to email me the following:

"I am a resident of Allegro in Winter Park. Our community and staff is so very accommodating and helpful. We laugh every day here and it truly feels like one big family. Allegro has made a point to celebrate all the Jewish holidays and even have Shabbat services here in the community."

(I know that Lucilla and her late husband, Stanley, were planning to move there someday but unfortunately, he passed. They were a loving couple. Also, Lucilla has a special place in my heart because she, and her wonderful sister, PEARL HALIKMAN, were born in Brazil, a place I consider paradise.)

The Roth Family Jewish Community Center of Greater Orlando...

On Saturday evening, Oct. 27th, from 6:30 p.m. until Sunday morning, Oct. 28th, at 8:30 a.m., there will be a middle school overnight for grades six through eight at the JCC.

(Shucks! I'm left out again! When are they going to have an overnight for old folks?)

There will be Dodge Ball, games and much more. Dinner, breakfast and snacks will be served.

Registration deadline for your children is Thursday, Oct. 25th at 4 p.m. or if late, you may be subject to a late fee.

JCC39ers Cinema Sundays...

On Oct. 21st at 2 p.m. in the Senior Lounge, the movie will be "Just Getting Started" starring MORGAN FREEMAN.

Refreshments will be available.

JCC39ers Meet & Mingle Mondays...

On Oct. 22nd, beginning at 1 p.m. in the Senior Lounge, the program will be "Soviet Zion", a presentation on the musical by playwright GILES HOWE.

Refreshments will be served afterwards.

JCC39ers Terrific Thursdays...

On Oct. 25th there will be Dine Around Town at the Outback Restaurant in Altamonte Springs.

To RSVP, phone FLO GOLDMAN at 407-859-5982.

Wow! They are truly stars (or should be)...

I'm talking about the show I just saw at the Congregation Ohev Shalom Senior's Ice Cream Social. They are J.T. & JEN, wonderful singers/musicians. J.T. is a superb guitarist/singer and Jen should be a star! Her singing voice is magnificent, the tone, the range, the style. I repeat, MAGNIFICENT! And we have the very loveable and efficient JERRY LEIBMAN, who is COS Senior's president to thank for his terrific choices of talent!

One for the road...

One afternoon, little Benjy returns home from school and finds his father in the living room watching an auction of racing horses on the TV Sports Channel.

As Benjy stares at the screen, he can't help noticing a man moving from one horse to another, running his hands up and down the horse's legs, rump, and chest. After a few minutes of this, Benjy asks, "Daddy, why is the man doing that?" 

"Because," replies his father, "when you're buying horses, you have to make sure that they're healthy and in good condition before you buy." 

Benjy looks a bit worried. "Daddy," he says, "I think Uncle Hymie wants to buy mommy."