Scene Around

Nightmares and memories...

I'm referring to my childhood filled with anti-Semitic incidents. Until my family got off welfare and moved from the Red Hook Projects in Brooklyn, N.Y., I was spit at, beaten and threatened every day for being Jewish. Those memories stayed with me all these years, especially watching television this morning and seeing all that is transpiring in a Pittsburgh, Pa., synagogue massacre.

I can handle anti-Semitism and I'm sure that my three sons can handle it, especially having faced it during their military careers. But what about my grandchildren? Will it ever end?

And on this horrible subject...

Anti-Semitic graffiti, including a Nazi flag, was spray painted at a suburban Indianapolis synagogue in late July.

Tweeting on the incident at Congregation Shaarey Tefilla, Vice President MIKE PENCE said he was "sickened and appalled" by what he called a "cowardly act," adding that "those responsible must be held accountable. These vile acts of anti-Semitism must end."

More on this horrible subject...

As reported by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, graffiti reading "no to Zionists, no to Israel" was recently painted on a synagogue in western France.

The vandalism, discovered at the main Jewish house of worship in the coastal city of Le Havre, 100 miles northwest of Paris, also included stickers displaying the Palestinian, Lebanese and French flags on the building's entrance.

In 2016, bullet holes were found in the mailbox of the same synagogue. In 2014, at least nine Jewish houses of worship were targeted, some with firebombs, amid riots throughout France over Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza.

And more...

A Syrian Jewish man wearing a Star of David was assaulted in a Berlin park by a group of young adults and teens.

The victim told a German news service that he had asked the group for a light for his cigarette. When one saw that he was wearing a Star of David he shouted anti-Semitic insults, grabbed the cigarette from his mouth and punched him. The group then chased him, knocked him to the ground and beat him. The attackers fled when passers-by intervened to help.

In memoriam...

The World Jewish Congress paid tribute to Senator John McCain upon his passing, calling him "a towering figure of American and international politics who dedicated his life to serving his country, both as a heroic soldier and as a senator."

He was a reliable friend to the State of Israel and a great supporter of the Jewish people.

(As I predicted in an earlier column, he will go down in history along with other great world figures.)

JCC39ers Cinema Sundays...

On Nov. 11th, a documentary titled "Kedi" will be shown in the Senior Lounge. Refreshments will be available.

JCC39ers Meet & Mingle Mondays...

On Nov. 12th at 1 p.m. in the JCC Senior Lounge, a video on movie star Humphrey Bogart will be presented by SHELDON BROOK.

Refreshments and socializing will follow.

Orlando Senior Help Desk...

"Who can you turn to when you need advice or have questions on issues affecting seniors? The Orlando Senior Help Desk offers guidance, free of charge, on living options, care options, insurance, legal assistance, and more."

You can reach them via phone at 407-678-9363 or via email at .

One for the road...

Abe, an elderly man, was in the witness box. 

"How old are you?" asked the attorney. 

"I am, kayn ahoreh, eighty-two." 

"What did you say?" 

"I said I am, kayn ahoreh, eighty-two years old." 

"Please just give a simple answer to my question," said the attorney, "How old are you?" 

"Kayn ahoreh, eighty-two." replied Abe. 

The judge then intervened, "If you don't want to be held in contempt of court, the witness will answer the question and only the question." 

The defense counsel then got up and said to the judge, "Your Honor, may I ask the witness?" and turned toward Abe. 

"Kayn ahoreh, how old are you?" 

Abe replied, "Eighty-two."

(Smart defense counsel!)