Scene Around

Thanks to TikTok ...

(I'm too old to know about TikTok but anyway):

The World Jewish Congress was pleased to hear from TikTok that it has removed anti-Semitic content shared by users after the WJC flagged such content for the social media company.

The WJC has worked closely with TikTok to identify specific examples of harmful content and was informed that TikTok had removed 98 of 100 flagged videos and banned 9 of 12 users. TikTok has now followed YouTube and Facebook in banning Dieudonne M'Bala M'Bala, a French extreme political activist notorious for spreading anti-Semitic hate speech, Holocaust denial and violent ideology.

In a letter to WJC sharing its report of removed content and accounts, TikTok wrote, "We look forward to working with you and your organization closely in the future so that we can continue to learn and improve as we tackle anti-Semitism on our platform. We welcome this cooperation Please do continue to alert us to any videos that violate our guidelines against hate speech and Holocaust denial. We also welcome any reports or research that can help guide us as we develop our policies and continually improve our enforcement."

A note from WJC Director, North America, BETTY EHRENBERG ...

This is a note to all Jews everywhere:

"This year, Jews around the world, in communities not so different than those in Central Florida, are facing profound challenges. Among them, the anti-Jewish and anti-Israel hatred that was already on the rise is continuing to grow and spread, in both old and new ways.

The Coronavirus has emboldened hatemongers with new 'ammunition' with which they can threaten and attack Jews and the Jewish state. We need to fight back.

Whenever and wherever Jews are being targeted for hatred, intimidation, or violence, the WJC is there, rising to the moment to protect all Jewish communities.

We stand together and work in unison with Jewish communities across the world to defeat the oldest and deadliest virus of all ... anti-Semitism.

The ancient Talmudic principle of Kol Israel Arevim Zeh lah-Zeh, all Jews are responsible for one another, is the founding ideal of the WJC. I know it is deeply meaningful to you as it is to us."

(It is meaningful to me, as well as my feeling responsible for the well-being of all people and even animals!)

What a talented people we are! ...

This is probably no surprise to my readers that BOB DYLAN, the fabulous entertainer and songwriter, is Jewish. Well, he just sold his entire music catalogue, all 600 pieces, to Universal for several million dollars.

(I've written 4 published songs so far. (Worth $1.75 probably.)

Also, I just saw an old movie on television about the holidays. One of its stars was David Daniel Kaminsky. You might recognize him as DANNY KAYE, a Jew of course.

Danny, also born in Brooklyn and quite a bit older than me, went to my rival public school, PS 149 (I attended PS 233) and rival high school, Thomas Jefferson. (I went to Tilden.)

I met Danny when my parents owned a candy store across from PS 149 many, many years ago. Who knew he was such a talent!

(I was a little kid who hung around the candy store for hours while my mom worked ... and I ate all the profits!)

Chabad of Greater Orlando presents...

"Physically Apart-Emotionally Together," a Zoom Lecture Series presents Rabbi MOTTI FLIKSHTEIN. His presentation is titled "Rapper to Rabbi."

The inspiring and entertaining story of his transformation from a secular drug-dealing rapper to a Chabad Rabbi in Delaware.

The date is set for Jan. 13th and the time is set for 7:30 p.m. The cost per lecture is $10. (This is a MUST. Do not miss it!)

And speaking of "Do Not Miss!"...

This, my friends, is my very favorite show of all! I love the "Dazzling Divas" even though they are much prettier than I (and thinner.) I am never disappointed with there performances.

On Saturday, Jan. 16th at the VFW of Longwood, 1520 N. Ronald Reagan Blvd, the wonderful and talented Dazzling Diva's will perform at 6 p.m. Doors will open at 5 p.m. (What a way to bring in the new year 2021!)

Back to scary news ...

I received this letter from the WJC also. It is upsetting to say the least. I pass it along in part to you:

"A whole new generation of neo-Nazis is organizing, planning, and spreading hate ... and hiding in plain sight. They live among us in cities across the country and around the world but meet online in secret chat rooms. They use fake names to hide their real identities. And they bring their anti-Semitic poison and plots into daily life, harassing Jews and Jewish institutions, vandalizing our sacred spaces, and endangering our communities. (Be aware! And be prepared! )

One for the road ...

A woman walks into Rosenfeld's bakery and asks, "How much are bagels?"

"Three twenty five a dozen," comes the reply.

"That's pretty high," says the woman. "The other Jewish bakery down the street sells them for two-seventy a dozen."

"So buy from them," the counterman says.

"I can't," says the woman. "They're out of bagels."

"Aha!" said the seller, "When I'm out of bagels, I also sell for two-seventy."