Scene Around

I need laughter. (We all do!) ...

I recently saw on television (naturally) a television special. ROBERT KLEIN (and his harmonica and jokes) was the star.

I also saw Don Rickles (super funny!) And one of my very favorites, JERRY SEINFELD. I tried to never miss a show of his (and still don't!)

And, speaking of funny, I miss Joan Rivers. I knew her and have been told I sometimes sound like her (when I don't clear my throat) probably because we were both born in Brooklyn.

TikTok, SAID MY CLOCK ...

I haven't heard the expression tick tock since I was a toddler ... yet the Z Gens know it very well. Anyway, I read this recently and send it along to you:

"TikTok and the World Jewish Congress recently announced that they would be working together as part of the short-form video platform's commitment to remove anti-Semitic content.

A few months ago, TikTok became one of the first platforms to announce that it would remove content that denies well-documented events such as the Holocaust. The company took further action when it announced that it would increase measures to take down misinformation and hurtful ideologies about Jewish, Muslim, and other communities ... including conspiracy myths about notable Jewish individuals and families commonly used as proxies to spread anti-Semitism.

After extensive engagement, as an indication of the company's comprehensive approach to addressing hateful content, TikTok laid out steps the company is undertaking to tackle anti-Semitism.

These span all areas of the platform's work, from the moderation of content to supporting the creation and dissemination of educational information.

Over the past year, the World Jewish Congress has worked with TikTok to remove anti-Semitic hate speech and Holocaust denial, distortion, and trivialization from the platform.

Moving forward, TikTok and the WJC will also seek ways to amplify educational campaigns about issues such as the Holocaust and the impact that anti-Semitism has on communities worldwide."

Magen David Adom ...

I received this recently from Magen David Adom (Red Star of David), and pass it along to you:

But first, I will send a copy of the letter I received also. It was sent by Israeli, ROY GRILAK:

"Ever since I was 16, I've donated blood every few months. It was a simple way to give back to my community and help those in need. I never imagined that just a few years later, I'd be one of those people who desperately needed a blood transfusion and got it through the selfless acts of strangers.

Back to the Magen David Adom letter:

"In a matter of seconds, the routine Israeli Defense Force patrol became a terror-filled fight."

That moment is forever frozen in Roy Grilak's memory.

"It was a quiet night, nothing out of the ordinary. Then, as the patrol walked toward a nondescript building on the edge of their perimeter, shots rang out. Hezbollah fighters laid in wait to ambush the unsuspecting troops ... and once they sprang their trap, the battle was horrific."

What happened next: How Roy's story unfolds:

"I was just 21 when I was wounded in battle while serving in the IDF. I was shot five times, in my leg, lower jaw, hand and back. Shrapnel also pierced me all over my body. I needed blood to survive, and after a long hospital stay, reconstructive operations and intensive psychotherapy, I finally learned to walk again."

Back to the first letter:

Roy's life depended on two important things: a speedy evacuation to a medical facility, and an immediate blood transfusion. Thanks to the quick response of medics from the IDF and Magen David Adom he is okay.

If you ever wondered how you can make a positive difference for Israel when it's confronting the coronavirus pandemic and rising terror and rocket attacks, this is how ... Phone 212-757-1627.

Oy Vay ... am I okay? ...

A while back, maybe a few years, I wrote in this column that I love dogs better than people. As a result, the Heritage got lots of complaints from readers. I tried to soften the blow by writing in my very next column that I loved dogs better than SOME people. Nobody complained!

Anyway, I love dogs! My current dog, an 11-year-old named Chloe is like my daughter. That's why I got so excited when I read the summer 2021 issue of J Life magazine. I just happen to love this magazine and wish it came out weekly. Not only does it celebrate Orlando's Jewish people, it is the creation of a fabulous family. The publisher is SAMANTHA TAYLOR, the executive publisher is SHEILA KRAMER and the managing editor is MICHAEL KRAMER. Michael, a fabulous pianist, performed with me in Manhattan and, of course, right here in Central Florida. His son, BEN KRAMER, is a fabulous bassist I've also had the pleasure of performing with.

Getting back to dogs ... I read a great article in the current issue of J Life titled "Dog Moms Unite! (I'm a dog mom! Chloe and I look like twins! We have the same eyes, the same nose, the same lips, the same thighs and the same stomach!)

The article starts off like this: "When MYRIAM GUTSTEIN founded the Orlando Dog Mom Club a couple of years ago, the young entrepreneur was just looking to connect with other local women who loved pooches as much as she did."

She got much more response than she expected and even I intend to go (if Chloe wants to, of course.)

To learn more about this fun club, email TheDogMomClub.com or visit Facebook.com/groups/ODMClub.

The Winter Park Playhouse ...

This great performance doesn't begin until July 30 (with previews on July 29-30) but I have to mention it because it's titled "Crazy For Gershwin." AND I'M CRAZY FOR GERSHWIN!

The Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando ...

Here is just a small portion of a message from CEO KEITH DVORCHIK. It strikes home with me. These are NOT easy times!

"The past weeks have been filled with challenges. Bombs falling on Israel, a rise in antisemitism throughout the country including things locally. The news is filled with reports of increased Jew hatred and even Aaron Keyak, the U.S. National Jewish engagement director, tweeted, 'if you fear for your life or physical safety, take off your kippah and hide your (Star of David).' Google's chief of Diversity was found to have stated in a 2007 tweet that Jews have an "insatiable appetite for war" (he has since been reassigned). Officials at Rutgers University made a statement against antisemitism and then retracted it because it upset the anti-Israel, anti-semitic population. It's easy to get depressed and be filled with worry and concern."

(I am depressed and worried. Not for myself ... rather for my children and grandchildren.)

One for the road ...

Here's another Henny Youngman joke for you to enjoy (I hope!):

"I was so ugly when I was born that the doctor slapped my mother!"

And another: "I haven't spoken to my wife in three weeks. I didn't want to interrupt her."