Scene Around

More Famous Jews ...

JAY SCOTT GREENSPAN is an American actor who became famous with JERRY SEINFELD on his long running TV show, "Seinfeld." Oh yes! You would know him as Jason Alexander who played George Costanza, Jerry's buddy on the television show. And of course, Jason has appeared in several movies as well. A Newark, New Jersey born actor/comedian, Jason is Jewish! (But you knew that!)

Here's a surprise ...

Fabulous Fred Astaire was born Frederick Austerlitz, the son of Friedrich "Fritz" Emanuel Austerlitz. His dad was born in Austria to Jewish parents. (Who knew?) Fred Astaire was born in Omaha, Nebraska. (His dad moved to the United States at age 25 and went through Ellis Island. He and his parents converted to Catholicism but the talent was already there!

What a great dancer he was!

(I started as a dancer, but not of that caliber!)

Facebook makes efforts to remove online hate ...

I read this in the World Jewish Congress digest and pass it along to you:

"On behalf of Facebook, the company's vice president of integrity, GUY ROSEN, explained to WJC delegates how the social media giant actively works to combine machine learning for artificial intelligence, community standards policies seeking to ensure safe content, and human oversight to monitor, remove, and prevent the spread of hate speech, disinformation, and incitement to violence on its platform. Facebook's head is MARK ZUCKERBERG. Rosen, said "We've learned through the years that we need to balance fighting bad information with also providing good information."

In recent months, this approach has included the launch of a new Facebook feature directing users who search for terms associated with the Holocaust to access facts and history through the WJC/UNESCO digital platform, AboutHolocaust.org.

Regarding the importance of providing credible information about the Holocaust and removing Holocaust denial content from the platform, Rosen hailed the partnership with the WJC and UNESCO.

"The site built was perfect for what we needed. We needed something that provides basic information and helps people learn more when they're interested or searching for that kind of information."

The WJC has worked with Facebook for several years to help stop the rampant spread of anti-Semitism, online hate, and lies that has become frighteningly prevalent. Rosen discussed the responsibility of social media companies in addressing and removing hate speech, as well as responding to dangerous attempts to distort or deny the Holocaust. He acknowledged that Facebook's response has been guided in part by WJC's engagement and partnership to help stop Holocaust denial and anti-Semitic stereotypes.

"The WJC has been a partner to us through many significant policy changes," Rosen said."

America is stronger when Israel is secure ...

You ask how America is stronger?

1. Israel is a reliable, stable, democratic ally that shares our values in a highly volatile, strategically important region of the world.

2. Israel is a capable partner on the front lines against our enemies.

3. Israel willingly offers its innovation, experience and ingenuity to improve all facets of American life.

4. Israel is a world leader in the arenas that define 21st century progress.

Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando ...

RAISE is a work and social skills training program that provides paid employment at our partnering Jewish agencies. RAISE employees work with a volunteer job coach to gain skills necessary to transition to community employment.

If you know a young adult who may benefit from RAISE or you are interested in volunteering as a Job Coach, head to jfgo.org/raise or phone the Federation at 407-645-5933.

The Federation's Annual Meeting...

It will be held on Thursday, Aug. 26, at 7 p.m.

Hosted by Federation Board member Yeosh Bendayan, this year's annual meeting will be held via Zoom so that everybody has an opportunity to attend.

Make sure to register today!

Shout Out ...

One of my very favorite restaurants of all time (and a reason I'm soooo filled-out. That's putting it nicely) is Anthony's Pizzeria and Restaurant, 436 and Lake Howell Branch Road, Casselberry.

My adoring chicken parmesan at a modest price, is the reason I love this eatery.

Another reason, and maybe the number one reason, is the wait staff. I'm referring to YOLANDA (Yolie) ASTACIO and MARIA MILAGROS MUNOZ. Both are fabulous at their jobs and so welcoming to customers ... and best of all, they assure me that there are NO CALORIES in the fabulous food! (Oh shut up readers! Let me believe what I want to believe.)

One for the road ...

Being born and raised a New Yorker (Brooklyn) I happen to know that Manhattan's Central Park is safe at 8 a.m., 4 p.m. and midnight.

That's when the muggers change shifts!