Scene Around

This is "Be Kind To Animals" week. I'm still grieving the loss of my dear Chloe, my baby, my dog who died yesterday, April 22. (I write this column more than a week in advance).

Chloe and I were twins... same eyes, same nose, same lips, same thighs, same tummy!)

I wrote this poem for her:

Chloe was my "little girl", she really was my heart,

Her little stub tail had no curl,

(Can I live when we're apart?)

She was with us from 7 months to 13 years and some,

She loved us too (I know that's true,)

She obeyed when I yelled "come."

She loved her food (I claimed to cook,)

And slept right in my room,

She was always there, always so near,

When I chose to look.

I'll keep her memory alive,

That's what I'm going to do,

If I expect to live and thrive

And be her "mommy" too!

Okay, enough grieving ...

There is a stand-up comedian and actor whose comedy routines often escalate into angry rants about history, politics, religion, etc. He is LEWIS BLACK, and he is Jewish, of course!

Lewis was born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Silver Spring, Maryland. His grandparents emigrated from the Russian Empire, including Bialystok. His paternal grandfather was originally named Leib Blech ... so that's how Lewis Black became Lewis Niles Black.

Satire is his specialty... What a funny, funny guy!

And speaking of super-talent...

I may have written about fabulous dancer, Fred Astaire, once before, but I will mention him because I just had the pleasure of seeing him again in the movie "Easter Parade" on television.

Astaire was born Frederick Austerlitz in Omaha, Nebraska. His grandparents on his father's side were Jews who converted to Christianity. Fred's older sister, Adele, joined him in a brother/sister act and became one of the "greatest child acts in vaudeville" according to newspapers. (of course! They had Jewish blood!)

Mazel Tov, graduate! ...

Lyman High School graduate, MYA LEANNE GLUCK, will be graduating on May 14th at the Addition Financial Arena at UCF. Maya is the daughter of proud (and they should be) MELANIE and JACK GLUCK.

Austrian Jewish Community ...

"The WJC-affiliated Jewish community of Vienna awarded EU Anti-Semitism Commissioner Katharina von Schnurbein with the Marietta and Friedrich Torberg Medal, honoring the antisemitism envoy for her extraordinary commitment to combatting antisemitism and to Jewish life in Europe.

'It is a special honor for me to present the highest award of the Jewish community to Katherina von Schnurbein,' said OSKAR DEUTSCH, president of the Jewish community of Vienna. 'She is a true friend to all Jews in Europe and shares with us the vision of a diverse society, free from incitement and antisemitism. As the European Commission's anti-Semitism officer, she has shown that her work benefits the weakest Jewish communities in particular. Therefore, with this award, we also want to thank her for her extraordinary commitment as a strong ally for Jewish life in Europe.'

Said Commissioner von Schnurbein, 'I am pleased to have the opportunity to do this work with the backing of the European Commission and I share this award with all who support me in this endeavor. The newly adopted anti-Semitism Strategy is our commitment to a safe society for all Jewish citizens in Europe and beyond. I look forward to working with member states, Jewish communities, and civil society to implement this strategy. Europe can only flourish if Jewish communities flourish as well.'

Speaking at the event, Austrian EU and Constitutional Minister KAROLINE EDTSTADLE praised von Schnurbein as the 'undisputed fixed star in the Brussels sky when it comes to combating anti-Semitism and hatred of Jews. She has my full support as Minister for Europe in this endeavor.'"

And speaking of antisemitism...

Global antisemitism has reached shocking new heights. The numbers are staggering. For instance:

In the current 2021-2022 session of the United Nations General Assemby, there are 14 United Nations resolutions singling out the state of Israel for condemnation, while only a total of 5 resolutions criticized the rest of the world.

A report published by the World Jewish Congress found that anti-Semitic conspiracy myths have become increasingly widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially those that seek to blame Jews or Israel for the outbreak of the virus.

The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights reports that anti-Semitism has grown during the pandemic, particularly online. But the FRA warns that EU member states define, collect, and report anti-Semitism differently, which means that many anti-Semitic incidents go under- or un-reported. Two EU member states, Hungary and Portugal, failed to report official data at all.

American Jews make up 2% of the U.S. population but represent 58 percent of all religiously motivated hate crimes, according to a recent FBI report.

These facts and figures paint a troubling picture for the Jewish people. The ongoing reports of vandalism, harassment, and violence make clear that the urgent dangers facing global Jewry must be met with our full strength.

The Roth Family JCC ...

Israel's Independence Day Celebration on Orlando International Drive will take place on Sunday, May 15th at 4:30 p.m.

The duration will be 2 hours, 30 minutes. The event will include, Israeli Dancing, music, fun activities for the entire family, surprises and much more. Let's all celebrate together! Bring your own blanket and chair. Location will be provide after registration. Phone 407-645-5933 for further details.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando ...

*PJ Philharmonic "Treeful of Monkeys" will take place on Sunday, May 22nd, from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. (These monkeys are bananas!)

What a fun time, based on the traditional African folktale about a hat seller who takes a nap under a tree.

This event is generously underwritten by ED and MARIAN BROMBERG.

For further information, phone 407-645-5933.

*Philharmonic Orchestra's Covid Policy:

• All guests (over two years old) need to wear a mask.

• All guests over 12 years old need to either be vaccinated (with card and photo ID with them) OR, have a printed negative test result with 72 hours from a certified test facility and a picture ID.

• For those that are not vaccinated and do not have such a test result, there will be a station where they can get a quick test for free. If guests need to get tested on-site, it is recommended to arrive much earlier.

One for the road ...

Max knelt mournfully at the bedside of his dying wife. Esther suddenly began speaking, but Max, hushed her, saying "Don't try to talk."

"Max, I have to talk," came the faint voice. "I must confess."

Max was crying openly now, "There is nothing to confess," he murmured through his tears.

"No, no, I must die in peace. I must confess, Max. I have been unfaithful to you."

Max laid a soothing hand on his wife's cheek. "Now Esther, don't be concerned. I know all about it. Why else did I poison you?"