In Israel, economic concerns mount, but unclear which party will benefit

An estimated 400,000 Israeli’s took to the streets of Tel Aviv last summer that protested exorbitant housing prices, high costs for basic necessities and growing income inequality. 

By MATI WAGNER
JERUSALEM (JTA)–“It’s the economy stupid” was how American political strategist James Carville once summed up the defining issue in U.S. presidential elections.

But in Israel, besieged by enemy nations and locked into an ongoing conflict with the Palestinians, security has traditionally trumped all other political agendas. Until now.

In part because of a sharp decrease in West Bank terrorism and the relative quiet in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, Israelis have begun to turn their attention from security concerns to economic ones. Some believe this may help Labor and Meretz, parties that have failed to garner wide support for their dovish positions on security matters but may have more appeal when it comes to socioeconomic issues. Continue reading

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NEWS ANALYSIS: Good cop advocacy marked Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi’s The Israel Project

Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi presents Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with a plaque, August 2011. (The Israel Project)

By URIEL HEILMAN
NEW YORK CITY (JTA)–Here’s what the international Jewish media conspiracy looks like: Two men and four women, all clad in dark suits, sitting around a table in a windowless conference room in a nondescript office in midtown Manhattan. Continue reading

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In a Ukrainian Jewish orphanage, Tikva, economic downturn hits home

Chava Melamed, director of the Tikva Children’s Home for small children, leads a group of boys in a rendition of Chiddy Bang’s “Mind Your Manners.” Photo by Alex Weisler/JTA

By ALEX WEISLER
ODESSA, Ukraine (JTA)–In a colorful room at the Tikva Children’s Home here, 30 young boys stand in two straight lines and wait for the cue signaling that they are to start singing. Continue reading

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Via Licentia launches first online hub showcasing exclusive Israeli artists and designers

(Tel Aviv) – A unique platform has been launched allowing pioneering Israeli artists to exhibit their work, while offering the public the opportunity to learn more about the country’s most innovative talent. The brand new via Licentia site is a one-stop-shop for viewing and purchasing exclusive products from Israel’s burgeoning art and design scene. Continue reading

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Isaac Gurevich, 96

Isaac Gurevich age 96 of Hudson Avenue in Albany died on Thursday evening, February 16, 2012 at the Albany Medical Center. Born in Barkoviche, Russia, Mr. Gurevich came to this country in March of 1992. He was a prominent engineer while residing in Russia.

He was married to Raisa Gurevich until her passing. He is survived by a daughter Nella Eskin and her husband Boris of Colonie, NY and Joseph Gurevich and his wife Larissa of Menands, NY. Grandfather of Elia and Dinna Eskin and Zev Gurevich. He also leaves 1 great grandchild. Isaac was predeceased by a sister, Dora Gurevich and a brother Abram Gurevich.

Services at the Levine Memorial Chapel, 649 Washington Avenue Albany on Sunday, February 19, 20012 at 11:00am. Interment will follow in the Independent Benevolent Cemetery on Fuller Road in Guilderland, NY.

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Abe A. Gaies, 92

Abe A. Gaies, 92, of Slingerlands, formerly of Troy, passed away on February 18, 2012, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Troy on 9-19-1919, Abe was the son of the late Isadore and Bessie Gaies. He was the beloved and loving husband of Leah Schwebel Gaies for 68 years, and the devoted and proud father of Stephen (Nancy) Gaies of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Mitchell Gaies of Latham, Judy (Bill) Gaies Kahn of Guilderland, and Jeremy (Lisa) Gaies of Tampa, Florida. He was the doting grandfather of Michael and Erika Gaies, Daniel, Andrew and Samantha Gaies, Joshua Kahn, and Sarah and Talia Gaies, and the loving great grandfather of Abigail and Taylor Gaies, Noah and Silas Gaies, and Orson Gaies. He is also survived by his sister, Ethel Agins of Rochester, and brother, Joseph Gaies of Troy, many caring nieces, nephews and dear friends. Mr. Gaies was predeceased by his sisters, Faye Vipler, Anne Miller and Toby Brown.

 

A proud graduate of the Troy Public Schools, Mr. Gaies was a veteran of World War II, during which he served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps in France and England. He was a graduate of Siena College, Class of 1949. Mr. Gaies was the owner of Troy Light Company, a three-generation family business in downtown Troy. He was a member of Temple Beth El in Troy. He was a Past President of Temple Beth El, a Troy Chairman for Israel Bonds, a member of the Board of the Daughters of Sarah Nursing Home and Foundation, an active member of the Troy Jewish Community Center and an Associate Member of Hadassah.

 

Since October 2006, Abe was a resident of Beverwyck in Slingerlands. During his last months of residence he received the attentive and loving care of professional aides Oneika Miller, Maxine Lepak and Rory Miller, as well as Sharon Brown’s group.

 

Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 20 at Temple Beth El 411 Hoosick Street in Troy, at 1:00 pm. Interment will follow immediately after at Beth Tephilah Cemetery, Spring Avenue Extension, Troy. Contributions in memory of Mr. Gaies may be made to Temple Beth El, Hadassah, the Beverwyck Scholarship Fund and the Daughters of Sarah Foundation.

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Samuel Anikstein, 91

Samuel Anikstein, age 91 of Schenectady, died on Thursday morning, February 16, 2012 at his residence. Mr. Anikstein was born in Gloversville,  and was the son of the late Max and Freda Guzower Anikstein. He was a graduate of the Gloversville High School and the University of Illinois where he received his civil engineering degree. Mr. Anikstein’s education was interrupted by World War II, in which he served in the Army’s Artillery branch. Later; he was employed by the NYS Dept. of Transportation. Following his employment with the Dept. of Transportation he was employed by General Electric specializing in structures. Mr. Anikstein later returned to NYS, OGS, Department of Design and Construction. He was a licensed engineer in New York State as well as Pennsylvania. He was a member of Congregation Audit Achim. He had been the chairman of the house committee of the old synagogue. Mr. Anikstein had also served on the house committee of the Schenectady Jewish Community Center.

He was an associate member of the Knesseth Israel Congregation in Gloversville, NY.

He is survived by his wife, Beatrice “Babs” Rothenberg Anikstein whom he married in 1955. Father of Ellen Baumgarten of NYC and Miriam ( John) Poluzzi of Dutchess County, Brother of Philip ( Bernice) Anikstein of California. Grandfather of Harry, Elisha and Jonathan Baumgarten.He also leaves dear nieces and nephews and was predeceased by a sister and brother in law, Laura and Louis Koslof.

Services at Congregation Agudat Achim , 2117 Union Street Schenectady, on Sunday, February 19, 2012, at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in the Agudat Achim Cemetery in Rotterdam, NY. Memorial contributions in Samuel’s memory may be made to Hospice of Schenectady, 1411 Union Street Schenectady, NY, 12308, or the Joan Nicole Prince Home, 22 Glenview Drive, Scotia, NY, 12302. The period of mourning will be observed at the Anikstein residence,on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. The period of mourning will continue the remainder of the week in NYC.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff and volunteers of Schenectady Hospice and the Joan Nicole Prince Home as well as a special thank you to Stephanie, Kim, George, Ann and Mary.

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Albany-Colonie Chamber of Commerce Executive Dialogue program

Are you a member of the Albany-Colonie Chamber of Commerce? The Chamber has a valuable, little-known program called Executive Dialogue for equity owners.

Known fondly as the “owners’ therapy group,” the members meet monthly on Friday mornings to help each other solve problems in their businesses.

If you’d like to join, contact

Jennifer Sims
senior membership relations associate
Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce
vision for business
Five Computer Drive South
Albany, NY 12205-1608
(518) 431-1418

and tell her Jim Clevenson from The Jewish World suggested that you call.

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Evelyn Katz Zaron, 89

Evelyn Katz Zaron, age 89 of the Teresian House in Albany, NY died on Sunday morning, February 19, 2012 at the Teresian House. Born in Troy, NY, Evelyn has been a longtime Capital District resident. She was a graduate of Beaver College in Pennsylvania. She served with the WAVES during World War II. Evelyn had been employed as an art teacher for the South Colonie School District retiring in 1982. She was a former member of Congregation Beth Emeth and Brandeis University Women’s Group as well as a former member of the NYSUT, the Albany Jewish Community Center and the Albany Jewish War Veterans Post # 105. Evelyn was an avid golfer and a former member of the Colonie Country Club.

She is survived by a son, Steven (Patty) Zaron of Albany, a sister Emily (Norman) Cohen of Troy, NY and was the grandmother of Katelyn Zaron. She also leaves several nieces and nephews and was predeceased by a sister. Betty Shapiro.

Services at the Beth Emeth Cemetery, Turner Lane Loudonviile, NY on Wednesday. February 22, 2012 at 1:30pm. There will be no formal period of mourning. Memorial contribution to the Teresian House,200 Washington Avenue Ext Albany, NY 12203, Temple Beth El, 411 Hoosick Street Troy, NY 12180 or a charity of one’s choice would be appreciated.

 

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Judy Haber Family, 94

Judy Haber Family, of Schenectady passed away on Sunday February 19, 2012 after a brief illness. Born on July 27, 1917 to Sarah and Solomon Haber in Cohoes, NY. Predeceased by brothers, Leo Haber of Troy, NY and Max Haber of Binghamton, NY and sisters Ann Lutzer and Ceil Sahr of Schenectady. Married to Abe Family in 1940 in Troy, NY and relocated to Schenectady where they lived together for 57 years until his death in 1997.

Survived by her daughters Etta Flanigan (Lester) of Annapolis, MD and Sharon Greenblath (Paul) of Nanuet, NY. and her sons Sanford Family ( Regina Cornell) of Ballston Lake, NY and Dr. Laurence Family ( Diane Kavanaugh) of Ballston Spa, NY. She is survived by her 3 grandchildren Kim Gorsky (Brian) of New City, NY, Jason Greenblath (Sherry) of Jamison, PA and Joseph Abe Family of Ballston Lake, NY and 3 great grandchildren, Amanda Gorsky, Benjamin Gorsky and Jacob Greenblath.

She graduated from Troy High School and Troy Business College. At the time of her marriage she worked for the NYS Bureau of Tax and Finance in Menands, NY. She was employed many years at the Schenectady Travel Bureau. Judy was a member of Agudat Achim Sisterhood and the Daughters of Sarah Nursing Home Women’s Auxiliary.

Services will be held at Congregation Agudat Achim, 2117 Union Street in Schenectady, NY on Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 11:00am followed by a period of mourning held in Schenectady and then in Nanuet , NY at the home of her daughter, Sharon Greenblath.. Donations in her memory may be made to Agudat Achim Synagogue, 2117 Union Street Schenectady, NY or a charity of your choice.

 

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