Observer
November/December 2010 | Volume 62 Issue 6
the
General Meeting
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
B’nai Brith House – LMOL Auditorium
15 Hove Street, Toronto
6:30 p.m.
$10.00/Member if reserved in advance by noon, Monday, November 22
$12.00 for Guest / $15.00 at the door
A “gourmet” Kosher Chinese food Buffet will be served
Special Guest Speaker
NORMAN GARDNER
“A History of Jews in the Military
– from Ancient Times to the Present”
This will be an ELECTION MEETING
Come out and select the Executive for next year
––––
NOTICE Of MOTION
Allocation of $25,000 towards the construction of the B’nai Brith Canada Alzheimer Care facility Residence
Bring food donations – Your support is needed.
R.S.V.P.: Dr. Irving Pisarek – drpisarek@rogers.com – 416-633-3000
Leonard Mayzel Ontario Lodge #1800 B’nai Brith Canada, District 22
2010 Executive
President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Irving Pisarek Chairmen:
Senior Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Moishe Grossinger Adult Jewish Education . . . . . . . Zvi Wainsteim 416-494-6176
Second Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dennis Tolson Brotherhood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Eric Eisen 905-417-5797
Third Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alvin Abram Constitution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Eric Eisen 905-417-5797
Financial Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Larry Baine C .V .S . Chairmen . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dennis Tolson 905-731-5886
Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stan Beder Moishe Grossinger 905-763-7543
Recording Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ron Rotman Fundraising:
Trustees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marilyn Abram (Head) Entertainment Books . . . . . . . .Stan Beder 905-883-3430
Max Berg Jacques Altaras 416-862-6182
Shoshana Elharar Dinner Draw . . . . . . . . . . . .Sheldon Rose 416-225-1672
Jeff Levy Larry Rose 905-882-0800
Martin Richman Observer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alvin Abram 416-667-1144
Warden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zvi Wainsteim Programme . . . . . . . . . . . . Shoshana Elharar 416-551-3293
Chaplain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ralph Gan Web Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Irving Pisarek 416-633-3000
Women’s Programme . . . . . . . .Marilyn Abram 416-667-8217
The Observer is the official publication of Executive Secretary . . . . .Sharon Haberman
Leonard Mayzel Ontario Lodge No 1800 B’nai Brith . 195 Acton Avenue,
Articles, editorials and expressions of opinion are Toronto, Ontario M3H 4H6
published on the authority of the writer over whose Telephone: 416-638-4013
signature they appear and are not necessarily the policy E-mail: phaberman@sympatico .ca
of the Lodge, unless adopted by the Executive and/or
General membership .
Real Life Wisdoms:
1 . Nothing sucks more than the moment during an 8 . I hate when I miss a call by the last ring but when I
argument when you realize you’re wrong . immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to
voice mail . What did you do after I didn’t answer? Drop
2 . Map Quest really needs to start their directions on the phone and run away?
#5 . I’m pretty sure I know how to get out of my
neighbourhood . 9 . I hate leaving my house confidant, looking good, and
then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day .
3 . Obituaries would be a lot interesting if they told you What a waste .
how the person died .
10 . I keep some people’s phone numbers in my phone just
4 . Bad decisions make good stories . so I know not to answer when they call .
5 . You never know when it will strike, but there comes a 11 . I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between
moment at work when you know that you aren’t going boredom and hunger .
to do anything productive for the rest of the day .
12 . How many times is it appropriate to say “What?” before
6 . Can we all agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue you just nod and smile because you still didn’t hear or
Ray? I don’t want to have to start my collection – again . understand a word they said?
7 . I’m always slightly terrified when I exit out of WORD 13 . There’s no worse feeling than that millisecond you’re
and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten- sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a
page research paper that I swear I did not make any little too far .
changes to .
2 The Observer, November/December 2010
President's
Message
by Dr . Irving Pisarek
Where do I begin, and, where and when do I end? On November 23, 2010 at 6:30 p .m ., 15 Hove Street, we will hold
our Election Dinner Meeting with special guest speaker and former
My tenure, returning for a third term after a two year hiatus, presiding LMOL member, Norman Gardner . Norm will speak about “The Jews in
over a ‘caretaker’ Executive and Board, albeit short, as President of this the Military: Past and Present” . A ‘Deluxe Chinese Food Buffet Dinner’
great B’nai Brith Lodge, Leonard Mayzel, is soon coming to an end . with all the trimmings will be served . Membership will be notified with
further details once they are available . This program is also expected
As you know, this was a transitional year with respect to a revamping of to be very successful, with a large attendance of members and guests
our long-standing Constitution, which was voted ‘in’ last month with a anticipated .
quorum of LMOL members present at our ‘opening’ Breakfast General
Meeting held on Sunday, September 14, 2010 . Furthermore, I invite each of you, your spouses, friends, relatives and
co-workers to not only sell subscriptions for, but also attend, our “Annual
Following a recommendation by our Lodge’s Treasurer, Brother Stan $5,000 LMOL-Don Mills Lodge Dinner Draw” being held on Monday,
Beder, I invited Luna Roth, President, B’nai Brith Foundation, to attend November 15, 2010 . We are at a new venue, The Venetian Banquet
our recent Executive Meeting held Wednesday, October 6, 2010 . She Centre . Subscription: $125 .00 per person, $75 .00 Draw only, and,
made a compassionate presentation regarding the David and Martha Spousal Dinner Tickets Available for $50 .00 per person . This evening
Sud B’nai Brith Alzheimer’s Residence presently being constructed on makes for camaraderie, great food, great fun and a chance to go home
Bathurst Street, north of Finch Ave . West, at One Kenton Road . After her with prizes, including the ‘grand’ prize of $5,000 . Get you tickets now
presentation, during the course of our meeting, a motion was made and before they are gone!
successfully voted upon to support this initiative with an ‘ear-marked’
LMOL allocation of $25,000 towards a dedication opportunity . There Despite some unfortunate membership attrition, we are gaining new
will be an allocation notice sent to the LMOL membership prior to the members and hopefully new ’blood’ to run our organization one day
November 23, 2010 Election Meeting . soon . Going forward, the tasks, challenges, decisions and changes that
we as an Executive Board have undertaken on behalf of the LMOL
Since this Executive Board assumed our positions this past spring, we members is what will make us strong and viable as we move into the
have had excellent programming .To name a few, there was the Kadima future .
BBQ held at Beth Emeth Synagogue and the B’nai Brith Kadima-Blue
Jays baseball game which took place at the Rogers Centre . In the near I wish to thank the members of the present administration and
future, we will hold our annual Chanukah visits with ‘song’ at various Lodge members at large in making my term challenging, fulfilling
Jewish nursing homes, and, our annual Metropolitan Toronto Police and enjoyable . Most of all, many heart-filled thanks my wife Hilda
R .I .D .E . Program . and family for allowing me to do what I love to do when not being a
husband, father, brother, friend and health practitioner . That is to “give
Our ‘opening’ General Meeting with a ‘deluxe’ breakfast and special for the sake of giving, love for the sake of loving mankind, and serve
guest speaker, Arie Raif, took place on September 14, 2010 . Arie for the sake of serving society” .
spoke to a large crowd of LMOL members, spouses and guests about
‘International Terrorism and the Aviation Industry’ . We were ‘glued’ to Finally, I hope that I have made a positive difference in the quality of
our seats as he revealed many of the ‘out-of-the-closet secrets’ now our great Lodge and your enjoyment as a member . Many thanks to ALL
in print, without going into too much detail as to what was and is of YOU! for having the confidence and trust in allowing me to serve a
presently occurring behind the scenes with respect to international third term as your LMOL President .
aviation and the threats of terrorism in this regard . Of course, he was
personally involved at the time that these ‘secrets’ were uncovered .
The Observer, November/December 2010 3
What You Say
Can Last a Lifetime
A teacher asked her students to list the names of the other students removed two worn pieces of notebook paper that had obviously been
in the room on two sheets of paper, leaving a space between each taped, folded and refolded many times . The teacher knew that the
name . Then she told them to think of the nicest thing they could papers were the ones on which she had listed all the good things
say about each of their classmates and write it down . It took the each of Mark’s classmates had said about him .
remainder of the class period to finish their assignment, and as the
students left the room, each one handed in the papers . “Thank you so much for doing that,” Mark’s mother said . “As you can
That Saturday, the teacher wrote down the name of each student on see, Mark treasured it .”
a separate sheet of paper, and listed what everyone else had said
about that individual and she gave each student his or her list . All of Mark’s former classmates started to gather around . Charlie
said, “I still have my list . It’s in the top drawer of my desk at home .”
No one ever mentioned those papers in class again . She never knew
if they discussed them after class or with their parents, but it didn’t Chuck’s wife said, “Chuck asked me to put his in our wedding album .”
matter . The exercise had accomplished its purpose . The students
were happy with themselves and one another .That group of students “I have mine too,” Marilyn said . “It’s in my diary .”
moved on .
Then Vicki, another classmate, reached into her pocketbook, took out
Several years later, one of the students was killed in Viet Nam and his her wallet and showed her worn and frazzled list to the group . “I
teacher attended the funeral of that special student . The church was carry this with me at all times,” Vicki said and without batting an
packed with his friends . One by one those who loved him took a last eyelash, she continued: “I think we all saved our lists”
walk by the coffin . The teacher was the last one to bless the coffin .
As she stood there, one of the soldiers who acted as pallbearer came That’s when the teacher cried .
up to her . “Were you Mark’s math teacher?” he asked . She nodded:
“Yes .”Then he said: “Mark talked about you a lot .” Tell the people you love and care for, that they are special and
important before it is too late .
After the funeral Mark’s mother and father waited to speak with his
teacher . “They found this on Mark when he was killed .” He carefully
The Slate Recommendation
The Slate listed is based on the current format of Executive Officers.
President: Alvin and Marilyn Abram
Executive Vice President: Shoshana Elharar
Vice President: Lillian Goldman
Treasurer:
financial Secretary: Sharon Haberman
Corresponding Secretary: Ron Rotman
Trustees: Max Berg, Norman Burns, Alice Hoffman, Jeff Levy, Marty Richman
Warden: Zvi Wainsteim
Chaplain: Irving Pisarek
4 The Observer, November/December 2010
From
Where I Sit
by Alvin Abram
I recently celebrated my 50th Wedding Anniversary . Over the years, Jack caught the next flight to his hometown . Mr . Belser’s funeral
when family events did not interfere, Allen and Myra Mills and was small and uneventful . He had no children of his own, and most
Marilyn and I went out for the evening . The Mills were married a of his relatives had passed away . The night before he had to return
year after us and we have been friends for over 50 years . home, Jack and his Mom went to the old house next door one more
time . Standing in the doorway, Jack paused for a moment . It was
Allen died suddenly in September . My kids hearing that Allen was like crossing over into another dimension, a leap through space and
gone decided that Marilyn and I needed to be surrounded by our time . The house was exactly as he remembered . Every step held
friends . Not only friends but those we’ve known for 50 years . memories . Every picture, every piece of furniture . . . Jack stopped
By telephone because they don’t live in Ontario they made the suddenly .
arrangements and our house was filled with voices and laughter
from the past on October 2 . “What’s wrong, Jack?” his Mom asked .
My kids read one of my stories as a barometer of family life in “The box is gone,” he said . “There was a small gold box that he kept
the Abram household . As you know I love stories . Appropriately, I locked on top of his desk . I must have asked him a thousand times
received that week a story that I would like to share . The story was what was inside . All he’d ever tell me was ‘the thing I value most,’”
submitted by Harvey Haber and sent by Arlene Sylver . I have taken Jack said . He figured someone from the Belser family had taken it .
the liberty of abbreviating it because of space . “Now I’ll never know what was so valuable to him,” Jack said .
------
It had been some time since Jack had seen the old man . College, It had been about two weeks since Mr . Belser died . Returning home
girls, career, and life itself got in the way . In fact, Jack moved clear from work one day, Jack discovered a note in his mailbox for a
across the country in pursuit of his dreams . There, in the rush of his package at the main post office . Early the next day Jack retrieved
busy life, Jack had little time to think about the past . the package . The handwriting was difficult to read, but the return
address caught his attention . “Mr . Harold Belser” it read . Jack ripped
Over the phone, his mother told him, “Mr . Belser died last night . The open the package . Inside was the gold box and an envelope . Jack’s
funeral is Wednesday .” hands shook as he read the note inside .
Memories flashed through his mind as he sat quietly remembering “Upon my death, please forward this box and its contents to Jack
his childhood days . “It’s been so long since I thought of him . I’m Bennett . It’s the thing I valued most in my life .” Jack carefully
sorry, but I honestly thought he died years ago,” Jack said . unlocked the box . There inside he found a beautiful gold pocket
watch . Jack unlatched the cover . Inside he found these words
“Well, he didn’t forget you . Every time I saw him he’d ask how you engraved: “Jack, Thanks for your time! – Harold Belser .”
were doing .You know, Jack, after your father died, Mr . Belser stepped
in to make sure you had a man’s influence in your life,” she said The thing the old man valued most was Jack’s time .
-----
“He’s the one who taught me carpentry,” Jack said . “I wouldn’t be in On behalf of Marilyn and I, we would like to thank all our friends for
this business if it weren’t for him . Mom, I’ll be there for the funeral,” sharing our past .
Jack said .
Thank you .
The Observer, November/December 2010 5
September General Meeting
International Terrorism and Aviation
by Bro . Irving Pisarek
On Sunday, September 14, 2010 at 7:30 p .m ., 15 Hove Street, LMOL His personal accomplishments are many, as seen from the following:
held a General Meeting with a guest speaker, in the LMOL Auditorium . Mr . Arie Raif is a diplomat with a distinguished Israeli Government
There were over 50 persons in attendance, from which we more than service record having completed military service with distinction as a
met our quorum for voting on Lodge business at hand .There were also member of the IDF (Israeli Defence Forces) . He took an active role in
5 guests in attendance . The main objective of this meeting was to ratify the Six Day War, the War of Attrition and the Yom Kippur War .
a July 2010 circulated amended 1995 Constitution draft . As an aside,
there was no previous correspondence received from the membership He was the Consul of Israel to Canada from 1976-1981, Trade Mission
at large regarding any aspects of the recommended amendments Delegation, and, he served as the Consul General of Botswana to
made from the Constitution Committee Chair, Bro . Eric Eisen . After Canada from 1988-2008 .
some discussion, a vote was taken . The amendments were accepted by
majority vote from the LMOL members present . Mr . Raif is President of the The Peres Center for Peace-Canada, which
is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan, non-governmental
After light refreshments and nosh, our special speaker Mr . Arie Raif, organization founded in 1996 by President of Israel and Nobel
was introduced by myself . He spoke on “International Terrorism and Peace Prize Laureate Mr . Shimon Peres, with the aim of building an
Aviation” . infrastructure of peace and reconciliation by and for the people of
the Middle East that promotes socio-economic development, while
advancing cooperation and mutual understanding .
Also, Mr . Raif is President of Canadian Friends of Meir Hospital and
Medical Centre – Israel; Vice President of AMOS – Air Marshall
Operational System; and, President and the CEO of the Westminster
Communications Group Inc . Canada, a consulting firm to assist world
governments and the private sector in infrastructure development for
economic projects in various parts of the world .
6 The Observer, November/December 2010
He holds a degree in Education, having studied Political Science and Many thanks to my wife Hilda, Marilyn Abram and guest Susan
History . In 1974, he won the nomination of the Independent Liberal Colomby, for assisting in setting up the room and food preparation .
Party of Israel to be a candidate for the Israeli Parliament – the Knesset . Special thanks also to Dennis Tolson for taking photographs throughout
Mr . Raif’s presentation was most captivating as he related countless the evening .
stories about terrorism especially with respect to aviation, and what
actions Israel was taking not only to counter them but also to be To those members of LMOL that did not attend, they missed out on a
‘ahead’ of terrorist acts from occurring .These stories were those that he most informative and interesting program presentation .
could publicly relate, as they were no longer ‘undercover secrets’ . I’m
sure that there are thousands more of untold stories that will remain a
secret for our own security and that of Israel and its people .
The Observer, November/December 2010 7
LMOL Allocation
NOTICE OF MOTION by STAN BEDER
At the November 23, 2010 General Meeting of the Lodge, you will The B’nai Brith Alzheimer Care Facility Residence will provide a
have the opportunity to affirm a motion that has been passed at the Jewish Kosher environment for the 43 residents with loving quality
October 6, 2010 Executive Meeting . An ad hoc LMOL committee care, mental stimulation, exercise and well-balanced home cooked
will specifically allocate our contribution towards a choice of meals . What it will also provide is “Peace of Mind” for the families
donating opportunities such as a resident’s room, a medical office, of 43 residents .
a nurses station or an exercise room, to name a few .
As members of L .M .O .L B’nai Brith, each of you should take great
This residence, which is a non-profit Alzheimer Residence, will pride that as a Lodge we are participating in this most worthy
provide accommodation for 43 residents in a four storey building project . On a personal note, might I suggest that if you are in the
serviced by 2 elevators . Each resident will have a private room and habit of supporting various charities that you consider adding this
each floor will be a self-contained unit, complete with a kitchen, project to your list?
dining areas and a lounge . The approximate cost of construction
and furnishings is approximately six million dollars. ----------
Funds are now needed to meet the costs of construction . Over the “That L.M.O.L B’nai Brith contribute the sum of $25,000.00
past 62 years, this Lodge has an outstanding record of providing towards the construction costs of the B’nai Brith Canada
funds to many worthwhile B’nai Brith endeavours . This project Alzheimer Care facility Residence currently under
ranks with the very best of them . The concept for this residence construction at 1 Kenton Road in the Bathurst and finch
began in 2002 with the donation of the property at 1 Kenton Road area”. An ad hoc LMOL committee will specifically allocate
by the Sud family to B’nai Brith . It will become a reality with the our contribution towards a choice of donating opportunities
completion of construction in early 2011 . such as a resident’s room, a medical office, a nurses station
or an exercise room, to name a few.
Alzheimer disease is a form of dementia which is most often
diagnosed in people over 65 years of age . In 2006, there were Moved by Brother Stanley Beder
26 .5 million sufferers worldwide with more than 500,000 in and seconded by Brother Leon Emer
Canada and more than 180,000 in Ontario .
As the disease advances symptoms include confusion, irritability
and aggression, mood swings, language breakdown, long term
memory loss and the general withdrawal of the sufferer as their
senses decline . Gradually bodily functions are lost .
Because Alzheimer’s disease cannot be cured and is degenerative,
management of patients is essential . Alzheimer’s disease is known
for placing a great burden on family caregivers . The pressures
can be wide ranging involving social, psychological, physical and
economic elements of the caregivers’ life .
8 The Observer, November/December 2010
Responding to
Community Needs
• Over 500,000
Canadians suffer with
Alzheimer’s Disease
Join Judy Bronfman and John Tory to
build the first non-profit, free-standing,
• There is one new case
diagnosed every 5
minutes
state-of-the-art Alzheimer’s Home in Canada
• Will you or someone
close to you be one of
6 million
them?
• Who will take care of
you? $
• Where will you live?
B’nai Brith has a long history
of providing assistance to
Building Campaign
Your donation will help build this
older Canadians through senior
residences and assisted housing
projects. As the population
continues to age, the new B’nai
much needed Alzheimer’s Residence
Brith Alzheimer’s Residence at 1 Kenton Road in Toronto
will care for those who can no
longer take care of themselves.
Please give generously
to the B’nai Brith Canada
Alzheimer’s Building Campaign
www.bnaibrith.ca/donate
“People Helping People” 416-633-6224 ext. 107
The Observer, November/December 2010 9
Brotherhood
Report
by Eric Eisen
Brotherhood Chairman
Mazel Tov: Condolences:
To Ralph Gan and the late Darlene Gan and family on the Bar Paul and Sharon Haberman, and family on the passing of Paul’s
Mitzvah of their grandson Benzion David, son of Rabbi Moishe and mother, Anne Haberman
Shelley Krockocki Paul and Nancy fruitman, and family on the passing of Nancy’s
To Alvin and Marilyn Abram on their 50th Wedding Anniversary father, Eddy Beaumont
To Norton Grimson and family on the Bar Mitzvah of his Bernie Tanner, and family on the passing of his wife, Simmie
grandson Seth, son of Michael and Rochelle Kerzner Myrna Lambert on the passing of Joseph Lambert
To Zvi and Ginette Wainsteim and family on the birth of a
granddaughter, Sara Chana, daughter of Naomi and Gershon
Deutsch and granddaughter for Ester and Lejb Pilanski . Correction:
Harry Lieberman celebrated his anniversary on October 10, 2010
with his wife Sylvia . Sorry Harriet .
Get Well:
Larry Daiter Shiny Baine (Larry)
Morey Eckler Marvin Cohen The Brotherhood Report is only as accurate as
Norton Grimson Judy Rose (Larry) the information we receive.
Merv Cohen Eric Eisen 905-417-5797 • eric.eisen@sympatico.ca
November / December
I wish to thank those who have sent in the QUESTIONNAIRE .
The Observer committee welcomes the dates of anniversaries and birthdays to our newsletter
Mazel Tov to those listed below
Anniversaries Birthdays
November 6, 1966 – Ron and Linda Rotman December 12 – Shoshana Elharar
December 16 – Gerald L . Marshall
November 7, 1948 – Morey and Shae Eckler
December 18 – Steven Midanik
November 11, 19 – Daniel and Shirley Wayne
December 25 – Len Ura
November 12, 19 – Andy and Judy Reti
November 22, 1958 – Morris and Gloria Dadoun
November 27, 1976 – Robert Zweig
December 20, 1958 – Harry and Myna Rossman
December 23, 1972 – Les and Irene Mitelman
10 The Observer, November/December 2010
Take Me Out
To The Ball Game
by Dennis Tolson
It was an overcast afternoon in late August when volunteers from
Leonard Mayzel Ontario Lodge met at the Beth Emeth Synagogue to
escort members of the Kadima Centre to a Blue Jays game at the Rogers
Centre . Despite the gloomy skies, the assembled crowd of baseball
enthusiasts were excited and raring to go . Everyone was outfitted
with spiffy white and blue B’nai Brith Day T-shirts supplied by B’nai
Brith . We all piled aboard the big yellow bus, anticipating the action
at the stadium . Along the way, we encountered a major rainstorm and
some heavy traffic, but we were able to enter the ballpark swiftly and
efficiently .
The Observer, November/December 2010 11
We then found our seats and the volunteers brought refreshments to
the Kadima gang, including delicious kosher hot dogs . Hungry and
thirsty no more, we could then concentrate on the action on the field as The bus ride back was a little quieter, as the tired, but happy group
the Toronto Blue Jays did battle with the New York Yankees .The weather rode along . The members of the Kadima Centre certainly appreciated
outside cleared sufficiently, so the dome roof could be opened and we the efforts of the following LMOL volunteers:
then enjoyed the refreshing breeze from nearby Lake Ontario . The Jays Harvey Silver, Ralph Gan, Marv and Marilyn Cohen, Marty Richman
took the lead early in the game and kept it to the conclusion . Everyone and C .V .S . Co-chairs Moishe Grossinger and Dennis Tolson .
in the stadium was thrilled that the home team proved victorious . It was
great to see the hundreds of white and blue clad B’nai Brith members Thanks also to Jeff Levy for coordinating events at the game and
and guests assembled together in our section of the Rogers Centre . distribution of the T-shirts .
12 The Observer, November/December 2010
Snowbirds Auto Connection Ltd.
Year Round Vehicle Transportation
We pick up and deliver Frank Cohen
Cruise & Vacation Specialist
386 Sheppard Ave. East, Unit 2, Toronto, Ontario M2N 3B7
Tel: 416-226-6667 | Cell: 416-991-3060
Toll Free: 1-877-633-7245 | Fax: 416-226-2511
fcohen@cruiseshipcenters.com
www.cruiseshipcenters.com
ANDY RÉTI
Phone: 416-638-0001 taximaven@rogers.com
Fax: 416-638-9986 H - 416-398-8303
Email: snowbirdsauto@yahoo.com
C - 416-712-4473
11 Vanley Crescent, Unit 2A, Toronto, Ontario
Canada, M3J 2B8 SPEAKER WRITER AUTHOR
01232
sanctuary
IN THE CITY • Elegant lounges
• Spacious beautiful gardens
Forest Hill Place Retirement Residence • Fitness room
offers a superbly balanced combination • Library
of thoughtful design and exceptional • New private dining room
service, to bring you the most gracious • Salon
retirement lifestyle. Experience charming,
resort style living, right in the city. 416-785-1511
645 Castlefield Ave, Toronto
Call today for a personal tour! reveraliving.com/foresthill
Canadian-owned, with over 45 years’ experience, Revera provides retirement, long-term and in-home care in over 200 locations.
The Observer, November/December 2010 13
Sunnybrook Shabbat Service
by Eric Eisen
On Saturday, June 19, Leonard Mayzel Ontario Lodge of B’nai Brith Baine for the liquid refreshments, to Moishe Grossinger for assisting
Canada once again sponsored a Shabbat Service for the permanent Zvi for the entire service, to Ron Rotman for the Haftorah, and to
residents of Sunnybrook Veterans’ Hospital, many of whom are, in Ron Blatt, Leon Emer, Joe Lebovici, Steve Midanik, for attending . Zvi
fact, war veterans . Although this project has been run for the past made everyone feel extremely welcome and encouraged everyone to
four years, this is the first time that I have been able to attend . Boy participate in the services .
was I impressed .
The Sunnybrook Hospital Volunteer Staff, hoping to run a Shabbat
There was a festive mood, people were smiling, friendly and quick service once a month, depend on groups like LMOL, as well as
to extend their greetings . The Shabbat service is a special event Synagogue Brotherhoods in the city . This involves bringing the
for them – an opportunity to go to the beautiful shul, and to get residents from their rooms, conducting the services, providing a
some “Yiddishkeit” . They look forward to meeting with other people, Kiddush, “schmoozing” with the residents, and returning them to
including the LMOL volunteers . LMOL members, on the other hand, their rooms . This is all accomplished within 2 hrs – from 10:00
thoroughly enjoy this opportunity to bring some happiness and a .m . to about 12 noon . However I’m sad to report that there are
spiritual inspiration to people who otherwise are mostly confined no volunteers to conduct the services for some time, in fact next
in a wheelchair to their rooms or the hallways of their respective services will be in October .
floors . In the process, there is terrific satisfaction in fulfilling one of
the greatest mitzvahs – where the recipients are not expected to I cannot sufficiently emphasize what an important event this is .
return the deed . As a member of LMOL’s CVS committee, I urge you to attend . The
more volunteer’s and support that Zvi has, the more he will be able
Yasher Koach to Zvi Wainsteim for a terrific job in organizing and to conduct these services . If you would like to be involved in any
conducting the services . Likewise to Benny Libman for conducting capacity, please contact Zvi, Dennis Tolson, or Moishe Grossinger .
the Kiddush Service and to Benny, Linda Grossinger and Ginette Even if you don’t participate, you can make a contribution just by
Wainsteim for the delicious Kiddush luncheon . Special thanks to Larry being there . I promise you a rich and special experience .
YOU ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE
Canadian Friends of
Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind
LUNCHING IN THE DARK
Sunday, November 28, 2010
12 noon
O’NOIR RESTAURANT, 620 Church Street
We have been invited to join them in a unique and exciting dining experience
You will have a one of a kind opportunity to enjoy a delicious COR meal in
TOTAL DARKNESS
$125.00 a person. A tax receipt for $50.00 will be issued
For reservations please call 416-577-3600 Kashrut Observed
or Email: sara.israelguide dog@rogers.com Limited seating
14 The Observer, November/December 2010
Leonard Mayzel Ontario Lodge
Don Mills Lodge
B’nai Brith
Invite you to attend our
$ 5,000
Additional Cash Prizes
Consolation Prizes (one in every ten)
Early Bird Prize Draw
Door Prize
Monday, November 15, 2010
Venetian Banquet Centre
219 Romina Drive
Concord
Cocktails and Hors d’oeuvres: 6:30 p.m.
Dinner: 7:30 p.m.
Subscription – $125.00 per person, $75.00 Draw only
Spousal Dinner Ticket Available for $50.00
Bro. Dennis Tolson Bro. Max Berg Bro. Sheldon Rose
905-731-5886 416-781-5594 416-225-1672
Bro. Larry Rose Bro. Moishe Grossinger Bro. Jacques Altaras Bro. Stan Beder
905-882-0800 905-763-7543 416-484-9848 905-883-3430
The Observer, November/December 2010 15
Norman Burns associated with
NEEDED
Advertiser’s for the 2011 Observer
Breckles Insurance Brokers Ltd.
Office: 416-292-2020 ext. 218 6 ISSUES
Home: 416-493-4800 One Every Second month
Fax: 416-493-9680
A complete line of insurAnce including Make cheques to:
Home, Auto, life And Business, rrif Leonard Mayzel Ontario Lodge
c/o Stan Beder
39 White Lodge Crescent
Richmond Hill L4C 9A2
Sandy Burns OUTSIDE BACK COVER @ $125 x 6 issues = $750.00
Senior Travel Consultant FULL PAGE @ $100 x 6 = $600.00
associated with
HALF PAGE @ $50 x 6 = $300.00
Uniglobe Plus Travel QUARTER PAGE @ 35 x 6 = $210.00
Home Office: 416-493-4800
Fax: 416-493-9680 EIGHTH PAGE @ $25 x 6 = $150.00
Email: sandy@uniglobeplus.com
speciAlizing in cruises, tour/pAckAge Your financial support makes it possible
HolidAys And Business trAvel for the OBSERVER to be published
350 Steeles Avenue West
Thornhill, Ontario L4J 1A1
Tel: 905-881-6003 Fax: 905-881-8539
16 The Observer, November/December 2010
Leonard Mayzel Ontario Lodge 1800 B’nai Brith
OCTOBER GENERAL MEETING
A ‘Continental’ Breakfast General Nomination Meeting took take place on Sunday, October 17, 2010 at 10
a.m., 15 Hove Street, with a special guest speaker, our own Martin Maxwell, also a former LMOL President in
1966. Having spoken to us at a previous ‘packed-house’ general meeting breakfast during my second term as
President approximately three years ago, he brought compassion while recanting many of his WWII stories
while stationed in Europe and in Washington, DC. Martin speaks to many groups regarding the Holocaust
and returned by popular demand presenting a 40 minute documentary DVD with his personal commentary.
This presentation featured clips of Martin when he travelled to the city of Apeldoorn, Holland this past May 9,
2010 to participate in the main parade com-
memorating the 65th Anniversary of the
Liberation of Holland and to pass over the
‘Torch of Freedom’ before 10,000 stadium
spectators in The Netherlands. Thousands
of people were seen to line the streets in
Apeldoorn to pay tribute to returning veter-
ans, reconfirming the special ties that con-
nect Holland and Canada.
The Observer, November/December 2010 17
Sex When In Your 70s
By Marilyn Abram
What started out as a “Sex in the Seventies” Meeting turned into from the laughter . While it was perceived as being a little riske, it
a very informative, fun, relaxing evening for the eleven women was not in the least . As I cannot comment in depth as to the exact
that were in attendance . Rosalie Shadlyn was outstanding as the dialogue and exercises that took place, it was an amazing evening
facilitator for the event . She started with stories about her and her and most of the women would not hesitate to come back again for
late husband, Harry and their escapades in their marriage . Rosalie the next session . In fact, I am looking forward that some of the men
told us about various methods and means to put some spice into our who will be the recipient of what was learned will offer testimony as
love lives but her main comment to us was “you have to look in the to what they experienced .
mirror and like what you see as well as to like yourself” .
Following the demonstration and lecture, we all headed upstairs for
We then proceeded to sit on the floor and go through various coffee and dessert . By 11:30 p .m . the last few women had left . It
exercises with our hands, stomach, pelvic area, etc . Most of us burst was a most successful evening and for those that did not attend I
into laughter after we went through some of the exercises and the hope we will see you at future evenings .
comments from the women attendees and Rosalie had us all in tears
18 The Observer, November/December 2010
The 2011
Entertainment Books
• Save 50% off at hundreds of
restaurants
11 • Big savings at movies, sports
events and many other retailers
• A great fund raising project for
L.M.O.L. and B’nai Brith
• The perfect gift for family, friends
or any occasion
Once again, for every 5 books
purchased, you will receive the
6th book as a BONUS.
You only pay $150.00 –
a savings of $30.00
Individual books may be ordered at
$30.00 each
To order your Entertainment Books, please call or email:
Jacques Altaras Stan Beder
416.484.9848 905.883.3430
j.altaras@rogers.com stanbeder@hotmail.com
The Observer, November/December 2010 19
Gary A. Charendoff B.Sc., D.D.S.
www.villagedentistry.ca
Bayview Village Shopping Mall
All personnel currently residing in Toronto 2901 Bayview Avenue, Suite 219, Willowdale, Ontario M2K 1E6
Tel: 416-224-1777 • Fax: 416-224-1792
Psst! Want a verbal roller
coaster ride? Read The Dead Don’t
Weep by Alvin Abram. From the low of
bantering detectives, it rises to the heights
of a who dunnit with the background of
Toronto and beyond, as you have never
seen it in print before.
Clinton Green, Toronto
Get involved
Available at: with JNF
A.M.A. GRAPHICS INCORPORATED Tel: 416-638-7200
855 Alness Street, Unit 21, Fax: 416-638-7345
Toronto, Ontario M3J 2X3 Email: tor@jnf.ca | www.jnf.ca
Telephone: 416-667-1144 | Fax: 416-667-1176
E-mail: bubbameinsa@yahoo.com
Alvin Abram Web Site: alvinabram.ca
20 The Observer, November/December 2010
The Meeting You
Shouldn’t Have Missed
by Arie Raif
Shalom Ladies and Gentleman Michael Chertoff, the head of Homeland Security in the US at the
time of the plot, said, “It was looking at devastation on a scale
I would like to thank Dr . Irving Pisarek and Mr . Alvin Abram for that would have rivalled 9/11 . “There could have been thousands
inviting me to address you and thank you for being a generous and of lives lost and an enormous economic impact with devastating
supporting Lodge for Israel . International terrorism and aviation, consequences for international air travel .”
learning the lessons from an averted tragedy is a sensitive one as
terrorism has become a part of our life in the twenty-first century . Three years, two lengthy trials, a massive surveillance operation and
more than $90 million in police and legal costs later, three of the
There is no one lesson following the Delta Xmas flight, there are terrorists have been convicted . The plotters were caught because
many lessons and one of them is that terrorism is here to stay with MI5 and anti-terror police tracked Ahmed Ali after being alerted by
us . The issue before us and the consensus is that this “disease” is not his numerous trips to Pakistan, and planted a bug into the house he
going away any time soon . and others were using as a bomb factory .
The idea of “hakam lehorgeha hashkem lehorgo”, the one that wants
to kill you wake up and kill him – is paramount in this particular
case . The jihadis are motivated by many reasons and besides their
hate of the western civilization, anti-Jewish and anti Israel hate, are
an integral part of their suicidal missions .
To refresh our memory as it will bring reality closer and more vivid:
On September 7, 2009 a verdict hailed as a triumph in the war
against terrorism by the British court was celebrated . Three British
men were convicted of plotting to blow up seven transatlantic
airliners bound for the US and Canada . The plot to kill thousands
of people was uncovered in August 2006 causing 2,000 flights to
be cancelled . The emergency measures imposed as a result of this
event changed the face of air travel and airline security procedures .
Because the plotters intended to use liquid explosives hidden in soft
drink bottles, passengers are banned from carrying liquids .
Details of what was called ‘the most serious allegation ever made in
a British court’ included:
• Seven flights targeted from London to the US and Canada .
• Detonation was to take place within two and a half hours after
take off .
• Further attacks were planned on Canary Wharf, a tunnel under Some questions come to mind immediately:
the Thames, a gas terminal and power stations . 1 . What is the rest of the world beside the US and UK doing to
• Suicide videos were prepared warning the British public to combat terrorism?
expect floods of martyr operations’ that would leave body parts 2 . Who are the known terrorist groups and what are their goals?
scattered in the streets . 3 . What monumental influence, religion plays in terrorism?
The Observer, November/December 2010 21
4 . The continuous problems with political and military tactics in • Both the Pentium-4 microprocessor and the Centrino processor
defeating terrorism? were entirely designed, developed and produced in Israel .
5 . How is Israel combating terrorism and what is Israel’s • The Pentium microprocessor in your computer was most likely
contribution to the Global war on terror? made in Israel .
• Voice mail technology was developed in Israel .
The most resourceful Israelis are going into technology and • Both Microsoft and Cisco built their only R&D facilities outside
commerce, not politics . This has had a devastating effect on the the US in Israel .
nation’s public life, but a positive one on its economy . Tel Aviv has • The technology for the AOL Instant Messenger ICQ was
become one of the world’s foremost entrepreneurial hot spots . Israel developed by four young Israelis .
has more high-tech start-ups per capita than any other nation • Israel is ranked #2 in the world for venture capital funds right
on earth . It leads the world in civilian research-and-development behind the U .S .
spending per capita . It ranks second behind the U .S . in the number • On a per capita basis, Israel has the largest number of biotech
of companies listed on the NASDAQ . start-ups .
• Twenty-four per cent of Israel’s workforce holds university
degrees, ranking third in the industrialized world, after the United
States and Holland, and 12 per cent hold advanced degrees .
• The Middle East has been growing date palms for centuries . The
average tree is about 18-20 feet tall and yields about 38 pounds of
dates a year .
• Israeli date trees are now yielding 400 pounds/year and are
short enough to be harvested from the ground or a short ladder .
So where do we go from here?
All terror attacks are traced to the group headed by Osama bin
Laden known as al-Qaeda: Its ideology is shaped by the belief that
Islam is being degraded and humiliated by “western” values, with
particular disgust reserved for those Arab countries, such as Saudi
Arabia and Egypt, which are close allies of the US and with Israel .
This extreme global jihad (armed struggle) of fundamentalist Sunni
Israel, with seven million people, attracts as much venture capital as Islam adopted by bin Laden and his closest associates is believed
France and Germany combined . As Dan Senor and Saul Singer write to have been inspired by an Egyptian radical, Sayyid Qutb, who
in “Start-Up Nation: The Story of Israel’s Economic Miracle,” Israel is opposed the Nasser regime .
now has a classic innovation cluster .
Fighting alongside the conservative Taliban in Afghanistan may have
I strongly believe that: been a further influence on bin Laden . Counter-terrorism is a massive
Israel will become the Hong Kong of the Middle East, with economic global industry which takes place at various levels, ranging from
benefits spilling over into the Arab world . And, in fact, there are police investigation of terrorist acts to the invasion of Afghanistan to
strands of evidence to support that view in places like the West Bank oust the Taliban and hunt down al-Qaeda leaders . Over one million
and Jordan . In proportion to its population, Israel has the largest names are featured on the US Terror Watch list . Yet FBI list lost all
number of start-up companies in the world . In absolute terms, Israel credibility in 2008 with the discovery that it contained the names of
has the largest number of start-up companies than any other country Nelson Mandela and his ANC colleagues .
in the world, except the U .S- 3,500 companies mostly in hi-tech .
• Israel has the highest ratio of university degrees VSV population Here is a list of Israel’s top 10 technologies related to aviation and
in the world . airport security:
• The cell phone was developed in Israel by Israelis working in the
Israeli branch of Motorola, which has its largest development center Since the attempted terror attack on board a US airplane last
in Israel . Christmas day, airport authorities around the world are in a race
• Most of the Windows NT and XP operating systems were to find novel solutions to fight terror . Israeli strategic and technical
developed by Microsoft-Israel . tactics feature high on their lists .
• The Pentium MMX Chip technology was designed in Israel at
Intel . So how do we fight the threats? Who does the job?
22 The Observer, November/December 2010
What are the secrets to Israel’s success in keeping our airports and With all the R&D mentioned above the terrorists of today can
airplanes terror free? smuggle on board various materials that due to minute quantities
can still go on board undetected . Amos is the only company in the
Israel concentrates on the passengers and not their luggage so we world that deals with the safety and security of the cabin and alerts
have a real edge over the rest of the world in protecting travelers . the pilots as to an immediate threat, including instruction as how to
Home-grown technologies, some of them developed by whiz-kids in deal with the threat . By way of sensors, snifers and cameras the crew
the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) Intelligence Corps 8200 army unit, is notified discreetly of a potential danger . Amos is not competing
Israel’s strength in airport security is because it boasts near-invisible with airport security but rather compliments it .
protective ‘rings’ of security around the airport and passengers .
AMOS provides in-flight decision makers (pilots, cabin crew and, if
1 . Trace-Safe – An alternative to body scans . present, security personnel) with a real time situational picture as
well as command, control and management capabilities .
2 . Suspect Detection System – Tracing the sweat of terror .
AMOS enables full operational coordination between the cabin crew
3 . BellSecure – Consolidating data . and the cockpit . Text and visual communication is relayed in real
time, providing situational pictures of the passenger cabin .
4 . VideoCells – Watching the cameras .
AMOS is based on unique operational command and control software
5 . Eltel – Monitoring the monitors . integrated into an airborne certified H/W – Covert & Overt cameras,
Hand Held devices (PDAs and W/L alert buttons) .
6 . Bust the security line with your own “Biometric VIP” card .
AMOS has 4 security modes that can be adjusted and programmed
7 . MagShoe – Keep your shoes on . with or without Air Marshals on board, based on the security level
assigned to the flight by the airline or the regulatory authorities .
8 . Vigilant – Sleeping with one eye open .
AMOS provides an integrated platform that facilitates the confrontation
9 . Briefcam – Step back in time . with in-flight security, service and safety irregularities .
10 . Canadian-Israeli company Visual Defense . Based on technology WE MUST ALWAYS BE ALERT
from the 8200 army unit, Visual Defense can watch thousands of
cameras at the same time .
11 . AMOS – Air Marshal Operating System .
On August 15, 2007 The Federal Aviation Authority issued a directive
that was legislated into law that calls for: (a) Installing a lockable
Canadian Friends of
flight door that would protect the flight deck from any unauthorized Meir Medical Center
access . (b) Installing a Cabin Door Surveillance System (CDSS) that Tribute Dinner
will allow the flight crew to monitor the area around the flight deck
door and observe whether any of the cabin crew wishing to access
honours
the flight deck is under control . (c) Installing a means where the
Flight Crew can be discretely notified of any dangerous scenario IDF ISRAEL DEFENCE FORCES
happening in the cabin area . and
CANADIAN ARMED FORCES
Almost all of the airlines have implemented the first part of the
DART TEAM
directive and several have implemented the second part, but no
for their heroic efforts in Haiti
airline has implemented the third and key section yet . 1%-3% of the
commercial flights are protected by Air Marshals despite incredible Sunday, November 14, 2010
investment and enhancement of airport security, the industry is Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda Synagogue
still susceptible to threats such as residuals of plastic explosives, $375.00 Dinner Ticket
biological agents, chemical agent, gases and nuclear agents .
The Observer, November/December 2010 23
NATURAL FOODS
Ambrosia Natural Foods Ltd.
55 Doncaster Avenue
Thornhill, ON L3T 1L7
Tel: 905-881-7811
www.ambrosianaturalfoods.com