HOT TOPIC — Marvin Szneler, executive diretor of the JewishCommunity Relations Bureau|American Jewish Committee reminded me this week that Orli Gil, The Consul General of Israel to the Midwest, will be here Monday, Aug. 29. Members of our community will have a chance to learn about a Palestinian request for statehood recognition to the U.N. Security Council at 7 p.m. that evening at the Jewish Community Campus. Her topic for the evening will be “Israel and the United Nations: Consequence of Unilateral Declaration of Independence.” She will answer questions following her presentation. Marvin said, “We all know our brothers and sisters in Israel have regularly faced many challlenges, and we support their quest for peace with her neighbors. Unfortunately, a unilateral declaration in the U.N. by the Palestinian Authority will not accomplish what necessary negotiations will accomplish. The Consul General’s visit with the community will assist all of us to have a better understanding of the many new challenges this could bring. We are also looking forward to the Israeli government’s perspective on the threats the changing leadership in the Middle East will bring to the region.” The event is open to the community at no charge. For more information, contact the JCRB at 913-327-8126.
JEWISH HERITAGE NIGHT — I hear many people in the Jewish community enjoyed Jewish Heritage Night at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park Sunday, Aug. 21, to see Sporting Kansas City defeat D.C. United 1-0. I learned on Facebook that the grilled kosher hot dogs were a big hit. Several local rabbis participated in a pre-game first kick and a bus load of BBYOers were among those in attendance. A portion of the proceeds from the group ticket sales is going to Sasone and the HBHA soccer program. Shown above enjoying the festivities and wearing Sporting KC tallit are BBYO Council Presidents Zachary Kaseff and Maddy Friedman.
SHOP FOR A CAUSE — Macy’s annual Shop for a Cause is Saturday, Aug. 27. One of the charities connected to this event is the Ambor Schanzer Fight Against Neuropathy. Pictured at left is Orven Schanzer, a Kansas City native. He is a former 20th Century Fox film and TV editor who now suffers from debilitating and crippling neuropathy. He helped promote this event by posing with actress and Marilyn Monroe impersonator Jodi Fleisher. His sister, the late Ruth Schanzer Gilman, who graduated from Kansas City’s Central High School, died from complications from neuropathy. It’s too late to purchase a shopping pass to benefit ASFAN, but donations to the organization will still help fund research. Donations can be mailed to ASFAN, 6720 Hill Park Dr., Unit 102, Los Angeles, CA 90068 or visit www.facebook.com/nervylisa (Lisa Gilman).