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12 December 2019

Mazal Tov to Bruce Slovin, Founder of The  Center for Jewish History and a Distinguished Member of The American Sephardi Federation’s Board of Directors
 
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The Sephardi World Weekly is made possible by generous readers like you. Now there is a new way to show your support. Become a Patron of the Sephardi World Weekly via Patreon and your name will appear in each edition along with timely, thought-provoking articles on Greater Sephardi history, the arts, and current affairs. Thanking you in advance! And thank you to Sephardi World Weekly Patrons Maria Gabriela Borrego Medina and Gwen Zuares!
 
NYU graduate: ‘My university failed to protect its Jewish students’” 
By Staff, Arutz Sheva
 
ASF Broome & Allen Scholarship Recipient, Adela Cojab, was given central stage at the 2019 Israeli American Council National Summit. Cojab lucidly shared her experiences with anti-Semitism at NYU and forcefully took the university to task for failing to do the right thing: “‘My University failed to protect its Jewish community from ongoing harassment… And the University didn’t stand idly [by]. Instead, they gave an anti-Israel hate group the President Service Award - the highest honor you can receive as a group on campus.’”
 
Adela Cojab Moadeb, a member of Mexico’s Syrian Sephardic community, was awarded an ASF Broome & Allen ScholarshipMexican Night of the 21st NY Sephardic Jewish Film Festival, Kumble Stage/Leo and Julia Forchheimer Auditorium, Center for Jewish History, 8 March 2018
(Photo courtesy of Chrystie Sherman
Special Feature: Ellie Cohanim’s Conference Speech


Ellie Cohanim, US State Department Deputy Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat anti-Semitism, The End of Jewish Communal Life in the Arab Lands, Kumble Stage/Leo and Julia Forchheimer Auditorium, Center for Jewish History, 2 December 2019
(Photo courtesy of Chrystie Sherman)

Ms. Ellie Cohanim made her first public appearance as the US State Department’s newly appointed Deputy Special Envoy for Monitoring and Combating anti-Semitism by offering a hard-hitting speech at the international conference “The End of Jewish Communal Life in Arab Lands” co-hosted by Bar-Ilan University’s Aharon and Rachel Dahan Center for Culture, Society, & Education in the Sephardic Heritage and the American Sephardi Federation’s Institute of Jewish Experience

Ms. Cohanim, a member of the Iranian Jewish community, criticized the institutionalized anti-Semitism that characterizes educational curricula across the region, singled out the Iranian regime’s state-sponsored Holocaust denial, and raised the issue of reparations for Jewish refugees. 

The American Sephardi Federation was honored to host Ms. Cohanim, a long-time friend of the ASF, for her remarkable speech and this auspicious beginning in her new and important diplomatic mission.
 
Hakham Rabbi Elie Abadie, MD, “The Exodus of Jews from Arab Lands and the Legal Struggle for Their Rights,” The End of Jewish Communal Life in the Arab Lands, Kumble Stage/Leo and Julia Forchheimer Auditorium, Center for Jewish History, 2 December, 2019
(Photo courtesy of Chrystie Sherman)
Israel’s NY envoys champion rights of Jews evicted from Arab lands” 
Israel Hayom
 
“The End of Jewish Communal Life in Arab Lands” conference brought together international scholars as well as local students (from Yesivah of Flatbush and Magen David Yeshivah High School) to share stories of the rich life that once was and the events across the region that caused the majority of Jews to leave. The ASF’s Executive Director, Jason Guberman, emphasized this event in the context of the ASF’s overall vision: “[T]his conference is part of our continuous efforts to move beyond hashtags to history and to reject the prevailing narratives (whether idealized or demonized) that reduce thousands of years of vibrant Jewish communal life in the Middle East and North Africa into talking points.”
Ramat Gan names street after Mexican diplomat who challenged Jerusalem vote” 
Times of Israel

A street in the Israeli city of Ramat Gan was recently renamed in honor of Andrés Roemer, the Renaissance man, distinguished diplomat, founder of Ciudad de las Ideas Festival at Puebla, Mexico, and recipient of The ASF’s International Sephardic Leadership Award. As Mexico’s Ambassador to UNESCO, Roemer had the moral courage to stand-up for Jerusalem, refusing to vote on a resolution that denied the city’s Jewish and Christian history. Roemer was deeply moved by Ramat Gan’s gesture, “'I’ve never been this excited before, maybe other than when my children were born… I’ve been crying from all the emotion.’” He expressed his appreciation by leaving the street’s residents a thank-you letter and a gift bag containing, “a small Mexican doll, a small bottle of tequila and a shot glass.”
 
The American Sephardi Federation bestowed the International Sephardic Leadership Award to former Mexican Ambassador Andrés Roemer, Mexico & Moral Courage, Kumble Stage/Leo and Julia Forchheimer Auditorium, Center for Jewish History, 21 May 2017
(Photo courtesy of Chrystie Sherman
Sephardi Gifts:
Mezuzah Flora
by Devorah Michael

This is a unique Mezuzah handmade in the Spanish and Mexican tradition of Talavera pottery - the first of its kind.

Devorah Michael focuses on offering high-quality, Mexican Judaica products that represent the beauty of both cultures. All products are 100% Mexican 100% Jewish and 100% unique!

All products are handmade by experienced artisans whose craft has been perfected over centuries of hard work and dedication.

Talavera is a colorful, handmade, style of artisan pottery present in Spain and Mexico. Authentic Talavera pottery originates in only two places: Talavera de la Reina in Spain and San Pablo del Monte in Mexico. In order for Talavera to be deemed authentic, not only must it originate from the previously mentioned places, but it can only be produced in six colors: blue, yellow, black, green, orange, and mauve. Such colors can only come from natural pigments.

*More items available at the ASF's Sephardi Shop

 
A History of Jewish-Muslim Relations: From the Origins to the Present Day
Edited by Abdelwahab Meddeb and Benjamin Stora

This is the first encyclopedic guide to the history of relations between Jews and Muslims around the world from the birth of Islam to today. Richly illustrated and beautifully produced, the book features more than 150 authoritative and accessible articles by an international team of leading experts in history, politics, literature, anthropology, and philosophy. Organized thematically and chronologically, this indispensable reference provides critical facts and balanced context for greater historical understanding and a more informed dialogue between Jews and Muslims.

 
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Upcoming Events or Opportunities:


The American Sephardi Federation with the Jewish Community of Urmia, Iran and participants from Iraq, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Turkey present:

International Nash-Didan (Judeo-Aramaic) Day 

Sunday, 15 December at 7:00PM

Please register here

~Sponsorship Opportunities Available: Email or Call (212.294.8350) Yves Seban ~

Center for Jewish History
15 W 16th Street
New York City


The first of its kind to take place outside of Israel, an evening featuring an international team of scholars exploring the history, culture, language, and traditions of the Nash Didan, the Aramaic speaking Jewish communities of Iraq, Iran, Turkey, and Azerbaijan.

Featuring NY State Senator Anna Kaplan, a native Nash-Didan speaker

 
Performance by Israeli-Nash Didan Star Hadassah Yeshurun


International Nash-Didan Day is made possible
by the generous support of the:


The American Sephardi Federation, the Sephardic Jewish Brotherhood of America and the Sephardic Home for the Aged Foundation present:

International Ladino Day:
A Celebration of Story and Song
 



On view 29 October through 24 November, 2019

Sunday, 12 January at 2:00PM

Light refreshments will be served

Please register here

~Sponsorship Opportunities Available: Email or Call (212.294.8350) Yves Seban ~

Center for Jewish History
15 W 16th Street
New York City


Come celebrate Ladino, also known as Judeo-Spanish, with acclaimed scholars and musicians. Hear Prof. Gloria Ascher, who has taught courses in Ladino at Tufts University for 17 years; Prof. Dina Danon, whose new book brings Izmir's Ottoman Jewish community to life; two scenes from a New York Ladino play; a panel of Generation Y and Z Ladino enthusiasts; and musicians dear to our hearts, The Elias Ladino Ensemble and Sarah Aroeste.

Since 2013, International Ladino Day celebrations have been held around the world. January 12th marks Manhattan's Third Annual Ladino Day created by Prof. Jane Mushabac for the American Sephardi Federation at The Center for Jewish History.

Ladino is a bridge to many cultures. It is a variety of Spanish that has absorbed words and expressions from many languages, most notably Hebrew, Turkish, Arabic, Greek, and French. The mother tongue of Jews in the Ottoman Empire for 500 years, Ladino became the home language of Sephardim worldwide. While the number of Ladino speakers has sharply declined, distinguished Ladino Day programs like this one celebrate and preserve a vibrant language and heritage for future generations.


  American Sephardi Federation Logo — In color     SEPHARDIC HOME FOR THE AGED FOUNDATION

The American Sephardi Federation Presents:

The New York Sephardic Jewish Film Festival’s (NYSJFF)
23rd Anniversary Edition


SAVE THE DATE
23-29 February 2020!
Please click here to reserve your Festival Passes now!

~ Sponsorship Opportunities Available: Email or Call (212.294.8350) Yves Seban ~


The Philos Project and the American Sephardi Federation present:

Nosotros 3.0: Strengthening Bonds Between Jewish and Latino Communities

On view until May 2020

Center for Jewish History
15 W 16th Street
New York City


The Philos Project and the American Sephardi Federation cordially invite you to the third edition of our Latin American classic art exhibit: Nosotros 2019. 

This years exhibit explores the Judtice of Zionism through the lens of Jewish and Latino national liberation struggles for independence from European colonialism. A new collection of art pieces will be revealed, including pieces from master artists Norma Lithgow and Deyvi Pérez. It will be a night of celebration of the shared history and culture of the Jewish and Latin communities.

 and your tax-deductible contribution will help ASF preserve and promote the Greater Sephardi history, traditions, and culture as an integral part of the Jewish experience! 

Contact us by email to learn about giving opportunities in honor or memory of loved ones

Copyright © 2019 American Sephardi Federation, All rights reserved.

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The American Sephardi Federation is located at the Center for Jewish History (15 West 16th Street, New York, New York, 10011).

www.AmericanSephardi.org | info@AmericanSephardi.org | (212) 294-8350

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