News Brief

Weberman Conviction Seen As Strong Step Forward

12/11/2012 | Staff Report

Reacting to the conviction of Nechemya Weberman of Williamsburg on charges of sexually abusing a minor, Brooklyn District Attorney Charles J.Hynes said he hoped the case would open doors for more abuse victims to come forward and seek justice. “The victim showed great courage to come forward in a very difficult time,” said Hynes in a statement. “Hopefully, this verdict will lead to the understanding for other women that they can come forward as well.”

Hate Stats Down, But Still Alarming, Says ADL

12/11/2012

The Anti-Defamation League welcomed an FBI report showing a decrease in hate crimes over the past 10 years but said there were still “far too many” such crimes.

There were 6,222 hate crimes reported during 2011, according to the report released Monday. The year 2000 showed slightly more than 8,000 hate crimes.

The 2011 figure was a 6 percent decrease from 2010 and the least number of such crimes reported since 1994.

Pope Calls For Peace Efforts, End To Persecution Of Christians In Middle East

11/27/2012 | JNS

At a gathering in Rome with Lebanon’s new cardinal, Pope Benedict XVI launched a new appeal for peace in Syria and the Middle East, the Associated Press reported.

“The church encourages all efforts for peace in the world and in the Middle East, a peace that will only be effective if it is based on authentic respect for other people,” Benedict told the gathering, which included several Lebanese pilgrims.

Arafat Exhumed For Poison Investigation

11/27/2012 | JTA

The body of former Palestinian Authority President Yasir Arafat was exhumed Tuesday to test whether he died of radioactive poisoning.

Samples were taken by a Palestinian doctor under the supervision of Swiss, Russian and French experts. The body then was reburied, according to reports.

Analysis of the samples reportedly will take several months. Many Palestinians continue to believe that Arafat was poisoned by Israel because he was an obstacle to peace. Israel has denied any involvement.

JDC Announces New CEO

11/27/2012 | JNS

The world’s largest Jewish relief organization, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), has announced that Alan Gill will take the reins as CEO next year.

“We couldn’t be more proud that Alan Gill, whose seasoned leadership and forward-thinking expertise has been so critical to JDC’s impact in recent years, will lead us into our second century,” said JDC President Penny Blumenstein, according to the JDC press release.

JFNA, URJ Open Relief Funds For Hurricane Sandy

11/02/2012 | JNS.org and Staff Report

The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), the umbrella group for organized philanthropy in major cities and regions, announced Oct. 30 that it has opened its Hurricane Relief Fund for donations towards recovery and rebuilding from the devastation Hurricane Sandy caused on the East Coast.