Page 12 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • October 28, 2009 Franklin Lakes Africa Action Initiative draws over 175 attendees Left: African Initiative Program presenters Mark Sklar, Amanda Lomega, Event Organizer Jeff Gerstel, Amanda Kroll, Rabbi Elyse Frishman, AJWS President Ruth Messinger, AJWS Senior Communication Associate Jordan Namerow, Director of Mary McDowell School Debbie Zlotowitz and Rabbi Joel Soffin. Right: Amanda Lomega and Amanda Kroll. More than 175 people recently crowded into the sanctuary of Barnert Temple in Franklin Lakes to hear about local and national social action initiatives to help alleviate poverty, hunger, and disease in Africa. Guest speaker Ruth Messinger, president of American Jewish World Congress and recent appointee to the White House Task Force on Global Poverty and Development, spoke of her path from New York City mayoral candidate to her present post. Messinger discussed current developments in Africa, including the Obama administration’s new policy in Sudan regarding engagement with the current government. She also described her organization’s extensive work in the world’s poorest countries, including 36 African nations. Rabbis Elyse Frishman and Joel Soffin of Barnert announced three initiatives in Darfur, Rwanda, and Uganda that the congregation of 500 families will launch. The effort includes a youth program to raise relief funds and awareness for victims in Darfur, projects to link Barnert with schools in Uganda to create educational opportunities, and its Rwanda project to help nascent women’s cooperatives expand their effectiveness. Rabbi Frishman said Africa was thoroughly attended to by colonialism, and then thoroughly neglected by its withdrawal. He described the continent as a part of the world where peoples’ skin color and cultural differences have caused others to turn aside, and added that Africa is rich in heritage and wisdom, yet challenged by poverty and lack of opportunity. “In the Talmud, we learn kol yisrael aravim zeh l’zeh: all Israel is responsible, one for the other,” Frishman continued. “Some interpret this as Jews only take care of Jews. Not us. We see our mandate to help as universal. We understand the meaning of the human family. We bring all the gifts that have been granted us to bear upon the conditions of others. We know we can make a difference.” Temple member Debbie Zlotowitz, director of Mary McDowell School in Brooklyn, and parent Mark Sklar spoke about the school’s successful fundraising efforts and sister school relationship in Uganda. Jordan Namerow, 2001 graduate of Ridgewood High School and senior communications associate at the American Jewish World Congress spoke of her career in social action. She also discussed her time volunteering in Uganda. Barnert teens Amanda Kroll and Amanda Lomega, both of Glen Rock, are organizing a benefit Coffee House Concert that will be held on Jan. 16, 2010 at the temple to benefit Darfur relief agencies. For more information on the evening, contact Alice K. at (201) 848-1800. Midland Park Matters A Publication of The Midland Park Chamber of Commerce All Day Saturday, October 31st Rain or Shine This Halloween in Wyckoff, have your picture taken in your costume and get your FREE photo in a Halloween frame and special surprises compliments of the Wyckoff Chamber of Commerce. A Special Supplement to The Villadom TIMES This feature, published periodically throughout the year, contains items of interest pertaining to Midland Park and its Chamber of Commerce, along with your advertising message. This is a quality opportunity to promote your business, and encourage local consumers to fill their holiday gift lists in Midland Park. Halloweeen Photos & Prizes Sat., Oct. 31 , 10am-3pm st Reservation Deadline: Wednesday, November 4th Call The Villadom TIMES today to launch a successful holiday ad campaign. Wednesday, November 11, 2009 201-652-0744 Holiday Edition: Behind the Wyckoff Municipal Building off Franklin Ave. At the side walkway of Wyckoff Public Library 200 Woodland Ave.