Rabbi to speak on human rights in Israel

Rabbi Arik Ascherman will speak on human rights in Israel at a Lunch and Learn on Saturday, Nov. 16, at Beth El - The Heights Synagogue. While the political climate in Israel has become increasingly conservative in recent years, there are still several groups promoting human rights for all. Among these groups is Rabbis for Human Rights, which Ascherman has led for many years. 

Ascherman has been involved in direct action to protect the olive groves of Palestinians from Israeli settlers and to protect the homes of Bedouin citizens in the Negev. In 2017, he founded Torat Tzedek (Torah of Justice). Believing that every human being is created in God's Image, Torat Tzedek defends the human rights of all Israelis, as well as those under Israeli control. 

The organization encourages socioeconomic justice for Israelis, Palestinians, African asylum seekers, and Israel's Bedouin citizens. Ascherman will talk about his years of personal experience fighting for human rights in Israel and the Occupied Territories.

Arik Ascherman grew up in Erie, Pa., and is the brother of the Cleveland photographer Herb Ascherman. After graduating from Harvard, Rabbi Ascherman worked for Interns for Peace, a community work program that sought to bring Israeli Jews and Arabs together in positive interaction. He was ordained by the Hebrew Union College in 1989.

Beth El - The Heights Synagogue is located at 3246 Desota Ave., in Cleveland Heights. Lunch will be served at about 12:30 p.m., following Shabbat services. The event is free and all are welcome. Non-members should call 216-320-9667 or e-mail info@bethelheights.org for reservations.

Richard Zigmond

Richard Zigmond, Ph.D., is professor of neurosciences, neurosurgery, and pathology at Case Western Reserve University.

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Volume 12, Issue 11, Posted 9:25 AM, 11.01.2019