Deciphering Israel situation is topic of lectures at JCC

Mideast political and foreign policy consultant John Rothmann will lead a lecture-discussion series titled "Israel Under Attack" for three consecutive Mondays beginning July 21 at Jewish Community Center of San Francisco. Believing that it's difficult to interpret mainstream news reports as the peace process in Israel struggles on, Rothmann hopes to provide a clearer picture of the current situation. He will address such questions as "What are policy-makers doing?" "How will it affect Jews everywhere in the world?" and "What is really going on?"

Topics will include "Flowers of Evil: Varieties of Anti-Zionism" on July 21, "Jerusalem — United and Undivided: A Look at the Future" on July 28 and "Middle East Update" on Aug. 4.

Rothmann served as a consultant on "The Jews in America," "A Day in the Life of Israel" and "Jerusalem in the Shadow of Heaven," all books published by HarperCollins.

The series is part of the JCC's adult education program. Other summer offerings include Talking Tuesdays discussions, Monday classes in modern Hebrew and a new semester at the Florence Melton Adult Mini-School, a two-year certificate program in Jewish studies.

Cost for Rothmann's three-part series, which begins at 7:30 p.m., is $24 for members and $30 for non-members. Individual lectures are $10 for members and $12 for non-members. The JCC is at 3200 California St. For information, call (415) 292-1237.