NEW YORK (JTA) — The United Jewish Communities, the umbrella organization of North American Jewish federations renamed its headquarters after longtime powerbroker Max Fisher.
Fisher, 94, who was an adviser to U.S. presidents and Israeli prime ministers, served as president and national chairman of the United Jewish Appeal, president of the Council of Jewish Federations, chairman of the United Israel Appeal, president of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit and founding chairman of the Board of Governors of the Jewish Agency for Israel.
UJC’s New York building now will be called the Max M. Fisher Headquarters of United Jewish Communities. Fisher remains honorary UJC chairman.
Congress toughens Palestinian stance
WASHINGTON (JTA) — Sanctions against the Palestinian leadership have been added to the annual U.S. State Department authorization bill.
The Middle East Peace Commitments Act, sponsored by Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-N.Y.), was added to the bill in conference committee. It is expected to be voted on by the House of Representatives this week.
The sanctions require the president to assess whether the Palestinians are in compliance with agreements signed with Israel and the United States, and to implement sanctions if they are not.
Florida U. stages Sukkot ‘Survivor’
MIAMI (JTA) — The University of Florida is staging a Sukkot edition of the popular TV hit “Survivor.”
Nine university students, selected from 100 applicants, will compete to endure nine days of challenges, including a scavenger hunt, ropes course, ice-cream eating contest and decorating and sleeping in the sukkah in hopes of winning a motor scooter.
The group includes three Jews, a Muslim and five Christians. “Sukkot Survivor” is an annual program put on by the university’s Jewish Student Union and student government.