38 Old Country Rd
Garden City,
NY 11530

(516) 741-7304

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• Viewpoint
• The President Reports to You
• Religious Education
• Y.E.S. Group
• Pledging Part Four
• American Ethical Union
• Amnesty International
• Pandora's Box -- Public Affairs Committee
• Personals
• Ethical Friends of Children
• Membership Committee
• Travel Groups for Singles
• Flea Market A Success
• Arthur Dobrin's Book

One of the perennial questions asked in the Ethical Movement is, Why do so few children raised in Ethical Culture Sunday Schools stay in Ethical Culture as adults?

There are several basic answers.

First, there are some who are no longer humanists. Just as their parents joined the Ethical Movement because they no longer believed what their parents did, now their children accept a more supernatural framework. Who said that progress was a necessity or that progress was in a straight line?

Second, many children go away to school and don't come back. They may well settle in a place where there is no Ethical Society.

Third, in all likelihood they will marry someone who isn't a member of the Movement (the pool of potential mates is very small), and the chances are that the person they marry will be more conservative than they. Liberal and tolerant as they are, they defer to their partners' wishes. So the family moves back to a more traditional setting.

Fourth, the Ethical Societies are short on the emotional underpinnings which keep someone wanting to remain in the Movement. What songs do our children associate with us? What strong feelings are aroused? The idea of Ethical Humanist may remain firmly affixed, but that doesn't mean that they are moved to affiliate. They can think their own thoughts in private and they can be good humanists without a Society.

These are serious limitations. In a sense, the Movement is forced to invent itself with every generation, as the bottom is constantly leaking. There are some things about which we can do nothing. There are other things which we can do.

We have tried hard at our Society to pay attention to the emotional life of our children and to provide them with an experience that reaches them someplace in addition to the mind. But for this to work, it needs to have the support of adult members as well. Some see our children are those little people who can be as adorable as they like in the classroom but shouldn't have to be so present elsewhere.

Rejecting our children this way may turn out to be our Achilles heel, a fatal mistake leading to a slow death. Our community must be a full community, a place for people of all ages. Our society must be a place where we think not just about ourselves but about others as well. And it needs to be a place to pay attention not only to the present but also to the future.

Support our children. Don't sit it out because we have a program that is designed to bring the generations together. Be generous; reach out. Let's build the Movement and let's begin with our children.

===== Arthur Dobrin
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The Ethical Culture Society has a long and illustrious past, but there are many twists and turns that are not common knowledge even amongst long time members.

When founded by Felix Adler in 1876, it was actually supported by many wealthy and prestigious families. Among these were the Bambergers and the Filenes, just to mention two of the better known retailers who lent both their financial and moral support to the Ethical movement. The practical equation that many of those families lived by was to lend their financial strength to foster their belief in the Ethical movement and give Felix Adler the monetary strength he needed to make certain that their ideals did not die because of a lack of funds.

Money was important to Felix Adler - he knew his dreams would die without it - important enough so that he talked about it at his Sunday platforms and worked diligently to make sure that his fledgling movement didn't flounder because of a shortage of funds.

We are faced with situations today that call for funds to enable us to secure the future of that which we cherish most in this world. It can be successfully argued that without enough reserve capital most Ethical Culture Societies all over the world will have a desperately difficult time extending themselves much beyond the dawn of the 21st century. If you believe that our children are our investment in the future and that our grandchildren are the dividends that that investment brings, then you must lay the foundation to protect what you believe in.

Current tax laws allow us to have more freedom in the management of our funds. Indeed, there are provisions in today's tax law that call for donors of gifts to non-profit organizations to benefit at the same time their favorite charities are being made more secure for the future.

If you are interested in knowing more about charitable gifting and how it can help you and the Society at the same time, please make plans to attend the first talk on this vital subject on Friday, December 11, 1998 at 8 P.M. at the Society. Experts in the field will answer all your questions.

Please call the Society office (516) 741-7304 if you need more information on this vital meeting. I hope to see everyone there.

===== Richard Rapp
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This year's Religious Education Conference was held at Fellowship Farm in Pennsylvania, a beautiful setting for our chosen theme, which was environmental education.

Our presenter was Michael Caduto, author of Keepers of the Earth and other books using Native American tales to teach values. He was an entrancing storyteller with a talent for making caricatures come alive and was enjoyed by the adults and children as well.

On Sunday morning all the participants, including the Y.E.S. group worked together on a project in which we showed our awareness of people's mistreatment of Mother Earth in all her forms.

During this weekend, the Directors of Religious Education who attended were able to have an exchange about issues they face at their Sunday Schools. This was beneficial to all and allowed us to meet and show our support to the new DRE's. These opportunities are rare so it made the conference all the more worthwhile.

===== Linda Napoli
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This year the topic of the National Y.E.S. Conference was "How do we define ourselves as Ethical People?"

As a member of the central planning committee I had the pleasure of leading the group discussions. We discussed first the things that make us who we are. My group talked about hobbies, interests, books, and personal characteristics. The second group discussion worked toward defining Ethical Humanism on a personal level. My group traded ideas on religion, spirituality, and how these things fit into our lives. I found the discussions very interesting and informative. The exchange of ideas and points of view were extremely honest and, I feel, very successful.

Aside from the discussions, there were some games, lots of free time, and a dance on Saturday night. As always, the atmosphere was one of understanding and friendship. This feeling was punctuated by the traditional exchange of warm fuzzies, an activity which I had the pleasure of introducing. The weekend was rounded out by attending the AEU's "Council of all Beings" platform. Overall, it was a very enjoyable experience and I look forward to attending again next year.

===== Irene Antoniazzi
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When I was a graduate student, a housemate stuck her head around my door and said she had a question. When I invited her in, she said, "Oh, this will just take a minute. What's existentialism?" Well, you're probably asking, "What does existentialism have to do with pledging?" Sit down. This will take a minute.

One of the central tenets of existentialism is that people are free agents who determine their lives through acts of will. One implication of an existential worldview is that things have no intrinsic value. Their meaning is what you bring them. As ethical humanists, we certainly endorse the belief that our life and its values are what we make them. It is the act of commitment, of choosing to care, that makes something matter.

What separates us, the members of the Ethical Society, from all those "like-minded folks" out there is our commitment. I don't belong to the Society just because it is important to me. It is important because I choose to belong to it. I invest in it with a central place in my life, spiritually and socially. Having made this choice, I would be quite unhappy if the Ethical Society did not exist. I want and need it to be there.

By my contributions of time and money, and my involvement in its activities, I increase the reward I get in return. Since we have all made the commitment to be members, rather than visitors or sympathizers, we share the desire for the Society to continue. Making a generous financial pledge to the 1999 campaign will both support the Society and strengthen our sense of commitment and belonging. The rewards are mutual.

===== Barbara Grey
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Joy McConnell is resigning at the end of December as the AEU's Director of Growth and Development and Religious Education. Filling the responsibilities Joy has been carrying on a permanent basis will require time to redefine staffing priorities and search for the best candidates. Meanwhile, the AEU is seeking candidates interested in part-time employment to carry on the most essential portions of these responsibilities on an interim basis, from January to June 1999.

Candidates should have training and experience in issues of congregational growth and development.

Letters of interest should be sent to: Dale Adams, Vice-Chair AEU, Membership Committee, 3902 Rosalind Lane, Chattanooga, TN 37416, or by E-Mail to: dalepadams@juno.com

===== Hank Gassner
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Next Meeting: Sun. Dec. 20, 10:00 am

On November 30, 1995, Lori Berenson, while doing research for two magazines, was arrested by Peruvian military police. The 25-year-old woman was denied any semblance of due process and was subsequently "tried" by a secret military tribunal in violation of international law. Lori had not been permitted to present evidence or witnesses, was not allowed to contact or have a lawyer present, nor was she allowed to cross-examine witnesses for the prosecution. Convicted of "treason," she was given a life sentence by a hooded "judge" while a gun was held to her head. Lori, they said, was a high-ranking MRTA rebel who plotted a thwarted takeover of Peru's Congress. Amnesty International has declared her a "political prisoner."

Lori was incarcerated at Yanamayo, a maximum-security military prison, under extremely harsh, and sometimes, brutal conditions. At 12,700 feet above sea level, Lori has had to endure very cold temperatures. She has had difficulties with her eyes, throat, circulation, digestion and swollen hands. The small, poorly lit cell has a hole in the concrete floor that serves as a toilet.

Last June, Javier Valle Riestra, Peru's Prime Minister, said, in a televised statement regarding Lori, "I think we must look for a way to pardon her and expel her from Peru as an undesirable foreigner." He also said that it was an error to charge her with treason and that her secret military trial was part of a "repressive" judicial system. Two days later, Peruvian President Fujimori rejected the proposal to free Lori. Fujimori said he had no doubt Berenson was a "terrorist" affiliated to the Marxist Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement (MRTA) and that freeing her would send a "negative signal" to Peruvians and the international community alike. Fujimori has acknowledged, however, that Peru's secret court system had wrongly imprisoned hundreds of innocent people on terrorism charges.

On July 26th of this year, the New York Times editorial "Peru's Prisoners" backed the Prime Minister's proposal and urged President Fujimori to listen to the wise council offered by his Prime Minister. Mr. Riestra resigned on August 7th stating, "I am a democrat and here there is a totalitarian spirit." He also stated that Fujimori was surrounded by supporters with little respect for democracy and human rights. The BBC reported that Riestra had said that Fujimori "was being backed by politicians who were trying to impose fascism on Peruvian life."

Although it was last June that the International Red Cross urged Peru to run medical tests on Lori, and Peru agreed, Peru waited until the day before an international hearing three and a half months later. She was transferred to Socabayo prison, 7500 feet above sea level; to have these tests performed.

On October 8th, Lori's petition against the government of Peru was heard by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights of the Organization of American States. Legal advisors, including Ramsey Clark, presented arguments concerning the lack of due process in Lori's case.

While we await the results of the medical tests and hearing, we can urge our Representatives to call for a fair, open, civilian trial for Lori Berenson. We can call on President Clinton to follow Congressional Act 22 USC 1732 and come to the aid of this American Citizen wrongfully held in a foreign country. (202-456-1111) We can urge our State Department to help. (202-647-4000)

Information about Lori can be found on the Web at: http://www.geocities.com/capitolhill/9968

===== Bob Horn
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Come see room 101! New shelves have been installed on two of the walls. This will double the storage capacity and make the cartons of clothing handily accessible. It will be a pleasure to work in the room now.

All this can be credited to a hardy day of work on Saturday, October 24. It was Chase Manhattan's 2nd year of helping Ethical Friends of Children on the Chase Global Day of Service. From Chase came 9 sturdy volunteers. They bought all the shelving and installed it. Hats off to them!

Then another 18 volunteers from the Ethical Society and 9 high school students, volunteers from the Waldorf School joined them in resorting every old box on those shelves and over 100 more boxes still waiting to be sorted. Finally, they put them in neat new boxes, on the new shelves.

Besides the regular members of the Friends, thanks went to the volunteers from Ethical: Arlene Baum, Joan Beder, Lois Blatt, Natasha and Noah Brenner, Herb Coston, Gertrude Delson, Lyn Dobrin (who also took pictures), Tony Pumo, Bessie Sanchez, Anne Sheraga, and Lillian Willinger. Special thanks go to Dan Schroeder who installed the air conditioner in room 101 and fixed the window.

===== Diana Vecchione
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Anne Sheraga is selling Entertainment 99 books. The proceeds benefit the Society. We are grateful for her increased sales so far. Keep up the good work.

Thanks to Natasha and Noah Brenner for watering our plants every week.

If you have occasion to donate food for our coffee hour, please inform and coordinate with Bessie Sanchez ahead of time. Please call her at 488-8297 or call the office. Many thanks to Bessie for preparing and serving refreshments all these months.

===== The Membership Committee
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Mark your calendar! Thursday, December 17, 7:30pm

The Travel Group for Singles is for single, widowed, divorced or separated people. Each month, those interested in traveling will have the opportunity to hear about new things in the field of travel, and to network with their peers. Annual membership is available, or, you can pay per meeting. We will be meeting, at the Society, on Thursday, December 17th at 7:30pm. Refreshments will be served.

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The flea market this year grossed just over $3,000.00 thanks to all the wonderful donations from members. Special thanks to all who helped make the day a success and to Arlene Baum for all her hard work in coordinating the whole event.

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• Grandparents, Dorle and Fred Weill are happy to announce the adoption of Maura Ni Weill by daughter Marge Weill on June 11, 1998 from Foshon China.
• Our condolences to the Sukenik family on the loss of Morris Sukenik's sister and the family of Phyllis Rosenfield at the loss of her father.
• Evelyn VonEschen has been selected as the Founders Day Honoree at the Woodland Elementary School in Hicksville. She is being honored at a dinner in February for all her years of volunteer service.
• Matthew Napoli, son of Rob and Linda, turned twenty-one before the summer.
• Other recent birthdays' include past president Leopold Katz, Herbert Meltzer, leader of the Ethical Issues in the News discussion group, and Roy Reisch, secretary of the Society.
• Peace and Brandon Hiedgens, with son Wesley and daughter Madeleine, were all recent visitors from Portland, OR at one of our platform meetings. Peace, born in Kenya, lived with the Dobrins while studying in the United States.
• Joan Beder, Vice President of our Society, has been named chair of the advisory board of the Adelphi New York Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program.
• Dorothea Hayes became a grandmother for the third time in April. This first granddaughter is the child of her daughter and son-in-law in Oklahoma.
• Karen, daughter of Jim LoPresti and his late wife, will be marrying John Grimaldi in December.
• Ken Schwartzman had his second hip replacement at the beginning of the summer. His recovery from this one was far more successful than the first.

===== Gertrude Delson
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Ethical People and How They Get to be that Way is now available for purchase at Borders Books on Old Country Road in Westbury.

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Send the gift of Hope to Prisoners of Conscience

Our Amnesty International group is again asking you to send greeting cards to Prisoners of Conscience throughout the world, to people such as Dita Indah Sari, a 24 year old Indonesian student who is serving a five year sentence for participating in a peaceful demonstration, or Ngawang Phulchung, a Buddhist monk sentenced to a long prison term for advocating Tibetan independence, or Sofia Macher, executive secretary of human right's organization in Peru who has been receiving death threats for her criticism of the government.

These three, and others in Chad, South Korea, Tunisia, Turkey and the USA are part of the worldwide holiday campaign being conducted by AI and fostered on Long Island by our group, #74, which is sponsored by the Society.

Each year, Amnesty International USA provides a list of imprisoned individuals who have been designated Prisoners of Conscience - men, women and children detained for their beliefs, color, sex, ethnic origin, language or religion who have not used or advocated violence.

Amnesty International reports that the individuals who have been the focus of these campaigns are sometimes set free such as prisoners in South Korea, Nigeria, Peru and Syria who were the focus of last year's campaign. The Association of Relatives of the Detained and Disappeared in Colombia reported receiving more than 3,000 greeting cards "with lovely messages of support which help motivate us to continue with our work," and thanked members of AI "for your solidarity and moral support of our daily efforts to improve the human rights situation in our country."

To participate, pick up the action sheet at the office at the Society or send a self-addressed stamped envelope to AI-Group 74, Ethical Humanist Society of LI, 388 Old Country Road, Garden City, NY 11530. You will be sent information about the selected recipients with simple instructions. Cards may be sent until January 31, 1999.

Amnesty International Program: Parents of Lori Berenson to speak at Society

Lori Berenson, a young American woman, is currently serving a life sentence in Peru following her conviction by a secret, hooded military tribunal, in violation of international law. She was denied a fair public trial by competent, independent and impartial tribunal, as required by Article 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, ratified by Peru on April 28, 1978. Amnesty International considers Lori Berenson a political prisoner and has called her trial "a parody of justice."

On Sunday, December 13, at 11:00 am. Lori Berenson's parents, Rhoda and Mark Berenson, will speak at the Society about the violations of human rights in her case-the total lack of due process in the Peruvian military justice system and the inhumane prison conditions under which she lives. The talk is sponsored by the Society's Amnesty International group.

At the time of Ms. Berenson's arrest, on November 30, 1995, she was working as a journalist with assignments from two American publications. She had been researching articles on women's rights and poverty in Peru and had interviewed several members of the Peruvian government. After the arrest, she was "tried" in secret by a mil. Italy tribunal and sentenced by a "faceless" judge. She was convicted of treason (even though she is a US citizen) and sentenced to life in prison with no parole. She has termed the charges against her preposterous and has repeatedly and strongly proclaimed her innocence.

Lori Berenson spent nearly three years at a maximum-security prison in Pumo, Peru, where the altitude (over 12,000 feet) and severe cold seriously affected her health. In October 1998 she was moved to a prison in Arequipa, in principle in order to undergo medical tests, where she was placed in solitary confinement.

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