"leave your religion out of my vagina"

Members of the Catholic Newman Club supported the Center for Bio-Ethical Reform this past Tuesday by promoting an anti-abortion campaign on the friendship walk.

Large images of aborted fetuses in different stages of development were well displayed for all to see. One image even compared the size of a 10 week old fetus to the size of a quarter. This showed how much bigger a fetus is, proving people's statements of fetuses under 10 weeks old being smaller than a quarter to be false.

Across the friendship walk were the pro-choice group protesting against the anti-abortion campaign.

A heated argument between a pro-choice feminist and a member of the Catholic Newman club drew the attention away from the wall of aborted fetuses.

Remilla Arcega, a member of the club, said it has been difficult to carry on a conversation with the pro-choice believers. "There's no dialogue, just screaming."

Arcega continued to explain the negative feedback they have received all day. "People who are pro-life are quiet about it and the only ones speaking out are the pro-choice people."

When asked if all the members of the Catholic Newman Club believed in pro-life and were obligated to support the anti-abortion campaign, Arcega said it was not mandatory for members to attend the event.

"No matter what church you go to, not everyone is going to have the same views."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9kESs2St4Y

photos taken by Janira

sources: Center for Bio-Ethical Reform member and Catholic Newman Club member Remilla Arcega. video from youtube

Holocaust Memorial

"It's not Jewish tradition to have a moment of silent," rabbi Yonah Bookstein explained after a ceremonail placing of stones in a pile as a symbol of the victims who died in the holocaust.

The hour long memorial, proceeded by a movie screening and discussion, was held in the Multi Culteral Center Wednsday April 22.

Guest speaker Eugene Schlesinger, a holocaust survivor in his 90s, was not able to attend due to his ill state of health. His absence allowed time for people to share stories of their ancestors who fell victims of the holocaust.

A gentleman by the name of Jeff talked about his great-grandmother "Gital" and how she was killed. "She boarded the train heading toward the concentration camp," Jeff explained. "They believe she was taken to the gas chamber... that was the last time she was seen."

After a moment of silence, giving anyone a chance to share their story, rabbi Yonah ended the memorial with a traditional hebrew prayer recited in hebrew first followed by the english translation.

"... May there be abundant peace from heaven, and life, for us and for all Israel; and say, Amen."

photo was taken by Janira

Sources: Rabii Yonah and other members attending the memorial.

Judaism, it's ancient yet still existing

Although it may not be well advertised, it is indeed Jewish Awareness Month at CSULB, and not many students seem to know about it.

A few students passing by the bookstore may have paid attention to the sign announcing 15 percent off Jewish studies related materials due to Jewish Awareness Month. Yet when approaching students in surrounding common areas, they were not aware of the event.

There are approximately 3,000 young Jews in the Long Beach area, which means a good portion attend CSULB. Despite the large figure, not many of the Jewish students on campus are active in displaying their faith or speaking out about their beliefs.

In comparison to the Muslim Student Association and their advertisements throughout campus, events for the Jewish Awareness Month were scarcely marketed, making it difficult to reach out to the majority of students.

Besides marking down the prices of Jewish related materials, the only other big event at CSULB has been hosting a Holocaust Memorial.

Dana, one of the representatives for Beach Hillel said that in the up-coming week they will be tabling and providing information about Hillel and answering questions people may have about Israel and Judaism.