The
www.holatoday.org
A Publication of Hispanas Organizadas de Lake y Ashtabula
Working Together
for a better community
O
n a recent Friday just after
lunch, Gayle Freeman
lugged boxes of educational
materials into a small warehouse
at Gilson Gardens in Perry. One of
the nursery’s managers carried in
an easel with a white board, which
he began to assemble near stacks of
plastic flats and potting containers.
As if on cue, a couple of workers
outside quickly finished up their
lunches and dragged in three picnic
tables, arranging them in a row in
front of the easel. “When you bring
in the tables can you sweep them off
so people don’t sit in dirt,” Freeman
cheerfully shouted out.
Within minutes, a dozen or so work-
ers filed in and sat down as Freeman
greeted them and placed paper and
pencils on each picnic table. For the
next hour, the nursery workers were
English Edition
Journal
September-October 2008 Vol. 4, Issue 1
converted into students, learning
English as part of a unique program
between Painesville Adult Basic Lit-
Inside:
eracy Education(ABLE) and Gilson
Gardens Nursery. The curriculum is ■ Marileyda
considered beginners-level English Muñoz Pfister
as a Second Language, with instruc-
tion focusing on basic terms. “It’s Page 8
basically just getting everyone into a
conversation,” Freeman says. “To- ■ Vianda: A Puerto Rican
day, we’re doing body parts.”
Teaching English to his employees
food history
while they’re on the clock is an Pages 12-13
idea Mark Gilson has tried on and
off for 10 years. But it was hard ■ HOLA Scrapbook
to get teachers, until finding Free-
man though the recent partnership
Page 17
with ABLE. “She has a tremendous …and much more!
energy level and enthusiasm, and
she really cares about our students,” Photo: Gayle Freeman and Mark Gilson at Gilson Gardens
in Perry
(continued on page 3)

From the Editor
Hola!
It’s been nearly two years since we
published the last issue of HOLA.
But people still ask me, “When is
the next issue of HOLA coming
out?” People saved their copies
and looked forward to each new
edition. We took a break from
publishing to focus our energy on
the pressing and important issues
facing our community. But, we’ve
heeded the call of our readers and
are thrilled to be able to announce
that we are re-launching The HOLA
Journal!
Our debut issue, heavy on themes
of immigration, is a testimony to
the resilience of the Latino immi-
grant community. We are still here
against all odds. When you want
to know what it means to be an
American, look to the Latinos and
immigrants in these pages; their
hope, ambition and determination
to be a part of this country—to be
better, and to make this country
better is what being American is
all about. The past two years have
been difficult, and HOLA has been
at the forefront of working for
change that will help the Latino
community be understood and
HOLA’s mission is to
provide and support
quality of life and
cultural services
to the Hispanic
constituency and to
serve as ambassadors
to the non-Hispanic
community.
2 / The HOLA Journal
accepted as an integral part of our
community. We met with elected
officials, community groups, labor
organizations and anyone who
would listen. We did so because
we still believe in the American
political system, despite witnessing
tremendous injustices.
Our community is still here. As the
pages in this issue demonstrate,
we are not victims but victors. Our
community continues to endure
enormous hardships and uncer-
tainty. But by working with com-
munity partners, such as the nurs-
ery growers, the Ohio Highway
Patrol, local agencies that serve
Latinos and all our friends, we
will not only survive this difficult
time, but thrive. It is a testimony to
the resilience of this country, that
after enduring two years of anti-
immigrant fervor, Americans have
chosen two candidates for president
who support a path to citizenship
for undocumented immigrants. We
may not get everything we want in
immigration reform during the next
administration, but we will likely
resolve the status issue for the un-
documented. Both candidates have
rightly called for the reform to be
humane and compassionate. This
is a direct contradiction to what
has been advocated on talk radio
and mainstream news, yet actually
reflects the sentiment of the major-
ity of Americans. This bodes well
for the future of our country. So as
we go to print with this new issue,
HOLA is hopeful for the future.
Sincerely,
Verónica Isabel Dahlberg, Editor
The HOLA Journal is published bi-monthly by HOLA, Hispanas Organizadas de
Lake y Ashtabula, in both Spanish and English language versions. All articles are
property of HOLA and cannot be reprinted or duplicated without permission.
Unless otherwise noted, all articles are written by Verónica Isabel Dahlberg.
workers continue with classes in the
Staff of The HOLA Journal
Nursery English Class students in class. But the classes
will continue. “It’s important to the winter.” When workers return to the
(continued from page 1) people that come to our program,” nursery, those who continued with
Editor Gilson said. Freeman, who retired Gilson explained. “It’s important to English classes during the off-sea-
Verónica Isabel Dahlberg from teaching Spanish at Har- our industry and I think it’s impor- son are recognized. “We get a cake
vey High School, comes in every tant to the community,” he added. with all their names on it and make
Translations Friday and teaches the class for Gilson also serves as president a big deal,” Freeman said. “We
Heddy Herrera an hour, often leaving with a flat of the Nursery Growers of Lake celebrate it.”
County. He said despite a downturn
of nursery stock given to her by
Graphics, layout and Gilson. “I love it!” Freeman said in the industry, local nurseries still
design enthusiastically. “And I think it’s generate $100 million in sales every
eWebInnovations year and employ about 2700 people.
Free English Classes
phenomenal that Mark Gilson al-
Creative Design Group lows the employees to do this for “The Hispanic community is a by- Painesville ABLE
an hour during work—and that they product of the long-term success of 85 N. Park Place
This Issue: get paid well for that hour.” our industry,” Gilson said. “I think Second Floor
Normally the classes start in June we owe it to our workers and the Painesville, OH 44077
Staff Photographers: and wind down when the season community to do this.” Phone (440) 354-5551
Veronica Dahlberg ends and workers get laid off, be- Despite the layoffs at the end of
tween October and November. But each season, Gilson and Free- English for Speakers of
Advertising Sales:
on this day, Gilson was forced to man are gratified to see that many Other Language classes:
Contact HOLA at students continue taking classes on
lay off a half dozen workers earlier
440.964.3372 Starting September 16th
than expected due to the hard eco- their own, at the Painesville ABLE
Tuesday and Thursday
nomic times hitting the nursery in- office, until they are hired again the
dustry this year. Gilson helped find next season. “It’s a big success,” 9:30-11:30 A.M. and
other jobs for the laid off workers, Gilson said, “in the confidence level 7:00-9:00 P.M.
Please send letters to: and next week, there will be fewer of the employees and in that several
Editor
The HOLA Journal
PO Box 3066
Ashtabula, Ohio 44005
HOLA Board of Directors
Gladys Figueroa Stec
Lydia Ortega
Kate Maseley, Ph.D
Shakyra Diaz
Lynn Tramonte de la Barrera
Sister Dorothy Bondi
September - October 2008 3 / The HOLA Journal September - October 2008
 NCLR Annual Conference Highlights
Latino Issues
On July 12-15, HOLA
representatives Gladys Figueroa Stec
and Veronica Dahlberg travelled to
San Diego for the annual conference
of the National Council of La Raza
(NCLR) entitled, A Stronger America
Together. NCLR is the largest
Rudy’s Story
Rudy Hernandez is a Mexican Ameri-
can born in 1931, the son of a Cali-
fornia farmworker. At the age of 17,
he volunteered for the army, and was
sent to the Korean War as part of the
187th Airborne Unit. He distinguished
himself with his valiant actions during
a violent battle on May 31, 1951, in
Wonton-Ni, at a place that was de-
scribed as Hill 420. In the darkness of
the early morning hours, large num-
bers of enemy troops began to ap-
proach the platoon at the Hill, shooting
mortars, artillery, and machine guns,
causing large numbers of casualties.
Hernandez was in a foxhole with
another soldier and began shooting at
4 / The HOLA Journal
Hispanic civil rights and advocacy
organization in the United States. The
conference featured Latino Expo USA,
showcasing 250 exhibitors, including
businesses, agencies, entertainment
companies and advocacy groups. In
addition, both presidential candidates,
the enemy. Hernandez was wounded,
but kept shooting until his rifle broke.
Then he climbed out of the hole and
charged the enemy using the bayo-
net on his rifle and some grenades.
This gave his fellow soldiers time to
reload their weapons and begin their
attack. Hernandez was found lying
unconscious the next day, surrounded
by the bodies of six enemy combat-
ants he killed. An army medic initially
pronounced him dead, until he saw
Hernandez move his fingers. Rudy
Hernandez sustained bullet and bayo-
net wounds. In addition, a grenade
explosion had taken a part of his brain.
Today, he still has no use of his right
arm, and has retired from counseling
wounded veterans for the Veteran’s
Administration.
NCLR Staff and leadership hosted
a workshop entitled, “Protecting the
Public Discourse: Taking Hate Out
of the Immigration Debate.” From
left to right: Clarissa Martinez de
Castro, A. Elena Lacayo, Cassandra
Villanueva, Raul Gonzalez, Cath-
erine Singley, and Janis Bowdler.
Photo by Veronica Dahlberg
Sen. John McCain (R) and
Sen. Barack Obama (D) were
featured speakers during
luncheons.
Representatives of Latino
organizations from all over the
country attended workshops
on diverse topics including
nonprofit management, family,
education, health, policy,
workforce development and
women’s issues. In all, HOLA attended
nine workshops, as well as both
luncheons featuring the presidential
candidates, and even had time to fit in
a short visit to Tijuana, Mexico, and a
ferry ride to Coronado Island to catch a
swim in the Pacific Ocean.
Gladys Figueroa Stec with Medal of Honor
recipient, Rodolfo “Rudy” P. Hernandez, U.S.
Army soldier and Korean War veteran,at Latino
Expo USA, San Diego, CA, July12, 2008.
Photo by Veronica Dahlberg
September - October 2008
OHP Answers
Your Questions
G
reetings,
I am Lieutenant Jim Sivak of the Ohio
State Highway Patrol. I currently serve
as the commander of the Chardon Patrol
Post, located on SR 44 in Geauga County.
In an effort to make our local roadways
safer, The Highway Patrol is now part-
nering with H.O.L.A. Our agencies are
looking forward to this partnership and
At the Annual Field Day hosted by the Nursery Growers of Lake County, HOLA and the Ohio
Highway Patrol shared a booth. Here, nursery employees try on “fatal vision goggles” which
simulate impairment at blood alcohol levels over the legal limit.
5 / The HOLA Journal
the life saving results that will be obtained
from it. Together, we hope to provide
the community a better understanding of
what the Highway Patrol does on a daily
basis. Additionally, we will improve our
educational efforts and remove pre-exist-
ing language barriers. Today’s article is
the start of that process.
In an effort to improve safety on our
roadways, I will be submitting future
articles on a variety of highway safety
topics relevant to our area. If anyone has
any questions about what the Highway
Patrol does, questions about traffic laws
or any other concerns, please do not
hesitate to forward them to me. I will
either answer these questions directly or
incorporate the answer in future articles.
I look forward to working with H.O.L.A.
and broadening our relationship within
the community we serve.
Lieutenant Jim Sivak
530 Center Street
Chardon, Ohio 44024
440-354-3233
jsivak@dps.state.oh.us
Please be a part of the solution
and help us reduce fatalities on
Lake County roadways, as well as
the overall number of crashes in
the state.
Please remember to always drive
the speed limit, wear your safety
belt and do not drink and drive.
Immediately report aggressive
and drunk drivers to your nearest
Patrol Post or call 1-877-7Patrol
or 911.
TOP LAKE COUNTY
CRASH CAUSES
1. Unsafe Speed
2. Failure to Yield
3. Improper Lane
Changes
TIPS TO STAY SAFE
• Wear your seatbelt!
• Minimum following
distance between two
vehicles is 1 car length per
10 MPH.
• Make sure to stay alert and
watch traffic.
• Avoid being distracted
by the radio, cell phone,
or other occupants in the
vehicle.
• Car seats must be used
until children reach age
4 years and weigh 40
pounds.
September - October 2008
 LATINO HOME BURGLARY/THEFT
By Painesville Police Chief Gary Smith
In 2007 there were a total of 20 Latino
homes that were entered and had
money and property stolen. Most of
these happened during the day when
people are at work.
These were the common ways thieves
came into the homes:
1. Doors left unlocked, especially
rear doors.
2. Windows left unlocked or open in
the summer, especially rear windows.
3. Sliding patio doors left unlocked
or not secured
4. A window air conditioner pushed
in because it was not secured
5. Rear door glass broken letting per-
son reach in an unlock door.
6. Rear door forced open by prying
door lock.
6 / The HOLA Journal
The common items taken were money
and jewelry which were kept in enve-
lopes in dresser drawers or closets.
What can you do?
1. Since most entries are from the
rear of the house – secure rear doors
and windows with locks or other
devices to prevent them from being
opened , or from being opened all the
way. Rear door glass can be covered
with a metal grate or bars. In the sum-
mer don’t leave open the rear windows
or secure them so they are only open
several inches and the window can-
not be raised up high enough to allow
someone to enter.
2. Sliding patio doors can be secured
by placing a piece of wood or metal
in the track of the door to keep it from
being slid open.
3. Air conditioners are supposed to
be secured by screws into the window
frame to keep them from falling out or
be taken out by someone.
Caution: Make sure there is a way
to escape the house in case of fire or
other emergency.
4. Purchase a small safe to keep
money and jewelry. They are not ex-
pensive and can be secured to the floor
or a closet with screws or bolts.
5. An alarm system is good protec-
tion but may be expensive. A bark-
ing dog can scare off most people but
require a lot of care.
6. A neighborhood watch group
where neighbors watch out for their
neighbors and call when they see
something suspicious or someone
around the house when no one is home
is another good way to stop crime.
September - October 2008
A Life of Serving the Underserved
When Ana Canales retires, she wants of immigration, there’s a
to write about her life as an immigrant lot of fear,” Canales said.
from Peru who became a licensed alco- “This is affecting our
hol and chemical dependency coun- programs. People come to
selor in Northeast Ohio. But that won’t the meetings, they look at
happen anytime soon. She’s too busy you; they want to test the
creating and implementing new bilin- waters before they give
gual programs at the Lake Area Re- any information. There is a
covery Center (LARC), in Ashtabula, lot of pain; they won’t talk
where she serves as Clinical Director. about it.”
“She’s a perpetual motion machine,” Canales was born in
says Kathleen Kinney, director of Lima, Peru, where she
LARC, who had long been seeking to completed her studies in
hire a credentialed, bilingual Hispanic social work at a Catholic
social worker. University, and also a
In August, Canales begins a bilingual Methodist school, where
MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driv- she learned English.
ing) alcohol prevention and education Upon finishing school,
program. Canales has also started a she moved to San Isidro, Ana Canales, Clinical Director, Lake Area Recovery Center in
Ashtabula. Photo by: Veronica Dahlberg
bilingual Al-Anon group, to support the Peru, working to promote
family members of Latinos who have human development.
alcohol problems or are alcoholics. And Then she spent 14 years working as was stunned when bureaucratic back-
she is currently signing up clients for a social worker for the International logs at the immigration offices held up
ALERTA, a Spanish-only drunk driving Potato Center, an experience she still her visa renewal and she had to return
intervention to Peru, where she remained for two
program. years waiting. “I lost my car, my things,
(Its English- “She’s a perpetual motion machine.” my credentials went down,” Canales
language Kathleen Kinney, director of Lake Area Recovery said. “I had to try to survive in Peru.”
counterpart While there, she started an AA program
is called
Center, in Ashtabula in English for American women in a
AWARE). Peruvian prison, who were convicted of
It is a 72-hour residential program recalls fondly. “Our mission was to drug use and drug trafficking charges.
for first time DWI offenders. Cur- educate the poorest countries on the lat- Today, sitting in her office at LARC,
rently, there is no Spanish-language est technology for planting and harvest Canales is glad to put that painful chap-
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in potatoes,” Canales said, adding that her ter behind her. She eventually renewed
Ashtabula. But Canales refers clients job often involved working with foreign and updated all her credentials so that
to AA meetings that have re-started scientists and their families. she could continue her work serving the
in Painesville, at St. Mary’s Church It was a foreign exchange program underserved.
every Friday at 7:30 p.m. that first brought Canales to Cleveland.
Canales is excited about LARC “When I returned to Peru, it just
and reaching out to underserved clicked in my mind, and I decided To learn about Alcohol and
Latinos.”We’re really looking forward I would go back,” Canales said. In Chemical Dependency treatment
to opening new doors,” Canales said. 1991, she returned to Cleveland. services available in Spanish,
“When I came to this agency—you After “knocking on 56 doors,” she contact:
can just feel it—it’s very grassroots. was hired at the May Dugan Center.
There’s a commitment to serve.” By She then transitioned into designing Ana Canales
offering services in Spanish, Cana- and implementing Spanish-language Lake Area Recovery Center
les hopes potential clients will come programs in alcohol and chemical Donahoe Center for Human
forward to seek the help they need. dependency treatment for HUMAD- Services
But she realizes there are other barri- AOP, where she served as Director 2801 C Court, Ashtabula
ers besides language. “With this issue of Prevention. Then in 1995, Canales (440) 998- 0722
7 / The HOLA Journal September - October 2008
 Exhibit Highlights Visual Art that
Speaks in a Bilingual Voice
SPACES gallery in Cleveland
will present Bi-Lingual (September 5
through October 17, 2008) an exhibit
of Latino and African-American artists
that reflects the dual identities, cultural
influences and languages of their
respective communities.

“For as much as multi-cultural

America is seen as heading towards
a uni-cultural blend, there are many
groups of Americans who still live
a dual life through verbal, physical
and visual language,’ said Angelica
Pozo, the Cleveland artist who
curated the exhibit. This includes
artists of color, whose art can often
be misunderstood.”Curators, critics
and those in the art world either
misread the cultural references in
the work, or miss them altogether,”
Pozo said.”They don’t understand the
nuances.”

With the Bi-Lingual exhibit, Pozo, a

Caribbean Latina with African roots,
is finally realizing a longtime goal “Cleveland” by the Puerto Rican artist Bruno Casiano, 2007.
come to fruition. The work of each
artist in the exhibit reflects the unique Bi-Lingual features the work of Bruno (Cleveland Heights, OH).
influences of living bi-cultural lives. Casiano (Cleveland, OH), V. Robin
“I’ve had this idea for five years,” Grice (Ann Arbor, MI), Saskia Jordá In addition, Cuban-born artist Juan-Si
Pozo said. “It just sort of stewed in (Spring Green, WI), Michelangelo Gonzalez, of Yellow Springs, OH, will
my head. People collaborate with his partner, Paloma
of color know Dallas, to produce a new body of
what I’m trying “I want to give a broader work over an eight-week residency
to get at—rather
than separate
understanding of people who in Cleveland. Their multi-media
installation is entitled Migración of
ourselves by are straddling two worlds.” Language, and will be a main focus of
race, color Angelica Pozo, Curator Bi-Lingual. The project reflects what
ethnicity, African they call “the complex and painful
Americans or process of insertion and adaptation in
Latinos—I chose a new social context.”
to do a unique context, a core platform Lovelace (Cleveland, OH), Nicole
to bring everyone together. I want to Marroquin (Chicago, IL), Sana SPACES is located at 2220 Superior
give a broader understanding of people Musasama (New York, NY), Akosua Viaduct in Cleveland. For more
who are straddling two worlds.” Adoma Owusu (North Hollywood, information, including gallery hours,
CA), Shani Richards (New York, visit www.SPACESgallery.org or call
NY), and Rafael Valdivieso-Troya 216-621-2314.
8 / The HOLA Journal September - October 2008 9 / The HOLA Journal September - October 2008
Marileyda Pfister: Advocate, Friend,
Victim of Domestic Violence
We at HOLA are deeply saddened
to lose our friend and colleague,
Marileyda Muñoz Pfister. She was
killed on July 2, 2008 just days after
taking out a Civil Protection
Order against her
husband, Alex Pfister.
Alex is currently
in jail facing a
felony murder
charge, accused
of brutally
stabbing her
multiple
times.
Marileyda
was a
wonderful
person who
devoted
her life
to helping
others. Born
in Guatemala,
she came with
her parents
to work on a
poultry farm in
New Philadelphia,
Ohio. But she wanted
to do more. Through a
temp agency she got a job
with Rural Opportunities, Inc. as an
outreach worker helping farm workers.
After a promotion in 2005, she worked
out of the Painesville office, where
she helped Latinos find jobs, access
health care, and even learn English.
She educated Latinos on the rights
they were entitled to. She volunteered
for HOLA on several projects when
additional interpreters were needed.
Marileyda was the mother of three
children, as well as a loving daughter
and sister. Sadly, though Marileyda
advocated for women who were being
abused, she was not able to escape the
abuse in her own life. We at HOLA
hope that women will come forward
and seek help if they are being abused
by a spouse or partner.
Abuse is a pattern of violent behaviors
10 / The HOLA Journal
that one person uses to exercise power
and control over another. Abuse may
be verbal, emotional, physical, sexual
and/or financial. Abuse is never the
victim’s fault.
Hispanic victims of
domestic violence
face the same
hardships as any
other victim
in a domestic
violence
situation.
They do face
some unique
obstacles
that make
it difficult
for them
to come
forward
and report
the crimes.
Some of
those obstacles
are language
barriers, limited
access to social
service agencies,
not knowing their
current legal status, not
knowing their legal rights
and/or the services available to them,
fear of deportation and the financial
dependence they may have on their
abuser. Hispanic victims may feel
alone. It is very common for the
abuser to use these factors against
Hispanic victims. The abuser may
threaten to report her to immigration
(ICE) or the police, he may threaten
to take their children away from her,
he may threaten to commit suicide if
she reports him to the police or leaves
him, and he may threaten to kill her
and/or the kids.
If you or someone you know is a victim
of Domestic Violence please seek help.
For more information please contact
Victim Advocate Gladys Figueroa Stec
of the Lake County Victim Assistance
Program at 440-350-5792.
Purple Lights
The Domestic Violence Center
Lake Geauga United Head Start,Inc.
(DVC) in Cleveland is sponsoring Providing FREE Comprehensive
Purple Light Nights™ in October,
a campaign designed to shine a Preschool Services
light on a problem that is often
FOR ELIGIBLE
associated with silence and shame.
Here’s how you can be a part of CHILDREN 3-5 YEARS OLD
this important effort.
Individuals: Individuals can shine
Services Include
Nutritious Meals
a light in their window or on the
front porch of their home through- Play based learning with literacy focus
out October. Community Resource Connections
Special Needs/Disability Services
Business and Community
Partners: Participate by distribut-
ing campaign materials, shining
DON’T WAIT!
CALL NOW FOR MORE INFORMATION!
a purple light, and by finding
other creative ways to advance the
campaign. Painesville Center
350 Cedarbrook Dr
Other Participation: DVC also 440-392-5636
encourages other venues to shine a
light, set up a display, distribute ma- Gladys Figueroa, Attorney’s Victim Assistance Program, OR TOLL FREE 1-866-407-3452
terials, offer a training or presenta- P.O. Box 490, Painesville, Ohio or call 440-350-5792.
tion, or find other ways to publicize
the campaign.
Remembrance and Support:
Purple Light Nights™ is a way to
remember domestic violence homi-
cide victims; to celebrate the cour-
age of those who have survived; and
to provide hope, information and
services to those who are still living
with violence and abuse.
DVC operates a 24-hour Helpline
(216-391-HELP), provides a safe
shelter for women and children,
youth programs, community sup-
port groups, crisis intervention,
Latina Program, and more.
September - October 2008 11 / The HOLA Journal September - October 2008

Tubers and Roots:
A Puerto Rican Culinary History
F
ifteen years ago, a group Miguel Ortiz Cuadra, who teaches
of laborers arrived at an a doctoral-level course in “Culture
Ashtabula county labor camp and Nutrition in the Caribbean,” at
from Puerto Rico to work at a lo- the University of Puerto Rico in Rio
cal nursery. Their suitcases were Piedras. He is director of the humani-
loaded with clothes and personal ties department at the UPR branch in
belongings needed for a season of Humacao and has written a book about
work, and they also carried with Puerto Rico’s culinary history entitled,
them cardboard boxes packed with Puerto Rico en la Olla (see box).
breadfruit they brought from their “Your palate is connected to your
beloved island. Breadfruit, known senses, your emotions, your family.
as pane (pronounced PAH-neh), Vianda is part of the national identity
together with tubers and root veg- of Puerto Ricans. The original etymo-
etables are known collectively as vi- logical meaning of the term vianda is
anda, and form an important part of ‘that which gives strength and life.’”
Puerto Rico’s culinary heritage. And Ortiz Cuadra divides the tubers and
today, there is no need to bring them roots that make up vianda into two
from the Island. You can walk into groups, those known by the indig-
the Sav-A-Lot in Ashtabula, and enous people of Puerto Rico, and those
other local stores, and see a well- that came after the Spanish discovery.
stocked section of strange-looking Yautia, yuca and batata were cultivat-
knobby, fibrous brown roots and ed by the indigenous before the Span-
tubers of all shapes and sizes. They ish arrived. Yautia is often mistakenly
are usually located next to the Idaho called a yam, but is actually tanier. It
potatoes and assorted onions. It’s a has a bland, creamy white texture and
testimony to the long-settled Puerto is used in Puerto Rican specialties like
Ricans, that vianda has travelled alcapurria, a meat-filled croquette.
with them from the Caribbean and Yuca, a root with a hard crust, is also
made it onto the shelves of main- used to make flour. The batata is a
stream grocery stores in Northeast sweet potato with many varieties,
Ohio. though the indigenous knew a white
“People travel with their palates. It’s variety known as batata blanca.
what I call their paladar memoria, After the Spanish arrived on the
or culinary memory,” explains Cruz Island, other vianda known as ñame,
malanga, and pane were cultivated
along with platano (plan-
tain) and guineo
Puerto Rico en la Olla (sweet bananas),
which are not
¿Somos aun lo que comimos? tubers and
roots, but
Author: Cruz Miguel Ortiz Cuadra still in the
vianda
392 pages; Spanish
category.
The yam
Publisher: Ediciones Doce Calles
known as
www.docecalles.com ñame arrived
in Puerto Rico
12 / The HOLA Journal
with African slaves around 1545,
though the exact means by which it
arrived is not known. “We don’t know
if the slaves carried ñame in the few
clothes they had; knowing they were
going on a ship and sailing to a place
they didn’t know, and said, ’I’m bring-
ing something to eat,’’’ Ortiz Cuadra
said, “or if slave traders brought ñame
on commercial ships as food for the
slaves.” Regardless, today when you
want to find the freshest ñame on the
island, you head out to the countryside
and ask for ñame Portuguesa. It still
carries the name of the slave trad-
ers, and is consumed a lot by Puerto
Ricans, particularly at Christmas.
Malanga is taro root, originally cul-
tivated on the African coasts such as
Angola and Congo. “These are the
zones from where the first Africans
came to the Caribbean as slaves,”
Ortiz Cuadra said. Today, malanga is
used to make pasteles, a type of Puerto
September - October 2008
The breadfruit came to Puerto Rico
from Jamaica, via Haiti.
Rican tamale, and also boiled in
stew known as sancocho. Bread-
fruit, or pane, came to Puerto
Rico from Jamaica, by way of
Haiti. “When the breadfruit tree
was introduced here in the 18th
century, it spread quickly all over
the island,” Ortiz Cuadra said.
“I’m looking out my window at
one right now—it’s a prolific tree.
When a seed falls, poof, a tree
grows.” During the depression of
1930s, and in other eras of great
hunger in Puerto Rico, breadfruit
was often all that was avail-
able. “Sometimes I show people
breadfruit and they say No! I
don’t even want to see it—a lot of
people lived on it for a long time
when they were young,” Ortiz
Cuadra explains. Nevertheless, in
Humacao, in the barrio Mariana,
a breadfruit festival is celebrated
every year. The breadfruit is still
used in many dishes, including
fritters, desserts and meat-stuffed
creations.
One of the main staples of the
Puerto Rican diet is the plantain,
which was brought from the
13 / The HOLA Journal
Canary Islands in 1515. “Platanos have a
beautiful quality for nutrition—they re-
produce easily,” Says Ortiz Cuadra. “One
platano plant dies, and next to it, another
grows. It doesn’t require the human hand.”
Plaintains are used to make mofongo, a
dish with African roots, where plantains
are fried then mashed in a mortar and
pork crisps are added along with garlic.
It’s similar to a dish in the Dominican
Republic known as mangoo, but where
the plantains are boiled in stock instead
of fried. Fu Fu is the African counterpart,
made with mashed ñame. “All of these
terms, mofongo, mangoo, fu fu, were
introduced by the Africans,” Ortiz Cuadra
says. “People talk a lot about globaliza-
tion today. But in that era, there were a lot
of interchanges too, from Africa to Puerto
Rico. They just happened slower.”
Vianda Sold by the Tons in Northeast Ohio
blanca from
Ecuador, the
yautia lila from
Nicaragua, and
the bananas
and plantains
from Ecua-
dor. “None
of it comes
from Puerto
Rico,” Muñiz
said. “There’s
no way they
could produce
Enrique Muñiz, owner of La Borincana. Photo by Veronica Dahlberg
enough.” Mu-
ñiz also stocks
Some of the freshest vianda can be breadfruit when it is in season. For
found at La Borincana Foods, 2127 now, it is available in a can. Consum-
Fulton Road, in Cleveland. Owner En- ers include not only Puerto Ricans,
rique Muñiz sells nearly 5000 pounds but also Central and South Ameri-
a month of the tubers and roots, and cans, and African immigrants, too.
an additional 40 cases a week of La Borincana stocks an extensive
plantains. Each case contains 50 assortment of specialty food products
pounds of plantains. “At Christmas, from all the Latin American coun-
it’s a different story,” Muñiz said. tries, the Caribbean, and an especially
“We go through four times more than large section of food products from
that.” The yuca sold in La Borincana Africa. “African culture is very simi-
comes from Costa Rica, the yautia lar to our culture,” says Muñiz.
September - October 2008
Presidential Election: Where do the Candidates Stand on Immigration and other Latino Issues?
Barack Obama – Democrat John McCain- Republican
“There’s a huge difference between ing the troops home and generating ern border as well, before working After giving his speech at a luncheon in place,” says Hessy Fernandez, a believe that nativist and anti-immi-
Barack Obama and John Mc- more jobs, Figueroa said. “Do you on immigration reform? “To build for the National Council of La Raza, national Latina spokesperson for Mc- grant forces in the Republican base
Cain,” asserts Cuautemoc “Temo” spend billions of dollars a month on a wall would cost billions of dol- the Latino civil rights organization, Cain, and who previously served as caused McCain to backtrack on his
Figueroa, the campaign director the war, or do we use those funds lars—staff—I don’t think Ameri- presidential candidate Sen. John Mc- press secretary for Hispanic Outreach position, and will also continue to be
responsible for getting out the La- for education, cans have Cain offered to take for the Repub- influential in a Republican adminis-
tino vote for Obama. That may be healthcare?” he the stomach questions from the lican National tration—the same administration that
true on issues such as health care, said. for the price audience of about Committee. has used large scale raids and deten-
war and education. But those who What will Compre- tag of it. It’s 1000 Latinos. A “If there are tions on Latino immigrant families,
compare McCain’s and Obama’s po- hensive Immigra- not feasible,” line formed at the places where a to devastating effect. “Sen. McCain
sitions on Comprehensive Immigra- tion Reform look Figueroa said. microphone, and fence is need- hasn’t backtracked,” Fernandez said.
tion Reform may find they are more like in an Obama “We need to about four or five ed, OK—it’s “He was for CIR yesterday, today and
similar than different on this major presidency? “As develop tech- people asked ques- not a wall.” tomorrow. He has risked his political
Latino issue. a U.S. Senator nology that tions. They were she adds. Mc- career to support it, why? because it
As a community organizer, and then Barack fought will secure clearly not pre- Cain would was the right thing to do. Nobody has
as an Illinois state senator, Obama the best he could the borders; chosen or vetted. be a champion worked harder on this issue. And he
worked closely with the Latino for Comprehen- we need to As border activist for the Latino got attacked from Republicans, Dem-
community on issues, Figueroa said. sive Immigration fully fund the Enrique Morones community, ocrats, he got attacked by everybody,
“I think (Obama’s) entire career has Reform.” Figueroa State De- of Border Angels including im- but he stuck to his beliefs.” Fernan-
been dedicated to the Latino com- said. But many La- partment to approached the mi- migration is- dez says it is the same tenacity he has
munity,” Figueroa says. “Look at tinos point out that process appli- crophone, the audi- sues, Fernan- shown since his days as a Prisoner
his passage of the DREAM Act in as a U.S. Senator, cations—we ence cheered. But dez says. “He of War in Vietnam. On other issues,
Illinois—he fought hard for it.” The Obama voted for have a back- then, an anonymous has always some question McCain’s vote against
DREAM Act allows young, undocu- the border wall, as did Sen. Mc- log that is unheard of. We need to voice over the loudspeaker said there identified with the Latino community. reauthorizing Head Start, a program
mented immigrants who entered the Cain. “You can’t speak about Com- look at the employers; be tough on would be no more questions, and the As an Arizona senator, he got 70- that benefits many Latino and disad-
country as children with their par- prehensive Immigration Reform employers who are hiring undocu- microphone wasshut off. McCain percent of the Latino vote. He knows vantaged children. Fernandez said
ents, and who mented people.” looked just McCain wanted
graduated high Adds Figueroa: as surprised to reform Head
school, to get “The 12 million people in the shadows, the communities “We have to do as Morones, “We must prove we have the resources to secure our borders and Start, rather
on the path of taking immigration enforcement into their own hands, something. We and in a use them, while respecting the dignity and rights of citizens and than “throw
legal residency can’t continue gesture that legal residents of the United States. When we have achieved our money at it.”
by attending
the neighborhoods seeing rising tensions as citizens are on with 12 mil- will likely Fernandez says,
college. pitted against new immigrants…they’re counting on us go down
border security goal, we must enact and implement the other “There is a
lion people living
“Barack has to stop the hateful rhetoric filling our airwaves – rhetoric in the shadows. in Latino parts of practical, fair and necessary immigration policy.” huge difference
called for Barack has been political between Sen.
that poisons our political discourse, degrades our Sen. John McCain, Republican Presidential Candidate, speaking
Universal consistent with his history, he McCain and
Health Care,” democracy, and has no place in this great nation.” position through- tossed his at the NCLR conference luncheon, Monday, July 14, 2008 Sen. Obama.
adds Figueroa. out—he’s going own mike He wants to
Sen. Barack Obama speaking at the NCLR conference keep taxes low
“There are 40 to fight for im- off the stage
million people
luncheon on Sunday, July 13, 2008 migration reform to Morones for Hispanic
who don’t the first year of and encouraged him to ask his ques- the issues. He’s fought for compre- families and small businesses; he’s
have insur- his presidency. He tion. The question was about border hensive immigration reform (CIR) talked about holding schools account-
ance, and Latino children are a high without first securing our borders,” has made that commitment to the deaths and the wall. McCain, an Ari- forever. The bill has his name on it,” able and making health care available
percentage of those without insur- Figueroa said, echoing what is es- community.” zona senator, said he was very aware Fernandez said. But some say Mc- and affordable to all. Sen. McCain
ance. So when we talk about Uni- sentially McCain’s position. “Is it of border deaths, and restated his call Cain now claims he would not vote is not taking any vote for granted.
versal Health Care, we are talking the end-all? Of course not. But you To learn more, read Barack for more border security. McCain has for his own bill, which he authored He wants to be the president for all
about Latinos.” There are other have to bring forward the debate.” Obama’s Latino blueprint for said that any legalization plan would together with democratic senator Ted Americans— Republicans, Democrats,
issues that differentiate Sen. Obama Does that mean Obama will want a change at: have to come after the border is se- Kennedy, and would’ve put in place Independents, African Americans and
from Sen. McCain, such as how to wall constructed along the length of http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/ cured first. “It’s about using technolo- a legalization program for 12 million Latinos,” Fernandez said.
handle the mortgage crisis, bring- the southern border, and the north- Latino_Blue_for_Cange.pdf. gy at the border and having a program undocumented people. Many Latinos To learn more, see www.johnmccain/espanol
14 / The HOLA Journal September - October 2008 15 / The HOLA Journal September - October 2008
 La Roca: Mexican Taqueria Serves up Good HOLA Scrapbook: Highlights of 2007-2008
Food with a Christian Touch
Taquerias, those small taco diners that it’s made fresh. May 21, 2008 HOLA
spring up in Mexican communities, If you order can never forget the
seem to come and go with the wind. guacamole, devastating raids in
The demands of owning a small busi- we peel the Painesville. Hundreds
ness overshadow the love of cooking. avocados and gathered in front of
St. Mary’s Church for
But Hector and Erika Picasso believe make it.” The
the second of three
their taqueria, La Roca, is here to tortas, a clas- marches. Photo by Juan
stay—even in these tough economic sic Mexican Ramirez.
times. Located in a small strip mall at sandwich, are
1712 West 19th St., in Ashtabula, La $5, and include
Roca is named after the bible pas- your choice of May 21, 2008 Walking
from St. Mary’s Church
sage in Matthew 7:24 – 26, about seasoned pork, November 16 & 17, 2007 – HOLA director
to the Painesville town
the wise man who builds his house carne asada square to raise aware- Veronica Dahlberg spoke in the Mexican Con-
on a rock. “For us a rock is strong. (steak), cho- ness of the inhumanity gress, a trip that also included meeting Mexican
If you build on a foundation of rock, rizo, milanesa and destructiveness of President Felipe Calderon Hinojosa.
you can withstand wind, rain,” Erika (chicken-fried raids. Photo by Juan
said. “And that’s what we’re trying to steak) or beef Ramirez.
do—withstand this economy that’s like tongue. They
a hurricane.” The Picasso’s converted come topped with beans, lettuce, toma-
to Christianity nearly 10 years ago, toes, sour cream and homemade salsas Hector to join a brother in Ashtabula
when they accepted Christ into their and pico de gallo. The lunch specials and issued a final ultimatum to Hector,
lives. Opening La that he could join her in Ashtabula only
Roca in 2006 was if he checked himself into a Christian October 24, 2007 The
drug and alcohol treatment program. first statewide Immigrant
a decision that was “Therefore everyone who hears these Advocacy and Civic
That was a turning point 10 years ago;
made after much words of mine and puts them into prac- the program changed Hector’s life, and Engagement Day, orga-
prayer. “Hector was
tired of working for
tice is like a wise man who built his he has never gone back to that lifestyle. nized by HOLA, at Ohio
State Capital. Photo by
someone else. He house on the rock. 25 The rain came Today he is also a pastor who hopes to
Veronica Dahlberg
spread the Good Word through a Pen-
wanted to open a down, the streams rose, and the winds tecostal church the Picasso’s opened
taqueria and prayed blew and beat against that house; yet it
to God for one,” last month at 3234 Station Ave., in
Erika said. “I knew did not fall, because it had its foundation Ashtabula. They hope to eventually
it was a big risk, on the rock.” Matthew 7: 24-26 open another taqueria at a second
location, and even add a small butcher March 2008 – On the steps of the U.S. Capitol: A
but in some way or local Latino delegation went to Washington DC
another, he wanted shop specializing in meats prepared
November 2007. Nursing mom for NCLR Advocacy Days. Photo by Veronica
to realize that American dream.” include a variety of combinations for traditional Mexican dishes. “God
Saida Umanzor, a Honduran im- Dahlberg
La Roca is a family-owned business served with rice and beans for just $6 changes you,” Erika said. “We love it migrant living in Conneaut, is
that caters to families. The décor is a plate. In the winter, they will offer here, we have a home, and we have a reunited with her children after be-
simple, and soft Christian music barely Mexican soups and specialties such as feeling of peace.” ing released from detention with an
audible in the background replaces menudo, a spicy, tripe soup. ankle monitor. HOLA in partner-
traditional Mexican music. Prices are Opening a small business was a big ship with attorney David Leopold,
La Roca of Cleveland, advocated strongly
inexpensive and there is a large selec- step in a long journey the Picasso’s
tion to choose from. The menu features took together that began in Mexico. 1712 W. 19thth St. for her release. The case brought
the New York Times to Ashtabula,
all fresh, homemade dishes, special- Erika is from the state of Guerrero, and Ashtabula, Ohio 44004 and generated national attention,
izing in tacos, tortas and burritos, but Hector from Salamanca in Guanajuato. (440) 964- 0133 leading ICE to change its policies
also includes vegetarian dishes and They met in Chicago, and became a
kid’s meals. “You can buy a whole couple, a period that Erika said was
Dine in or Carry out. regarding detention of mothers
March 2008 – Ohio Latino leaders and students met
with dependent children who pose
meal for $6 and it fills you up,” Erika difficult due to Hector’s serious drug Delivery available. no risk to national security.
with Rep. Steve LaTourette and Sen. Sherrod Brown
to discuss issues ranging from jobs to immigration.
said. “And when you order something, and alcohol use. She decided to leave Photo by Veronica Dahlberg.

16 / The HOLA Journal September - October 2008 17 / The HOLA Journal September - October 2008

Postcards from Postville: A Tiny Town in Iowa Deals
with the Largest Immigration Raid in U.S. History
By Lynn Tramonte
On the morning of May 12,
2008 in Postville, Iowa, a middle school
classroom full of children heard the
government helicopters before they
saw them. Running to the windows
to press their faces against the glass,
they could see military-style vehicles
swarm toward the meatpacking plant
on the outskirts of town. They knew it
was “Immigration,” coming to take their
parents away. They said the helicopters’
wings sounded like insects’.
That day, nearly 400 immigrant
workers at the Agriprocessors meat-
packing plant in Postville were arrested
by federal agents from Immigration
and Customs Enforcement (ICE). They
transported the workers to the Waterloo
Cattle Congress,
a facility normal-
ly used to show-
case cattle. The A livestock arena served as a temporary
livestock arena
served as a tem- detention facility for the Guatemalan and
porary detention
facility for the
Mexican workers.
Guatemalan and
Mexican work-
ers. They were accused of violating
U.S. immigration laws, and over
300 of them were also charged
with “aggravated identity theft”—a
felony—and told they could spend
years in jail before being deported.
The government aggressively
prosecuted the workers, coercing them
into signing plea bargains quickly, and
many clearly did not understand their
rights or what was happening to them.
They were appointed criminal defense
counsel, but their lawyers were repre-
senting up to sixteen other defendants.
They were tried in groups—the goal
was to process the detainees quickly,
not evaluate each case on its own merits.
According to Professor Erik Camayd-
Freixas, an interpreter during the Post-
18 / The HOLA Journal
ville workers’ trials, “the workers were
shackled in groups of 10, assembled
and, like the livestock prepared for
slaughter at Agriprocessors, they were
efficiently packaged, convicted, and
ordered deported.”
On July 25 I traveled to Post-
ville, Iowa to observe a meeting between
local community residents and members
of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus
(CHC). The delegation included CHC
Chairman Joe Baca (D-CA), Represen-
tative Luis Gutierrez (D-IL), and Rep-
resentative Albio Sires (D-NJ). Before
the meeting, Congressman Gutierrez’s
Legislative Director, Susan Collins,
and I met with local leaders helping the
families. Sister Mary McCauley, the
pastoral administrator for St. Bridget’s
Roman Catholic Church in Postville,
and Pastor David Vazquez of Luther
College in Decorah, Iowa, welcomed
us into the church that had become a
sanctuary, legal clinic, food bank, and
meeting place for the families of those
arrested in May.
When we arrived, immigra-
tion lawyer Sonia Parras Konrad was
reviewing legal files for forty-three
women who had been arrested at the
plant and released—with monitoring
devices fastened to their ankles—so
they could care for their children. She
was applying for “U” visas for all of
them—a visa program designed to help
crime victims stay in the U.S. and tes-
tify against actual criminals—and was
reviewing hundreds of documents to be
sure the files were all in order.
Their children, ranging in age
from newborn babies to teenagers, were
dealing with the anguish of knowing
that the government could take their
mothers any time. Many of the chil-
dren were U.S. citizens, born in Iowa,
and had American accents. One brave
boy talked about feeling as though he
could proudly hold the Mexican flag in
one hand and the American flag in the
other, and he didn’t understand why this
was happening to his family. His father
was sentenced to five months in prison
for working at Agriprocessors with a
fraudulent document.
That evening, Susan and I met a lo-
cal couple that owns
a restaurant on the
main street in Post-
ville: a blond-haired,
blue-eyed Iowa na-
tive and her Guate-
malan husband, a for-
mer Agriprocessors
worker. They told
me that since the raid,
the town’s streets have been cloaked in
a blanket of sadness. Businesses have
lost customers and are on the brink of
closing. Over 20% of the town’s popula-
tion was arrested during the raid; whole
families lost their livelihoods.
The next morning, the Congressional
Hispanic Caucus members arrived after
an overnight trip from Chicago, Illinois.
They tumbled out of their vans into the
bright Iowa sunshine and the sanctuary
of St. Bridget’s, where about 200 com-
munity residents had gathered to meet
them. Over the next three hours, the
members of Congress listened to the
stories of women, children, and men im-
pacted by the immigration raid. A group
of teenagers spoke about working 12
September - October 2008
hour shifts at the plant, drenched in ani- town—parked their lawn chairs on the fair and just immigration policy that
mal blood and ripping apart meat with side of the immigrants that day. respects workers, respects families, and
scissors until their hands cramped, earn- respects our American values. We have
ing only a pittance in wages. A group of
women with monitors strapped to their
After hearing the workers’ stories, I
felt ashamed of how the government
not achieved this goal yet, and millions
of families in America still fear the
ankles and their young children in tow treated hardworking, family-oriented black helicopters. But I know that one
spoke about being unable to work, yet immigrants as criminals, and failed to day soon we will prevail.
unable to leave the country, meanwhile, protect their rights in the workplace.
their husbands are in jail. They have no After standing with Postville residents, Lynn Tramonte is a member of the
way to pay rent or buy food for their town leaders, and visitors from across HOLA Board of Directors, and serves as
children, and they are waiting for im- the nation, I felt proud to be part of a policy director for America’s Voice.
migration court dates in 2009. Many movement that is working toward a
spoke of the abuses they
experienced at the plant:
vacation and overtime
pay that never material-
ized; strenuously long
shifts; lack of protec-
tive clothing and equip-
ment; even physical and
sexual abuse.
The next day, hundreds
of members of the faith,
labor, and immigrants’
rights communities from
across the region rallied
in the town of Postville
to support the communi-
ty and demand just and
humane immigration re-
form. The town’s may-
or, Bob Penrod, asked
the government to let
all the Latino families
of Postville come back
home. Jewish leaders
from Minnesota, Chi-
cago, New York, and be-
yond, spoke out against
worker abuses com-
mitted at Agriproces-
sors. While there was
a small anti-immigrant
contingent trying to dis-
rupt the pro-immigrant
rally, our new friends
in town remarked that
they were all outsiders,
people they had never
seen before. The real
Postville residents—in-
cluding the old-timers
with real roots in the
19 / The HOLA Journal September - October 2008
 Shalom and Buenos Dias!
Latino Leaders Visit Israel for New Perspectives
On Feb 9, 2008, a group of 20 Latino ing immigrant communities through more from Ethiopia, and other coun- But despite the challenges, the Israeli speak Hebrew,
leaders from the United States em- leadership and civic education. Day tries, including Latin America and the economy is vibrant, growing at a rate but the govern-
barked on a two-week trip of Israel, trips included site of 6 percent. Most immigrants arrive ment funds
sponsored by Israel’s Ministry of visits to social with few resources, and unable to five months
Foreign Affairs (MASHAV) and the service agencies of free, full-
American Jewish Joint Distribution throughout Israel, time Hebrew
Committee’s Center for International as well as sig- instruction. It
Migration and Integration (CIMI). nificant cultural also provides
It was the first time the sponsors landmarks and new arrivals
had hosted a professional exchange institutions, like with a sti-
program with American Latino leaders Yad Vashem, pend—around
in Israel. The program was an inten- the Holocaust $8,000—and
sive immersion into the diverse and Memorial, nature job placement
cosmopolitan culture and politics of centers, religious assistance
Israel, with a focus on immigration sites, and the through its
and integration from an Israeli/Jewish Knesset, Israel’s absorption
perspective. Parliament. centers. The After dinner dessert! With friends at the famous Philadelphia restaurant, in
The Latino delegation stayed at the The delegation emphasis is Jerusalem—named for the city of brotherly love—and started by the first
Arab/Jewish business partnership in the 60s. The walls are adorned with
Ramat Rachel, a beautiful, historic travelled by bus At the Ethiopian Community Center, an immigrant absorption center in squarely placed photos of American presidents who visited there.
kibbutz converted into a resort and as far north as the Ramle, Israel. Jews left Ethiopia to Sudan during a civil war. From there on education,
over 20,000 came to Israel through military rescue operations, such as
conference center on the outskirts of city of Nahariya, Operation Moses (1984) and Operation Solomon (1991). with significant payoffs for both Israel political power. At the Knesset,
Jerusalem, where several of the work- near the Lebanon and the immigrants themselves. deputy speaker Yuli Edelstien spoke
shops and presentations took place. border, and the Golan Heights, where United States. Integrating them has The integration success rate is high—
Topics ranged from the geo-political they stayed at the Ein Gev kibbutz on posed challenges, including employ- Altar of Our Lady of Sorrows, inside the immigrants have quickly accessed (continued on page 23)
Church of the Holy Sepulcher in old Jerusalem,
situation in Israel, a presentation given the banks of the Sea of Galilee during ment, education and issues with at-risk the 13th station commemorates where Jesus was
by the foreign ministry, to strengthen- a two-day trip of holy sites. youth. But with the assistance of Jewish taken down from the cross.
The modern state organizations in the United States,
of Israel is only dozens of programs serve the needs of
60-years-old new immigrants. For example, most Glossary of terms:
and smaller than of the Ethiopian Jews arrived with no ■ Kibbutz
New Jersey, yet school experience at all. At an Ethiopi- A communal farm in Israel
has absorbed and an absorption center funded by Jewish ■ Ulpan
integrated an es- organizations, Ehud Bahat, who directs A school for learning Hebrew
timated 3 million the absorption of immigrants into the
immigrants in its educational system, said that Israel’s
■ Aliyah
The Hebrew term for
short history. By national policy is to teach the Hebrew
immigrating to the homeland,
Israeli law, any language, and to integrate immigrants
Israel, described as “moving
Jew in the world socially into Israeli society. Immigrants
up”. (For example, to make
can immigrate are encouraged to retain their own
Aliyah is to “move up” your
to Israel. In the cultures and their mother tongue. The
station in life.)
1990s, about a Israeli government has pledged $900
million came million to improve the Ethiopian com- ■ Shalom
At an Arab employment and training center run by the American from the Former munity, create more jobs and improve Hebrew word for “peace” also
Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, in Cana, Israel. The “Women of
Soviet union academic achievement. used as a greeting.
Valor” program is one of four dozen employment programs that target
specific populations. (FSU), thousands Photos by Veronica Dahlberg
20 / The HOLA Journal September - October 2008 21 / The HOLA Journal September - October 2008
 George V. Voinovich United States Senator • Ohio
Lowering Gas Prices: Find More, Use Less
A
ll of us know that Ohio fami-
lies are hurting terribly from
sky-high gasoline prices and
everything else that goes up along with
rising fuel costs, including food prices,
travel expenses and the overall cost of
living. It’s impossible for me to visit a
gas station these days without coming
across people who are downright angry
and frustrated.
I’m working to craft a comprehensive
plan focused both on short- and long-
term solutions and, last month, I co-
Sherrod Brown United States Senator • Ohio
An Energy Policy To Lower Gas Prices Now
I
n 2001, Ohio drivers paid $1.40
for a gallon of gas at the pump.
Today, gas prices in many areas
of the state top $4.00 a gallon. School
districts, local governments, truckers,
police departments, fire departments,
and Ohio families are all feeling the
sting of high gas prices.
Earlier this summer, members of
Congress offered strategies to help
bring down gas prices. Unfortunately,
these efforts were blocked. Oil
companies claim - and their supporters
in Congress back them up - that
drilling - anywhere, anytime - is the
cure-all for our energy woes. Yet, even
energy experts working for the White
22 / The HOLA Journal
sponsored the Gas Prices Reduction Act
– a bill that would increase American
production through offshore explora-
tion and western states oil shale. It also
aims to reduce imported oil by making
it easier for millions of Americans to
drive plug-in electric cars and trucks.
These steps will put America on the
path toward lower gas prices and en-
ergy independence while stopping the
transfer of billions of American dol-
lars overseas to buy oil from countries
whose leaders hate us and are harboring
and supporting terrorists.
We must act now to tap the 10 billion
House admit that drilling today would
not produce oil for many years.
More importantly, drilling today will
do nothing to bring down gas prices
this summer - or even this year.
To help communities and families in
Ohio - and across the country - the
President should tap into our nation’s
oil supply by opening the Strategic
Petroleum Reserve. That will help
bring down gas prices now.
Congress and the White House should
also hold Wall Street accountable
and go after oil speculators that
game the system. According to a
former top official at the Commodity
Futures Exchange Commission, oil
speculation accounts for up to 50
percent of the price of oil per barrel.
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barrels of oil in ANWR and 85 bil-
lion barrels in the Outer Continental
Shelf, and the Department of Energy
estimates that America’s total oil shale
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resources could top 800 billion barrels. The HOLA
It’s our duty to use the resources we
have while coming up with alternatives
Journal TODAY!
for the future.
We shouldn’t be begging other coun-
tries for their oil when we are sitting on Visit us online at
vast, untapped supplies of our own. You www.holatoday.org
can rest assured that I am working tire-
lessly in the Senate to help us explore The editor’s Mom, on the beach, Tampico, Mexico, Sept. 16, 1959.
our own resources and move toward a This issue is dedicated to you. (1936 – 2008) 440.964.3372
permanent solution to the crisis with the
Latinos Visit Israel
or email us at
help of alternative and renewable fuels hola@holatoday.org
and conservation. (continued from page 21)
nothing” after walking 680km through
to the Latino delegation about arriv- Sudan. Today, he speaks several lan-
ing in Israel in the 90s with the wave guages and has been elected to serve
of Russian immigrants after he had in the Knesset.
spent years in the Siberian Gulag. He
became an immigrant leader in Israel,
and started an immigrant political par- Subscriptions
ty with the slogan, “Let Me Drive,” a Get the HOLA Journal Please specify Spanish or
reference to giving immigrants a voice mailed directly to your home English or both. Send your name
The federal government also and control on issues. The Latino or business! and address along with a check
must commit to accelerating the delegation also met Shlomo Mulo—an or money order to:
development of renewable and Ethiopian Jew. He had arrived alone Spanish Edition $20 per year/
in Israel, an immigrant with “zero, 6 issues Subscriptions
alternative energy sources. Alternative
English Edition $20 per year/ HOLA Journal
energy is not only the key to energy
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Big Oil would like nothing better than
for our nation to continue to rely on The got something to SELL?
more and more drilling. It has helped
Exxon and others earn unbelievable If you would like to advertise your services, HOLA is now offering
classified ad space.
profits. But Congress must stand up
for American families and stand up
Looking for employees? Try placing a classified ad. All ads appear in both
to Big Oil. When Congress returns the English and the Spanish versions of the HOLA Journal. Your ad will be
to Washington in September, I will Journal translated for free!
continue to work with my colleagues
on an energy policy that acts in the Rates are $10 per line, with a minimum of three lines.
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best interest of our nation, not the oil
Contact HOLA at 440.964.3372.
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September - October 2008 23 / The HOLA Journal September - October 2008