Quick XTRA issue: Trump in the Middle East. Humor. Film. Women's PAC.
LETTY COTTIN POGREBIN NEWSLETTER #49 MAY 22, 2017

My OpEd in this weekend's Haaretz opens with: "I’ve been an unapologetic, indefatigable peacenik for more than 30 years, advocating, agitating, writing, and lobbying for the United States to use its power and influence to help resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Yet I do not want Donald Trump to come home with a deal." Here's why.
TRUMP WATCH

Like millions before him, POTUS tucked between the ancient stones of The Western WalI a folded slip of paper containing his most fervent wish. Hate to be a cynic but my guess is it said, "Please save my political ass," not "Help me make peace in the Middle East.
Mr. Manners in Israel today

Melania swats away Trump's hand as they walk on tarmac at Ben Gurion airport. Video clip speaks volumes about the First Marriage
Maybe she was repaying him for what he did on Inauguration Day when he exited their limo and completely ignored her, leaving it to the Obamas, exemplars of class and compassion, to do the right thing.

HUMOR
Trump predicts his impeachment will get higher ratings than all other impeachments. David Borowitz , NewYorker humorist, at his best.

(The cartoon above reminds me of what organizer, Sunny Goldberg, calls POTUS: "Agent Orange." )

"Sisters of Comedy" produced by Agunda Okeyo (above), is a "comedy showcase dedicated to black womanhood resisting patriarchy with laughter. " 5/25, 7:30, at Carolines on Broadway, NYC. Tickets here.

This classic photo of Hillary and Barack (above) has acquired some newly topical dialogue.
ACTIVISM
Food for thought and action in Nadine Hack's recent blog post. Consider this mind-expanding metaphor for women's lives: sprint, marathon, relay race.

California PAC supports progressive, pro-choice female candidates seeking elected office at all levels of government. Join the Women's Political Committee to help fund women or contact Marcia90049@gmail.com about how to start a similar PAC in your area.
FILM

"THE WOMEN'S BALCONY," Israel's #1 movie of the year, more than measures up to its hype. My husband and I saw it last night and both loved it. Delightfully engaging and wonderfully acted, the movie tells the story of group of women who react in surprising ways when the upstairs women's section in their synagogue collapses. Filmmakers Shlomit Nehama and Emil Ben-Shimon have woven a subtly subversive feminist message into "a cautionary (and universal) tale about religious fundamentalism and social change." Starts 5/26 in a few U.S. venues but not playing for long so don't miss it. Screening dates here.
Have a great week.