A1: KPD stands for Kappa Phi Delta, an independent Jewish social fraternity at Drexel from 1922 to 1946, at which time the members decided to affiliate with a national fraternity, Sigma Alpha Mu (SAM). They became the Mu Eta Chapter.

Q2: What is the KPD Israeli Club?

A2: The KPD Israeli Club is a cultural student organization, designed to supplement Drexel's Hillel with service opportunities, Israel advocacy, and other activities. The Club is open for membership to all Drexel undergraduate students who are willing to accept KPD's mission and to do the Club's activities.

Q3: Why do you say that a purpose of the KPD Drexel Scholarship Fund is for the advancement of religion?

A3: The Fund requires that a scholarship recipient join and operate the KPD Israeli Club or Minor in Judaic Studies. The Club requires that a bono fide member participate in some Judaism activities and the Minor requires that you study some things about the Jewish religion.

Q4: Lester, why all this interest in Judaism after sixty seven years of secularism?

A4: I was raised Orthodox the first ten years of my life, Conservative the next three, at which time I was Bar Mitzvahed. Then, sixty seven years of secularism, during which time I have entered a synagogue only for a wedding, a bar mitzvah, a bat mitzvah, or a funeral. But I have always had an abiding concern for Jewish people all over the world and for the security of Israel, which I have visited twice. Now, I am a born-again Jew, helped by a book, entitled Jew vs. Jew, by Professor Freedman of Columbia University,.by Chutzpah by Alan Dershowitz, and by news clippings like this one: Canadian Jewish leader says survival is the issue for Jews, “A senior Canadian Jewish leader has said, that over the next generation, survival is the real issue for Jews worldwide. The vice-president of B'nai Brith Canada, Frank Dimant, said that Jews face Islamic terrorism in Israel, "the new anti-Semitism" in North America and Europe, and assimilation and demographic decline in North America. (Emphasis is mine. Lester) He said the situation in Europe is worse than in North America, because a deep-seated, historical anti-Semitism is joined with a fear of Muslim immigrants harbouring radical fundamentalists. "Most of the world's religions are entering the 21st century and learning to coexist, but Islam is still fighting the Crusades."

Q5: Will any of the money collected for the Scholarship Fund be spent on the KPD Israeli Club?

A5: Absolutely not. All contributions to the Scholarship Fund will be spent on scholarship grants, fundraising expenses, and on building an endowment fund.

Q6: What causes so many Jewish men and women to become assimilated or to turn away from supporting their brethren?

A6a: The causes are many and very complicated. I hope to get endowment money so that some of our scholarship recipients can research the problem. The KPD Israeli Club should offer a partial solution to solving the problem.

A6b: Here is one cause, in my opinion. The following statement appeared in the website for the Auerbach Central Agency for Jewish Education under Teen Education on January 29, 2005, “Jewish Fraternities and Sororities: The following fraternities and sororities formally maintain a distinctly Jewish emphasis: Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity ( www.aepi.org ); Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity ( www.sam.org ); Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity ( www.zbt.org ); Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority ( www.aephi.org ); Sigma Delta Tau Sorority ( www.sigmadeltatau.com ).”

I sent the following email to Rene Feldstein Goldfarb, Consultant on Adolescent Education,

“Ms. Goldfarb: I do not know how you can call ACAJE an organization that promotes Jewishness when you recommend the Sigma Alpha Mu (SAM) and the Zeta Beta Tau (ZBT) fraternities as Jewish fraternities. They are not and haven't been for tens of years. You are encouraging Jewish boys to enter the world of assimilation and "political correctness" where they will forget their Jewishness, marry gentile women, and raise their children to be Christians. There is only one Jewish fraternity left in the United States and that is AEPi."

Q7: Lester, why do you say you are now a Born-Again Jew?

A7: On April 20, 2005, my seventy-sixth birthday, I became a Born-Again Jew. On that day I took a vow to tithe myself each year at least 10% of my total income and to devote this money to supporting the KPD Drexel Scholarship Fund, the Louis Stein Minor in Judaic Studies (at Drexel), the KPD Scholarship Fund (at Drexel), and the KPD Israeli Club.

Q8: What are the activities of the KPD Israeli Club?

A8: The activities of the Kappa Phi Delta (coed) club include: (1) support the Judaic Studies program at Drexel, (2) help needy Jews in Philadelphia , (3) attend Drexel Hillel's shabbat dinners and services, (4) take leadership classes at OCA (Drexel University), (5) promote cooperation between members of all denominations of Judaism, including secular, (6) encourage students to explore and celebrate their Jewish identity, (7) advocate Israel’s right to exist be secure, and flourish as a Jewish State, (8) motivate students to marry Jewish and to raise their children Jewish, and (9) enjoy some social activities such as bowling.

Q9: Are Jews God's chosen people?

A9: It is my personal belief that Jews are God's chosen people. It began with God's commandment to Moses to lead the Jewish people out of slavery to the land of their forefathers and to begin the long process of becoming all that they could be in the image of God; i.e. To learn God's knowledge and God's wisdom.

Jews have led the world in the development of mathematics, science, law, engineering, business, finance, and medicine. Jews must continue to do so, but now we must lead in peaceful solutions to problems of human interaction. I urge the students in the KPD Israeli Club to become the best that they can be, and I urge them to become the best of peacemakers.

Q10: Lester, does this mean you have become a peacenik?

A10: Absolutely not. It means that the State of Israel should carry a very big stick while talking softly to its enemies about peaceful solutions to problems.

As one example, Israel should have a very strong Air Force while talking softly to Iran about the vulnerability of their oil wells, refineries, and nuclear plants.

Q11: What are the minimum hours needed to be a bona fide member of KPD?

A11: To be a bona fide member of KPD a student must be willing to put in a minimum of eight hours per month, as follows: a 1-1/2 hour Club meeting, a 2-1/2 hour Drexel Hillel shabbat service and dinner, a 1-1/2 hour Israel-related forum or workshop, and a 2-1/2 hour JRA food distribution on a Sunday morning. That is less than two hours per week!

(Bowling is optional. Two hours per month, probably on a Sunday, will be paid for by the Club sponsor if you are a bona fide member of KPD.)

I expect the officers to be bona fide members of the Club and to be good role models to the remaining members of the Club.

Q12: In what ways should the KPD Israeli Club be advocates for Israel?

A12: KPD should invite speakers to explain, in forums at Drexel, the different problems existing between Israel and its neighbors.. We should be sure to invite the Arab and other Islamic students at Drexel to attend these forums. We should use this opportunity to develop a dialogue with Arab students and other Islamists, especially Palestinian Arabs, on peaceful solutions to these problems. Above all, we should direct our concerns to the children, both inside and outside the boundaries of Israel.

But, Jonathan Tobin, Editor for the Jewish Exponent, warns us, "However, I’m a bit skeptical of such interfaith peace dialogues because the nature of these exchanges tend to consist of an Arab complaining about Israel and a Jew agreeing and saying that Israel is terrible. That does make a connection between those involved but it is not a true dialogue between peoples."

Q13: Is the KPD Israeli Club an activist organization?.

A13: The KPD Israeli Club is not an activist organization for electing politicians, for zionism, for aliyah, or for (or against) decisions or actions made by the State of Israel. KPD is a banner/sign-carrying activist student organization against anti-semitism and anti-Israel polemics.. We are a cultural club. We are activists for Judaism as a culture. We view Israel as the Jews' native homeland - the land of our forefathers and we wish to keep her free, secure, and prosperous as a place of refuge for Jews throughout the world who are oppressed and seeking asylum. We are seekers of peaceful solutions to the problems between Israelis and her neighbors.

Q14: Lester, Why have you shifted to the left of center regarding Israel?

A14: I have shifted only a little bit to the left of center regarding Israel. It is because of (1) the sight of Michael Levin's parents at his funeral during the 30-day war in Lebanon (2006) and (2) the sight of dead, injured, and traumatized Lebanese children during the same war. I say, ENOUGH. ENOUGH ALREADY. Let's find peaceful ways to end the recurring conflict between Israel and her neighbors.

Q15: Why was it so difficult in 2005 – 2006 to get Drexel students to join the KPD Club?

A15: Perhaps the answer can be found in Jonathan Tobin's predictions for 5767 in the Sept. 21 Jewish Exponent on page 33, “The most significant trend in

American Jewish life will be the rejection of pro-Israel causes by younger American Jews who are turned off by 'parochial' issues and prefer charities and activism focused on the plight of non-Jews”. I replied, "Yes, Jewish students at Drexel tell me they would prefer to support a charity at McDonald's restaurant, Ronald MacDonald's Charities, rather than support the JRA Pantry Distribution; I should not be surprised."

Q16: Lester, why is service to the Jewish Community of Philadelphia so important to you?

A16a: It is a tradition of Judaism to help our fellow Jews.

A16b: It can bring our Club members closer together in a bond of Fellowship.

A16c: It is time, finally, for me personally, to pay back for the eight years of life support given to me while I lived in the Jewish Orphanage at 711 E. Church Lane and four years in four foster homes sponsored by the Association for Jewish Children of Philadelphia.

Q17: Is there “life” after death? (Islamic suicide terrorists, be sure to read.)

A 17: In my opinion, NO. I liken death to our condition during medical surgery. I have had three major operations. During all three, I heard nothing, felt nothing, and dreamed nothing. When I awoke I had absolutely no idea of how much time had passed. When you die there is no waking up.

I believe death is the end of everything. Do not look for a “life” after death. Everything is now, while you are in this life. For the sake of yourself, for the sake of your family, and for the sake of your people, make the most of this life and in it become, in a peace-seeking way, the best that you can be.

Q18: What is the mission of the KPD Israeli Club?

A18: 1. to bring college men and women together in service for the betterment of the Philadelphia Jewish community.

2. to promote cooperation between members of all denominations of Judaism, including secular.

3. to train students to be leaders and role models by being officers in KPD, by taking classes with CEO, and by doing campus service.

4. to encourage Jewish students to explore and celebrate their Jewish identity.

5. to participate in and support the Judaic Studies program at Drexel.

6. to advocate Israel's right to existbe secure, and flourish as a Jewish State.

7. to combat anti-semitism and anti-Israel on campus and in the Philadelphia area.

Q19: What are the activities of the KPD Israeli Club?

A19: See http://www.kpdscholarships.org/activitiesofkpd.html

Q20: How can adults combat assimilation?

A20a: Stop indulging your children. A plethora of gifts produces a self esteem based on material possessions. Orthodox Jews understand this problem. Parents owe their children (1) love based on unqualified acceptance and (2) discipline based on satisfying basic needs, including love of God and a concern for the welfare of our fellow Jews.

A20b: Raise your children in the orthodox denomination.

A20c: Have your children learn Hebrew: reading, writing, and speaking.

A20d: Visit Israel with your children, as often as possible.

A20e: Volunteer, along with your child, in Jewish and Israeli causes.

A20f: Encourage your sons and daughters to join an organization in college like the KPD Israeli Club, where there is service to Jewish and Israeli causes and a committment to marry Jewish and to raise children Jewish.

A20g: Join BirthRight Israel in order to establish a strong connection between your child and the State of Israel.

A20h: Contribute to scholarships like the ones our Fund is offering. Parents spend a small fortune in grades K through 12 attempting to educate their children in the Jewish way of life. What about grades 13 through 16? We need to continue the education process thru the college years. It will cost only a few dollars per year. Give to the KPD Drexel Scholarship Fund.

Q21: What has been Hillel's role in combatting assimilation?

A21: During the years 1947-2007 Hillel has provided some Judaism activities and lots of social life but little emphasis on caring about the welfare of our fellow Jews or about the welfare of the State of Israel. In 1948 there was no celebration held at Drexel's Hillel when Israel was given statehood by the United Nations. Also, there was no todo shown concerning the war for independence that took place at that time. Huge assimilation has taken place in America even though Hillel was present on most college campuses. The KPD Israeli Club plans to do a better job of combating assimilation.

Q22: What is your stand on Israel versus Iran?

A22: On August 11, 2007 I sent the following letter to Jonathan Tobin, Editor of the Jewish Exponent,

"Israel Should Attack Iran Now

In "Pandering Won't Be Enough" on July 5, Jonathan S. Tobin expressed deep concern for leaving the Iran problem to the U. S. presidential elections of 2008..

I share his concern and the concern of writer Mark Justin who forbodes the 'fate of the second 6 million'.

It is my opinion that President Ahmadinejad of Iran is emulating Adolph Hitler and intends to make Iran the greatest nation in the Middle East.

Economic sanctions are necessary but not sufficient. He will invade Iraq [or take Iraq by proxies] as soon as American forces have exited, which is likely to happen before January 21, 2009. After occupying [or conrolling] Iraq, he will join with Syria and attack Israel. Israel will be overwhemed; no nation will come to her defense.

Ahmadinejad's spoken words calling for the destruction of Israel are tantamount to a declaration of war; Israel has every right to defend itself. The time for Israel to attack is now, while George W. Bush is still President.

The distance between Israel and eastern Iran is too great for Israeli fighter and bomber planes to attack and return. The attack must be a joint effort between the U. S. and Israel. Israeli planes, using rocket assist, could take off from U.S. carriers stationed near the southern coast of Iran in the Persian Gulf, strike their targets, and fly home to bases in Israel.I believe the targets should be Iran's nuclear facilities, her oil refineries, and her oil wells.

Once the people of Iran see the havoc brought onto their country because of their President's reckless words and actions they will vote Ahmadinejad out of office and we will see a peaceful situation with Iran."

Lester Helmus

Los Angeles

Q23: How do we prevent colon cancer? [I add this item as an important warning to all young men and women.]

A23: Today, August 22, 2008, I heard Charly Gibson on the ABC nightly TV news pay tribute to Leroy Sievers for his courageous battle with colon cancer and the way he reported in a daily blog about his battle with the disease. I did a Google search and began examining the daily blogs. I scrolled backwards thru several years of the blogs. What was missing was a statement that should have appeared on every blog,

YOU - EVERY MAN AND WOMAN - SHOULD GET A PREEVENTATIVE COLONOSCOPY SCREENING STARTING NO LATER THAN AGE 50 AND SHOULD CONTINUE TO GET THIS SCREENING EVERY THREE YEARS THEREAFTER.

My first screening was with a sigmoidoscopy, at age 68, after I saw bleeding coming from the rectal area. By then the polyp had grown to mushroom size and the only recourse was surgery. Doctors cut open my abdomen and removed a section from my colon. I lucked out two ways: (1) The cancer was benign, and (2) The cancer was not too close to the abdomen wall, otherwise I would be wearing a "bag" today. So, I am not advising you on how to prevent colon cancer; that information is available on the internet by doing a Google search. But I am advising you to detect colon cancer before it becomes a major problem. The screening procedure requires you to prep yourself by drinking copious amounts of "antifreeze". It's tedious and very unpleasant but the alternative - ignoring the screening as I did - is far, far worse. A word to the wise should be sufficient.

Q24: How bad is Jewish assimilation in the United States?

A24: Very bad. Here is an updated link on the decline of Jewish population due to assimilation .

The Jewish population in the United States in 1950 was 5 million out of a total of 100 million or 5%. Today, the Jewish population is 6 million out of a total of 300 million or 2%. When Ralph Nader had 5% of the electorate in 2000 the media gave him lots of attention and he probably took the election away from Al Gore.In 2004 when Nader's electorate dwindled to 2% the media ignored him and he had little effect on the reelection of Bush. Our voting power as a political force continues to dwindle. What is going to happen to support for Israel when there is a major economic depression in the U.S. and the Arabs continue to extort us with high fuel prices?

The KPD Drexel Scholarship Fund and the KPD Israeli Club at Drexel University represent one small step in dealing with the coming crises. Over time, I hope there will be a national network of KPD coed clubs at colleges and universities throughout the United States. Only then, will we have taken a large step in the attempt to reduce the growth of Jewish assimilation in the U.S. and to increase support for the State of Israel.

Q25: Now that Barack Obama is the President is there anything we should be worrying about?

A1: Here's one thing, his desire to create a paramilitary police force.; see Civilian Security Force .

Q26: Is there hope for Iran?

A26: 6/20/09 There is rioting in Iran over a "fraudulent" ballot count for the Presidency. It is good to see large numbers if young Iranians demonstrating. They know who is going to bear the brunt of a war with Israel.

Q27: Does God listen to our personal requests?

A27: I think not, with the exception of a select few, such as Moses, Jesus, And Mohammed. However, if you are deserving, you may have a Guardian Angel listening to your requests. I have come to believe that my mother is my Guardian Angel!