Pearl to speak at Beth Haverim
By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com

The public is invited to hear Judea Pearl, the father of slain journalist Daniel Pearl, address the congregation of Temple Beth Haverim on Yom Kippur, Sat., Sept. 22. High Holidays services begin at 9 a.m.; Pearl is scheduled to speak at 11.

Daniel Pearl was abducted and killed by terrorists in Pakistan in 2002. A reporter for The Wall Street Journal, he was on assignment for the newspaper..

Judea Pearl and his wife, Ruth, Daniel's mother, edited "I Am Jewish: Personal Reflections Inspired by the Last Words of Daniel Pearl," published in 2004. Pearl has spoken at a number of appearances recently, often signing the book. The Pearls have established the Daniel Pearl Foundation to promote peace and cross-cultural understanding.

"I'm so impressed by Dr. Pearl's ability to recover from the horrific event of his son's murder and offer a positive message to this world," said Beth Haverim Rabbi Gershon Weissman.

"It shows that we do not have to let other people define who we are," he said. "We can bring healing and hope even though we have experienced tragedy."

A film based on the 2003 memoir by Daniel Pearl's wife, Mariane, "A Mighty Heart: The Brave Life and Death of My Husband, Danny Pearl," was released in June. Actor Dan Futterman portrayed Pearl; Angelina Jolie played Mariane.

The Agoura Hills synagogue holds its annual High Holidays services at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza.

Tickets for the services may be obtained by calling the temple office at (818) 991-7111.