05/12/2026
Journalist Mark Patinkin Speaks to Us About His Book – Then Writes a Syndicated Column About Longtime Member Morty Roberts!!
Providence Journal syndicated columnist Mark Patinkin gave a fascinating presentation on April 21 in commemoration of Yom HaZikaron, about his book, "The Holy Land at War", as part of our Authors on Weeknights series. The book covers his interviews with Israelis and Palestinians during his month-long reporting trip to Israel 100 days after the terrorist attack on October 7, 2023. Miriam Furman (Silverman), who grew up in Rhode Island and was familiar with Patinkin’s syndicated columns, followed up on his talk with a few questions. During the book signing that followed, Patinkin met our longtime member Morty Roberts and decided to write a column about him that appeared in newspapers around the country! –Miriam Furman
Here's Mark Patinkin’s column:
At AGE 96, A PROFOUND LIFE LESSON
By Mark Patinkin
It was a long drive to New York, but of course I was honored to do it, flattered that Temple Beth Sholom in Roslyn, near Great Neck, invited me to speak about my journey through Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, and the book I wrote about it, “The Holy Land at War.”
But of course, as I drove, in the rain, it’s human nature to think, wouldn’t it be nice to have been able to cocoon at home?
Especially as we age, it’s part of the push-pull of evenings. The world is full of energizing things to do, but it’s easy to pass for the comfort of your own four walls.
Confession: I do that too often.
And miss too much as a result.
But this night, I would get an unspoken lesson about the simple power of getting out.
Around 50 folks came to the talk, which is always affirming, that people make an effort to hear what you have to bring.
I find such audiences a vibrant cohort because, well – they don’t cocoon. They push themselves from home’s comfort, even on a rainy evening, to engage in something new, which is part of staying both interested and interesting.
This night, one man reinforced that message immeasurably.
Afterward, a line formed for books to be signed, and suddenly, there he was, clearly the elder of the evening.
He was bent by age but wouldn’t let it stop him.
I asked his name for the signing.
Morty Roberts.
And his background? He was shy about it, but said he was once a Marine, serving all of us during the Korean War era.
Then I asked his age.
Morty is 96.
An age where one would certainly be forgiven for staying home.
Yet, here he was.
I asked Morty if we could take a photo. We stood together as others supportively held my book up behind us.
I’m glad he was a good enough sport to pose.
On evenings when I might waver about the push-pull of going out, I may glance at that photo.
And remind myself what Morty Roberts would do.
He would engage with the world.
Gaining the profound benefits of the simple act of getting out.
Which I’m convinced is one reason he remains a vibrant 96.
