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The Reporter: Florida authorities start probe of CAT 2002 group
Netty C. Gross

The authorities in Florida have launched an investigation into the activities of the Coalition Against Terrorism 2002, also known as CAT 2002, of Weston, Florida, which solicits funds to aid victims of terrorism.

Criminal investigator Frank Bialaszewski, of Florida�s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, told The Report by phone that a preliminary investigation has been started, and that his department has received complaints from synagogues and other Jewish institutions in the United States about CAT 2002.

According to CAT 2002�s former Israel partner group, Heala -- Lend a Hand, over $100,000 in donations raised by dozens of institutions and individuals, and given to CAT 2002 for distribution, have not been received by the intended recipients in Israel. CAT 2002 and Heala each blame the other for abuse of funds. (See The Jerusalem Report, March 8 issue.)

The Report has been unable to trace several members of CAT 2002�s purported board of directors, and CAT 2002�s honorary chairman, Jacob (Kobi) Schlesinger; nor have other CAT 2002 officials provided The Report with promised evidence that it transferred the funds. The Report has now tracked down Israeli businessman Azriel Biberstain, who was listed as "temporary Chairman of CAT 2002" on its website before the link stopped responding on February 12. Biberstain told The Report by phone from Amsterdam that he was not, nor ever had been, CAT 2002�s chairman. Biberstain said he met Schlesinger, whom he knew years ago in Haifa, about a year ago in New York, and was offered a position which he says he declined.

"I volunteered to help Kobi out here and there but never, ever, did I agree to serve on any board," Biberstain said. "After that meeting, I never heard about CAT 2002 again. I am shocked and horrified to learn that my name has been used."

March 22, 2004

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