EBulletin for October 21, 2016

Shalom ZOA Members, Friends and Supporters of Israel,

Chag Sameach!

The BDS Movement is truly a menace, and there are many ways to counter and combat it. Greater Philadelphia ZOA is planning a “Buy Israel” Israel Food, Crafts and Judaica Festival to pro-actively and permanently battle the “boycott” component of BDS in a positive way. We want this event to be both comprehensive and successful, and the time and effort needed to meet those goals is too great to accomplish by December 6. Therefore we are postponing this event until the spring. But that does not mean that you need to wait until then to buy goods from Israel. There are many opportunities to do so, whether in local supermarkets, via the Internet or during your trips to Israel. Goods from Israel can include necessities for your cupboards, or gifts or Judaica. Meanwhile, we are excited about this festival and we will let you know the new date as soon as it is rescheduled.

On November 3, please join us for an exploration of the wonders that Israel produces and shares with the world, at Greater Philadelphia ZOA’s quarterly meeting on November 3, featuring a presentation from Mark Cohen of Israel Ideas.
We are privileged to present “An Evening With Sgt. Benjamin Anthony” on Dec. 8, featuring one of the most impactful and compelling speakers around. Come out to hear Sgt. Anthony’s passionate and crystal-clear message. Bring your friends and particularly students.
In between these two local events is one of the most pleasurable and spectacular Zionist events of the year: The National ZOA Justice Louis D. Brandeis Award Dinner on November 20 in Manhattan.

Details on all of these events are below.

Greater Philadelphia ZOA needs volunteers to help set up for our November 3 meeting at Beth Sholom. If you are able to arrive early and lend a hand, please call our Office at 610-660-9466.

We are also looking for volunteers to do Internet research and/or make calls. These tasks can be done from your home or office. If you have some time you can lend us, please call our Office. Thank you.

If you are already a member, please make sure your annual dues are up-to-date. If you are not sure, contact us and we will check and let you know. It may be time to renew your membership.

You can also invite your friends or relatives to join Philadelphia ZOA, and additionally, you can purchase a gift membership for a loved one.

You can join or renew online by clicking the donate/join tab above. Or you can call us at: 610-660-9466.

We value each and every member!

Also of Interest:

Greater Philadelphia ZOA Board Members To Be Honored

Our friends at Aish Philadelphia are honoring Greater Philadelphia ZOA Board Members Jonathan and Bonnie Pontell and two other couples at their annual gala on Nov. 22. The Pontells are richly deserving of this recognition. There are opportunities to support the honoring of the Pontells by attending the Aish Gala or by purchasing an ad in the tribute book. For details, click the link below

Aish Gala: http://www.aishphila.com/2011/event.php?id=360

A Message From Co-President Lee Bender:

“Friends:

As many of you know, I have been battling lung cancer for over three years. Overall, I am still doing pretty well, all things considered, and there are several new promising treatments that are or will be approved soon and of which I am on. But there is a long way to go. I will be participating in the Free To Breathe Philadelphia Walk/Run on Sunday, November 6. Last year, my first, we had 20 join us in the walk/run and raised over $5,000. I am truly grateful.

I am again asking you to join my team, Lee’s Lasers, either via a donation and/or participation.

Any support will be greatly appreciated. See the link below:”

http://participate.freetobreathe.org/site/TR?team_id=58327&pg=team&fr_id=3422#.V_pTiySfwRY;