Shalom ZOA Members, Friends and Supporters of Israel,

In two months’ time, many of us will take part in what has become an annual ritual that we look forward to every year. Early in the morning we board a bus to Washington where for a day we become lobbyists on behalf of a strong, secure and vibrant Jewish State of Israel. We walk through the halls of Congress to appointments with our lawmakers on both sides of Capitol Hill. We have been well-prepped thanks to an assortment of materials and briefings, and we are as expert on our issues as is anyone from “K” Street. It is an exhilarating day; a fun day; a hard day; a rewarding day for our seasoned veterans who participate in ZOA’s Pro-Israel Capitol Hill Mission each year, and for those who experience the mission for the first time.

In addition to our lobbying appointments and briefings, the centerpiece of the event is a glatt-kosher luncheon where 20 or more lawmakers – Senators and House members – address us about their support and respect for Israel; their appreciation of ZOA and their gratitude that each of us has taken the time to come to Washington to meet with them.

Please consider participating in the ZOA Washington Mission this year – whether you have participated in the past or whether this will be your first time. The Mission is also an unforgettable experience for students in college, high school or junior high.

The June 6 Mission is two months away, but the generous early-registration discount expires in early May – please take advantage of it. There will be multiple bus pick-ups and drop-offs for your convenience.

Please see our Passover greeting at the bottom of this email.

Join ZOA Today!

Greater Philadelphia ZOA has begun our spring membership drive. Please consider becoming a member of the Zionist Organization of America.

This is a special year for ZOA as we celebrate the organization’s 120^th anniversary. We are the lingest-running and most active organization whose primary mission is helping Israel. Through education, advocacy and outreach ZOA is supporting and defending Israel and also strengthening the mutually beneficial U.S.-Israel relationship and the American Jewish community. Join us and be a part of our family.

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. Please resolve to become more active in Greater Philadelphia ZOA. This is your organization.
Please 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 join/donate tab above. Or you can call us at: 610-660-9466.
We value each and every member!

Get Involved in ZOA!

Support Greater Philadelphia ZOA’s work on behalf of Israel – right here in our region!

Click on the “Donate” tab above

 

Time to Ditch Israel’s Fake Friends in the American Jewish Community

By Lee Bender

It’s getting terribly tiresome hearing and seeing some liberal American Jews complain and harp — that Israel is not doing much if anything “to make peace with the Palestinians” and are not acting with “compassion and justice.”  The constantly repeated refrain, including from groups such as J Street, Jewish Voice for Peace, and other BDS supporters, that the status quo is unacceptable; that Israel, which is the much stronger party, and not the “poor” “victim” Palestinian Arabs, must urgently do something now; make concessions; withdraw from “occupied territories” for the sake of a Palestinian Arab state on its doorstep –- dash or else– is all too reflexive. And Israel will of course be isolated and vilified by the world and U.N. if it does not comply.  After all, “we all know what this is going to look like in the end.”

Well, maybe not. Maybe it is about time for Israel to say, “thanks for your suggestions, but if it is a choice between placing Israeli lives at risk or your support, then later on.”

Israel is actually doing quite well with business and relations around the world these days– despite any problems with the Palestinian Arabs. Israel has tremendously positive things to offer that the world is hungry for: high technology, computers, software, security systems, medical devices and treatments, agricultural, water, and other industry innovations. Israel is an open, democracy that upholds civil, women, minority, and gay rights, has a robust free press, independent judiciary, a parliament where Arab citizens are represented, an independent judiciary, educational opportunities and top health care.  Is everything perfect? No. Can and must Israel do better? Indeed. But these “progressive values” are nowhere to be found in the Arab world.  However, simply being a Jew who does not live in Israel does not give an automatic right to dictate terms to Israel’s generals and security officials as to “what is in Israel’s best interests.” That Israel is a sovereign democracy which elects its leaders is apparently of no consequence to some.

Read the rest of the article at: http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/time-to-ditch-israels-fake-friends-in-the-american-jewish-community/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shalom ZOA Members, Friends and Supporters of Israel,

Based on media reports, it appears that the “peace process” is starting up again. President Trump’s special envoy, Jason Greenblatt, has been engaged in shuttle diplomacy, and the Arab League is reaffirming its support for Mahmoud Abbas. All of this means that the news media will ramp up its biased reporting against Israel, and Israel’s enemies in academic, politics, punditry and elsewhere will spin the already-biased news to even further attempt to demonize, delegitimize and pressure Israel.

How do pro-Israel supporters compete with this multitude of deceit? How do we mitigate the damage and set the record straight?

Invite a Greater Philadelphia ZOA representative to speak to your congregation, organization, campus, school, social club — or even to your home to explain the true situation to your neighbors, friends and family.

It is urgent today to be as active as possible on behalf of a secure, strong and vibrant Jewish state of Israel, but the first step is to possess the knowledge about the history, international law and what is actually taking place on the ground. ZOA is a strong proponent of education. Let us offer the verifiable facts, historical documents and the true news to fellow congregants, group members and your neighbors. See the graphic below.

For more information and to book a speakers, call the Greater Philadelphia ZOA Office at 610-660-9466.

Now is the time!

Help Us Inform and Activate Your Congregation, Your Organization, Your Friends

Or, for a more informal gathering:

There’s No Better Way to Defeat BDS!

When Passover-Shopping, Remember to:

Out & About

Greater Philadelphia ZOA Executive Director Steve Feldman will be speaking this Sunday to participants in RAJE: the Russian American Jewish Experience. RAJE Philly is an elite program, designed to inspire and imbue young professionals with a sense of Jewish Pride. Upon successful completion of the Leadership program, participants are eligible for a free group trip to Europe and Israel.

The talk will take place at 6 p.m. at Congregation Beth Solomon Community Center, 198 Tomlinson Rd, Philadelphia.

Join ZOA Today!

Greater Philadelphia ZOA has begun our spring membership drive. Please consider becoming a member of the Zionist Organization of America.

This is a special year for ZOA as we celebrate the organization’s 120^th anniversary. We are the lingest-running and most active organization whose primary mission is helping Israel. Through education, advocacy and outreach ZOA is supporting and defending Israel and also strengthening the mutually beneficial U.S.-Israel relationship and the American Jewish community. Join us and be a part of our family.

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. Please resolve to become more active in Greater Philadelphia ZOA. This is your organization.
Please 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!

It’s Almost Time for ZOA’s Washington Mission!

Take advantage of a generous early-registration discount and deep discount for students!

For all the details including fees, bus information and answers to any other questions, please call the Greater Philadelphia ZOA Office at 610-660-9466.

Please see the graphic below:

Get Involved in ZOA!

 

 

 

 

 

Shalom ZOA Members, Friends and Supporters of Israel,

Yesterday, the United States Senate voted to confirm David Friedman as the United States Ambassador to Israel. Thanks to those of you who called your senators, and who encouraged others to call their senators in support of Friedman’s nomination. The vote was 52 to 46 in favor. Two senators did not vote. Locally, Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Pat Toomey (R-PA) voted for Friedman. Sens. Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tom Carper (D-DE), Bob Casey (D-PA) and Chris Coons (D-DE) voted “no.”

There’s No Better Way to Defeat BDS!

When Passover-Shopping, Remember to:

What Better Time Than Now To Be Part of the ZOA Family?

Join ZOA Today!

Greater Philadelphia ZOA has begun our spring membership drive. Please consider becoming a member of the Zionist Organization of America.

This is a special year for ZOA as we celebrate the organization’s 120^th anniversary. We are the lingest-running and most active organization whose primary mission is helping Israel. Through education, advocacy and outreach ZOA is supporting and defending Israel and also strengthening the mutually beneficial U.S.-Israel relationship and the American Jewish community. Join us and be a part of our family.

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. Please resolve to become more active in Greater Philadelphia ZOA. This is your organization.
Please 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 link above. Or you can call us at: 610-660-9466.
We value each and every member!

It’s Almost Time for ZOA’s Washington Mission!

Take advantage of a generous early-registration discount and deep discount for students!

For all the details including fees, bus information and answers to any other questions, please call the Greater Philadelphia ZOA Office at 610-660-9466.

Please see the graphic below:

Get Involved in ZOA!

Help Us Educate the Community:

Or, for a more informal gathering:

Greater Philadelphia ZOA Needs Your Help!

Call us at 610-660-9466 to learn how you can help us help Israel.

Watch, Listen, Learn:

Iran Deal Expert Omri Ceren Addresses Our Quarterly Meeting

 

 

 

Shalom ZOA Members, Friends and Supporters of Israel,

At this, the Purim season: As we remember Amalek; as we remember Haman and obliterate his name; as we remember our heroes Mordechai and Esther; as we remember Hashem’s miracles – we must remember all throughout the year that we have enemies, heroes and Hashem’s miracles as each of us remains vigilant and engages in pro-Israel advocacy and activism, and participates in a variety of ways to help Israel. Purim takes place in what is modern-day Iran. Once again Iran/the Persians threaten genocide against the Jewish People — and once again we will prevail, but we have work to do.

Iran was the focus of our quarterly meeting this past week. We had a great turnout for a wonderful presentation by our guest speaker, Omri Ceren. We also had quite a question-and-answer session, with our members and guests asking important and thoughtful questions. See a report below on Ceren’s main points. We hope to have video of his talk available shortly.

Please read through the end of this newsletter, as there is important information, news of upcoming events, items from National ZOA and our Purim greeting to you.

Ask Your Senators to Confirm David Friedman

Each of us has two United States senators.

Please call both of them, and ask that they vote to confirm David Friedman as US Ambassador to Israel.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee has approved him, but the full Senate must vote to confirm him.

Find phone numbers for your senators at the link below.

Please ask everyone you know to make their two calls as well!

https://www.senate.gov/senators/contact/

ZOA’s Purim Mission

Several Greater Philadelphia ZOA members are in Israel now, participating in ZOA’s Annual Purim Mission.

They will be visiting a variety of military and police bases distributing thousands of misloach manot packages,

and hundreds of cards and letters made by Jewish students from our immediate area and beyond!

We wish them a successful and wonderful mission.

While ZOA’s Washington Advocacy Mission may seem like it is a long way off, we are already reserving seats on our buses for this important day of hands-on pro-Israel advocacy.

The Mission features special briefings, a glatt-kosher luncheon that includes remarks from dozens of lawmakers, meetings on Capitol Hill with members of Congress and their chief aides, plus greetings and inspiring words from our National President, Mort Klein. Plus it is an opportunity to meet and network with Zionists from throughout our region and all of America.

Don’t delay!

Call our Office at 610-660-9466.

What Better Time Than Now To Be Part of the ZOA Family?

Join Us Today!

Greater Philadelphia ZOA is in the middle of our winter membership drive. Please consider becoming a member of the Zionist Organization of America.

This is a special year for ZOA as we celebrate the organization’s 120^th anniversary. We are the oldest and most active organization whose primary mission is helping Israel. Through education, advocacy and outreach ZOA is supporting and defending Israel and also strengthening the mutually beneficial U.S.-Israel relationship and the American Jewish community. Join us and be a part of our family.

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. Please resolve to become more active in Greater Philadelphia ZOA. This is your organization.
Please 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. Or you can call us at: 610-660-9466.
We value each and every member!

 

Upcoming Events of Interest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shalom ZOA Members, Friends and Supporters of Israel,

As you know, there are abundant and incessant efforts to undermine, delegitimize and ultimately (G-d forbid) destroy Israel. This is not a reference to missiles fired at Israelis, or other violent acts, but rather indoctrination and propaganda and other similar efforts to win people over to the anti-Israel cause. There was such an event last night at a local college campus, and yesterday at another local college campus, a notorious anti-Israel speaker was featured at a prominent lecture (He reportedly did not discuss Israel during his talk on “Islamophobia”). Greater Philadelphia ZOA, which tries as much as possible to find out in advance about such events, found out about these two particular events via tips from our members and friends. Thus, we were able to have people attending and monitoring them. We are grateful for their help.

We need your help to try to keep pace with Israel’s adversaries. If you learn about anti-Israel or potentially anti-Israel events in our region, please let us know about them, as far in advance as you can. Even if you think to yourself “ZOA must know about this,” as good as we are, we cannot know everything. We also need people who can attend these events, take notes and potentially ask questions to correct and/or challenge the speakers.

Please let us know by email or phone of any such events you find out about, and if you have time to attend any such Israel events, please let us know. Thank you.

Please Call Your Senators To Support President Trump’s Pro-Israel Nominee for U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman

Recently, Ambassador-designate David Friedman appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for his confirmation hearing. First the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will vote, and then the full Senate will consider his nomination. Senators Booker, Coons and Menendez from our area serve on the Foreign Relations Committee. Please call them and ask that they vote to send Mr. Friedman’s nomination to the full Senate. Please call both of your senators to ask that they confirm Friedman. Please encourage your friends, family, contacts and others – in our region and throughout the nation – to also call both of their senators on behalf of Mr. Friedman. See contact information below.

Thank you.

Pennsylvania:

Sen. Bob Casey: (202) 224-6324

Sen. Pat Toomey: (202) 224-4254

New Jersey:

Sent. Cory Booker: (202) 224-3224

Sen. Robert Menendez: (202) 224-4744

Delaware:

Sen. Tom Carper: (202) 224-2441

Sen. Chris Coons: (202) 224-5042

Other senators:

https://www.senate.gov/senators/contact/

Please Join Us for Our Next Event:

Note: pre-registration is required for the above meeting even though it is free.

Eventbrite link:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/zoa-meeting-iran-what-you-need-to-know-tickets-32053414626

Greater Philadelphia ZOA is looking for volunteers to help out at our March 7 quarterly meeting.

We also need volunteers for our “Buy Israel” Israeli Foods, Crafts and Judaica Festival, and to do Internet research and/or make calls.

The research and calls can be done from your home or office.

These are not fundraising calls.

If you have some time and talent you can lend us, please call our Office at 610-660-9466. Thank you.

It is our volunteers who make all of our activities successful.

Have You Reserved Your Bus Seats Yet?

What Better Time Than Now To Be Part of the ZOA Family?

Join Us Today!

Greater Philadelphia ZOA is in the middle of our winter membership drive. Please consider becoming a member of the Zionist Organization of America.

This is a special year for ZOA as we celebrate the organization’s 120^th anniversary. We are the oldest and most active organization whose primary mission is helping Israel. Through education, advocacy and outreach ZOA is supporting and defending Israel and also strengthening the mutually beneficial U.S.-Israel relationship and the American Jewish community. Join us and be a part of our family.

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. Please resolve to become more active in Greater Philadelphia ZOA. This is your organization.
Please 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 join/donate tab above. Or you can call us at: 610-660-9466.
We value each and every member!

One of our biggest battles is against the endemic and insidious anti-Israel propaganda. That is why hosting a Greater Philadelphia ZOA speaker is so important:

Or, for a more informal gathering:

Getting Ready for Purim and Misloach Manot?