Shalom ZOA Members, Friends and Supporters of Israel,

Saturday evening until Sunday evening is the 10^th of Tevet on the Jewish calendar, a date when Jews remember the besieging of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 588 BCE.

From sunrise to sunset (in other words, daylight hours this Sunday), observant Jews fast.

While today Israel and Jerusalem are not faced with a military occupation — thank G-d — we can and should reflect on the fact that the world, through the United Nations Security Council, is trying to split a unified Jerusalem and to deprive the Jewish People of our holiest sites in Jerusalem.

Yesterday we sent out an Action Alert about UNSC 2334 including a fact sheet exposing the lies in the text of the resolution. It is vitally important to expose these lies and simultaneously to convey the truth about Jerusalem, and also to do our utmost to prevent the Security Council member-nations from taking further action which jeopardizes Jerusalem, Israel and the Jewish People.

If you did not receive the Action Alert, please contact us and we will email it to you. It is available on our Facebook page now, and it will be posted to our Web site later today.

ZOA’s 120^th Anniversary Purim Mission

Time is running short to register for National ZOA’s special mission to Israel over Purim.

Take advantage of this opportunity to experience Israel as only you can with ZOA.

The mission is chock full of special moments such as attending the ceremony for the issuing of a new Israeli postage stamp commemorating our milestone anniversary, exclusive briefings with a variety of experts, touring through Judea and Samaria, and the joy of handing misloach manot gifts to the men and women of the IDF while visiting multiple IDF bases.

For all details about the mission including itinerary and pricing, go to: http://zoa.org/zoa-israel-mission-2017/

If you would like to speak to someone about the mission, please call our Office at 610-660-9466.

Note: We have 15 schools from throughout our region (from as far away as York, PA and Scranton as well as South Jersey) that have agreed to participate in this project. Is your school participating? Please ask your school to participate if they are not already. We are also looking for letters and cards from individual Jewish youth.

We have already received letters from Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy students, and from students at Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom in Wyomissing, PA – 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. Please resolve to become more active in Greater Philadelphia ZOA. This is your organization.
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 link above. Or you can call us at: 610-660-9466.
We value each and every member!

Out & About

Greater Philadelphia ZOA Co-President Lee Bender and Media Committee Chairman Jerry Verlin will be speaking at an adult education class this Sunday at 9:30 a.m. at Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El. Their topic will be: “Anti-Israel Media Bias Exposed, Combating Pejorative Terms, Its Causes and Fighting Back”

*          *          *

Lee Bender quoted extensively in Jewish Exponent article:

Locals React to U.S. Abstention at UN Vote

By Rachel Kurland

Lee Bender, co-president of the ZOA-Greater Philadelphia District, called the vote “a betrayal of the worst kind.”

“To intentionally not veto a resolution which calls for Jewish homes on the cradle of our ancient Jewish civilizations and the Temple Mount, the Jewish Quarter, the Mount of Olives, where Jews have been buried for over 3,000 years — to say that’s occupied territory is an outrage,” he said.

He described the abstention as an intentional insult from the outgoing Obama administration that completely “warps” the idea of peace.

“The only thing that Israel has to negotiate — if you’re talking about land for peace — is land. And now the U.N. says this is not Israel’s land to begin with,” he said.

The resolution is in violation of Security Council Resolution 242, said Bender, which provided that “after the Six-Day War, Israel did not have to give back all territories.” It also violates the Oslo Accords, which said that “both sides have to engage in negotiations,” Bender added.

In contrast to Obama and the U.N., Bender praised Netanyahu as a “real leader” for taking diplomatic action against some of the countries that promoted the resolution.

“ZOA has, for years, foreseen this potential outcome with the Obama administration,” he added. “What is really upsetting as an American — not just as a Jew — is to see an administration that’s completely unaccountable.

“[This resolution] can’t be undone so easily.”

Read the full article at: http://jewishexponent.com/2017/01/05/locals-react-u-s-abstention-un-vote/

Help Your Fellow Congregants and Community Become Better-Informed:

Prefer a More Informal Gathering to Discuss Israel and the Middle East?

Upcoming Event of Interest:

ZOA Praises U.S. Senators and Reps for Condemning UNSC 2334 and Kerry’s Anti-Israel Speech; and for Pledging to Stop U.S. Funding of the UN, PA, and Nations Who Voted For UNSC Res. 2334

Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) President Morton A. Klein released the following statement: The ZOA praises the many U.S. Senators and Representatives who condemned UN Security Council Resolution 2334; the Obama administration’s involvement in the resolution’s passage; and/or U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry’s December 28th anti-Israel speech.  (See “ZOA: Kerry’s Speech Ignored the Facts and Endangers Israel’s Safety and Security,” Dec. 28, 2016.  Kerry’s speech “doubled down” on UNSC 2334, and promoted additional anti-Israel policies that endanger innocent Israeli civilians’ safety, including lifting Israel’s weapons blockade on Gaza and security checkpoints.)    ZOA also praises all those Congresspersons who pledged to take strong action, including cutting off U.S. funding to the UN, the Palestinian Authority and nations that voted for UNSC 2334. Here are a few examples of these praiseworthy bi-partisan Congresspersons’ statements committing to action (in alphabetical order): Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark):  The ZOA praises Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark) for his statements condemning UNSC 2334 and Kerry’s December 28th anti-Israel speech.  Immediately following UNSC Res. 2334’s passage, Sen. Cotton said:

We appreciate every single Congressperson who condemned UNSC Res. 2334 and Kerry’s speech, and who has committed to action, or will take action to reverse the horrendous anti-Israel resolution.

“President Obama is personally responsible for this anti-Israel resolution. His diplomats secretly coordinated the vote, yet he doesn’t even have the courage of his own convictions to vote for it.  This cowardly, disgraceful action cements President Obama’s richly deserved legacy as the most anti-Israel president in American history.  This resolution hurts the prospects for a secure and just peace by targeting Israel for building homes in Jerusalem, its own capital, while not specifically addressing Palestinian incitement of and financial support for terrorism. . . . As a Security Council resolution with the imprimatur of the United States, this resolution surpasses even the infamous “Zionism is Racism” General Assembly resolution in its irrational obsession with the Jewish state. The United States provides considerable financial assistance to the United Nations and Security Council members. The UN and nations supporting this resolution have now imperiled all forms of U.S. assistance. I look forward to working with President-elect Trump and members of both parties in Congress to decide what the consequences for this action will be.”   (“Cotton Condemns Obama For Failing To Veto Anti-Israel UN Security Council Resolution,” Dec. 23, 2016.) Also, after Kerry’s speech, Senator Cotton appropriately blasted the Obama administration on Fox News Sunday, and explained that “settlements” (a euphemism for Jewish communities, towns and cities) are not the problem; the reason for lack of peace is the Palestinian-Arabs’ refusal to recognize Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state.  Here is the transcript: FOX NEWS HOST (Shannon Bream): “. . . You [Senator Cotton] said this . . . about the U.N. vote, “This cowardly disgraceful action cements President Obama’s richly deserved legacy as the most anti-Israel president in American history.” . . .” SEN. COTTON: “Well, I think the last week has been a fitting punctuation mark on eight years of Barack Obama’s presidency.  First he abstained at the United Nations in the same way he abstained from leadership in the world for eight years.  And second, he was much harsher on his allies than his adversaries.”  “At root, the problem that we face in the Holy Land is not Israelites building new neighborhoods around Jerusalem.  It’s the Palestinians refuse to acknowledge Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state in the Holy Land.  Until they do that, there won’t be a peace agreement between the two peoples.” FOX NEWS HOST: “Benjamin Netanyahu reacted to Secretary Kerry’s speech and he made a very specific allegation.  Here’s a bit of what he said.” PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU (on video clip): “We have it on absolutely incontestable evidence that the United States organized, advanced and brought this resolution to the United Nations Security Council.  We’ll share that information with the incoming administration.  Some of it is sensitive.  It’s all true.” FOX NEWS HOST: “But you said that President Obama is personally responsible for that U.N. resolution.  Quote, “His diplomats secretly coordinated the vote.” Are you privy to evidence?  What do you base that claim on?” SEN. COTTON: “No, I’m not privy to what Prime Minister Netanyahu is speaking about, but anyone with an ounce of common sense knows how the real world works and knows how the United Nations Security Council works.  Senegal and Malaysia, some of the countries that sponsor this resolution, don’t call the shots there.  If Barack Obama and John Kerry and Samantha Power hadn’t been speaking for months about the prospect of this resolution and had not been creating a climate inside the Security Council to let it come forward without firmly saying we will veto any one-sided anti-Israel resolution, no country would have brought that resolution forward. It only could have been brought forward and passed with explicit United States coordination with other members of the Security Council.”   (“Cotton Talks US-Israel Relations,” Fox News Sunday transcript, Jan. 1, 2017.) Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX): ZOA praises Senator Cruz for his prompt commitment to cut off UN funding to obtain reversal of UNSC 2234.  Senator Cruz tweeted: “Spoke w/ Israeli PM @netanyahu tonight to wish him Happy Chanukah & assure him of strong support in Congress. No US $ for UN until reversed.”  (✔@tedcruz  6:35 PM – 24 Dec 2016.) Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY):  ZOA praises Eliot Engel for criticizing UNSC 2234 and Kerry’s speech, and for stating that he will work with Trump administration to attempt to undo the damage.  Here are excerpts from Cong. Engel’s Fox News appearance: Cong. Engel:  “[W]hat Secretary Kerry did was just beat up on Israel in a disproportionate way [and] sort of gloss over the terrorism that the Palestinians have used throughout these years.  [He] neglects the fact that Israel picked up and left Gaza, left all the settlements there.  Did they get peace for that?  No, they got terrorism. . . . The United Nations [is a place] where Israel can’t get a fair shake.  We joined the crowd beating up on Israel.  It’s really disingenuous to say we abstained.  We abstained knowing full well what that abstention meant. It meant that the resolution would pass. . . .” Fox News Host: “Can you work with President-elect Trump, who says he will be a staunch ally of Israel?” Cong. Engel:   I will work with anyone to strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship.  . . . If President Trump is working with us on Israel, I’m perfectly happy to work with the President of the United States. . . . “By the way, I didn’t hear very much from John Kerry about what the Palestinians need to do.” (“Top Dems Turn on Kerry Over Israel Speech,” Fox News, Dec. 29, 2016.) Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC):  ZOA praises Senator Graham for stating that he will lead efforts to defund the UN and the nations that backed UNSC 2334.  Senator Graham stated: “This provocative action by the United Nations is an outrage and must be dealt with sternly and forcefully. As the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Foreign Operations of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I oversee the United States assistance to the United Nations.  The United States is currently responsible for approximately 22 percent of the United Nations total budget. If the United Nations moves forward with the ill-conceived resolution, I will work to form a bipartisan coalition to suspend or significantly reduce United States assistance to the United Nations.  In addition, any nation which backs this resolution and receives assistance from the United States will put that assistance in jeopardy.  There is a reason the United States has long opposed these type efforts directed at Israel — the only way to achieve a lasting peace by the parties negotiating directly and not using the United Nations as a blunt instrument against Israel.”  (“Graham on United Nations Resolution on Israeli Settlements,” Dec. 23, 2016.) Following Kerry’s speech, Senator Graham also explained that Hamas (which is part of the PA government) makes peace impossible, saying:  “Almost forty percent of the Palestinian population lives under the control of Hamas – one of the most vicious terrorist groups on the planet.  I wish Secretary Kerry and President Obama would stop pushing Israel to negotiate against themselves. The only way the peace process can be restarted is for the Palestinians to hold elections and be governed by a single entity that rejects terrorism. That is not the current situation and until that day arrives, pushing Israel to restart the peace process is folly.”  (“Graham Reacts to Secretary Kerry’s Remarks on the Path to Middle East Peace,” Dec. 28 2016.) Senator James Lankford (R-Okla):   ZOA praises Senator Lankford for “retweeting” and agreeing with Senator Lindsey Grahan’s plan to cut UN funding.   In his retweet, Senator Lankford stated: “As a member of the Foreign Ops Subcmte on Approps, I agree. UN funding should be up for discussion if the anti #Israel resolution is approved.”  (@SenatorLankford 8:57 AM – 23 Dec 2016) Senator Lankford also tweeted: “Anti #Israel resolutions like the one passed today at the #UNSC do nothing but hurt the prospects for peace in the region.”  (‏@SenatorLankford  12:18 p.m. – 23 Dec 2016) Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla): ZOA praises Senator Rubio for also promptly stating that he will work to assure that U.S. dollars do not fund anti-Israel efforts.  Sen. Rubio stated: “With yesterday’s abstention, President Obama has aided and abetted radical, anti-Semitic forces at the U.N. and cemented his legacy as the most anti-Israel U.S. president in history . . . I intend to work with the incoming administration to ensure U.S. taxpayer dollars do not continue to fund efforts to isolate the Jewish state of Israel.”(“Rubio: President Obama Cements Legacy as Most Anti-Israel U.S. President in History,” Dec. 24, 2017.) ZOA regrets that this is an incomplete list.  We appreciate every single Congressperson who condemned UNSC Res. 2334 and Kerry’s speech, and who has committed to action, or will take action to reverse the horrendous anti-Israel resolution.

 

ZOA Expresses Solidarity With Reform’s Hebrew Union College, Cincinnati, After HUC Defaced By Swastika

Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) President Morton A. Klein released the following statement:

The ZOA sends our heartfelt support to the administration, faculty, staff, students and alumni of Reform Judaism’s academic center at Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) in Cincinnati.  ZOA is saddened and appalled that a swastika was painted on the sign at the entrance to the HUC-JIR campus earlier this week.   Defacing a Jewish school with a swastika is hateful and offensive.  It is calculated to frighten and cause pain to the relatives of the six million innocent Jewish men, women and children murdered by the Nazis.

Thankfully, HUC-JIR was able to promptly remove the paint and repair the sign, and the authorities are investigating the incident.  (“Statement By Rabbi Aaron Panken, Ph.D., President, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute Of Religion,” Jan. 3, 2016.)

Unfortunately, there have been way too many anti-Semitic incidents and attacks during recent years, both in the United States and around the world.  According to the FBI’s hate crime statistics, Jews are by far the major target of religious hate crimes:  there were 731 victims of anti-Jewish hate crimes in the U.S. in 2015; 648 victims of anti-Jewish hate crimes in the U.S. in 2014; and 737 victims of anti-Jewish hate crimes in the U.S. in 2013. (Victims include institutions such as HUC-JIR, as well as individuals, etc.).

ZOA stands in solidarity with HUC-JIR and with all victims of anti-Jewish hatred.   We must continue to stand together to combat the baseless scourge of anti-Semitism.

JPost: ZOA Condemns French Conference Promoting Terror State Endangering Israel

By Danielle Ziri

In the aftermath of the UN Security Council resolution condemning Israeli settlement activity, American Jewish organizations expressed their strong opposition to the Middle East peace conference expected to take place on January 15 in Paris. Some 70 countries are expected to attend the summit, organized at the initiative of French President François Hollande. Netanyahu has repeatedly rejected the conference proposal, making clear he would agree to meet with Hollande and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas for talks, but only if there is no international summit. Leaders of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations called this week for the French to cancel or, at least, postpone what they called an “ill-conceived, poorly timed and damaging” event. “Now is a time for serious reflection on how peace can best be achieved, not for another sham forum in which the usual one-sided outcomes against Israel are the likeliest result,” the group wrote in a statement. “Given the significant issues that were raised in the past week which have long term implications for the prospects for peace, proper preparation after serious consultation is essential.” According to the Conference of Presidents, there are a number of compelling reasons to postpone the Paris event, including the impending transition to a new US administration, just five days later.

“When you combine the Paris conference and the UN actions along with the Islamic terror state Iran receiving $150 billion and a pathway to nuclear weapons, the world is clearly working to endanger Israel’s very existence.”

“It makes no sense that the next administration is precluded from participating in a discussion of an essential component of US foreign policy with which it will be engaged,” they explained. “Possible outcomes would add further uncertainty that will harm future prospects while unnecessarily inserting a new element of instability to the region.” The Conference of Presidents also urged the US to announce that it will not participate on January 15 in light of recent events, and further called on leaders of all the invited countries to “work to cancel the Paris meeting and refocus on the parties coming together for direct negotiations. “Israel has long sought direct talks, it is time for the Palestinian leaders to stop evading their responsibility and seeking to use international fora to avoid the only true path to a lasting peace,” they added. American Jewish Committee CEO David Harris also told The Jerusalem Post he “can’t see any possible reason to hold the Paris conference, all the more so days ahead of a change in US administrations.” “History has amply shown that it’s not the way to advance the Israeli-Palestinian peace process,” he said. Anything other than bilateral talks, Harris added, “simply convinces the Palestinians they can avoid the face-to-face bargaining table, while persuading the Israelis they’re dealing both with Palestinian avoidance and international mischief in the guise of ‘do-gooderism.’” Regardless of recent events at the United Nations, Zionist Organization of America national President Morton Klein added the conference is “a disgrace” because it promotes “the establishment of a Hamas/Fatah terror state whose two charters call for Israel’s destruction. “Peace is not possible while the Palestinian Authority [President] Mahmoud Abbas promotes murdering Jews in his speeches, media, and schools,” he told the Post. “When you combine the Paris conference and the UN actions along with the Islamic terror state Iran receiving $150 billion and a pathway to nuclear weapons, the world is clearly working to endanger Israel’s very existence.” This article was published by JPost and may be found here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shalom ZOA Members, Friends and Supporters of Israel,

There were reports late last night that the United Nations Security Council was going to vote today on a resolution that was patently against the rights of Jews to live in Judea, Samaria and the neighborhoods in eastern Jerusalem – and we learned today that the vote has been postponed. We are grateful that for now at least, a “bullet” has been dodged, as there is reportedly great uncertainty whether or not the United States would have vetoed the measure. But we dare not let our guard down.

Below in the ACTION ALERT is contact information for the UN Missions of the current Security Council member-nations. Please call often, and politely ask them to oppose any such resolutions. Jews should and must have a right to live anywhere we choose – and especially in the heartland of the Jewish homeland. Israel captured these areas after being attacked by Jordan – which had illegally occupied them. Both are important to point out.

You will have an opportunity to visit these areas that much of the world wants to take from Israel and the Jewish People as part of ZOA’s special 120^th Anniversary Purim Mission. See the details below.

This is obviously a special time for both Jews and Christians. Please see our wishes for good holidays below. It is also is a time of year when people traditionally make end-of-year charitable donations. If you have not made a donation to ZOA lately, please keep us in mind and support the vital work that we do locally, nationally and in Israel.

A Very Special Purim Is in Store for You if . . .

ZOA is having a special 120^th anniversary Purim Mission to Israel. On this trip you will have the opportunity to partake in rare experiences such as the joy of handing misloach manot goodies and handmade cards created by children to Israeli soldiers on multiple IDF bases, or attending a ceremony marking the issuing of an Israeli postage  stamp, or attending guided tours of the Mount of Olives and the Ariel Industrial Center, or meeting with Israeli heroes and heroines from a variety of walks of life.

Read more about where the Mission will take you at: http://zoa.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Purim-Mission-2017-Itinerary-Final.pdf

It all takes place March 5 to 14. But the deadline to sign up is coming up soon!

Register now for what promises to be a trip of a lifetime, and join two Philadelphia-area couples who have already signed-up.

As a special convenience, the entire mission will be based at the same Jerusalem hotel – so no need to frequently pack and unpack.

If you would like to speak with a local couple that has participated in previous ZOA Purim Missions to Israel and is going on this mission, call us at 610-660-9466.

A Wonderful Chanukah Activity!

Please call the member-nations of the United Nations Security Council in the days and weeks ahead, and urge them to veto or vote against all anti-Israel, anti-Jewish resolutions that may be introduced in the next month. Remind them of the need for peace to be hammered out through direct negotiations; remind them that Jews should be able to live anywhere, but especially in the heartland of the Jewish Homeland; remind them of the constant violence, threats and incitement directed against Israel and Israelis by both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority/PLO. Ask what their country would do if another people was attacking them. Ask if the people of their nation should be restricted as to where they are able to live.

Please remember to be polite and respectful.

Please share this Action Alert with your email and social-media contacts.

Thank you in advance for your activism!

United Nations Security Council – Current Members:

Permanent Members (Who have veto authority):

China: 212-655-6141

France: (212) 702-4900

Russia: 212 861-4900

United Kingdom: 212 745 9200

United States (212) 415-4000

Rotating Members:

Angola: 212-861-5656

Egypt: (212) 503-0300

Japan: 212-223-4300

Malaysia: (212) 986-6310

New Zealand: 212 826-1960

Senegal: (212) 517-9030

Spain: (212) 661-1050

Ukraine: 212 759-7003

Uruguay: (212) 752-8240

Venezuela: (212) 557-2055

Please see the related National ZOA release below!

As you make your end-of-year donations, please keep in mind the invaluable work that ZOA does, both in the public eye and behind-the-scenes, to help Israel and the Jewish People.

Much of what we do locally, nationally and in Israel is unquantifiable, but you can be sure that we at ZOA are always active, always vigilant, always outspoken as we support, promote and defend Israel.

Our professional staff and lay leaders are constantly engaged in activism: Whether it be encouraging advocacy, educating the under-informed, reaching out to those who care about Israel in their heart but otherwise would lack an outlet to channel their energy — ZOA provides information and the resources to try to make a difference

• In the media;
• On campuses;
• In government;
• Within the Jewish community; and throughout daily life.

All of it takes place because of your generosity. Thank you.

Your donation will allow us to do all of these and more in 2017, and the year ahead promises to be another one when ZOA’s vital services will be needed.

Please support the work we do with a gift that is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

There is no doubt that during 2016, you attended one of our Speakers Bureau presentations, or a ZOA meeting or special event; or you were alerted to a situation that needed your letters and phone calls; or you were better-informed about Israel and the broader Middle East. Help make it possible for us to continue and increase our activities and initiatives.

You can make a donation by check made out to ZOA to: ZOA, P.O. Box 56, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004.

You can make a donation by credit card by clicking on the donation tab on our Web site: https://zoa.org/donate/philly/

 Greater Philadelphia ZOA needs volunteers to do Internet research and/or make calls.

These tasks 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. Thank you.

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

Not a ZOA Member Yet? Please Join and Be a Part of the ZOA 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.
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 graphic below. Or you can call us at: 610-660-9466.
We value each and every member!

Out & About

Greater Philadelphia ZOA Co-President Lee Bender will be speaking at the event below:

ZOA Urges Obama & Amb. Power: Veto Anti-Israel Anti-Semitic UN Security Council Resolution

ZOA Urges Congress & Pres-Elect Trump: Cut Off All Payments to UN & Palestinian Arabs if Resolution Passes

Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) President Morton A. Klein issued the following urgent statement: ZOA urges President Obama and UN Ambassador Samantha Power to veto the (now postponed) anti-Israel, anti-Semitic, anti-peace, racist resolution that the UN Security Council (UNSC) had initially planned to vote on today.   The proposed resolution would make all of the Jewish communities in Judea/Samaria and eastern Jerusalem in the lawful, millennia-old Jewish homeland suddenly “have no legal validity” and “a flagrant violation” of international law; would require Israel to halt construction in these areas; makes false statements about international law; falsely claims that these Jewish communities are a “major obstacle”; calls on all nations to discriminate against Jewish communities in Judea/Samaria and eastern Jerusalem; and would require Israel to return to indefensible 1949 Armistice lines (misleadingly called “1967 borders”). ZOA praises President-elect Donald Trump for condemning the anti-Israel UNSC resolution, and the President-elect’s nominee for U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman for working relentlessly to try to stop this anti-Israel resolution. For the following reasons, the proposed resolution must be vetoed – and Congress and President-elect Trump should declare that they will end all funding to the UN and Palestinian Authority (“PA”) if the resolution comes to a vote and passes: The proposed resolution drastically changes U.S. policy and harms the peaceful transition to the new U.S. administration: Failing to veto the proposed resolution would dramatically change and destabilize U.S. and international law and policy, and thus would violate President Obama’s pledge to assure a peaceful transition to the incoming Trump administration.

As Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon accurately said, the proposed UNSC resolution “will do nothing to promote a diplomatic process, and will only reward the Palestinian policy of incitement and terror.”

As liberal Democrat Harvard Professor Alan Dershowitz noted when a similar resolution was proposed in 2011:  “the real reason the U.S. should veto this ill-conceived resolution is that it is inconsistent with U.S. policy, which has long advocated a negotiated resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli dispute.”  (“The U.N. Gangs Up On Israel – Again,” by Alan Dershowitz, Wall Street J’nal, Jan. 26, 2011.)  The UNSC resolution harms the cause of peace and direct negotiations: This one-sided anti-Israel resolution damages the cause of peace.  The resolution was prepared by the Palestinian Authority to avoid entering into direct peace negotiations with Israel.  The resolution enables the PA/PLO to continue its efforts to destroy the Jewish State, instead of sitting down to negotiate real peace. As Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon accurately said, the proposed UNSC resolution “will do nothing to promote a diplomatic process, and will only reward the Palestinian policy of incitement and terror.” Liberal Democrat Harvard Professor Alan Dershowitz explained:  “The only way forward for the Israeli-Palestinian peace process is bilateral negotiations between the two parties. . . . [A UN] resolution undermine[s] such efforts by encouraging the Palestinians to believe that direct negotiations — and the mutual sacrifices they would entail — are unnecessary. . . . It would also make it more difficult, if not impossible, for the Palestinian Authority to accept anything less than that already given them by the UN — which would in turn guarantee the failure of any realistic negotiations.”  (“Dershowitz: Obama, Don’t Destroy the Peace Process by Turning It Over to the UN,” Algemeiner, Nov. 1, 2016.) Similarly AIPAC explains:  “Anti-Israel [UN Security Council] resolutions . . . will likely divide the parties rather than bringing them together. Peace between Israelis and Palestinians will only be durable if both parties negotiate in good faith and implement a mutually agreed-upon solution.  The United States must veto any one-sided resolutions and press the Palestinians to return to direct, bilateral negotiations with Israel.”   (AIPAC Legislative Agenda: Support Direct Negotiations.) The Resolution Violates the Oslo Accords:  The Oslo accords, signed by the PLO/Palestinian Authority require the PA to engage in direct negotiations with Israel instead of turning to the UN.  (See “Obama Must Veto Anti-Israel UN Resolution On “Settlements,” ZOA, April 11, 2016.)   In addition, the Oslo accords authorize Israeli building in the zones (e.g., “Area C”) under Israeli control in Judea/Samaria.    The resolution turns international law upside down: The Jewish communities in eastern Jerusalem and Judea/Samaria are legal under longstanding binding international law and agreements, and prior carefully-crafted UN Resolutions (242 and 338).   Suddenly declaring that the Israeli and Jewish presence in these areas is has “no legal validity” and is “a flagrant violation” of international law violates over a century of jurisprudence.  (See “Obama Must Veto Anti-Israel UN Resolution On “Settlements,” ZOA, April 11, 2016.) The 1920 San Remo Conference that drafted the League of Nations Charter designated Judea/Samaria for Jewish settlement.   This determination was enshrined as a sacred trust for the Jewish people in the British Mandate for Palestine, and was later reaffirmed by Article 80 of the UN Charter.   The binding international law that Judea/Samaria is an area designed for Jewish settlement has never been superseded by an internationally binding agreement. The 1949 Armistice agreements (after Jordan invaded Israel and illegally occupied Judea/Samaria and eastern Jerusalem from 1948-1967), specifically stated that the 1949 Armistice lines were “without prejudice” and were not international boundaries.  When Israel recaptured Judea/Samaria and eastern Jerusalem in 1967, the original legal status of land designated for Jewish settlement was restored. U.N. Resolution 242 does not require Israel to return all territories that Israel recaptured during the defensive 1967 war.  Moreover, Res. 242 conditioned even a partial return of captured territories on “termination of all claims of belligerency” and “acknowledgment of the sovereignty . . . of every state in the area and their right to live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries free from threats or acts of force.”    Resolution 242 gives non-state Palestinian Arabs no claims or rights.  Moreover, the Palestinian Authority, Hamas (which would win an election in the PA if it were held today), Hezbollah, etc. have never met UN Res. 242’s conditions of terminating all claims of belligerency towards Israel, and recognition of and secure borders for Israel.  Instead, these groups have made it clear that their goal is Israel’s destruction. The UNSC resolution falsifies existing international law: In Orwellian fashion, the resolution portrays its drastic changes in international law – which would make legal Jewish communities “illegal” – as merely “reaffirming” existing international law.   (Of course, if existing international law were really what the proposed PA/PLO resolution says it is, the PA/PLO would not need the resolution.) The UNSC resolution is racist, anti-Semitic and inhumane and promotes anti-Semitic BDS, in conflict with US and State anti-BDS laws. The resolution would require uprooting 700,000 Jews from their homes, schools, farms, businesses and synagogues, which would anti-Semitic and a humanitarian disaster.  The 10,000 Jews who were uprooted from their homes in Gaza 11 years ago are still homeless. The resolution also calls on all nations, in all their dealings, to “distinguish” between Israel and Judea/Samaria/eastern Jerusalem.   This is essentially a cleverly worded call for anti-Semitic boycotts, divestment and sanctions (BDS) against Jewish businesses, academics and cultural institutions, and conflicts with anti-BDS provisions in the U.S. federal trade law and State anti-BDS laws. The proposed resolution would require Israel to return to the indefensible 1949 Armistice lines.  The 1949 Armistice agreements specifically stated that these lines that have no international legal force.   The lines would make Israel only 9 miles wide and would subject Israel’s heartland to constant rocket attack from its longest border.  The lines would also divide the united city of Jerusalem in two. When this previously occurred (1948-1967) after Jordan invaded Israel and captured Israel’s old city, Jordanian Arab snipers used the hills of eastern Jerusalem to shoot at Jewish civilians going to and from work and Jewish children going to and from school every day in western Jerusalem. Abba Eban aptly called these indefensible 1949 lines “Auschwitz borders.” The Jewish People Have The Millenia-Long Right To Live In Judea/Samaria and Eastern Jerusalem: Indeed, the Hanukah events that the White House celebrated just a few days ago took place in Judea/Samaria and Eastern Jerusalem.  (See “Obama’s Hanukkah Speech Should Remind Him-Veto UN Resolutions Declaring Israel ‘Illegal Occupier,’” ZOA, Dec. 16, 2016.) The UNSC resolution falsely portrays Jewish communities as a “major obstacle” to peace when the real obstacle to peace is the Palestinian Authority’s incitement of terror against Jews and refusal to engage in direct negotiations: Jewish communities only comprise a small portion (approximately 2%) of Judea/Samaria.  The Jewish communities do not interfere with a possible future “Palestinian-Arab state.  Approximately 99% of Palestinian Arabs in Judea/Samaria live in the areas of Judea/Samaria that are under the control of the Palestinian Authority, and have their own schools, government, media, etc. The real obstacles to peace are that the Palestinian Authority continues to teach hatred and encourage violence and knife intifadas against innocent Jews – the PA even pays millions of dollars to terrorists who murder Jews; and that the PA refuses to sit down with Israel for real, direct negotiations.   These real obstacles will grow even worse if the proposed UNSC resolution is voted upon and passes.

Video of Amb. Dermer/ZOA’s Klein Speeches at Center for Security Policy Gala Dinner

Watch the Video of Honorees Amb. Ron Dermer and ZOA’s Mort Klein at the Center for Security Policy Gala below:

 CLICK TO WATCH

Amb. Ron Dermer at 22:45 minutes; Mort Klein introduction by Caroline Glick and speech at 54:15 minutes.

 

U.S. Amb. to Israel Nominee David Friedman Represents American (including Jewish-American) Views and Values

U.S. Amb. to Israel Nominee David Friedman Represents American (including Jewish-American) Views and Values For more information contact Morton A. Klein 212-481-1500 NEW YORK, December 20, 2016   Zionist Organization of America President Morton A. Klein released the following statement: President-elect Donald Trump’s excellent nominee for U.S. Ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, deserves to be confirmed by the Senate.   Mr. Friedman is one of our nation’s leading attorneys, speaks fluent Hebrew, has a home in Jerusalem, has made a life-long study of Middle East issues, and has expressed views that comport with widely-held pro-Israel American views and values.  Mr. Friedman will restore and strengthen the vital U.S.-Israel alliance and the cause of real peace. Polling, Congressional action, party platforms, etc. all confirm that Mr. Friedman’s views and values are in sync with large swaths of the American public (including the American-Jewish public), Congress, and major American political parties.   The accusations by the radical, Soros-supported anti-Israel group J Street that Mr. Friedman’s views and values are “beyond the pale” are completely false. J Street’s real accusation is simply that Mr. Friedman does not agree with J Street’s extremist anti-Israel demands. 1.      Mr. Friedman’s Support for Moving the American Embassy to Jerusalem is Overwhelmingly Shared By the American People as well as Israeli Jews:  Upon the announcement of his intended nomination last Thursday, David Friedman stated that he looked forward to strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship and working for the cause of real peace “from the U.S. embassy in Israel’s eternal capital, Jerusalem.”   (“Trump’s Ambassador To Israel References ‘Embassy In Israel’s Eternal Capital, Jerusalem,” by Michael Wilner, Jerusalem Post, Dec. 16, 2016.)   Israel is the only country in the world in which the U.S. embassy is not located in the country’s designated capital.  J Street’s opposition to moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem is a fringe view. The Soros-funded anti-Israel group J Street’s attempt to paint Mr. Friedman’s views as “outside the pale” is false and simply another Orwellian J Street smear campaign designed to advance J Street’s dangerous anti-Israel agenda. Like Mr. Friedman, Americans and Israelis overwhelmingly support moving the American embassy to Jerusalem.   For instance: The Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995, Public Law 104-45 (Nov. 8, 1995) recognized that Jerusalem has been Israel’s capital since 1950, reaffirmed that Jerusalem must remain undivided, and required the U.S. to move its embassy to Jerusalem.  Congress passed this bipartisan law almost unanimously (95 to 3 in the Senate, and 374 to 37 in the House).   Americans overwhelmingly support Jerusalem as the undivided capital of Israel.  In the 2014 McLaughlin & Associates poll, to the question, “Do you believe that Jerusalem should remain the undivided capital of Israel?,” a clear majority of 55% of Americans replied that Jerusalem should remain the undivided capital of Israel, as opposed to a mere 13% who believe it should not (over a 4 to 1 ratio). Congressional bills to remove the President’s waiver authority and to require the President to finally implement the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995, such as the Jerusalem Embassy and Recognition Act of 2015, and similar bills in 2013 and 2011, have received large bi-partisan co-sponsorship.       `.   2.      Mr. Friedman’s Realism and Flexible Approach to Achieving Peace, and Opposition to Imposing Solutions, Is Shared By Americans Including American-Jews and the Israeli Public: Ambassador-nominee David Friedman’s realistic and flexible approach to achieving peace, his view that there are a variety of potential approaches, and his view that the U.S. should not impose solutions on the parties, is widely shared.   Effective negotiations, true diplomacy, real peace and a strong U.S.-Israel relationship require the open-minded, flexible approach of Ambassador-nominee Friedman.  Mr. Friedman’s approach makes far more sense, and is far more likely to achieve peace, than the anti-Israel J Street’s demand that the U.S. must impose a Hamas/Palestinian-Arab state as the one and only “solution.” American Jews widely acknowledge that the real Arab goal is Israel’s destruction – not a peaceful Palestinian-Arab state.  The 2015 AJC (American Jewish Committee) Survey of American Jewish Opinion (random national sample of 1,002 Americans who are Jewish or identify themselves as Jews) found that an overwhelming majority, of approximately three-quarters of American Jews agree with the statement:  “The goal of the Arabs is not a peaceful two-state agreement with Israel, but rather the destruction of Israel.”  (73.1% agreed; 25.1% disagreed.) Americans widely acknowledge that a Palestinian-Arab state would support terrorism, would be hostile to Israel, and would not be peaceful.   A 2014 McLaughlin & Associates poll found that “by a ratio of 3.5 to 1 (58% to 17%), Americans believe any future Palestinian Arab state would be hostile to Israel and support terrorism.”   (“To the question, ‘Do you think that if a Palestinian Arab state were established, it would live peacefully with Israel or would it be hostile to Israel and support terrorism?,’ 58% of Americans reply that a future Palestinian state would be hostile and support terrorism, whereas only 17% think it would live in peace with Israel.”)   The AJC surveys of American Jews show an approximately even split in opinion about whether a Palestinian state should be established (51.9% in favor with 46.1% opposed in 2015.  These figures were in spite of several factors that very well may have skewed AJC survey results towards the left, including: (i) the surveys took place prior to the recent Palestinian-Arab wave of terror against innocent Israelis; (ii) the survey results were “adjusted” (the 2016 survey methodology increased the weight given to responses from Reform Jews from 30% to 35%; the 2015 methodology fails to disclose the specific weighting but acknowledged that weights were adjusted by denomination); (iii) the survey population contained fewer Republican Jews than the percentage of Republican Jewish voters; and (iv) the survey population included persons who consider themselves to be “Jewish” for some reason other than being Jewish. The Israeli people overwhelmingly oppose a Palestinian-Arab state. An October 2014 poll by the highly respected Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs found that 75% of Israeli Jews oppose the creation of a Palestinian state (versus only 18% in favor; in other words, more than 4 to 1 oppose a Palestinian state).  And that was before the recent wave of terror in which Palestinian-Arab terrorists murdered 40 innocent Israelis (and Americans) and wounded over 500 innocent Israelis – a grisly reminder of the dangerous consequences of creating a Palestinian /Hamas/Iran/ISIS terrorist state.   The overwhelming majority of Israeli cabinet members oppose a Palestinian-Arab state; Likud stated that “any evacuated territory would fall into the hands of Islamic extremist and terror organisations supported by Iran.”    (See “The Two-State Solution is Dead; Just Ask Israel’s Own Ministers,” Al Jazeera, May 27, 2015; also see statements of Israeli officials “In Their Own Words.”)   As ZOA has repeatedly pointed out, a Palestinian-Arab state would be an Iran/Hamas/ISIS terrorist state that endangers Israel’s existence.   Arab polls show that Hamas would win Palestinian Arab elections.  (“Poll: Hamas will win the Palestinian Elections,” Israel Nat’l News, Aug. 28, 2016.)  A Palestinian Arab state in Judea/Samaria would be another Gaza; rockets would rain down on all of Israel.   The Oslo accords and former Israeli Prime Minister and peacemaker Yitzhak Rabin envisioned a Palestinian-Arab entity that was “less than a state.” The Oslo accords never mentioned Palestinian-Arab statehood.  Rabin’s opinion was that “there is no room for a Palestinian state.”  (See  “Rabin Formally Opposed A Palestinian State More Than A Year After White House Handshake, Letter From 1994 Shows,” Times of Israel, Dec. 31, 2012.)   The cause of real peace is advanced by considering alternative options that might bring peace.   Imposing a Palestinian-Arab State is not GOP or Democratic Party Policy.      The unanimously adopted 2016 GOP platform plank on Israel states: “The United States seeks to assist in the establishment of comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East, to be negotiated among those living in the region. We oppose any measures intended to impose an agreement or to dictate borders or other terms, . . . “ Only three prior GOP platforms supported a “vision” of a Palestinian Arab state; however this support was conditional, and the Palestinian Arabs never met the stated conditions. The 2004 GOP platform stated that “for such a vision to become a reality, Palestinians need a new leadership, not compromised by terror” and required the Palestinian-Arabs to “embrace democracy and the rule of law, confront corruption, and firmly reject terror” before the U.S. would support a state.   The 2008 GOP platform and 2012 GOP platform contain similar conditions.  The Palestinian Authority (PA) continues to honor terrorists as martyrs, pay terrorists reward blood money, incite deadly stabbing and car ramming attacks against innocent Jewish civilians, and includes designated terrorist groups in its government.  Thus, these platforms did not support a Palestinian State under the current circumstances.  These platforms also did not call for imposing a Palestinian Arab state. Moreover, many prior GOP platforms specifically opposed the creation of a Palestinian-Arab state, and specifically opposed imposing any “solution” on Israel. Democratic platforms have only supported the concept of a Palestinian Arab state for a dozen years, since 2004 – and have contemplated direct negotiations (rather than imposed solutions) and conditions that the Palestinian Arabs have never met.  The 2016 Democratic platform speaks of “work[ing] toward a two-state solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict negotiated directly by the parties” – in other words, not imposed by the U.S.   The 2016 Democratic platform also noted that Israel is entitled to “recognition, and a normal life free from terror and incitement.”   The 2012 Democratic platform explained that “there will be no lasting peace unless Israel’s security concerns are met,” and stated that “we will insist that any Palestinian partner must recognize Israel’s right to exist, reject violence, and adhere to existing agreements.”  The 2004 Democratic platform noted that “all final status negotiations must be mutually agreed.” 3.      Mr. Friedman’s Support for Jewish Communities in Judea/Samaria Promotes Israel’s Security and is Widely Shared: Americans Overwhelmingly Support the Right of Jews to Live in Judea/Samaria a/k/a the West Bank:  In the 2014 McLaughlin & Associates poll, to the question, “Do you believe that Israeli Jews should have the right to live in settlements in the West Bank, in part to self-defend Israel’s borders, or should only Palestinian Arabs have the right to live there?,” 47% of Americans stated that Israeli Jews should have the right to live there, whereas only 14% of Americans believe only Palestinian Arabs should have the right to live there (over a 3 to 1 ratio).   Even for a Permanent Settlement, Only a Tiny Percentage of American Jews Believe that All Settlements Should be Dismantled:  In the 2015 AJC Survey of American Jewish Opinion, only 14% of American Jewish respondents stated that as part of a permanent settlement with the Palestinian Arabs, Israel should Israel be willing to dismantle all of the Jewish settlements in the “West Bank.”   (And this was only 12% in the 2013 AJC survey.)  Over 39% in 2015 and 43% in 2013 (over 3 times as many) stated that Israel should not dismantle any Jewish settlements in the “West Bank” as part of a permanent settlement.   Moreover, the phrase “Jewish settlements in the West Bank” is a “loaded” term that de-Judaizes these areas and implies that Jewish homes and communities and cites there lack permanence.   If the AJC survey had used the accurate phrase “Jewish cities and communities in Judea and Samaria” – or “Jewish cities and communities in Judea and Samaria, areas that Jews have the right to live under international law,” it seems likely that even more American Jews would have stated that no Jews should be uprooted and evicted from these areas of the Jewish homeland.   State Anti-BDS Laws Support Jewish Businesses in Judea/Samaria:  Recently-passed State anti-boycott laws, which received overwhelming support, recognize that Jewish businesses in Judea and Samaria should not be discriminated against.   For instance, the Illinois anti-BDS law defines “Boycott Israel” to mean “engaging in actions that are politically motivated and are intended to penalize, inflict economic harm on, or otherwise limit commercial relations with the State of Israel or companies based in the State of Israel or in territories controlled by the State of Israel.”   The Federal Trade Law Supports Jewish Businesses in Judea/Samaria:  Congress has also recognized that Jewish businesses in Judea/Samaria should not be discriminated against.  The bipartisan federal Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 – which the House and Senate passed overwhelmingly seeks to prevent discrimination by the EU against Jewish businesses in Judea and Samaria by so conditioning a trade agreement with the EU.   Similar to the Illinois anti-BDS bill, the federal Act defines “Boycott of, divestment from, and sanctions against Israel” to mean “actions by states, nonmember states of the United Nations, international organizations, or affiliated agencies of international organizations that are politically motivated and are intended to penalize or otherwise limit commercial relations specifically with Israel or persons doing business in Israel or in any territory controlled by Israel.”   In sum, Mr. Friedman’s positions reflect those of the American people, American-Jews, Congress and common sense.   The Soros-funded anti-Israel group J Street’s attempt to paint Mr. Friedman’s views as “outside the pale” is false and simply another Orwellian J Street smear campaign designed to advance J Street’s dangerous anti-Israel agenda.

 

 

 

 

 

Shalom ZOA Members, Friends and Supporters of Israel,

We are grateful to those of you who responded to the call and made a donation to National ZOA’s special fundraising campaign, “Lend A Voice for Israel.”

The campaign was scheduled to end at noon today, but has been extended to 11 p.m. to enable those of you who have not yet made a donation to have the opportunity to do so. The special Web site is https://lendavoiceforisrael.com/.  Thank you in advance for your donation.

Be a part of ZOA’s special 120^th anniversary Purim Mission to Israel!

• Personally deliver Mishloah Manot packages and cards and letters for Jewish students to thousands of IDF troops
• Attend a ceremony for the release of a new Israeli postage stamp issued in honor of ZOA’s 120^th anniversary
• Visit communities and places not a part of other group’s Israel missions
• Join two couples from the area who have already registered
• A Jerusalem-based mission, so no need to pack and unpack repeatedly during the mission

For full itinerary and other details, visit:  http://zoa.org/zoa-israel-mission-2017/

If you would like to speak with a local couple that has participated in previous ZOA Purim Missions to Israel, call us at 610-660-9466.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Greater Philadelphia ZOA is looking for volunteers to do research on the Internet. Tasks can be done from the comfort of your home or office.

If you have some time and talent to spare, please call our Office at 610-660-9466, or reply to this email.

Thank you in advance!

Help Your Fellow Congregants and Community Become Better-Informed:

Prefer a More Informal Gathering to Discuss Israel and the Middle East?

It’s Your Greater Philadelphia ZOA: Let’s Grow Together

Invite Your Friends to Join

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” tab above. Or you can call us at: 610-660-9466.
We value each and every member!

 

 

 

 

Shalom ZOA Members, Friends and Supporters of Israel,

We had an overflow audience last night for our special event, “An Evening With Sgt. Benjamin Anthony.” Thank you to those who attended – and especially to those who brought friends and family.

While he was speaking, there was not a sound from the audience of well over 100 people – such was Sgt. Anthony’s presentation. Whether one agreed or not with everything he had to say, I’m sure that those of you in attendance would agree that there are few speakers of his caliber discussing Israel. For those of you who were not able to attend our event last night, we are sorry that you could not make it. We may try to have another event with Sgt. Anthony in 2017, and we strongly encourage you to arrange your schedule so that you can hear his timely, passionate and compelling perspective on issues related to Israel, the broader Middle East, the peace process and world Jewry.

Below are a few photos from last night.

We thank our volunteers who helped out last night; Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El, which hosted us, and the synagogue’s Israel Advocacy Committee, which was a co-sponsor; event sponsors Irvin and Betty Berger, Fred Fisher. Henry Frank, Susan and David Warner, and Roberta Dzubow; and Dr. Bob Sklaroff, whose help was essential.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please read the entirety of this newsletter – particularly this week!

“Lend a Voice”

#LendAVoice on December 14th for Israel! Come together for 24-hours to give back to Israel and speak out for the Jewish state.

Join ZOA for our one-day incredible virtual fundraiser to support the ongoing work we do. See the countdown here! https://www.charidy.com/lendyourvoiceforzoa

Since 1897, the Zionist Organization of America has been at the forefront of leading the fight for Israel and the Zionist movement in America. Through educational advocacy and legal efforts, we provide communities and activists with the resources they need to become informed and effective advocates for the Jewish state.

With support for Israel becoming increasingly more heated than ever before, it has never been more important to share the Jewish story and to celebrate and encourage Zionism­­–– both within the Jewish community and to the countless others who have made the Jewish fight their own.

It is our passion and pride to support and strengthen the Jewish story–– its history, its present, and its future. And to stand by Israel’s courageous efforts for Jewish safety and for the freedom of peoples of all faiths, cultures, and backgrounds.

It began in the middle of the desert more than 3,000 years ago.

 Today, it continues with you.

 Lend a voice.

See more about this virtual event at the link below, and be sure to check off that you are “going.”

https://www.facebook.com/events/214680228982340/

 

Greater Philadelphia ZOA is looking for volunteers to make calls on Wednesday, Dec. 14 during this special fundraising drive. Please call us at 610-660-9466 to volunteer or you can respond by email.

Sign up now for a special ZOA mission to Israel. Two local couples have already registered for this trip.

For more information, go to: http://zoa.org/zoa-israel-mission-2017/

Call 610-660-9466

Greater Philadelphia ZOA is looking for volunteers to make fundraising calls on December 14 – day and evening. Calls can be made from the convenience of your home or office.

Please call our office if you are able to help: 610-660-9466.

Thank you!

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

Out & About

Greater Philadelphia ZOA Co-President Lee Bender was a guest on Internet radio host Cindy Grosz’s show. You can listen to the podcast at: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=332078163842665&id=100011214516433

Your Input Requested

The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia will be holding a series of “Town Hall” meetings seeking input for events celebrating upcoming Israeli milestones. It is important that pro-Israel advocacy be a part of these events, and that they be staunchly pro-Israel. Therefore, it is important for ZOA members and friends to attend these planning meetings and to respectfully provide your input.

From the Federation: “The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia wants to hear from you! We are beginning a planning process around our community’s observance and celebration of Israel’s upcoming 70th “birthday” (2018) as well as Israel’s 75th (2023). We want to ensure that as many voices as possible are heard regarding the goals the Philadelphia community should aim for, as well as programming ideas to make those goals come alive. This is the time to brainstorm!”

See the meeting schedule below, and register for and attend at least one meeting:

December 12 (Mon)	Kohelet Yeshiva High School, 223 North Highland Avenue, Merion Station 19066	7 pm
December 18 (Sun)	Temple Brith Achim, 481 South Gulph Road, King of Prussia 19406	5 pm
December 19 (Mon)	Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, Jewish Community Services Building, 2100 Arch St, Philadelphia 19103	7 pm

“Those interested in attending one of the town halls can register HERE. All town halls are open to all community members regardless of place of residence. The only thing we request is creative ideas and a strong measure of civility to allow all ideas to be entertained and discussed.”

https://www.jewishphilly.org/brainstorm-7075

It’s Your Greater Philadelphia ZOA – Let’s Grow Together

Invite Your Friends to Join

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!

Help Your Fellow Congregants and Community Be Informed:

Prefer a More Informal Gathering to Discuss Israel and the Middle East?

Upcoming Event of Interest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Those interested in attending one of the town halls can register HERE. All town halls are open to all community members regardless of place of residence. The only thing we request is creative ideas and a strong measure of civility to allow all ideas to be entertained and discussed.”

https://www.jewishphilly.org/brainstorm-7075

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shalom ZOA Members, Friends and Supporters of Israel,

Next Thursday is Greater Philadelphia ZOA’s special event with Sgt. Benjamin Anthony of Our Soldiers Speak.

Sgt. Anthony is not only a gifted speaker, but his solid pro-Israel message is one that everybody who cares about Israel can benefit from. He pulls no punches when he speaks, and he offers the perspective of a battle-hardened soldier who truly loves his country.

Sgt. Anthony’s topic is particularly timely: “The Two-State Solution As Is: A Concession of Land, Hope and the Israeli Future.”

It is particularly important for students in high school and college to hear Sgt. Anthony. His are viewpoints that are rare today. To that end — thanks to several sponsors – we have a limited number of free tickets for students, but they must pre-register by calling the ZOA Office at 610-660-9466.

Please let your friends, contacts, fellow congregants and social media know about this event, and encourage them to attend.

We are grateful that the Israel Advocacy Committee of Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El is joining with us to present this opportunity to hear and learn from a top-flight speaker.

General admission is $10. Sponsorships are $200 and include four tickets.

We look forward to seeing you on Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. at the synagogue.

Tickets are available online at:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-with-sgt-benjamin-anthony-tickets-29117370840

You can also register by phone at 610-660-9466.

Please see and share the flyer below.

We are still looking for volunteers to help at this event, and we have someone in Center City who is in need of a ride. To volunteer or offer a ride, please call the number above.

Thank you.

Check out this video with Sgt. Anthony:

 

The Zionist Organization of America is having a special 120^th Anniversary Mission to Israel this coming Purim, and it promises to be an exceptional trip.

While many of you have been to israel many times, you likely have not experienced Israel like this. In addition to visiting towns and areas most missions to Israel omit, and in addition to special briefings that ZOA has arranged, ZOA Purim Mission participants will spend two days visiting IDF installations and personally thanking the men and women of the IDF by hand-delivering Mishloach Manot bags and hand-written letters and cards to thousands of soldiers.

The Mission takes place March 5-14 2017.

During the mission, the Israeli government will issue a new postage stamp commemorating ZOA’s 120^th anniversary. Mission participants will have an opportunity to attend the ceremony.

See full details including itinerary, pricing, registration and other information at: http://zoa.org/zoa-israel-mission-2017/

You can also call the Greater Philadelphia ZOA Office at 610-660-9466.

Be sure to register right away!

One of the highlights of the Purim Israel Mission noted above is hand-delivering to Israeli soldiers thousands of “thank you” letters and cards from students throughout the country – including right here in the Greater Philadelphia area. We have contacted a number of schools to seek their participation, but it can also be an activity for the family. The cards and letters can be as fancy or as simple as your kids or grandkids care to make them, as it is the message that counts. We are told by past Purim Mission participants how much the Israeli soldiers love and appreciate these personally-crafted notes and cards.

Letters are due by January 15 so that we can get them to Israel in advance of the ZOA Purim Mission. Letters can be sent to ZOA, PO Box 56, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004. If you have any questions, please call our Office at 610-660-9466.

See a couple examples below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Greater Philadelphia ZOA needs volunteers for two upcoming events:

We are looking for people to help out at our special program on December 8: “An Evening With Sgt. Benjamin Anthony” at Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El in Wynnewood. We are looking for people to arrive early to help us set up, and also to staff the registration desk.

We also have a Center City resident who is looking for a ride to this presentation.

We are also looking for volunteers for a special phone-athon we are having on December 14. For that event, we are looking for people to make calls for a national ZOA fundraising drive. We will provide you with information you will need to make the calls. Calls can be made from your home or office.

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

If you are able to help out at one or both of these events, please call the Greater Philadelphia ZOA Office at 610-660-9466.

Thank you in advance for your help.

“Buy Israel” Festival Postponed

Greater Philadelphia ZOA’s “Buy Israel” Israel Food, Crafts and Judaica Festival has been postponed from its original date of Dec. 4 so that we can have an even bigger and better event to support our brothers and sisters in Israel, and counter the “B” portion of the BDS movement. We will soon announce the new date. Meanwhile, if you would like to be involved in the planning and execution of this event to help make it a great success, please contact our Office at 610-660-9466.

Your Input Requested

The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia will be holding a series of “Town Hall” meetings seeking input for events celebrating upcoming Israeli milestones. It is important that pro-Israel advocacy be a part of these events, and that they be staunchly pro-Israel. Therefore, it is important for ZOA members and friends to attend these planning meetings and to respectfully provide your input.

From the Federation: “The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia wants to hear from you! We are beginning a planning process around our community’s observance and celebration of Israel’s upcoming 70th “birthday” (2018) as well as Israel’s 75th (2023). We want to ensure that as many voices as possible are heard regarding the goals the Philadelphia community should aim for, as well as programming ideas to make those goals come alive. This is the time to brainstorm!”

See the meeting schedule below, and register for and attend at least one meeting:

December 5 (Mon)	Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel, 8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park 19027	7 pm
December 12 (Mon)	Kohelet Yeshiva High School, 223 North Highland Avenue, Merion Station 19066	7 pm
December 18 (Sun)	Temple Brith Achim, 481 South Gulph Road, King of Prussia 19406	5 pm
December 19 (Mon)	Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, Jewish Community Services Building, 2100 Arch St, Philadelphia 19103	7 pm

“Those interested in attending one of the town halls can register HERE. All town halls are open to all community members regardless of place of residence. The only thing we request is creative ideas and a strong measure of civility to allow all ideas to be entertained and discussed.”

https://www.jewishphilly.org/brainstorm-7075

Out & About

Have you moved recently?

Please also let us know if you have changed your email address or your phone number!

It’s Your Greater Philadelphia ZOA – Let’s Grow Together

Invite Your Friends to Join

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!

Help Your Fellow Congregants and Community Be Informed:

Prefer a More Informal Gathering to Discuss Israel and the Middle East?