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?

 

 

Shalom ZOA Members, Friends and Supporters of Israel,

If you have ever been around someone whose passion for a cause is both palpable and contagious, you have a sense of what it is like to be in the audience when Sgt. Benjamin Anthony is discussing Israel.

Not only is it important for we in “the choir” to hear Sgt. Anthony’s presentation, but more importantly, it is urgent that those who may not feel as strongly about Israel as you do, or who are not exposed to the facts about Israel as you are attend his talk on Dec. 8. That’s why we are encouraging you to spread the word as widely as possible about Greater Philadelphia ZOA’s upcoming special event “An Evening With Sgt. Benjamin Anthony,” which we are presenting in conjunction with Temple Beth-Hillel-Beth El’s Israel Advocacy Committee.

Sponsors will enable us to invite area students to attend the event for free. Each sponsorship is just $200 and includes four tickets for you and your guests. As a sponsor, we will publicly thank you at the event for your generosity.

Individual tickets are just $10 each.

Please let your friends, colleagues, fellow congregants, neighbors, email contacts and social media contacts know about this event by forwarding this email as well as the flyer below.

Purchase sponsorships and individual tickets direct via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-with-sgt-benjamin-anthony-tickets-29117370840

Or you can send a check to: ZOA, P.O. Box 56, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004.

Please see the flyer below for event location and Sgt. Anthony’s topic.

For more information, call the Greater Philadelphia ZOA Office at 610-660-9466.

 

For a taste of Sgt. Anthony’s message, please watch a brief video clip (click on the photo).

Greater Philadelphia ZOA needs volunteers to do Internet research and/or make calls. These tasks can be done from your home or office. If you have some time and talent you can lend us, please call our Office: 610-660-9466. Thank you.

 

We will also have a special project taking place on December 14, and we are looking for volunteers to make calls that day during the day as well as the evening. Please let us know if you are willing to make calls that day.

Participate in ZOA’s 2017 Purim Mission

The mission includes stops at IDF bases to present misloach manot packages to thousands of brave soldiers

For details and to register, go to:

http://zoa.org/zoa-israel-mission-2017/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shalom ZOA Members, Friends and Supporters of Israel,

Next month – on December 8 – Greater Philadelphia ZOA is bringing in one of the most powerful and important speakers that we have ever presented: Sgt. Benjamin Anthony of the group Our Soldiers Speak. It’s a return engagement for Sgt. Anthony. We brought him in a two years ago for a program we co-sponsored with the Institute for Jewish Ethics on “The Ethics of Supporting Israel” and he was captivating. Sgt. Anthony unabashedly speaks about Jewish rights, pride in Israel, justice, and priorities. In the politically correct world that seems to dominate the scene, his voice and his message are refreshing and empowering as well as enlightening.

While everyone who loves Israel should come out to hear him at our event at Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El, it is particularly important for Jewish students and young professionals to have an opportunity to learn from Sgt. Anthony.

Please see the graphic below with all of the details. Please let others know about this event by emailing it to your contacts, printing it out and distributing and posting on social media.

We are also looking for individuals or businesses to sponsor this event to help defray our costs.

You can sponsor “An Evening With Sgt. Benjamin Anthony” and/or purchase tickets to this event either by check or electronically. Checks should be sent to:
Greater Philadelphia ZOA, P.O. Box 56, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004.
Purchase on Eventbrite at:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-with-sgt-benjamin-anthony-tickets-29117370840

Have You Purchased Your Tickets Yet for

the Pro-Israel Social Event of the Season?

Time is growing short to purchase tickets for the National ZOA Justice Louis D. Brandeis Award Dinner, which every year is a truly inspiring event. It takes place this year on November 20 in Manhattan.

What a lineup!

• House Foreign Affairs Chairman Congressman Ed Royce
• David Friedman, President-elect Trump’s Israel adviser
• Professor Alan Dershowitz
• Home Depot founder Bernie Marcus
• Ambassador Danny Danon
• Sheldon and Dr. Miriam Adelson
• ZOA National President Mort Klein
• Greater Philadelphia ZOA Board Member Gary Erlbaum
• Other luminaries!

There is a generous discount for ZOA members from the Greater Philadelphia area, and a deep discount for young professionals.

See the graphics below for details about the dinner and the impressive lineup of speakers including our own Mort Klein, the national ZOA president, and Greater Philadelphia ZOA Board Member Gary Erlbaum, who will serve as master-of-ceremonies. For information about the discounts, please call our Office at 610-660-9466.

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

Invite Your Friends to Join

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!

Greater Philadelphia ZOA needs volunteers to do Internet research and/or make calls. These tasks can be done from your home or office. If you have some time and talent you can lend us, please call our Office. Thank you.

Help Your Fellow Congregants and Community Be Informed:

 

Shalom ZOA Members, Friends and Supporters of Israel,

There is no doubt that those of you who attended our quarterly meeting last night are still kvelling and feeling uplifted from what you witnessed, and came away even more impressed with Israel, feel even better about supporting her and are glad about your membership in or connection with ZOA. See the photo collage from the meeting below. While last night’s meeting had a different sort of theme than most of our quarterly meetings, it is emblematic of the powerful, diverse programs that we present at all of our events and a reminder that all of us can be positive and pro-active in support of Israel and promote Israel and Israelis in addition to defending them.

Much thanks to volunteers who made last night possible: Linda Rosen, Ed Rosen, Beverly Sher, Miriam and Sheldon Einhorn, Marsha Flager, Svetlana Hamberg, and Ed Snyder.

Thanks also to our presenters: Mark Cohen of Israel Ideas, John Feely of MossRehab, Motti Attia or Orcam and ReWalk user Dan Webb. A big thanks to Beth Sholom Congregation for hosting the meeting and to their staff for helping us.

Coming Up:

Time is growing short to purchase tickets for the National ZOA Justice Louis D. Brandeis Award Dinner, which every year is a truly inspiring event. It takes place this year on November 20 in Manhattan.

There is a generous discount for ZOA members from the Greater Philadelphia area, and a deep discount for young professionals.

See the graphics below for details about the dinner and the great lineup of speakers including our own Mort Klein, the national ZOA president, and Greater Philadelphia ZOA Board Member Gary Erlbaum, who will serve as master-of-ceremonies. For information about the discounts, please call our Office at 610-660-9466.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Speaker We Urge You Not to Miss

It is not often that Sgt. Benjamin Anthony of Our Soldiers Speak comes to our region, so we urge you to purchase your seats to this special event with him on December 8 as soon as possible. He is truly one of the most compelling and passionate and direct speakers about Israel in the world today. Please see the graphic below for details, and below that the EventBrite link.

In addition to tickets, please consider sponsoring “An Evening With Sgt. Benjamin Anthony.” To purchase seats or sponsor by check, please call our Office at 610-660-9466.

 

 

Eventbrite:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-with-sgt-benjamin-anthony-tickets-29117370840

Greater Philadelphia ZOA needs volunteers to do Internet research and/or make calls. These tasks can be done from your home or office. If you have some time and talent you can lend us, please call our Office. Thank you.

 

 

 

 

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.
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!

Looking for a Speaker for Your Congregation, Organization or Group?

Look No Further: