EBulletin for May 13, 2016
Shalom ZOA Members, Friends and Supporters of Israel,
Yom Ha’atzmaut was yesterday, marking the 68th anniversary of the re-establishment of the Jewish State of Israel, and the festivities continue Sunday with the Bucks County Jewish Festival, being staged by the Bucks 
County Jewish Coalition. The festival will take place from 10 am to 2 p.m. at Briarwood Day Camp, 1380 Creek Rd., in Furlong.
One of the highlights of the Festival will be a Philadelphia ZOA Israel Advocacy Workshop.
We are grateful to the Bucks County Jewish Coalition for the opportunity to help educate and activate the pro-Israel community in Bucks County. The workshop will take place at 11:30 a.m. at the indoor soccer area. Please come to enjoy the festival, and learn how you can help Israel and hone your Israel advocacy skills.
See the flyer below for all details.
We are still looking for volunteers to help out at our table, which we will have for the duration of the festival. If you can help out for part of the event, please call our Office at 610-660-9466.
There will be an additional Philadelphia ZOA Israel Advocacy Workshop on Wednesday, May 25, at 7 p.m., in Northeast Philadelphia. See location and other details in a separate flyer below.
Please let your friends, neighbors and contacts know about these two educational and advocational events.
Washington Advocacy Mission Review
Last Wednesday, about 60 of you from our area travelled to Washington to participate in ZOA’s Annual National Washington Advocacy Mission, joining with Zionists from throughout America who converged on the nation’s capital. It was a long day; a day that involved prep work and homework on the part of everyone who attended. But based on the feedback we have received, it was a meaningful, enjoyable and inspiring day. We are grateful to all of you and particularly those of you who chaired our congressional meetings. Our local delegates had meetings in six Senate offices and 10 House offices where we pressed for specific legislation to stop Iran and we explained issues related to stopping aid to the Palestinian Authority and preventing a UN Security Council resolution that would threaten Israel and reward terrorism.
We are especially grateful to those of you who brought your children or grandchildren to Washington for the day. You are role models for instilling in them at an early age not only a love for Israel but the necessity to be engaged in advocacy and activism.
For those of you who were unable to join us for the Washington Mission this year: We need your help to get the legislation across the finish line and to help press action by Congress on important issues. We will email an action alert next week detailing steps you can take to advance what was a great Washington Advocacy Mission into a successful Washington Advocacy Mission.
Volunteer for ZOA
Often, Philadelphia ZOA needs help at events, or with tasks in the office or mailings. There are times we need people to make calls or to research information on the Web which can be done from home. We are compiling a roster of volunteers who are willing to help out with these various needs that we have from time-to-time. If you would like to be included among a list of regular volunteers who we can reach out to when a need arises, please send us an email at: [email protected]. Thank you.
If you are already a member, please make sure your annual dues are up-to-date. If you are not sure, contact us and we will check and let you know. It may be time to renew your membership.
You can also invite your friends or relatives to join Philadelphia ZOA, and additionally, you can purchase a gift membership for a loved one.
You can join or renew by calling us at: 610-660-9466.
We value each and every member!
How Do We Counter BDS and Anti-Israel Media Bias?
How Do We Promote Jewish Rights to Our Land?
Bring ZOA’s Message and Knowledge To Your Friends and Neighbors
Host an Advocacy Workshop, ZOA Speaker or Parlor Meeting
If you are like most people, you have friends, neighbors and even relatives who do not quite understand what is taking place in one of the most pivotal regions in the world.
The Middle East is home to key U.S. allies and enemies; it is the focal point of much of the media; it is the source of most of the terrorism that plagues the world; it is where a large amount of American foreign aid is targeted and the source of much of the world’s oil. It is where our beloved Israel is trying to exist and thrive.
But the Middle East has become a muddled area to most Americans because of incomplete or biased coverage, plus a campaign of mis-education in schools and universities.
One of ZOA’s missions is to clarify the issues and to help Americans understand what is taking place in the Middle East and how it impacts them.
Help us fulfill this vital mission by hosting a parlor meeting in your home. A small gathering can make a huge difference.
EBulletin for May 6, 2016
Shalom ZOA Members, Friends and Supporters of Israel,
We are excited about our 2016 National ZOA Washington Advocacy Mission coming up on Wednesday. About 70 people from our area are going, and we have two buses this year.
We want to thank those of you who are taking a day from work, or your career or your busy life to participate in this special day of advocacy for Israel. We want to especially salute the nine of you who are bringing your children or grandchildren along on the Mission. It is wonderful to make this a family event, and to introduce younger people to Zionist activism.
For those of you who are unable to join us for the Mission this year, upon our return, we will need you to help us follow-up with all of our local lawmakers to promote the bills, resolutions and issues that we will discussing with them in person. There will be a special email with all of the details and contact information.
Philadelphia ZOA Presenting Two
Israel Advocacy Workshops
On Sun
day, May 15, Philadelphia ZOA Executive Director Steve Feldman will be presenting an Israel advocacy workshop and we will have a table at the Bucks County Jewish Coalition’s Israel Festival at Briarwood Day Camp, 1380 Creek Rd., in Furlong, from 10 am to 2 p.m. Be sure to stop by and say “Hi!” See the event flyer below. The workshop will begin at 11:30 am.
Feldman will be presenting a second workshop for JCOR: The Jewish Community of Rhawnhurst, on Wednesday, May 25, at 7 p.m., at B’nai Israel Ohev Zedek, 8201 Castor Ave., In Philadelphia. See the flyer below.
Both events are free and open to the public.
Philadelphia ZOA needs volunteers to staff our table at the Bucks County event. If you can help out for all or part of the event, please call our Office at 610-660-9466.
In April, Philadelphia ZOA had the privilege of hosting an event with Melanie Phillips. See Philadelphia ZOA Co-President Lee Bender’s article below. Below that are links to Youtube where you can watch her speech.
Redefining the Israel-Arab Conflict
By Lee Bender
The conflict between Israel and the Arab world must be redefined, British author Melanie Phillips told a gathering at a Maple Glen synagogue sponsored by the Zionist Organization of America.
There is no solution because the problem is misstated. The two-state solution is not axiomatic. Why are they fighting? It is not because of the absence of a Palestinian Arab state. The Arab world wishes Israel’s destruction, which is why this is the conflict that never seems to end.
Her topic focused on “How the West Undermines Israel’s and Jewish Survival – and What We Can Do About It.” Phillips noted that
… anti-Semitism has morphed into the collective Jew; their state, Israel. The victim [Israel] is blamed and the victimizer [radical Muslims] gets a free pass. Decent people subscribe to these lies, and unfortunately many of these are Jews themselves.
Because the West has oppressed them, it is our (i.e. the West’s) own fault; we enslaved them and exploited them. The developing world is a victim and they can do no wrong. This is the trap within which the West has ensnared itself. Victimizers are always wrong, and victims are allowed to hurt us back because we hurt them.
A current example is the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) movement. Phillips explained: “The anti-Israel animus is anti-truth, anti-reason and irrational.
However, she stated, “Christians cannot be victims because they are the ruling creed of the West” even though as she pointed out they are being murdered and wiped out by Muslims in the Middle East, North Africa and now Europe.
Read the rest of the article at:
http://pjvoice.org/2016/04/28/author-redefine-israel-arab-conflict/#.Vyy2OuRzqvN
Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8FSTNIDrc8
Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14PD6DQMRvc
Part 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4DsmYEFv3o
Part 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8L39nwzSVE
Part 5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlfJ5oXJRL8
Part 6: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmhYi_YnDZA
Part 7: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2bWadRH6bU
Part 8: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZV2rJpwsv7E
Part 9: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UdWUAhHzhc
Part 10: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2zj045Kw7w
Part 11: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIM8AlHOxbA
Part 12: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpmJO-8wqCQ
Volunteer for ZOA
Often, Philadelphia ZOA needs help at events, or with tasks in the office or mailings. There are times we need people to make calls or to research information on the Web which can be done from home. We are compiling a roster of volunteers who are willing to help out with these various needs. If you would like to be included among a list of regular volunteers who we can reach out to when a need arises, please send us an email at: [email protected]. Thank you.
How Do We Counter BDS and Anti-Israel Media Bias?
How Do We Promote Jewish Rights to Our Land?
Bring ZOA’s Message and Knowledge To Your Friends and Neighbors
Host an Advocacy Workshop, ZOA Speaker or Parlor Meeting
If you are like most people, you have friends, neighbors and even relatives who do not quite understand what is taking place in one of the most pivotal regions in the world.
The Middle East is home to key U.S. allies and enemies; it is the focal point of much of the media; it is the source of most of the terrorism that plagues the world; it is where a large amount of American foreign aid is targeted and the source of much of the world’s oil. It is where our beloved Israel is trying to exist and thrive.
But the Middle East has become a muddled area to most Americans because of incomplete or biased coverage, plus a campaign of mis-education in schools and universities.
One of ZOA’s missions is to clarify the issues and to help Americans understand what is taking place in the Middle East and how it impacts them.
Help us fulfill this vital mission by hosting a parlor meeting in your home. A small gathering can make a huge difference.
EBulletin for April 28, 2016
Shalom ZOA Members, Friends and Supporters of Israel,
It is so important in these times of turmoil when despite everything that Israelis do to improve the lives of others throughout the world that the world “thanks” Israel by working against the Jewish State and the Jewish People. Even our own leaders are often piling on the anti-Israel bandwagon, or are aiding those bent on harming Israel.
It is therefore urgent to come with ZOA to Washington on May 11 to press the case for Israel with our lawmakers. It is they and only they who can try to limit the administration and to cut funding to the Palestinian Authority and pass new sanctions against Iran.
Due to popular demand we have gotten a second bus. Please help us fill it. The ZOA Washington Mission is not only an important opportunity to help Israel. It is an important day of hands-on activism. It is an uplifting day to be with other pro-Israel activists from throughout America and also inspiring to be at the luncheon to hear so many lawmakers praising Israel and thanking us for our activism. It is a great experience for those just getting into Zionism and a great teaching moment for younger folks. Six of our members taking part in the mission this year are bringing their kids and/or grandchildren with them.
See the graphics about the mission elsewhere in this email. To register or for more information, call the Philadelphia ZOA Office at 610-660-9466.
Philadelphia ZOA will have a table with literature and information this Sunday, May 1, at the Northeast Community’s Israel Independence Day Celebration at the Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Rd., from 11 am to 3 p.m. Be sure to stop by and say “Hi!” See the event flyer below.
On Sunday, May 15, Philadelphia ZOA Executive Director Steve Feldman will be presenting an Israel advocacy workshop and we will have a table at the Bucks County Jewish Coalition’s Israel Festival at Briarwood Day Camp, 1380 Creek Rd., in Furlong, from 10 am to 2 p.m. Be sure to stop by and say “Hi!” See the event flyer below. The workshop will begin at 11:30 am.
Both events are free and open to the public.
Philadelphia ZOA needs volunteers to staff our table at each of these events. If you can help out for all or part of the event, please call our Office at 610-660-9466.
Volunteer for ZOA
Often, Philadelphia ZOA needs help at events, or with tasks in the office or mailings. There are times we need people to make calls or to research information on the Web which can be done from home. We are compiling a roster of volunteers who are willing to help out with these various needs. If you would like to be included among a list of regular volunteers who we can reach out to when a need arises, please send us an email at: [email protected]. Thank you.
Temple Denial: UNESCO’s pernicious lie and the West’s cave-in to multiculturalism and Islam
By Lee Bender
For Jews, the Temple Mount (site of Solomon’s Temple and the Second Temple is the holiest place on earth. The adjacent Kotel (the Western Wall) is the second holiest site to Jews. A recent decision by UNESCO (the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization), however, shamefully distorts, deletes and denies Jewish- and in effect Christian- history.
“Temple Denial” is the belief that no Jewish Temple ever existed in Jerusalem. This pernicious “lie” is perhaps the leading one designed to steal the history and identity of the Jewish people in order to justify eradicating them from the Middle East. For many years, Palestinian-Arab leaders have provocatively denied Jewish history both in ancient Judea/Israel and particularly in Jerusalem, and especially since Israel gained control over the Temple Mount in 1967. Under the direction of the Palestinian Authority and Jordan, they have systematically destroyed, discarded and intentionally removed priceless evidence and artifacts of Jewish presence- dumping tons of contents unceremoniously into pits.
Palestinian Authority religious and political leaders, officials and even academics refer to the Temple as the “alleged Temple.” Yet this “Big Lie” that the Temple never existed and the Jews have no history in the Land of Israel contradicts not only Jewish sources (Bible, Talmud, Psalms, prayers), Christian sources (which in essence would be a denial of Jesus’ existence), and the archeological record, but also the Quran itself.
See the rest of the article at: http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/temple-denial-unescos-pernicious-lie-and-the-wests-cave-in-to-multiculturalism-and-islam/#.Vxw7pgEktoU.email
How Do We Counter BDS and Anti-Israel Media Bias?
How Do We Promote Jewish Rights to Our Land?
Bring ZOA’s Message and Knowledge To Your Friends and Neighbors
Host an Advocacy Workshop, ZOA Speaker or Parlor Meeting
If you are like most people, you have friends, neighbors and even relatives who do not quite understand what is taking place in one of the most pivotal regions in the world.
The Middle East is home to key U.S. allies and enemies; it is the focal point of much of the media; it is the source of most of the terrorism that plagues the world; it is where a large amount of American foreign aid is targeted and the source of much of the world’s oil. It is where our beloved Israel is trying to exist and thrive.
But the Middle East has become a muddled area to most Americans because of incomplete or biased coverage, plus a campaign of mis-education in schools and universities.
One of ZOA’s missions is to clarify the issues and to help Americans understand what is taking place in the Middle East and how it impacts them.
Help us fulfill this vital mission by hosting a parlor meeting in your home. A small gathering can make a huge difference.
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 on the “join/donate” tab on our menu. Or you can call us at: 610-660-9466.
We value each and every member!
Chag Sameach!
Shabbat Shalom!
EBulletin for April 22, 2016
Shalom ZOA Members, Friends and Supporters of Israel,
Earlier this month we presented “An Evening With Melanie Phillips,” and Ms. Phillips did not fail to impress with her wonderful and novel insights and her bold courage in presenting them.
For those of you who were unable to attend, and for those of you who were there and who want to hear her speech again, we have uploaded video of her remarks on our Youtube channel. The urls are below. The speech is in 12 segments. Copy/paste each url into your browser. Due to some camera problems, a short amount of her speech is missing in between each segment. Please share these links with your friends and contacts so that they too can benefit and learn from Ms. Phillips. You will be astounded by some of the things she had to say. Plus she offers remedies for some of the societal ills that lead to anti-Jewish and anti-Israel attitudes and behaviors.
Philadelphia ZOA deeply appreciates the work of volunteer David Warner in making this video possible.
ZOA’s Washington Advocacy Mission
The mission takes place this year on Wednesday, May 11.
We will be discussing with Congress legislation on the issues of new sanctions against Iran, cutting funding to the Palestinian Authority and the dangers to Israel from actions taken by the United Nations Security Council.
We are sure that you realize the gravity of these subjects and the need now to encourage our lawmakers to take the appropriate actions to safeguard America’s most important ally in the Middle East: Israel.
We still have seats available on our buses – yes, due to demand, we have added a second bus and we are on a pace to bring more people from our area to Washington for the Mission this year than ever before.
Please be part of our contingent. Our area senators and members of the House from throughout the region need to see you and hear from you.
One bus will leave from Northeast Philadelphia with a pick-up in Center City. The second bus will leave from Lower Merion.
Please call the National ZOA Office today to register: 212-481-1500. Then call the Philadelphia Office to reserve your bus seat at 610-660-9466.
Thank you to the many ZOA members and friends who have already registered and especially those of you coming with your children and/or grandchildren.
British journalist, author and columnist Melanie Phillips discussed “How the West Undermines Israel’s and Jewish Survival – and What We Can Do About It” on April 6, 2016, at an event sponsored by the Zionist Organization of America’s Greater Philadelphia District and hosted by Congregation Beth Or in Maple Glen, PA.
Please note: Due to camera problems, Ms. Phillips’ speech and Q&A are presented in 12 segments, with small gaps between each segment. We apologize for the gaps.
Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8FSTNIDrc8
Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14PD6DQMRvc
Part 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4DsmYEFv3o
Part 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8L39nwzSVE
Part 5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlfJ5oXJRL8
Part 6: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmhYi_YnDZA
Part 7: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2bWadRH6bU
Part 8: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZV2rJpwsv7E
Part 9: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UdWUAhHzhc
Part 10: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2zj045Kw7w
Part 11: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIM8AlHOxbA
Part 12: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpmJO-8wqCQ
How Do We Counter BDS and Anti-Israel Media Bias?
How Do We Promote Jewish Rights to Our Land?
Bring ZOA’s Message and Knowledge To Your Friends and Neighbors
Host an Advocacy Workshop, ZOA Speaker or Parlor Meeting
Bring ZOA’s Message and Knowledge To Your Friends and Neighbors
Host an Advocacy Workshop, ZOA Speaker or Parlor Meeting
If you are like most people, you have friends, neighbors and even relatives who do not quite understand what is taking place in one of the most pivotal regions in the world.
The Middle East is home to key U.S. allies and enemies; it is the focal point of much of the media; it is the source of most of the terrorism that plagues the world; it is where a large amount of American foreign aid is targeted and the source of much of the world’s oil. It is where our beloved Israel is trying to exist and thrive.
But the Middle East has become a muddled area to most Americans because of incomplete or biased coverage, plus a campaign of mis-education in schools and universities.
One of ZOA’s missions is to clarify the issues and to help Americans understand what is taking place in the Middle East and how it impacts them.
Help us fulfill this vital mission by hosting a parlor meeting in your home. A small gathering can make a huge difference.
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 graphic below. Or you can call us at: 610-660-9466.
We value each and every member!
You can join or renew online by clicking the join/donate tab on our home page. Or you can call us at: 610-660-9466.
We value each and every member!
Shabbat Shalom!
EBulletin for March 25, 2016
Shalom ZOA Members, Friends and Supporters of Israel,
We have two major events coming up, as you will see immediately below. We hope you will attend and participate in both of them. But whether you attend one or both, please register/buy your tickets in advance as we need to give a count to the caterer by Monday for our event with Melanie Phillips, and seats are filling up for our bus to Washington. Ask your friends to join you at these events so that they, too, may benefit from the experiences.
Thank you.
Philadelphia ZOA needs volunteers to help staff and set up for our special event with author Melanie Phillips on Wednesday, April 6, at Congregation Beth Or, 239 Welsh Rd., Maple Glen (Ambler).
We will need volunteers from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
If you are able to help out for all or part of the event, please call the Philadelphia ZOA Office at 610-660-9466.
Thank you.
In addition, we have members in Center City who are looking for a ride to the Melanie Phillips event. If you are able to help a fellow Zionist, please call us at the number above.
“Melanie Phillips’s Londonistan is a last-minute warning for Britain and for much of the free world … This book is powerful and frightening, but also courageous. In dictatorships, you need courage to fight evil; in the free world, you need courage to see the evil.” Natan Sharansky
“The scope of The World Turned Upside Down is ambitious, tackling Western pacifism and fatalism, political Islam, anti-Semitism, the dimming of the Enlightenment, Marxism, and even creationism…. Phillips’s book shines with her intellectual integrity.” — Middle East Quarterly
To purchase tickets for Melanie Phillips, click the link below, or send a check made payable to ZOA-GPD to: P.O. Box 56, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-with-melanie-phillips-tickets-22503887734
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.
Go to the Join/Donate tab
We value each and every member!
Take the Lead in Challenging Toxic Terms in Israel Reporting
By Lee Bender and Jerome Verlin
Mainstream Western media coverage of Israel is laced with toxic terms intentionally crafted to delegitimize the Jewish State. The good news is that these misleading terms weren’t written in stone 3,300 years ago, but are post-Israel independence creations. The bad news is how vastly anti-Israel imbalance has permeated Mideast reporting in recent decades.
Today, it seems that everybody but us — Israel’s enemies, the mainstream media, far-left-wing Jewish detractors of Israel — appreciates the power of public perception-shaping Israel reporting word choices. We Jewish supporters of Israel unthinkingly use these poisoned pejoratives — “West Bank … East Jerusalem … 1967 borders … Jewish settlements … etc, etc” – ourselves. This article is a plea to individually and institutionally take the lead in challenging the media’s loaded lexicon of toxic terms, first by our own pro-Israel pundits and advocates, and then by the media and public at large.
Read the rest of the article at: http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/take-the-lead-in-challenging-toxic-terms-in-israel-reporting/