Our Media Action Guide Updated

The Iran deal, the “peace process,” the International Criminal Court, Israel’s upcoming elections, Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, the BDS movement, false accusations of medical “apartheid” – these topics and more will continue to be in the news media in the weeks and months ahead, and supporters of Israel can make a difference by being in touch with media decision-makers and by submitting letters to the editor. Contact editors and news directors and politely, calmly and concisely explain the fallacies and/or missing facts in their reports. Submit letters to the editor to explain context and dispute claims. And remember to be pro-active also to tout the many positive aspects of Israel or to let the media know about what Israel’s enemies are doing. Both of these are often unreported. Please see our updated Media Action Guide for contact information for dozens of news outlets at:

https://philly.zoa.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/03/MEDIA-ACTION-GUIDE-February-2021.pdf

Be sure to check out and use our many other advocacy resources on our Website under the “Take Action” tab at www.philly.zoa.org

Though millions of Americans have already voted, we are two weeks away from what is formally known as “Election Day,” on Nov. 3 this year.

While the overwhelming focus is on the presidential election, all 435 members of the House of Representatives will also be decided during the election along with 35 seats in the Senate.

A key issue for everyone reading this email is foreign policy — specifically the Middle East and most specifically, Israel. While the president and his administration sets and guides foreign policy, Congress does play a role: from determining budgets and funding, to considering resolutions that are advisory but have little consequence, to passing laws, to holding investigative hearings that can shed light on a range of issues.

A candidate’s opinion and position on Israel and the Middle East therefore is important. Rarely during congressional campaigns is foreign policy an issue the candidates delve into with any depth. So Greater Philadelphia ZOA decided to ask candidates vying in select contests within our region their opinions/positions on key matters about and related to the Middle East and Israel. Some candidates opted to respond to our request while others did not.

The Zionist Organization of America is a non-profit organization and as such does not endorse candidates. The purpose of the questionnaire and our publishing of the responses is purely informational for voters. One should not read anything related to a candidate’s position on an issue based on the candidate’s failure to respond to our questionnaire. The answers that we received are published verbatim as they were sent to us.

To see the questions, who responded and what they had to say, plus our methodology, please go to: https://philly.zoa.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2020/10/candidates-questionnaire-2020-results-responses.pdf

 

Click each image to enlarge

 

 

On Tuesday, May 19 at 3:30 p.m. Greater Philadelphia ZOA will offer a special event for children and their parents and grandparents featuring a reading of the new book Z Is for Zionism. This was created by Ze’ev Zion to counter the anti-Israel book called P Is for Palestine. Z Is for Zionism uses rich text and illustrations to give children ages 6 through 13 a good foundation to understand Zionism and Israel. Ruth Gleit – a mom, grandmom and former reading teacher – will read the book live while on screen we will display each page as she reads it so that children can read along.

Please: If you have children or grandchildren, nieces or nephews in that age range – register them and help them watch this event. If you are an educator or have a connection to a Jewish school or congregation school: Please get word of this event out to as many people as possible so that as many young Jews as possible can benefit from this event and this book. This book could have great positive impact on young Jewish children.

To register: Please email us at [email protected] with your interest or have someone from the school or congregation email us and we will send them the link. We are taking this extra step for security purposes.

Please help support these virtual events by being a sponsor of one or through a donation. Call our Office at 610-660-9466 for details. You can promote a business, celebrate a simcha, honor a loved one or a friend, or dedicate an event in memory of someone.

Please click on the image to enlarge: