| APRIL 2, 2009 |
| AJC pays tribute to
Fred Zeidman
National Institute of Human Relations Award
dinner co-chairs
Ambassador
Arthur Schechter Ambassador
Ned L. Siegel
and Roger Sofer
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for information please call
713 439 1202
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Response to Lieberman
By David A. Harris and Doug Lieb
Avigdor Lieberman has a point.
It is beyond outrageous for Israeli public officials, whether Arab or Jewish, to actively support the enemy during a war. And, in Israel or elsewhere, citizenship should impose certain obligations of connection to the state.READ OP ED
Mideast Briefing: Alternatives to Two-State Solution?
Unless Iran's nuclear drive is reversed, writes Eran Lerman, "it would fast become pointless to speculate about the two-state solution. No progress at all can be made in a world in which Israel would face existential challenges, and those who reject any form of coexistence would be emboldened." READ BRIEFING
AJC Radio Message: Israel's Humanitarian Heart
In his national radio commentary on CBS, heard by 30-35 million listeners, David Harris salutes Israel Flying Aid. The humanitarian relief organization has worked around the globe (often with AJC support), including such countries as Pakistan and Sudan, which refuse to recognize Israel. LISTEN
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Past President's Council
meetings
May 14
"Anti-Semitism in Europe Today"
with
Diedre Berger
AJC's director in Berlin
Friday, May 8 at 6 p.m. at Congregation Beth Yeshurun
Saturday, May 9 at 6:45 p.m. at United Orthodox Synagogues
Crucial Issues Series
in collaboration with
World Affairs Council Houston:
"Latin America and the infilitration of terrorist organizations"
on
Wednesday,
March 4
with
Doug Farah
Program 6:30 pm
at the
Omni Houston Hotel
Board Meetings
April 23
Executive Committee
March 5
AJC ANNUAL MEETING
May 6-8, 2009
Washington, DC
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Chapter delegation meets with Egyptian Ambassador
For 75 minutes a Chapter delegation and Egypt's Ambassador to the United States discussed Durban II; Iran, rebuilding Gaza and the peace process. Ambassador Sameh Shoukry outlined Egypt's position believing that resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict would resolve the Iranian nuclear issue. The delegation, including Chapter President Tracy Stein, Jack Lascar, Iris Mushin, Dena Palermo, Helene and Dror Zadok and Randy Czarlinsky also discussed Durban II -- from eliminating language against Israel to Western countries boycotting the conference.
AJC Urges Obama Administration to Reconsider
Proposed Cap on Charitable Deductions
AJC is urging the Obama Administration to reconsider its proposal to cap the rate that high-income taxpayers can claim for charitable deductions.
"This proposal will have a devastating effect on nonprofits by removing a prime source of funding for our missions at a time when we are already grappling with severely reduced financial resources," wrote AJC Executive Director David A. Harris in a letter to Peter R. Orszag, Director of the Office of Management and Budget. "The Administration should not strike an ill-considered blow at private philanthropy that would undermine charities already buffeted by the economic crisis," said Harris.
Anti-Semitism spreads across Europe
The global economic downturn and the Gaza conflict have increased visible anti-Semitism across the European continent. The Chapter's discussions with diplomats and Cardinal DiNardo have included this heightened concern for European Jewish communities. The Chapter will present two Shabbat discussions on "Anti-Semitism in Europe Today" with Diedre Berger, AJC's Berlin director, on Friday evening, May 8 at 6 pm and Saturday evening, May 9 at 6:45 pm with Congregation Beth Yeshurun and United Orthodox Synagogues respectively.
Berger lectures in the U.S. and Europe on a wide variety of subjects including; transatlantic affairs, European relations with Israel, anti-Semitism, the promotion of pluralism and democracy, and German-Jewish dialogue. Prior to joining AJC in 1999, Berger was a journalist for more than 20 years, with the bulk of her career spent as a correspondent and producer for National Public Radio. She also reported for the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, the Christian Science Monitor, Monitor Radio, Radio Netherlands, the Los Angeles Times and Israel's Maariv.
Underlying Issue in Utah Religious Monument Case Unresolved
AJC welcomed this week's U.S. Supreme Court decision that a Utah town is not obligated to display every religious monument presented for installation in a public park, but expressed disappointment that the Court left unresolved key underlying issues in the case.READ STATEMENT
AJC Analysis: Latest Catholic-Jewish Crisis
Rabbi David Rosen, AJC's international director of interreligious affairs, assesses the impact of the controversy over Holocaust denier Bishop Richard Williamson. "Time and again, the Vatican has had to spend its energies on damage control and polishing up a tarnished image, when it could have prevented the distress to others and harm to itself in the first place," writes Rabbi Rosen. READ BRIEFING
AJC Welcomes Vatican Statement on Williamson "Apology"
AJC welcomed a Vatican statement rejecting remarks by Bishop Richard Williamson which he billed as an "apology" for his advocacy of Holocaust denial. READ STATEMENT
Z Word Interviews Paul Berman on Gaza
In an extensive interview on AJC's acclaimed website, Z Word, Paul Berman, the author of Terror and Liberalism and one of the leading public intellectuals in the U.S., discusses the recent war between Israel and Hamas, Western perceptions of Hamas, and the persistence of anti-Semitism in our own time. READ
AJC Annual Meeting May 6-8, Washington, D.C.
March 1st deadline!
Reserve your space at a private dinner with a key official.
Some are already sold out. Save $100.
Register Today!
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Behind the Scenes
AJC is actively engaged in the domestic and international scene as an advocacy organization.
Barbara Shepard attended the Energy Forum at the Baker Institute on "Energy, Policy and Politics: The Changing Landscape in Latin America"
Planning for the Chapter's National Institute of Human Relations Award dinner honoring Fred Zeidman continued this week. David Goldstein, Deborah Kaplan, Amy Goldstein, Janis Goldstein, Tracy Stein, Roger Sofer, Melanie Lowther and staff participated.
Best regards,
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