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Mideast Briefing: Netanyahu in Washington
"Two interconnected and highly complex sets of issues came together to make this visit to Washington fascinating; and the 'linkage' between them, whether seen from Israel's point of view (confronting Iran is vital for the future success of any peace process) or from Obama's (progress with the Palestinians is vital for the creation of a strong anti-Iran front) is not a manipulative device by either side," writes Eran Lerman, director of AJC's Israel Office, in his weekly briefing. READ BRIEFING
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Tues., May 26 at 11 am Development planning task force
Wed., May 27 at 9:30 am
"The Administration's Foreign Policy" with Congressman Gene Green in conversation with diplomats and religious leaders
Thurs., May 28
AJC delegation discussion with Congressman Pete Olson
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Chapter annual meeting recognizes Faith Marshall,
El Salvadoran Holocaust Hero
The Chapter's annual meeting last night featured the election of its 2009 officers and board and recognition of local and international individuals. Before 125 people, Harry Susman, grandson of Helene Susman, talked about his grandmother's personal campaign to ensure Jewish attorneys in all Houston law firms. The Helene Susman Woman of Prominence Award was then presented to Faith Marshall who has served as a role model for the Houston community in her professional, personal and communal life. El Salvador Consul General Luis Carranza then shared the personal story of Col. Jose Castellanos, the Geneva based diplomat who issued more than 25,000 citizenship certificates to Jews during WWII, saving their lifes. Castellanos, who died penniless and refused to discuss his actions with his children, was represented during the evening. Earlier in the day, it was learned that his son lived in Houston. J. Arturo Castellanos joined us for the evening and shared a personal perspective of his father. The annual meeting, chaired by Board member Mina Sklar, reelected Tracy Stein president and elected Jack Lascar president-elect.
Applauding U.S.-Israel "Shared Values, Shared Goals"
As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held extensive talks in Washington with President Obama and other senior officials, as well as Jewish organizational leaders, AJC hailed the "special, unbreakable" relationship which exists between the U.S. and Israel. "President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu today demonstrated that there is a unique friendship between the U.S. and Israel," said David Harris. Harris also devoted his weekly radio commentary to the "shared values and shared goals" of the two nations. Jason Isaacson, director of AJC's Washington Office, represented AJC at the private meeting Prime Minister Netanyahu held with Jewish organizational leaders at Blair House.
AJC Welcomes Obama CAFE Standards Initiative
President Obama's announcement of a national fuel efficiency standard of 35.5 miles per gallon (mpg) by 2016 was warmly welcomed by AJC. Over the past three decades, AJC has vigorously advocated for comprehensive energy security policies, and welcomed Congressional action in 2007 that raised the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards to 35 mpg by 2020. The CAFE standard currently is 27.5 mpg for cars and 24 mpg for light trucks. "Creative thinking and bold action will contribute to breaking America's dangerous addiction to oil imported from hostile nations," said David Harris. |
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Behind the Scenes
AJC is actively engaged in the domestic and international scene as a GLOBAL JEWISH ADVOCACY organization.
Barbara Shepard and Randy Czarlinsky met with Dr. Steve Murdock, sociology professor at Rice University and former US Census director for Texas, on immigration trends and undocumented workers.
A small group of members of the Italian community, diplomats and AJC were invited to Italian Consul General Cristino Maggipinto's home to honor Daniel Cardinal DiNardo with an award from the Italian President. AJC participants included Susan
Altschuler, Jack Lascar, Nat Levy, Dena Palmero, Tracy Stein and Randy Czarlinsky.
Members of the Chapter executive committee and local national board of governors met separately with Jon Levine and Ann Tourk from AJC's Community Services Department to discuss AJC and the Chapter.
Have a safe Memorial Day weekend.
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