Israel 360

In our continuing efforts to bring a diversity of voices to our community on a range of issues related to Israel, on January 24th Rabbi Schuck was in dialogue with Jeremy Ben Ami, Founder and President of J Street. This clearly struck a chord with many in our community, bringing together over 200 people to hear the challenging questions the Rabbi posed to Jeremy and an opportunity to learn about J Street’s perspective on the concerns and criticisms held by many people. Participants came representing the full spectrum of positions, with all coming together out of a shared sense of Ahavat Yisrael to engage in civil dialogue. Passionate disagreements may remain, but we can be proud that this program represents a commitment to our mission “to raise awareness and foster respectful and nuanced dialogue about Israel that encourages openness to the diversity of perspectives among the Beth El community and the Jewish community at large.”

By the time you’re reading this, we will have hosted a zoom event on February 26th with “Dugri” - an Israeli/Palestinian rap duo whose provocative music videos shine a light on common stereotypes and tensions to foster mutual respect and understanding. This month in March, we’re presenting a panel “Israeli and American Teens: What do they really think about America and Israel’’ - Westchester’s Shinshinim (youth ambassadors from Israel) and our own teens will be in dialogue with Shachar Liran Hanan, Shlichah (Westchester Senior Ambassador), sharing their experiences and perspectives on their relationships with Israel and America.

We’re excited for the additional upcoming Israel events noted below and hope you’ll be able to join us!

March 31st-April 1st Beth El Scholar-in-Residence: Michael Koplow, Chief Policy Officer, Israel Policy Forum

May 21st – Israel @ 75 Westchester Yom Ha’atzmaut Celebration

May 30th - Israel 360 Presents: Eric Mandel, Director of the Middle East Political Information Network, Senior Security Editor of The Jerusalem Post, and Stand With Us Board Member will speak about current developments in Israel and the broader Middle East

Susan Solow-Dubin and Mark Seidenfeld