Israel 360

We’ve been off to a great start this year and there’s more to come! In October, Yuval Ben-David of EcoPeace Middle East Zoomed in from Israel. EcoPeace is a unique Israeli-Jordanian-Palestinian organization that seeks to advance cooperative efforts in the Middle East to protect their shared environment, promote sustainable regional development, and create necessary conditions for lasting peace. It was an interesting look at an organization and work that most of us were not familiar with.

In December, we were fortunate to host an intimate evening of conversation with Gadeer Kamal Mreeh, the first female Druze member of Knesset and currently the Jewish Agency for Israel’s first non-Jewish Shlicha working to strengthen ties with Israel. Gadeer shared with us her personal journey and her unique perspective as an Israeli Druze on the many issues facing the Druze and Arab communities in Israel.

In the spirit of 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,” we have a diverse slate of programs coming up:

Tuesday, January 24th, 7:30pm – J Street: Facts & Myths, A Discussion with Jeremy Ben Ami, President & Founder. Jeremy will be in discussion with Rabbi Schuck and will be ready to address questions and concerns about J Street during the Q&A.

Sunday, February 26th, Dugri (straight talk) – this dynamic Israeli Jew & Arab rap duo will Zoom in from Israel, with performances from their insightful and impactful rap videos, followed by a discussion about their origins and goals.

Thursday, March 16th, Israeli and American Teens: What do they really think about Israel and America? Join our panel of Westchester’s Shinshinim (youth ambassadors from Israel) and our own teens for an open and enlightening discussion.

May, Date TBD – Stand With Us: U.S. Support for Israel in a Changing World. Details to come.

And save-the-dates for these important Israel events:

March 31st-April 1st Scholar-in-Residence: Michael Koplow, Chief Policy Officer, Israel Policy Forum May 21st – Israel @ 75 Westchester Yom Ha’atzmaut Celebration

We are pleased to offer a diverse menu of programs that reflect our foundational commitment to Ahavat Yisrael and the varied perspectives of our community. We hope you join us for these events.

L’hitraot, Susan Solow-Dubin & Mark Seidenfeld, Co-Chairs