ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD
September 2021
Federation Star
25
Conversations on Zionism: reclaiming the narrative 8 3 rd A n n i v e r s a r y o f
By Jewish National Fund-USA
KRISTALLNACHT
T
he time has come to show the world what Zionism looks like. That Zionism comes in all colors, shapes and sizes. That it’s inclusive, diverse, beautiful, respectful. That it builds bridges. That it’s about freedom: freedom of religion, freedom of expression, freedom from preconceived notions. That Zionism supports Israel, a country where synagogues, mosques and churches all share the same skyline. A country where Christians, Jews and Muslims live as neighbors and sit around the same table. Join Jewish National Fund-USA twice a month for a year-long series of human interactions, short films, interviews, panel discussions and more — all meant to facilitate a dialogue and expose the beautiful and diverse facets of modern Zionism and its positive impact on many aspects of
The Catholic-Jewish Dialogue of Collier County our lives, no matter where we are on the globe. Guests participating in these discussions will include Zionist historian and activist, Gil Troy; human rights attorney, Arsen Ostrovsky; and Zionist activist and author of the “Almost Jewish” blog, Virag Gulyas. Panels will explore topics, including, “Can You be Progressive and be a Zionist?” and “Textures of the Jewish World.” For more information, visit jnf.org/ ZionismConversations.
President Biden nominates Professor Lipstadt to monitor and combat antisemitism
N
ew York, NY, July 30, 2021… Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) is proud that Prof. Deborah Lipstadt of Emory University, a former member of JFNA’s National Young Leadership Cabinet, has been selected by President Biden to serve as the nation’s Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism. “Jewish Federations have been at the forefront of urging Congress to pass the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Act, and we are grateful for the bipartisan leadership in the Senate and the House for elevating this key diplomatic position to an ambassadorship,” stated Eric Fingerhut, President and CEO of JFNA. “… Naming a qualified individual for this position as soon as possible amid the surge in antisemitism has been a top priority — from our May 21 letter to the White House to the Day of Action Against Antisemitism virtual rally, and at our National Young Leadership Cabinet Fly-In to Washington, D.C. just last week,” continued Fingerhut. Antisemitic incidents have increased around the world, especially during and in the wake of the conflict between Israel and Hamas in May. Just this week, the carving of a swastika in the elevator at the State Department reminded us that antisemitism reaches into every corner of our own society. Mark Wilf, chair of the board of JFNA, said, “We are thrilled that Prof. Lipstadt, who is a longstanding Jewish Federation leader, has been chosen for this
crucial role in leading the charge against antisemitism ... We would be honored to work with her in restoring a sense of safety and security to all the members of the Jewish community.” Prof. Lipstadt, the Dorot Professor of Modern Jewish History and Holocaust Studies at Emory University, is not just the nation’s leading expert in the field of antisemitism, she has rendered decades of service to the Jewish community as a tireless advocate against all those who assault Jews and Jewish history. She has transcended the role of academic by taking on and ultimately defeating David Irving, a notorious Holocaust denier, in a British courtroom. She was appointed by President Clinton to the United States Holocaust Memorial Council and served two terms. She was the recipient of a 2019 National Jewish Book Award for her most recent book, “Antisemitism: Here and Now.” Eric Fingerhut added, “… We can think of no better candidate for the position of Ambassador to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, and we call upon the Congress to confirm her nomination without delay.”
About JFNA The Jewish Federations, collectively among the top 10 charities on the continent, protects and enhances the well-being of Jews worldwide through the values of tikkun olam (repairing the world), tzedakah (charity and social justice) and Torah (Jewish learning).
invites the c omm unit y to t his commemor ati ve ser vice.
OP EN TO THE PUBLIC FR EE ADMISSION Sunday, Nov. 7 at 3:00 pm DOORS OPEN AT 2:40 PM
The event will be held at St. Agnes Catholic Church 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Rd Naples, FL 34120
With gue st s pe ake r: Rabbi Micah Greenstein “Interf aith Re lat io ns 83 Years Af ter Kri st al lna cht : What Have W e Re al ly Le arn ed?” A discussio n of K ri sta lln acht and its cal l to a ct ion fo r socia l just ice to da y.
Sp ons ore d b y: Catholic-Jewish Dialogue of Collier County Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples Diocese of Venice in Florida GenShoah of SWFL Holocaust Museum & Janet G. and Harvey D. Cohen Education Center For more information contact: CJDialogue@naples.net
