Zionist Organization of America

INSIDE

ZOA Defends Jewish Students’ Rights Left: Cong. Dennis Ross (R-FL), Center Background: Cong. Steve Rothman ZOA Amicus Brief to US ZOA delegates listening to (D-NJ), Right: Cong. Jerrold Nadler Congressional speeches at luncheon (D-NY) attend ZOA luncheon Supreme Court on Jerusalem Passport Case ZOA People: Irwin Hochberg HUNDREDS OF We Mourn Passing of ZOA ZOA ACTIVISTS Awardee Elizabeth Taylor 45 Senators: No US Aid to MEET WITH PA/Hamas Government 78% of Likud Oppose CONGRESS Palestinian State Abbas’ NY Times Op-Ed 160MEMBERS Filled with Lies PA Official: No One in PA Recognizes Israel and more...

Cong. Allen West (R-FL) and ZOA Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) addressing FALL 2011 President Morton A. Klein ZOA Delegates

Glenn Beck U.S. Cong. Ileana To Receive Adelson Ros-Lehtinen , House Foreign Affairs Defender Of Israel Committee Chair To Award At ZOA Dinner Receive Moskowitz Award JOIN US AT ZOA NATIONAL DINNER NOVEMBER 20, 2011 GRAND HYATT HOTEL, NYC ZOA REPORT PB FALL 2011 1 ZOA REPORT TABLE OF ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA CONTENTS PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Obama s Dangerous 2 President's Message ’ 4 Around the Country Policy Shift with Morton Klein 5 ZOA Washington D.C. Advocacy Mission 9 ZOA Center for Law and Justice 14 Briefings to ZOA's Board of Directors Since President Barack Obama’s policy speeches in late spring 15 ZOA Government regarding Israel and the Palestinian Arabs, much ink has been spilled arguing that they contain Relations Department no new or troubling policy developments and that all is well in the U.S./Israel relationship. Sadly, this is not so. In his two and half years in office, President Obama has sought to distance the 17 ZOA Washington U.S. from Israel and to empower Israel’s enemies. Reassuring bromides in his recent presidential Mission Pictures addresses regarding his commitment to Israel’s security were nullified by specific statements 21 ZOA Campus that spell out dangerous Israeli concessions and disregard of Israeli vital interests. Activism Network Indeed, only days after Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah-controlled Palestinian Authority (PA) signed a unity government agreement with Hamas, the U.S. and E.U.-listed terrorist organization 24 ZOA People: Irwin which calls in its charter for the destruction of Israel and murder of Jews, President Barack Hochberg Obama urged Israel to make major concessions to the Palestinians. In fact, Obama did more: He heralded a significant shift in U.S. policy, saying the borders 26 ZOA Israel/Jewish News Items of Israel and a Palestinian state “should be based on the 1967 lines [i.e., the 1949 armistice lines] with mutually agreed swaps.” In a sentence, Obama discarded U.N. Security Council 29 ZOA Israel Office Resolution 242’s insistence on secure and recognized borders for Israel. This has always been understood to mean no return to the perilous 1949 33 ZOA Around the armistice lines. Country As Lyndon Johnson put it in 1967, a return to the 1949 armistice lines “was not a prescription for peace, but for renewed hostilities.” Or again, as Ronald Reagan said in 1982,

Published by the “In the pre-1967 borders, Israel was barely ten miles wide Zionist Organization of America at its narrowest point … I am not about to ask Israel to live Jacob and Libby Goodman ZOA House that way again.” But Obama just did. 4 East 34th Street, New York, NY 10016 Instead, Obama calls now for a “full and phased Israeli Phone (212) 481-1500 withdrawal.” He has also refused to endorse the 2004 Fax (212) 481-1515 Email: [email protected] George W. Bush letter, stipulating that delineating a Website: www.zoa.org negotiated border must take account of Jewish communities Morton A. Klein National President that have risen over the years beyond the 1949 armistice Dr. Michael Goldblatt lines and that Palestinian “refugees” would not be settled Chairman of the Board within Israel. Dr. Alan Mazurek Obama said that Israel must have secure, recognized Chairman, National Advisory Council Morton A. Klein borders “different than the one that existed on June 4, 1967.” Henry Schwartz President, Treasurer Yet this means little when the new borders are to be based Zionist Organization David Drimer on these lines “with mutually agreed swaps” and therefore of America National Executive Director virtually indistinguishable from those lines. This means that

Design and Layout: Josh Teplow Israel cannot retain anything over these lines – the Temple

ZOA REPORT 2 FALL 2011 3 ZOA REPORT PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Mount, the Western Wall, would require Israel president, Obama declared contrary, he has supported the Jewish neighborhoods ceding the Jordan Valley, that Israel should first the so-called Saudi peace of eastern Jerusalem, Ariel, whose retention every set up a Palestinian state plan, which demands not Efrat and Maale Adumim Israeli government has more or less along the only a return to the 1949 and so on – unless the regarded as vital to Israeli 1949 armistice lines and lines, but also the return Fatah/Hamas PA agrees. The security. The Jordan Valley only then discuss the vital of all “refugees” and their PA gets an absolute veto. is a strategically vital land issues of Jerusalem and the descendants to Israel. This dramatically weakens barrier whose possession Palestinian “refugees” of Even worse, President Israel’s negotiating position. by Israel makes it possible the 1948-9 war and their Obama has done this at the President Obama did not for Israel to repulse an millions of descendants. very time that Fatah has support a single Israeli invasion from the east. U.S. By making this declaration, formed a unity government position, even though Israel and Israeli military experts President Obama eliminates with the terrorist has been America’s most have repeatedly stated that any leverage Israel would organization Hamas, whose reliable ally since 1948, the retention of the Jordan have on the final outcome charter calls for a genocide while the PA has violated Valley is essential for Israeli on those two vital issues. of Jews. Regarding Hamas, every signed agreement defense. The late Yitzhak Upholding Israel’s basic President Obama only since Oslo. Rabin said as much in his security and survival as a made an insubstantial call Moreover, President last speech to the Knesset Jewish state would mean for the PA to “explain” Obama’s unprecedented in October 1995. Benjamin repudiating the repatriation how this unity government call for a Palestinian state to Netanyahu has reaffirmed it. of the “refugees” and their agreement was consistent have “permanent Palestinian Obama ignores this. descendants in Israel, but with pursuing a peace borders with... Jordan” Unlike any previous Obama did not. To the settlement. What he did not

Founded 1897

ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA MARK YOUR CALENDAR 114th ANNIVERSARY

Louis D.Brandeis Award Dinner Dr. Miriam and Sheldon Adelson Cherna and Dr. Irving Moskowitz Award Defender of Israel Award Promoting Strong U.S.-Israel Relations Glenn Beck U.S. Cong. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen TV/Radio Host/Commentator Chair, House Foreign Affairs Committee JOIN THE ZOA Author, Six NY Times Bestsellers SUNDAY NOVEMBER 20, 2011

Reception 5:00 pm | Dinner 6:00 pm Justice Louis D. Brandeis Award Maccabee Award Grand Hyatt Hotel Mark Langfan Jerry Taylor 109 East 42nd Street, New York City William Langfan Judy Taylor

Dinner Co-Chairman For reservations call the Zionist Organization of America (212) 481-1500 or write [email protected] James Tisch Martin Gross President, Loews Corporation President, or register on our website: zoa.org Former Chairman, Conference of Presidents of Washington Institute for Near East Policy Major American Jewish Organizations

ZOA REPORT 2 FALL 2011 3 ZOA REPORT AROUND THE COUNTRY WITH PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE MORTON KLEIN say – and should have said and Hezbollah. Concern for loudly and clearly – was Israeli security would not Appearance on National Fox TV “Fox & Friends” that the U.S. could not and lead Obama to turn a blind discussion about President Obama’s policies toward would not deal with a Fatah/ eye to PA incitement to Israel. Hamas unity government hatred and murder against and that the U.S. could not Israel and Jews. Yet Obama Several appearances on Shalom TV. and would not continue to has shown less interest than provide the PA with U.S. his predecessors in doing Interviews on radio programs in Alabama, New Mex- taxpayer-funded aid. anything about it. Obama ico, Florida, Tennessee, Indiana, Pennsylvania. iven this reiterated in his speeches infamous that the U.S. “will hold the Speeches at Temple Emanuel, Palm Beach Florida; Fatah/ Palestinians accountable for Young Israel of Hollywood; Boca Raton Synagogue, H a m a s their actions and for their Florida; Valley Beth Shalom Synagogue, Los Angeles; Phil- PA unity rhetoric.” But he never has adelphia ZOA Dinner, Michigan ZOA Chapter, LA ZOA Ggovernment agreement, the – nor does he even now. Chapter. PA’s refusal to negotiate He has never identified with Israel, and the failure of the PA as responsible for Scholar-In-Residence in Orlando, Florida Passover the PA over nearly 18 years incitement and thus has program at Hilton Hotel along with distinguished attor- to fulfill its signed Oslo not penalized it. When ney Nathan Lewin, Esq. commitments to arrest in 2010 the PA named a terrorists, outlaw terrorist Ramallah square after the Articles and Letters published in New York Times, Wash- groups and end the incite- terrorist Dalal Mughrabi, ington Post, LA Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, Middle East ment to hatred and murder the Administration falsely Quarterly, Jerusalem Post, Israel’s largest daily Yediot Ahro- in the PA-controlled media, claimed that this was the not, The Forward, New York Jewish Week, LA Jewish Journal, mosques, schools and youth brainchild of a “Hamas-run Washington Jewish Week, Philadelphia Jewish Exponent, Jew- camps, why should the PA municipality.” In March 2011, ish Press, Muslim World Today, and many others. receive 100% of what it is neither President Obama demanding? A negotiated nor Secretary of State “compromise” that results Hillary Clinton condemned abrogation of the PA’s unity writers and journalists in in Israel giving – and the the PA naming of another agreement with Hamas Jordan last year that if the PA receiving – 100% of the square after Mughrabi the as a precondition of any Arab states “want war, and territory, or at least equiva- very day after the bestial future talks. He has done if all of you will fight Israel, lent amount of territory, is murders in their beds of five neither. Far from holding we are in favor.” Under scarcely a compromise at all. members of the Fogel family. “Palestinians accountable,” Abbas, the PA has named To support the PA claims as Asked repeatedly by ZOA Obama has consistently dozens of schools, streets, President Obama has done and other American Jewish rewarded them, massively and sports teams after Jew- is to further reward terror- organizations to condemn increasing aid to the PA to killing terrorists. The 43rd ism and incitement. it, neither President almost $1 billion per year. anniversary emblem of Concern for Israel’s Obama nor Secretary It’s a disgrace that a U.S. Fatah shows Israel labeled security has not led Obama Clinton did so. President can continue “Palestine,” draped in a to pressure Egypt to close If Obama was genuine using taxpayers’ dollars to Palestinian headdress, with its Gaza border at Rafah, about holding the PA sustain the PA Fatah/Hamas a photo of arch-terrorist whose recent opening has accountable, he would regime whose Fatah leader, Yasser Arafat and a enabled an increased flow demand the disbanding Mahmoud Abbas, repeatedly Kalashnikov automatic rifle. of weaponry into Hamas- of Fatah’s own Al Aqsa promises that “not a single For a year, Obama run Gaza. But he has Martyrs Brigades, a U.S. Jew would remain in a prohibited a vote by spoken previously of the recognized terrorist group. Palestinian state” and who “legitimate aims” of Hamas He would demand the said to a meeting of Arab continued on page 8

ZOA REPORT 4 FALL 2011 5 ZOA REPORT ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA ZOA WASHINGTON MISSION 2011

Hundreds of ZOA Activists Come to Washington, D.C.

Meet with 160 Congress Members

In late spring, hundreds of Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) activists from across the country took part in the ZOA’s Annual Advocacy Mission to Washington, D.C. ZOA activists urged Congress to take the following steps: (1) End all U.S. financial assistance of $900 million dollars per year to the Palestinian Authority (PA) and end all relations with the PA as long as its merger with the Nazi-like, Jew-killing Hamas remains intact. Additionally, U.S. aid to the PA must cease unless and until the PA fulfills its written obligations to end the promotion of hatred and violence against Jewish Israelis in their schools, media, and speeches; to arrest Jew-killing terrorists; and to outlaw terrorist groups. Since the Oslo process began in 1993, the PA has received billions of dollars. Yet the PA continues to name schools, streets and sports teams after Jew-killing terrorists, which honors and glorifies murder, and encourages young Palestinians to become killers. (2) Support newly proposed legislation (the “Jerusalem Embassy and Recognition Act of 2011” [H.R. 1006]) to move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and remove the security waiver that now exists and that has been invoked since 1995, by Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama. (3) Oppose a uni- lateral declaration of a Palestinian Arab state which would violate the Oslo II agreements signed by the PA, thereby rendering such a declaration illegal. In addition to urging Congress to support legislation that would penalize any such attempts by the PA, ZOA activists asked lawmakers to urge the White House to lead diplomatic efforts to per- suade other nations to oppose a unilateral declaration of a Palestinian Arab state. At the ZOA’s Congressional Luncheon, held in a beauti- ful room on the top floor of the Hart Senate Office Building with breathtaking views of Washington, D.C., ZOA activ- ists heard speeches from several dozen U.S. Senators and House Members, almost evenly split between Democrats and Republicans, who joined them at the Luncheon. A sam- pling of the remarks made by U.S. Congress members at the ZOA Mission Luncheon: Sen. Mark Pryor (D-AK): “The United States has a special relationship with Israel . . . based on shared values, principles and interests...Israel is the best friend we have in the region – and maybe the best friend in all the world.”... ZOA Board Member Gene Shusman with Cong. Noting that Arkansas has one of the smallest populations Allen West (R-FL)

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United States should not be sending hard-earned taxpay- ers’ dollars” to the Palestinian Arabs . . . In a letter Cong. West wrote to U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice, he stated that if the UN recognizes a state of Palestine, “the United States is allowing the creation of a new terrorist state. We cannot allow that” . . . Israel is “our most important ally.” Cong. Eliot Engel (D-NY): “There’s never been a ZOA function I haven’t attended [and although he had votes to cast, Cong. Engel said that he made sure to attend the ZOA Congressional Luncheon] as a show of respect” to the ZOA. . . . “The [Obama] administration is doing some very good things [for Israel’s defense] . . . but the rhetoric coming out of the White House doesn’t help.” . . . [Noting that Israel cannot take security risks], Cong. Engel said, “I don’t care if the United States wants it or the American ZOA delegates applaud a Congressional address. president wants it...ZOA has always adhered to very strong principles. You’re not wishy-washy. I want to commend you. You have always championed the right things.” Cong. Shelley Berkley (D-NV): “I’m mishpuchah [fam- ily] and a proud member of ZOA. I’d be remiss if I didn’t of Jews in the U.S., Sen. Pryor said, “It’s amazing how many mention my good friend Mort Klein. We’ve been ‘partners people will say to me, ‘Cut this, cut that, but don’t cut the in crime’ and in good for many years now. I don’t know aid to Israel.... Thank you for doing what you do.” anyone more devoted to issues we care about.” Referring Sen. John Boozman (R-AK): “I just want to compli- to President Obama making the so-called “settlements” an ment you on being here...Don’t ever underestimate how issue, Cong. Berkley said, “How anybody would think that important it is to be here...[meeting with House Members building up established settlements would be an impediment and Senators] eyeball to eyeball...In this very uncertain to peace is a mystery to me. It was a mistake of monumen- time...I want you to know that I’m very supportive and tal proportions . . . It is essential that the United States of committed.” America veto that [anticipated PA] resolution for recogniz- en. Mike Lee (R-UT): “I’m a friend of your or- ing a unilateral declaration of a Palestinian Arab state. They ganization. I’m a friend of the state of Israel.” will not create a peaceful state living side by side with Isra- [Sen. Lee and his wife] are “life-long fans” of el” . . . [it will be] “a terrorist stronghold to eliminate Israel. Israel...“Those who want to destroy Israel have We cannot allow that to happen...The United States must their sights set on destroying the United States... make sure that the radical elements of Egypt do not take YouS have my commitment to do everything I can to stand up over that government ...Jerusalem is the eternal, undivided for the U.S.-Israel relationship...May G-d bless the sovereign capital of the state of Israel. As long as there is breath in my state of Israel and the United States of America.” body, it will continue to be the eternal undivided capital.” . . . Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY): Sen. Barrasso has had “the [Referring to the ZOA activists] “you being here is essential great privilege to go to Israel four different times” and to the survival of Israel and the survival of our people . . . has seen for himself “just how small and fragile Israel is . . . there isn’t a group more passionate than the ZOA or more Hamas is a vital enemy of the Israeli people” and Sen. Bar- effective in getting our positions across . . . thank you for rasso has “great concerns about that... Thank you for all you being here.” do for Israel, America, for democracy . . . the United States Cong. Steve Rothman (D-NJ): “Thank you to each of has no better friend than the people of Israel.” you for your advocacy....I’ve been working for a strong Unit- Cong. Allen B. West (R-FL): Wishing a “happy 63rd ed States-Israel relationship for the last 43 years...We get birthday to the modern state of Israel,” Cong. West criti- back 1000 times whatever we give to Israel in military aid... cized the agreement between Fatah and Hamas, saying “the Let’s remember who our friends are...the United States of

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America and Israel.” ZOA wing of the Democratic party...You guys are here for Cong. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY): “This is a time of great action . . . The United States “shouldn’t do anything that im- danger for Israel in the Middle East. The United States has to plies kinship or sponsorship with Saudi Arabia . . . [a country stand by Israel.” Cong. Nadler said that while he himself sup- which] sponsors terrorism. [For as long as the PA has a pact ports a Palestinian Arab state, “the Palestinians do not have a with Hamas, the PA should receive] “not a dime, not a dollar, right to a state.” If there is such a state, it “has to be a state not a shekel...The time has come to commute the sentence where the security concerns of Israel are paramount...A of Jonathan Pollard . . . life imprisonment without parole is Palestinian state unilaterally declared is a mortal danger and simply inhumane and not just...One of the ways we say ‘G-d cannot be allowed to happen. The United States must not bless America’ is to say ‘Am Yisrael Chai’ [the nation of Israel allow it...The other mortal danger to Israel is Iran...We must lives].” stand by Israel even if the rest of the world doesn’t...We have OA activists also heard from Richard Hell- to keep working to make sure the United States remains man, president of Christians’ Israel Public Ac- secure and an ally of Israel.” tion Campaign, who applauded ZOA National Cong. Joe Walsh (R-IL): “This is a critical time, a turbulent President Morton A. Klein and the ZOA “for time for the Middle East. The one constant in the Middle working for the strongest possible support for East is the unwavering support, the unyielding support for ZIsrael.” In addition, Jeff Daube, Director of the ZOA’s Israel Israel . . . I am pro-Israel first, pro-peace second. We are not office, discussed the ZOA’s efforts in Israel and its campaign an umpire judging a contest between two equal teams.” Re- to address the ongoing abuse of mourners and gravesites on ferring to terrorists, he said, “We are dealing with an enemy Israel’s Mount of Olives, the oldest Jewish cemetery in the that only understands strength.” If the United States strongly world. supports Israel, “that will lead to peace.” ZOA National President Morton A. Klein also addressed ong. Dennis Ross (R-FL): “I recognize that the hundreds of ZOA activists, describing the enormous it’s not the 63rd birthday of the Jewish dangers of the new unity agreement between the Fatah- people. That goes back to the beginning of time.” Regarding Jerusalem, “that’s where the capital [of Israel] should be . . . the Jew- ishC people hold claim to this area...It should be the unequivo- cal policy [of the United States] that Hamas is a terrorist organization. [Cong. Ross and his colleagues in Congress] “must continue to condemn and be vigilant in condemning anti-Semitism...When I go to visit Israel for the first time in August, how proud I’d be if my passport was stamped ‘Jeru- salem, Israel’...I for one will stand with Israel, with America’s relationship with Israel.” Cong. Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN): “Rest assured. I am 100 percent behind Israel. Israel is our only true ally in the Middle East. We have a special bond. I intend to vote that way in Congress...Please consider myself a resource, a friend . . . thank you so much for advocating for Israel. Please be heard . . . When enemies of the United States and Israel don’t even hide their hatred, that’s a clear message that we have to stand strong.” It’s “so important that we not let rhetoric against the United States and Israel go unanswered . . . the Holocaust started with hateful rhetoric . . . we will pay atten- tion in Congress.” U.S. Cong. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) who Cong. Doug Lamborn (R-CO): “You’ve got a great orga- heads up the Democratic National Committee nization. G-d bless.” greets ZOA delegates Former Cong. Anthony Weiner (D-NY): “I represent the

ZOA REPORT 6 FALL 2011 7 ZOA REPORT ZOA WASHINGTON MISSION 2011 controlled PA and Hamas. leaders shortly after named Klein pointed out that, in its a town square after Dalal constitution, Fatah calls for Mughrabi who led a terror- the destruction of Israel and ist attack in Israel resulting the use of terrorism as an in the murder of 37 Jews, indispensible element in the not one major official in the struggle to achieve its goals. Obama administration con- In recent years, Fatah com- demned it. missioned an official em- Mr. Klein told the ZOA blem depicting all of Israel activists that in the wake as “Palestine” and covered of the Fatah-Hamas unity in a Palestinian Arab kef- agreement, a senior Fatah fiyeh, with a picture of the official said, “No one in terrorist Yasser Arafat in the Fatah and Hamas move- center and a Kalashnikov ri- ments recognizes Israel.” fle on the side. Hamas in its Mort Klein thanked the charter calls for the murder entire ZOA staff including of Jews and the destruction Stan Kessock, Virginia Gil- of Israel. It is this continuing ley, Felice Capustin, Har- ZOA delegate making a point promotion of hatred and riet Bachmann, Josh Teplow, murder of Jews and Israelis, Josh Nason and David Ka- said Klein, that recently led dosh for their hard work in to the massacre of the Fogel making the ZOA’s Advoca- family, including three small cy Mission to Washington, Co-Directors of the ZOA’s ters of ceremony at the children, in Itamar. Despite D.C. such a success. Josh Government Relations De- luncheon event and led the the shocking fact that PA London and Dan Pollak, partment, were the mas- discussion of the issues.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

continued from page 4 Obama left untouched in but a U.S. ally that has at negative developments in his recent speeches. While least maintained a cold Egypt this year that indicate Congress on further U.S. he has claimed that he will peace with Israel, Obama that Egypt is becoming sanctions upon Iran, despite do “everything” to stop Iran has legitimized the Islamist quickly and increasingly an overwhelming support for getting the bomb, Obama has Muslim Brotherhood. Our American enemy, not an ally. such measures within the ignored his own deadlines State Department will Not only does the Congress and the absence and achieved only limited now allow diplomats to Brotherhood not recognize of any concessions by Iran international sanctions that deal directly with Muslim Israel, but its new leader, on the issue of its nuclear provide exemptions for the Brotherhood party officials Muhammad Badi’, spoke last weapons program – the Russians and Chinese who in Cairo. Worse, the Obama year of the virtues of jihad and existential looming threat to are actually enabling the Administration has recently a state based on Islamic law, Israel, the U.S. and the West. Iranian nuclear program. announced that it will while euphorically declaring Yet, what further measures Now, after helping oust sell 125 M1A1 Abrams that the U.S. is heading must be taken to stop the Mubarak regime in tanks to the new Egyptian Iran is precisely the issue Egypt, a repressive regime government, despite the continued on page 16

ZOA REPORT 8 FALL 2011 9 ZOA REPORT ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA CENTER FOR LAW AND JUSTICE ZOA Uses New Title VI Policy to Remedy Hostile Anti-Semitic Environment at Maine High School

October 26, 2010, the U.S. De- the words “JP’s enemies.” partmentOn of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is- • Threatening and hateful messages were left on JP’s cell sued a “Dear Colleague” letter that addressed bullying and phone by fellow students. One message said, “What’s harassment in publicly funded schools. In the letter, OCR the difference between a Jew and a frozen pizza? A pizza finally made it clear that Jewish students would be protect- doesn’t scream when it’s put in the oven.” A second ed from anti-Semitic harassment and intimidation under message said, “What’s the difference between a Boy Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This is a policy clari- Scout and a Jew? A Boy Scout comes back from camp.” fication that the ZOA fought hard to obtain. After OCR • As JP was leaving a local movie theater, he was confront- refused to enforce Title VI to protect Jewish students at the ed by several students, one of whom ran up to him and University of California, Irvine – a campus that one Jewish screamed in his face, “You’re a Jew! You’re a Jew! Why student leader described as “a hotbed for anti-Israel and don’t you act like a Jew?” The others laughed. anti-Semitic activism” – and dismissed the ZOA’s Title VI • A Star-of-David-like image was etched into a desk in JP’s complaint against the university, the ZOA became a leading classroom, with the words, “You, Jew, I come for you.” advocate for ensuring that Jewish students have the same • A picture of a smiley face bearing an Adolph Hitler civil rights protections from moustache was found in JP’s classroom. a hostile school environ- • Students surrounded JP in the school cafeteria, repeat- ment as other ethnic and edly taunting him. racial groups. Only a few short weeks The effects of the hostile environment were serious. At after OCR issued the poli- one time a straight “A” student, JP’s academic performance cy letter last October, the suffered. He became depressed and angry, with feelings of ZOA was contacted by isolation and helplessness. He wasn’t sleeping well and suf- the family of a Jewish high fered from nightmares. JP became listless and almost life- school student (“JP”) in less. He no longer wanted to go to school; he did not feel Maine who, for more than safe there. one year, had been subject- The ZOA wrote to the school principal and superin- ed to anti-Semitic threats, tendent of the district, describing in detail the harassment harassment and intimida- and intimidation that JP was being subjected to. Enclosing

tion by fellow students, in- a copy of OCR’s October 2010 policy letter, the ZOA ap- BANNER PHOTO CREDIT: db k in g cluding the following: prised school officials of their legal obligation under Title VI Susan Tuchman Director, to eliminate the hostile environment and ensure that it did • A swastika was drawn Center for Law and Justice not recur. on a desk at the high After more than one year of doing virtually nothing in school accompanied by response to repeated complaints by JP and his family about

ZOA REPORT 8 FALL 2011 9 ZOA REPORT CENTER FOR LAW AND JUSTICE

• The school organized a meeting between one of JP’s bul- lies and a Holocaust survivor, so that the bully could hear the survivor’s first-hand experience with anti-Se- mitic hatred and bigotry. This meeting led to the bully finally apologizing to JP for his actions. • The school found a peer advocate for JP, someone whom JP could count on and who would support him and help him stand up to any more bullying.

JP’s family was grateful for the steps that the ZOA took on JP’s behalf, which rectified the hostile school environ- ment that the school district had for the most part ignored. In a note to Susan Tuchman, director of the ZOA’s Center for Law and Justice, the family wrote: “Thank you for lead- The United States Department of Education will now ing us out of the desert. We don’t know what we would protect Jewish students under Title VI have done without you.”

the harassment, the school district finally took action in response to the ZOA’s letter: ZOA Challenges • The school provided counseling and supportive services Anti-Semitic Hostility at to JP. • The school provided staff with civil rights training on Rutgers and UC Santa Cruz how to respond to suspected incidents of harassment, bullying, anti-Semitism, and other forms of intolerance and discrimination, and it conducted a district-wide staff meeting to discuss OCR’s policy letter. In April 2011, the ZOA wrote to Richard • The school conducted workshops on harassment, bully- McCormick, the president of Rutgers, The State Univer- ing and civil rights with each of the high school classes. sity of New Jersey, expressing concern about the hostile • School administrators met with the chief of police to dis- environment that Jewish students are facing there. Jew- cuss anti-Semitism and bias and hate crimes in the com- ish students have been physically threatened and made munity, to promote police awareness of these concerns to feel intimidated and even unsafe. Middle East studies and to seek police cooperation in addressing them. courses are so biased against Israel that Jewish students • The school presented educational programs to students avoid them or are afraid to speak up in class and express from two organizations—the Center for Preventing their support for Israel. On a regular basis, an anti-Israel Hate and Rachel’s Challenge—to raise awareness about student group called BAKA has been sponsoring and pro- bias and harassment and to promote civility and kind- moting events on campus that demonize Jews and Israel, ness in schools. thereby inciting hatred of them. • The superintendent sent a letter to all parents in the One Jewish and pro-Israel student at Rutgers who district, explaining the importance of preventing harass- writes for the student paper received threats of violence. ment and bullying in school, and describing the steps that After the Jewish student wrote an article criticizing BA- the school district was taking to ensure that students KA’s hateful tactics, another student physically threatened can learn in a safe environment. him on Facebook, writing, “Id [sic] be happy to see him • The school arranged for the Maine Attorney General’s beat with a crowbar. Violence doesnt [sic] solve prob- office to provide staff training regarding discrimination lems but it shuts up people who shouldnt [sic] speak.” At and harassment. least seven of the writer’s Facebook friends clicked “like”

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on this message, indicating their approval of the violent The ZOA provided President McCormick with a copy threat. One responded with a murderous threat of his of the Office for Civil Rights’ policy letter of October own: “Or makes them martyrs, furthering the strength 26, 2010, clarifying that Jewish students must be pro- behind their beliefs. And skinning them alive so they see tected from anti-Semitic harassment under Title VI of the the afterlife.” Civil Rights Act of 1964. The ZOA recommended that Understandably fearful, the Jewish student sought po- the president take several steps to eliminate the hostile lice protection and removed his contact information from campus environment, which included speaking out and the Rutgers directory. He also filed a bias report with the publicly condemning the anti-Semitic bigotry and Israel Dean of Students, which, according to university policy, bashing on campus, investigating the conduct of Shehnaz is supposed to be responded to within 24 hours. But Abdeljaber and firing her if the evidence was verified, and it took more than one month for the administration to reviewing university courses to redress the anti-Israel respond. The Jewish student simply received a cursory e- bias and intimidation of Jewish and pro-Israel students in mail from the Dean of Students, notifying him that there the classroom. were insufficient grounds to charge the student who had President McCormick responded to the ZOA’s letter, threatened him, and that the student had simply been is- whitewashing some of the concerns raised and ignoring sued a warning. The other student who had threatened others. The ZOA reissued its call for him to take action to skin the Jewish student alive apparently suffered no to redress the anti-Semitic hostility on campus, so that consequence whatsoever. Rutgers will be in compliance with its obligations under This Jewish student was also threatened, bullied and Title VI. intimidated by a university official named Shehnaz Sheik Campus anti-Semitism continues to be a problem at Abdeljaber, the Outreach Coordinator for Rutgers’ Cen- the University of California, Santa Cruz, too. The univer- ter for Middle East Studies. After the Jewish student sity is currently under investigation by the Office for Civil wrote an article criticizing the student government’s de- Rights, after a university lecturer filed a Title VI complaint cision to financially support the Palestine Children’s Relief alleging a hostile anti-Semitic campus environment that Fund, Ms. Abdeljaber posted an anti-Semitic comment on the administration has failed to rectify. Facebook, referring to the Jewish student as “that racist In June, at a program sponsored by the university, a Zionist pig!!!!!!!!” Ms. Abdeljaber also encouraged other university administrator promoted and solicited support Facebook users to find the Jewish student’s hate page on for the U.S. Boat to Gaza campaign. According to its Web Facebook—as if celebrating the fact that hateful com- site, this campaign seeks “to end the blockade of Gaza ments had been posted about the Jewish student and in- and the illegal occupation of Palestine.” citing others to post their own. The ZOA wrote to George Blumenthal, the university In its letter to Rutgers’ president, the ZOA decried chancellor, expressing concern that this campaign might the many campus events demonizing Jews and Israel. One be illegal under the federal anti-terrorism laws and the from last January, entitled “Never Again for Anyone,” Neutrality Act, and that the university might be implicat- falsely and offensively analogized the Nazis’ treatment ed as a participant and co-conspirator in illegal activity. of the Jews during the Holocaust to Israel’s policies and The ZOA noted that the blockade runners on the boat practices toward the Palestinian Arabs. The event was ad- to Gaza might seek to deliver money, goods, services or vertised as free and open to the public. But when a large other support to Hamas in Gaza, which would be a crime number of Jewish and pro-Israel students and commu- under U.S. anti-terrorism laws. In addition, the Neutral- nity members came to this event to protest it, an admis- ity Act makes it a crime for individuals within the United sion fee was suddenly imposed and selectively enforced: States to begin a naval expedition against a government Those who were perceived as Jewish and pro-Israel had with whom our country is at peace, which would include to pay to be admitted, while those who were deemed our ally Israel. The ZOA urged UC Santa Cruz to cut all friendly to BAKA’s cause were admitted free of charge. ties with this possibly illegal campaign, and prohibit all Reportedly, inside the event, the leader of one of the university faculty, staff and academic departments from sponsoring groups told the audience, “When we saw promoting and supporting the campaign on campus, so that there were . . . Zionists [meaning Jews] outside, we that the university would not be implicated in what might decided to charge.” be a criminal enterprise.

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ZOA Submits Testimony to U.S. tor of academic affairs at the Consulate General of Israel to New England; and Rachel Fish, formerly a senior consultant at Commission on Civil Rights The David Project who, when a graduate student at Harvard, singlehandedly caused the university to return a $2.5 million gift from the leader of the United Arab Emirates, Sheik Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan, because his think-tank viciously pro- moted the hatred of Jews. The event began with a short vid- eo depicting the problems that Jewish students are facing on many University of California campuses – speakers and pro- On May 13, 2011, the United States Commis- grams that demonize and promote vicious falsehoods about sion on Civil Rights held a hearing on the federal response Jews and Israel, and professors and academic departments to bullyingZIONIST in ORGANIZATION federally funded OFschools. AMERICA The ZOA submitted that are unfairly biased against Israel, all of which is causing a statement to the Commission describing the new Office Jewish students to feel harassed, intimidated and even afraid for Civil Rights’ policy clarification that Jewish students will for their physical safety. Several of the students interviewed be protected from anti-Semitic harassment under Title VI of in this video have worked closely with the ZOA to combat the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and how the ZOA has already the hostile environment on their campuses. used this policy effectively to redress a hostile anti-Semitic After the video, each speaker made a short presentation environment for a Jewish high school student in Maine. about the problems on campus. Susan gave examples of what Jewish students are facing not only on the California cam- puses, but also on campuses across the country, and even in middle and high schools. Then, each panelist described what CLJ Director Speaks to should be done to address the problem. Susan described the groundbreaking work that the ZOA has been doing to Standing-Room-Only Crowd ensure that Jewish students have legal recourse if they face anti-Semitic hostility that their schools fail to address. When at Large Boston Susan described the Office for Civil Rights’ recently-clarified Suburban Synagogue policy that will now afford Jewish students the protection of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 – a policy clarification that the ZOA played a key role in achieving – the audience broke into applause. The response to the event was enthusiastic. Many audi- ence members remained after the event to talk with Susan about the problems on campus, and to congratulate the ZOA On April 28, 2011, Susan Tuchman, the direc- on its achievements. Several individuals followed up with ap- tor of the ZOA’s Center for Law and Justice, participated preciative e-mails, including one from a synagogue leader: in a panel presentation on The Delegitimization of Israel at “The program has created quite a buzz, and as you saw, it Our Universities. The event took place at Temple Emanu- was so well attended that there was standing & ‘floor sitting’ el in Newton, MA, a conservative synagogue of more than room only! . . . The feedback has been both amazing and 1100 families, located in the suburbs of Boston. Hundreds of interesting. A frequent comment is ‘scary but outstanding people attended the event, which was organized and moder- program.’ Many people have commented in particular about ated by Avi Goldwasser, a member of Temple Emanuel who your presentation and your comments during the question/ is also co-founder of The David Project and the executive answer period, and that they did not know about your and producer of Columbia Unbecoming, a documentary about the ZOA’s efforts on behalf of the students. We have also had the intimidation of Jewish students at Columbia University inquiries to bring the program to other cities.” in New York. Avi Goldwasser also received enthusiastic feedback on The other panelists were Dr. Richard Cravatts of Boston the program, including requests to present the program in University, a prolific writer on the problem of anti-Semitism other cities and venues. Here are some of the comments he and anti-Israelism in higher education; Ilana Snapstailer, direc- shared with us:

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“The program last night was absolutely fabulous! The ZOA Files Amicus Brief feedback has been amazing! You and the panel did a great job, truly giving an in depth analysis, and with suggestions of with U.S. Supreme Court – what people can do. STANDING ROOM ONLY--WOULD Urges Enforcement of U.S. Law YOU BELIEVE!” “Thank you again . . . for organizing this great program and Permitting “Israel” to be bringing [it] to Temple Emanuel. It is a great program, with many great insights but Susan’s legal perspective and action Recorded on Passports of plan makes it particularly useful.” Jerusalem-Born Americans “Great event...well attended. I found the Thursday night event very interesting and informative...Atty Susan Tuchman was very effective in her presentation in which she showed so much of her personality and warmth. ZOA seems to be doing some great work...What I liked best about the program was it framed the issue as primarily a civil rights issue, but also one of fairness and a university’s openness to all ideas. I In a case that could affect thousands of Jerusa- liked that the program approached the issue in a manner that lem-born Americans, the ZOA filed an amicus (“friend of the Jews, whether they were politically liberal or conservatives, court”) brief on August 5, 2011, with the U.S. Supreme Court, Democrats or Republicans, could support.” urging the Court to uphold the right of American citizens “Congratulations . . . for a program well organized and born in Jerusalem to have “Israel” listed as their birthplace on well executed. This is the kind of program that educates and their passports, certifications of nationality and registrations makes people aware of what’s going on in their backyard. I of birth. The ZOA’s brief supports the Petitioner before the encourage you folks to take this show on the road . . . first in Court – Menachem Binyamin Zivotofsky, an American born many temples in the Boston area and then to other cities.” in Jerusalem who, contrary to U.S. law, was refused a pass- Bringing this program to other cities and venues would port listing “Israel” as his birthplace. The passport listed only help enlighten and educate an American public that, even his city of birth in Jerusalem. among Jewish Americans, is unaware of the harassment and In 2002, Congress passed legislation permitting American intimidation that Jewish students are facing at their schools. citizens born in Jerusalem to have “Israel” recorded as their The program, if widely presented, would be useful in motivat- birthplace on their passports and other documents. Pres- ing the public to speak out against the demonization of Jews ident George W. Bush signed the legislation into law. The and Israel on campus, and to support the ZOA’s efforts to language of the law is clear, mandating the U.S. State Depart- address this ongoing and serious problem. ment to list “Israel” if a Jerusalem-born American requests it. But the State Department has refused to comply with the law, claiming that it would interfere with the President’s power to recognize foreign sovereigns. (The U.S. has not of- ficially recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.) In 2003, Zivotofsky filed an action to enforce the law. At or about the same time, the ZOA filed a separate suit on behalf of another American citizen born in Jerusalem whose right to have “Israel” on his passport was denied. The ZOA was the only Jewish organization to take formal legal action to implement the law. The two cases were consolidated in the federal district court in Washington, D.C. The Zivotofsky case made its way to the Supreme Court. The Court will be examining two issues: (1) whether the ZOA’s Amicus Brief filed with the U.S. Supreme case involves a “political question” that the courts are not Court competent to resolve; and (2) whether the statute imper- missibly infringes on the president’s power to recognize

ZOA REPORT 12 FALL 2011 13 ZOA REPORT CENTER FOR LAW AND JUSTICE foreign sovereigns. even though “Palestine” is not and never has been a sov- The ZOA’s amicus brief shows that many departments ereign nation. Passport applicants born in or after 1948 in and agencies in the Executive Branch – including the State an area that is under U.S.-recognized Israeli sovereignty are Department – have routinely referred to Jerusalem as part also not required to have “Israel” listed on their passports of the State of Israel, without any evident impact on foreign if they do not want it. The State Department will permit policy or any power that the President might have to recog- them to list their town or city of birth instead. Yet incongru- nize foreign sovereigns. It is thus very difficult to conceive of ously and insensitively, the Department is refusing to respect how listing “Israel” on an American citizen’s passport would and honor the preferences of Americans born in Jerusalem impermissibly infringe on foreign policy or any presidential who want to identify with Israel by having “Israel” listed as power to recognize foreign sovereigns. their birthplace on their passports. Clearly, it is not that the The ZOA’s brief also shows that the State Department’s State Department cannot accommodate the preferences of policies and practices for issuing passports are irrational and Americans born in Jerusalem due to considerations of for- arbitrary. And when it comes to Israel, they are offensive. eign sovereignty; the State Department simply has chosen The State Department’s general rule is that the country that not to accommodate them. currently has sovereignty over the actual birthplace should The Supreme Court will hear the case on November be listed as the place of birth on American citizens’ pass- 7, 2011. Hopefully, the Court will conclude that the law ports, regardless of when the birth occurred. But when it is constitutional and that the State Department is man- comes to the sovereign State of Israel, the State Department dated to enforce it. This result is not only an imperative will ignore this rule and defer to the personal preferences of for Americans who understand that Jerusalem is the capi- passport applicants who do not want to identify with Israel. tal of the Jewish State of Israel. It is also an imperative Passport applicants born before 1948 in an area that the for those who believe in the U.S. Constitution and our U.S. recognizes as part of the sovereign state of Israel are system of government. When Congress enacts clearly- not required to have “Israel” listed as their birthplace if they worded legislation, and the President signs it into law, it object to it. They can have “Palestine” recorded instead – must be enforced.

ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA BRIEFINGS TO ZOA’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS

March 17, 2011 warm welcome he received from Congress, which showed its strong support for him and for Israel. If the Palestinian Arabs take unilateral steps to declare Special Guest: Danny Danon (Likud), Deputy Speaker of the a Palestinian state in violation of their obligations under Oslo, then Israel will Knesset have to take unilateral steps, too. MK Eldad stressed the need to present an alternative plan for a two-state solution to members of Congress and others. Mr. Danon explained how little has changed over time; the violence against There is no need to create another Palestinian Arab state. One already exists: Israel continues. When the Palestinian Authority does put Arab terrorists in Jordan. jail, they live on “easy street” with cable television and a free canteen. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces pressure to deliver a Palestinian July 18, 2011 state. As long as he follows the policy of the Likud party, he will continue to be supported. We should feel the anger of the Jewish people and continue to Special Guest: Anne Bayefsky, a Senior Fellow at the Hudson fight making any concessions to the Palestinians. Even if Israel does make all Institute and director of the Touro Institute on Human Rights and the concessions, the Palestinians will not sign a peace agreement. the Holocaust. June 14, 2011 Professor Bayefsky discussed the United Nations and Israel, and in particular, the upcoming United Nations’ Durban Conference on Human Special Guest: MK Arieh Eldad, Member of Knesset from the Rights, known as “Durban III”, which will be held in Manhattan in September. National Union Party, member of the Foreign Affairs and Defense The purpose of the conference is to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Committees, Chairman of the Lobby For Judea, Samaria and Gaza, the so-called “anti-racism” conference held in Durban, South Africa in 2001 Chairman of the Lobby for the Struggle Against Corruption in (known as “Durban I”), which actually turned out to be a racist and anti- the Public Sector, and member of the Knesset’s Christian Allies Semitic event targeting and demonizing the Jewish State of Israel. Durban III Caucus will be no different. Even though the Obama administration decided recently to pull out of Durban III, the conference will have many supporters among the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces ongoing pressure from members of the United Nations. Professor Bayefsky advocated mounting a President Obama to negotiate with the Palestinian Arabs to establish a campaign to discredit the event; she is organizing a major counter-conference Palestinian state. But Prime Minister Netanyahu was strengthened by the also to take place in September in Manhattan.

ZOA REPORT 14 FALL 2011 15 ZOA REPORT ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA GOVERNMENT RELATIONS DEPARTMENT Government Relations Department Responds To Obama's Changed Foreign Policy Regarding the “Peace Process”

In the wake of President Obama’s To add insult to injury, the President’s speech came im- May 19th State Department speech, ZOA’s Government Re- mediately after Hamas and Fatah signed an agreement to lations Department has been very busy working with Mem- join together in a united front against Israel and against bers of Congress from both parties on legislation and related American diplomacy in the region. Incredibly, the Presi- activity. dent’s speech referred to this development as raising “pro- In his State Department speech, President Obama funda- found and legitimate questions for Israel” – but said nothing mentally changed U.S. foreign policy regarding the so-called about the profound and legitimate questions this poses for “peace process” by adopting the Palestinians’ opening gam- U.S. policy. bit on borders. Congressional reaction to the President’s The fact is that that under U.S. law, no U.S. financial as- speech has been mostly very supportive of Israel, with the sistance is permitted to go to a power-sharing PA govern- leadership of both parties rejecting the President’s call for ment that includes Hamas unless and until the President Israel to return to the indefensible 1949 armistice lines as has certified that such a government, including all minis- a precondition for resuming negotiations. Both the House ters, has accepted two fundamental principles included in and the Senate have passed resolutions opposing the unilat- Section 620K of the Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006 eral declaration of a Palestinian state, and urging a review of (PATA), Public Law 109-446: (1) recognition of the Jewish aid to the Palestinian Authority (PA) if they continue on this State of Israel’s right to exist, and (2) acceptance of and ad- course. herence to all previous Israeli-Palestinian Arab agreements. Similarly, the Quartet, comprised of the United States, the European Union, the United Nations and Russia, has es- tablished the minimum conditions for Hamas. The “Islamic Resistance” must accept Israel’s right to exist, commit itself to all previous Israeli-Palestinian Arab agreements, and re- nounce terrorism. As of this writing, President Obama has not yet acknowl- edged this statutory impediment to his continued funding of the PA. Nor, for that matter, has he yet signaled to the Palestinian Arab leadership that Hamas’s involvement with the PA is a problem. This also has not stopped his attempts to pressure Israel into accepting his pre-conditions. Members of both political parties have made it very clear that they do not agree with the President’s approach to the Arab-Israeli conflict. When Prime Minister Netanya- Josh London Dan Pollak Co-Director, Co-Director, hu appeared before a joint session of Congress to present Government Relations Government Relations Israel’s case, he was interrupted many times by thunderous Department Department applause and ovations. Much of what PM Netanyahu told the Members of Con- gress was familiar to the lawmakers as a result of ZOA’s

ZOA REPORT 14 FALL 2011 15 ZOA REPORT GOVERNMENT RELATIONS DEPARTMENT lobbying activities on Capi- tion agreement, Members forward with their planned ers to pursue all necessary tol Hill. In particular, the of Congress from both unilateral declaration of steps to stop Iran. direct quotes from the parties authored letters to statehood, which would The Co-Directors of Hamas charter cited by the the President asking that he constitute a material breach Government Relations Prime Minister were car- pressure the PA to imme- of the Oslo Accords and have also been active in ried to every congressional diately repudiate the agree- all subsequent agreements presenting the ZOA’s po- office that ZOA activists ment. Resolutions were with Israel. sitions at think-tank policy visited just two weeks ear- introduced to make clear The looming threat conferences and to the me- lier, during the annual ZOA how seriously Congress of Iran’s acquisition of a dia and public. They have Mission to Washington, D.C. viewed this “unity deal” be- nuclear offensive capacity been interviewed and par- In addition, the ZOA activ- tween supposed moderates continues unabated, as U.S. ticipated in panel discus- ists advocated reducing aid and admitted terrorists. A sanctions on Iran continue sions for TV and radio for to the PA, on the dangers of resolution was also intro- to be largely unenforced by various networks. One a unilateral declaration of a duced to formally recognize the Obama administration. highlight was last May, when Palestinian Arab state, and the April 2004 letters from This is yet another instance co-director Dan Pollak in favor of the proposed President Bush to Prime where President Obama is debated Norman Finkel- law to move the U.S. em- Minister Sharon regarding following in well-trodden stein, a notorious Israel- bassy to Jerusalem. the permanence of Israeli bipartisan footsteps, as ag- hater, on RT (Russian) TV. Many Members of Con- neighborhoods beyond the gressive enforcement of (http://www.youtube.com/ gress from both parties ad- 1949 armistice lines. sanctions on Iran has never watch?v=te6PoM4d4Ik) dressed the ZOA delega- In addition, a resolution been given high priority At the heart of the tion at our Mission. The was introduced – as advo- by previous Republican or ZOA’s Government Rela- meeting room in the Senate cated by former UN Am- Democratic administra- tions efforts are the dedi- Office building was filled to bassador John Bolton – to tions. Congress is none- cation, passionate advocacy capacity as speaker after withhold funding from the theless working on newer and depth of knowledge of speaker praised the ZOA UN should it recognize a sanctions, and on tighten- ZOA members across the and our ongoing work in unilaterally declared Pales- ing existing loopholes. The country. Please continue to influencing the debate on tinian Arab state. Pro-Israel ZOA continues to advo- stay involved in the grass- Middle East issues. Members of the House are cate robust enforcement roots advocacy that is so In the wake of the planning their reaction if of existing sanctions and critical to our being effec- Hamas-Fatah reconcilia- the Palestinian Arabs move continues to urge lawmak- tive in Washington, DC.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

continued from page 8 being a priority for the uncovered documents from his stated commitment Brotherhood in joining a a Muslim Brotherhood to Israel’s security – they towards its demise. He future government. This is leader’s home outside negate it. has called for Palestinians the same Brotherhood Washington that describe to end negotiations with that seeks to destroy a “grand jihad” aimed With Zionist greetings, Israel and for Egypt to Western societies by at the “elimination and shred its peace treaty incrementally expanding destruction of Western with Jerusalem. This year, Saudi-style Sharia law civilization from within” by his second-in-command, throughout the West, “sabotage.” Rashad Al-Bayoumi, including in America. In Obama’s words and Morton A. Klein reiterated this again as the last decade, the FBI deeds not only fail to match National President

ZOA REPORT 16 FALL 2011 17 ZOA REPORT ZOA WASHINGTON MISSION 2011

Richard Hellman, Director, Christians’ Israel Public Action Campaign (CIPAC)

ZOA delegates listening to speakers at the luncheon Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) speaks about Israel

ZOA Government Relations Co-Director Josh ZOA delegates in Hart Senate Building including ZOA Graphics and IT Director London, Board Member Rubin Margules greet former Josh Teplow and ZOA Center for Law and Justice Director Susan Tuchman (center) Cong. Anthony Weiner (D-NY)

ZOA delegates with Cong. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) ZOA delegates in congressional meeting

ZOA REPORT 16 FALL 2011 17 ZOA REPORT ZOA WASHINGTON MISSION 2011

ZOA National President Mort Klein, Cong. Shelley Berkley (D-NV), Board Member Jim Pollack

ZOA Government Relations Co-Director Dan Pollak, and Cong. Doug Lamborn Cong. Dennis Ross (R-FL) (R-CO)

Mort Klein and Cong. Steve Rothman ZOA Campus Managing Director, Josh (D-NJ) Nason addresses delegates Cong. Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN)

ZOA delegate asks question after remarks by Senators and Congress ZOA volunteers registering delegates members

ZOA REPORT 18 FALL 2011 ZOA WASHINGTON MISSION 2011

ZOA delegates reviewing lobbying materials ZOA delegates speak to congressional staffer

ZOA Board Member Jim Pollack with Cong. A staffer for Cong. Allyson Schwartz (D-PA) speaks to Michele Bachmann (R-MN) Chief Staffer ZOA delegates Cong. Mike Pence (R-IN) talks to Mort Klein

ZOA delegates at congressional meeting with Sen. Lautenberg's (D-NJ) aide

ZOA delegate Al Pollans, Sen. Mark Pryor Cong. Joe Walsh (R-FL), ZOA Board (D-AK) members Bob Guzzardi and Jim Pollack Cong. Joe Walsh (R-FL) speaks during the ZOA luncheon

19 ZOA REPORT ZOA WASHINGTON MISSION 2011

ZOA Government Relations Co-Directors Josh London & Dan Pollak addressing ZOA Poster showing tiny Israel compared to other countries delegates

ZOA delegates applaud a Congressional speech

ZOA Board Member Jim ZOA Israel Director Jeff Daube (rear), ZOA Pollack, and Al Pollans Government Relations Co-Director Joshua London discussing talking points (center), and Senator John Boozman (R-AK) (right) Cong. Shelley Berkley (D-NV)

ZOA National President ZOA Director of Finance Stan Kessock Morton Klein addresses with a delegate luncheon ZOA delegates listening to Congressional addresses at the luncheon

ZOA REPORT 20 FALL 2011 21 ZOA REPORT ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA CAMPUS ACTIVISM NETWORK

ZOA Fights When Petersen-Overton’s Israel falsehoods. fee, according to students Anti-Israel background and writings Jewish students at Rut- who were present, was se- Hostilities were exposed, Brook- gers also turned to the lectively enforced: Individu- lyn College rescinded his ZOA for help after an als who were deemed sym- at Brooklyn teaching appointment, only anti-Israel student group pathetic to BAKA’s cause College and to rehire him days later, on campus called BAKA were allowed in for free, Rutgers bowing to political pres- brought an event to cam- while individuals who were University sure that claimed a viola- pus called “Never Again for perceived to be Jewish or tion of Petersen-Overton’s Anyone.” This event out- pro-Israel were charged, ef- academic freedom. The rageously and offensively fectively barring them from A student at Brooklyn ZOA wrote to Brooklyn compared reasonable and the event. ZOA wrote to College approached ZOA College President Karen L. necessary Israeli security the President of Rutgers, with concerns about the Gould, criticizing the deci- measures against Palestin- Richard L. McCormick, college’s decision to hire sion to reinstate Petersen- ian Arab terrorism to the complaining about the uni- Kristofer Petersen-Over- Overton. We also worked systematic genocidal poli- versity’s inaction in the face ton to teach a course on with ZOA student activists cies and practices of the of this discrimination, as the Middle East. Peters- to distribute fliers with in- Nazis against the Jews. well as about other inci- en-Overton had been a formation about Peters- When pro-Israel students dents on campus that have research assistant for a en-Overton’s biases and heard about this event, they created a hostile environ- viciously anti-Israel orga- to obtain signatures on a sent out an action alert ment for Jewish students. nization notorious for its petition opposing his rein- and organized a peaceful factual distortions about statement. ZOA provided protest at the event, which ZOA Campus Israel. Petersen-Overton’s support to student activists a huge crowd of Jews and Social Media own publications and in- and community members Israel supporters attended. tended syllabus for the who stood up for academic When they saw this crowd, course at Brooklyn Col- integrity, refusing to per- the event’s organizers re- The ZOA Campus De- lege confirmed that the mit principles of academic sponded by suddenly im- partment expanded its so- course would be driven by freedom to be subverted posing a mandatory admis- cial media outreach this his own anti-Israel agenda, in support of a lecturer sion fee at the event, which past semester. We now rather than by factual ac- using the classroom as a had been advertised as free have a vibrant Twitter ac- curacy and historical truths. platform for vicious anti- and open to the public. The count (@ZOA_Campus) BANNER PHOTO CREDIT OF BOO K S: T o m M u rph y VII

Josh Nason David Kadosh Sharona Whisler Jason Holtzman Leo Nayfeld Managing Director, ZOA Campus ZOA Campus ZOA Campus ZOA Campus ZOA Campus Coordinator, Coordinator, Coordinator, Coordinator, Programs West Coast Region Southeast Region East Coast Region Midwest Region

ZOA REPORT 20 FALL 2011 21 ZOA REPORT CAMPUS ACTIVISM NETWORK that is followed by almost Illinois and Arizona. We set 700 people. On Twitter, we records for the most par- provide constant news up- ticipants, the most regions, dates and accounts of ZOA and the most money raised, campus events. ZOA’s totaling over $9,000. The Facebook Page has over New York Jump was es- 1,400 “Likes,” which means pecially successful, raising that we have over 1,400 over $7,000. ZOA works fans who are following the with an Israeli organization, ZOA and like what we are Yashar L’chayal, and uses doing. Additionally, ZOA’s the funds raised to pur- Midwest Campus Coordi- chase necessary items for nator, Jason Holtzman, has IDF units, including gloves, Skydiving past clouds is even more exhilarating if you been maintaining a blog on blankets, boots and Camel- are doing it for a great cause like the ZOA and Israel. The Jerusalem Post entitled Bak hydration packs. Live in America: Campus Talk. Jason contributes ar- ZOA Campus ticles on a number of top- Events sity with the fraternity AEPi were in easy range of rocket ics, including accounts of and Hillel. Students engaged and missile fire from Hamas campus events, the ZOA in conversations and inter- in Gaza. Dave delivered a Student Leadership Mis- The ZOA co-sponsored active presentations about speech at Hofstra Univer- sion to Israel, and current events on several campuses various topics involving Is- sity on the importance of and timely issues that the this year with a number of rael. The ZOA’s Midwest being an Israel advocate, and ZOA Campus Department exciting speakers including Campus Coordinator, Jason a speech at Queens College is raising on campus to IDF Colonel (Ret.) Bentzion Holtzman, spoke on the is- analyzing the revolutions in educate students and build Gruber, Sderot Media Cen- sue of keeping a united Jeru- the Arab world and their effective future pro-Israel ter Director Noam Bedein, salem. By the end of the year, implications for the State of advocates. Wall Street Journal colum- this group of 15 students Israel. Dave also participat- nist Brett Stephens, Jeru- became more informed and ed in a panel discussion at Jump salem Post columnist Gil effective advocates for Israel Northeastern University in Hoffman, and many more. on their campus. Boston on the best strate- for Israel In the Midwest, the ZOA Over the past year, ZOA gies for Israel advocacy. co-sponsored a speak- Campus Coordinator Dave ZOA was instrumental Jump for Israel is the ing tour with activist Zion Kadosh presented the pop- in bringing Ron Klein, a for- ZOA Campus Depart- Uness, an Ethiopian-Israeli ular “Gaza: 5 Years After” mer U.S. Congressman from ment’s premier philan- Hasbara Fellow. Mr. Uness Campaign on a number of south Florida, to Florida In- thropic event of the spring told his personal story of campuses in the New York ternational University (FIU), semester. Student partici- growing up in Ethiopia and, area. The presentation fo- where he spoke about de- pants go skydiving in order at age seven, taking part in cuses on the impact of Is- mocracy and the State of to secure sponsors and 1984’s historic Operation rael’s 2005 withdrawal from Israel, and the importance raise funds for needed sup- Moses, when approximately the Gaza Strip. Approxi- of the U.S.-Israel relation- plies for frontline units of 8,000 Jews were rescued mately 9,000 Jews living in ship. This event was part the Israel Defense Forces. from Ethiopia and brought to Gaza were forcibly removed of FIU’s Shalom Israel Peace Last April, ZOA held its Israel. He also spoke about from their homes and com- Week. ZOA Campus Co- most successful Jump for Is- the justice of Zionism. The munities. The withdrawal ordinator Sharona Whisler rael events ever, with jumps ZOA also helped facilitate increased the security also spoke on several south taking place in New York, a year-long extracurricular threat facing the communi- Florida campuses this past Washington, D.C., Florida, class at Kent State Univer- ties of southern Israel who semester, and helped or-

ZOA REPORT 22 FALL 2011 23 ZOA REPORT CAMPUS ACTIVISM NETWORK

ganize a community-wide ing out of the national office magazine also included programming, to build on gathering to commemorate in New York. The interns “The Truth About J Street,” alumni’s initial exposure the Shloshim for the Fogel were students from New and the winning essay from to the land of Israel. Over family after they were bru- York University, Queens Col- the contest that the ZOA 400 people attended. tally murdered by Palestin- lege, Binghamton University sponsored last fall, on the The ZOA YPs also co- ian Arab terrorists in Itamar. and Brooklyn College. They topic, “Jews Have a Right to sponsored the annual Dor ZOA Campus staff also focused primarily on creat- Live in Judea and Samaria.” Chadash Yom Haatzmaut spoke at a number of other ing a campaign to highlight The magazine contained celebration in Manhattan, venues including a Panim el the problem of Palestinian a special message to stu- honoring Israel’s Indepen- Panim student conference Arab incitement, which in- dents from ZOA National dence Day. The celebra- on the Middle East, Hillel’s cluded creating a YouTube President Morton Klein, as tion was preceded by a Collegiate Leadership In- video, a power point presen- well as articles by students meaningful ceremony in ternship Program, Moishe tation, and an informative from New York University, memory of Israel’s fallen House, and more. pamphlet to be distributed Brandeis University, Uni- for Yom HaZikaron, featur- on campuses nationwide. versity of Maryland, and ing prayers and speeches ZOA Delegation In addition, the ZOA in- the University of Texas. by the families of fallen sol- at the Salute to terns worked on developing diers and victims of Arab Israel Parade strategies for rallying pro- ZOA Young terrorism. Israel students on campus Professional Over the past six to counter the Palestinian months, the ZOA YPs have The ZOA had a record Arabs’ push for statehood at Activities continued to grow and to turnout of over 90 support- the United Nations in Sep- become increasingly vis- ers at the 2011 Celebrate tember. They also planned The ZOA Young Profes- ible, thanks to coopera- Israel Parade in Manhattan, a student lobbying mission sional Division (ZOA YPs) tive efforts with other or- including more than 60 to Capitol Hill, and wrote worked with Birthright Is- ganizations. The goal of students and young profes- articles for the next issue of rael Next to put together the ZOA YPs is to ensure sionals. This year’s theme The College Zionist, ZOA’s the Take Back Zionism that the ZOA’s message is was “Without Jerusalem campus magazine for col- launch party—the first conveyed to future gen- the Land of Israel is a Body lege students. event of its kind—which erations of Zionist leaders Without a Soul,” based on a opened the door for Birth- who will continue to advo- quote by Zionist leader El- New Issue of right alumni to familiarize cate effectively for Israel hanan Lewinsky. As we do The College themselves with Zionist and a strong U.S.-Israel re- each year at the parade, the organizations that have lationship. ZOA delegation stressed Zionist the importance of the Jew- ish connection to the land This past spring, the of Israel and to the eter- ZOA Campus Department nal, undivided capital of the published a new issue of Jewish people, Jerusalem. The College Zionist, fea- turing articles for students ZOA Summer written by ZOA student Internship activists. The magazine was distributed on cam- Program puses across the coun- try. The cover story of This past summer, seven the spring 2011 issue was Jump for Israel participants courageously skydiving to committed student activists “Gaza: Five Years Later, A raise funds for IDF supplies, raising over $9,000 interned at the ZOA, work- Unilateral Disaster.” The

ZOA REPORT 22 FALL 2011 23 ZOA REPORT ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA ZOA PEOPLE Irwin Hochberg

Irwin Hochberg, Vice-Chairman of the Board of the ZOA and a recipient of the ZOA’s Justice Louis D. Brandeis Award, is someone who has pursued his pas- sion and convictions – after he had already pursued a highly successful career as an accountant – working for the strength and welfare of Israel. In this cause, Irwin has served in numerous top leadership positions – National Campaign Chairman of State of Israel Bonds; Chairman of the Board of the UJA-Jewish Federation of New York; Chairman of the International Division of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL); Member of the Board of Governors of the Jewish Agency for Israel; Execu- tive Committee Member of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC); and Founding Trustee of the Washing- ton Institute for Near East Policy. He remains active today in leadership positions in several of these organizations as well as in many others. In his very moving memoir, Zionist and Patriot, Irwin paints a beautiful picture of the intensely Jewish atmosphere of 1930’s and 1940’s Boro Park, recreating for the reader the strong Jewish matrix that produced his deep identifica- tion with Israel and Jewish causes, as well his father’s pas- sionate commitment to Jewish philanthropy. Studies at the City College of New York, which he describes as being a “secular yeshiva” filled with Jewish students and which pro- duced nine Nobel laureates, also heightened the intensity of Irwin’s immersion in the Jewish world. Determining early in life that accounting would provide a fulfilling career, Irwin joined Joseph J. Bloom and Compa- ny in 1950. By 1955, at the age of 26, he was a partner with Bloom in what would become Bloom, Hochberg & Co., of- fering a range of services beyond financial statements and tax returns that helped to raise it into a prestigious, bou- tique accounting firm. Established in business and enjoying a blessed marriage with his first wife, Rita, and family, Irwin Hochberg could have declared himself a content and successful man and left things at that. He didn’t, because his passionate con- cern for the welfare of Israel led him steadily into a string of commitments to pro-Israel projects and organizations. Irwin Hochberg Rita passed away in 2004. Since Irwin remarried, his wife

ZOA REPORT 24 FALL 2011 25 ZOA REPORT ZOA PEOPLE

Joan has likewise stood at his side and shared his commit- “Sometimes the positions ZOA takes up are controver- ment and passion. sial. Other Jewish organizations will often avoid taking posi- In 1979, on a trip to Israel, Irwin was involved with tions, because they want to maintain access and contact, an the United Jewish Appeal (UJA) and its Project Renewal, ‘open door’ where they think such contacts are needed to dedicated to revitalizing and transforming the most pov- support the activities of their organization. They fear they erty-stricken regions of Israel. Seeing the grinding want will suffer if they take a firm stand. So, many in the Ameri- and struggle of the lower rungs of Israeli society, Irwin felt can Jewish leadership are not prepared to take important “overwhelmed by the concept” and committed himself to stands. When I was concerned about an issue that arose, I the Project, becoming chairman of its New York chapter. would speak to Mort and other Jewish leaders in order to do Project Renewal lifted Tel Aviv’s Schunat Hatikva from the something about it. With the others, I couldn’t get anything lowest socio-economic depth. “We did a very successful done. But if Mort agreed, he could be relied upon to act. Or job of rehabilitating that neighborhood,” Irwin recalls with to give another type of example, I have spoken to many Jew- pride. ish leaders about a hostile piece by this or that well-known By this time, Irwin had decided to change focus, moving columnist. If I give it to Mort, he will write a serious, sub- away from his successful accounting practice, which could stantive piece or a letter of criticism. He has the courage of continue to run without his own full-time input, towards his convictions. But if I raise it with other leaders of major working for Israel as a lay person. “The objective,” says Ir- Jewish organizations, they generally will not go public, even if win, “was to phase out accounting – I couldn’t do it over- they privately agree that the piece was terrible. night, I needed the continuity of income, time to build up “In time I joined the ZOA Board. Mort is very inclusive resources and so on – but I wanted to find myself eventu- in the way he deals with members of the Board. Profes- ally working for Israel. So I did have to reorganize my life. I sionally, too, I think he has done a great job in adding value discussed it with my business partner, Joe Bloom. He sup- in terms of the caliber of people he has attracted and taken ported it and over time, I phased into a new sort of life.” into the organization.” Irwin remains deeply concerned about issues that affect Israel and the United States, especially about the things that “My concern is that Islamists are are not widely discussed or even known, thanks to a blanket willing to work below the radar, slowly, of political correctness: Muslim militias secretly training here in the U.S., suspect immigrants from Muslim societies that gradually, in their fight against us. But continue to enter the country, stealth Islamists and the like. there are some dedicated people who But while seeing the situation as serious, he doesn’t give way will not rest and that includes the ZOA. to pessimism. “My concern is that Islamists are willing to work below the radar, slowly, gradually, in their fight against With ZOA, we have a chance.” us. But there are some dedicated people who will not rest and that includes the ZOA. With ZOA, we have a chance. ZOA is one organization that will be able to do it.” Irwin worked increasingly in fund-raising for Israel, Indeed, Irwin has a knack for focusing on the invigorating, through the UJA, and also started assuming new commit- positive aspects of challenge and adversity. In his memoir, he ments: leadership positions within UJA and Israel Bonds, and notes that he was born on Tisha B’av, the ninth day of the He- service on the Board of the Jewish Agency for Israel, among brew month of Av when Jews commemorate the destruction other things. In time, Irwin came to be involved with ZOA. of the first and second Temples. Yet Irwin recalls the Talmud’s He says, “ZOA was one of these organizations that I wanted teaching that it is on this most tragic day in Jewish history, to be involved with, because its goals and objectives coincide that the messiah will be born. He also recounts the story of with mine. My work with ZOA began when I developed a Napoleon Bonaparte who, upon coming across the wailing relationship with Mort. I helped resurrect the organization. and chants of a Tisha B’Av service and discovering it was a ZOA is exceptional. Mort is willing to pursue an issue when congregation of Jews mourning the loss of their Temples and others are not. I respected the fact that he was prepared homeland in antiquity, is reputed to have said that a people to stand up when others were not. He is unique. He is not that could still mourn their loss after nearly two thousand afraid to establish a core position. years had a real hope of retrieving both.

ZOA REPORT 24 FALL 2011 25 ZOA REPORT ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA ZOA ISRAEL/JEWISH NEWS ITEMS

Shocker: Overwhelming 73% of • 62% support a policy of kidnapping Israeli soldiers and Palestinians Support Islamic holding them hostage. Teaching to Murder Jews • 53% favor teaching songs about hating Jews in Palestinian schools. • 64% support seeking a unilateral declaration of Palestinian PA State Would Be New statehood at the UN. (Gil Hoffman, “6 in 10 Palestinians Terrorist State Reject 2-State Solution, Survey Finds,” Jerusalem Post, July 15, 2011).

July 18, 2011 A new poll conducted by the Palestinian Senior Fatah Official: “No One Center for Public Opinion has found that an overwhelming In [Abbas’] Fatah & Hamas 73% of Palestinian Arabs agree with the hadith [Islamic tradi- Movements Recognizes Israel” tion ascribed to Muhammad], quoted by the terrorist group Hamas in its charter, about the need to conduct a genocide of Jews. The hadith in question states, “The Day of Judgment will not come about until Muslims fight the Jews (killing the Jews), May 12, 2011 In the wake of the Fatah/Hamas unity gov- when the Jew will hide behind stones and trees. The stones ernment agreement, Abdullah Abdullah, a senior Palestin- and trees will say O Muslims, O Abdulla, there is a Jew behind ian legislator and member of Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah party, me, come and kill him.” The poll also contained the following which rules the Palestinian Authority (PA), said this week that findings: “No one in Fatah and Hamas movements recognizes Israel” (“Senior Palestinian MP: Fatah, Hamas Share Stance on Not • 80% agree with the statement in the Hamas Charter call- Recognizing Israel,” Fars News Agency, May 9, 2011). ing for the creation of Arab and Islamic battalions to fight the Jews. • 61% reject the idea of a peaceful Palestinian state living alongside Israel as the solution to the Arab/Israeli war, as We Mourn Elizabeth Taylor, against 34% who accept it. ZOA Awardee – • 66% said that the Palestinians’ real goal should be to first set up a Palestinian state alongside Israel and then move towards creating a single ZOA President Max Nussbaum Palestinian-controlled state. converted Taylor to Judaism • 72% support denying Jew- ish history and connection to the land of Israel. March 23, 2011 The Zionist Organization of America • An overwhelming 92% (ZOA) mourns the passing of legendary American actress insist on Jerusalem being and ardent Zionist, Elizabeth Taylor, at age 79. Ms. Taylor, only the Palestinian capi- who enjoyed a long and hugely successful career in Hol- tal, as against a mere 1% lywood, was converted to Judaism in 1959 by Rabbi Max who believe it should be Nussbaum, who served as National President of the ZOA the Israeli capital. Only 3% from 1964 to 1966. Ms. Taylor was a recipient of the ZOA’s of Palestinians believe that Distinguished Louis D. Brandeis Award. Hadith: “O Muslims, O Jerusalem should be the Among Elizabeth Taylor’s outstanding work on behalf Abdulla, there is a Jew capital of both Israel and of Israel and Jewish causes was her participating in rais- behind me, come and a Palestinian state, and 4% ing $840,000 for Israel in a 1967 London gala and person- kill him.” believe it should be a neu- ally purchasing $100,000 in Israel Bonds in 1959. The same tral international city. year, she cancelled a visit to Moscow after the Soviet Union

ZOA REPORT 26 FALL 2011 27 ZOA REPORT ZOA ISRAEL/JEWISH NEWS ITEMS

lashed out at Israel after Palestinian Arab statehood. the June 1967 Six Day War. The Ma’agar Mohot poll of Likud members also found: In 1975, she was one of 60 prominent women to sign • Two-thirds of respondents said they would not support a statement to then-U.N. any government ministers who backed efforts to transfer Secretary General Kurt additional Israeli land to the Palestinian Arabs. Waldheim, condemning the • 41% of respondents said that if Prime Minster Netan- U.N. General Assembly’s in- yahu followed up on his Bar-Ilan speech by announc- famous Zionism-is-Racism ing additional land transfers to the Palestinian Authority resolution. Taylor offered (PA) or by attempting to create a Palestinian Arab state herself as a hostage when with temporary borders, they would actively consider 104 hostages aboard an Air voting for the Israel Beiteinu party, instead of Likud, in France airbus were hijacked the next election. by PLO terrorists and held Elizabeth Taylor: at Uganda’s Entebbe Airport, Ardent Zionist from which they were res- cued in a spectacular Israeli ZOA Board Member commando mission on July Rubin Margules Leads 4, 1976, America’s 200th birthday. Taylor frequently visited 11th Purim Mishloach Manot Israel and met with its leadership, including Prime Minister Campaign For Israeli Soldiers Menachem Begin in 1983. In 1987, she signed a petition seek- ing the release from Soviet incarceration of leading refusenik Ida Nudel. Elizabeth Taylor’s pro-Israel activism led to the banning April 5, 2011 March 15 was the kickoff for the Zionist of her films in several Arab countries. After purchasing Organization of America’s Purim IDF Project 2011, during $100,000 in Israel Bonds in 1959, the United Arab Republic which 4,000 packages were distributed among IDF soldiers (now Egypt) banned all her movies. Gen. Essam Elmasri, head at their bases throughout Israel. Rubin Margules, President of the Cairo regional bureau of the Israel Boycott Office, of the ZOA’s Brooklyn Region and a member of ZOA’s Na- said that Miss Taylor would not be allowed to come to Egypt tional Board, led the five-day mission – including one day at because she has adopted the Jewish faith and “supports Is- the Gaza border under rocket fire – for this, his eleventh, raeli causes.” Her movie, Cleopatra, was not permitted to multifaceted Purim campaign in Israel. be filmed in Egypt, but in 1964, Egypt dropped her from its In a major effort coordinated by the ZOA’s Israel Office, blacklist when it decided that Cleopatra, which mentions tons of foodstuffs and supplies were purchased from a vari- Egypt 122 times, would provide good publicity for Egypt. ety of vendors, packed in a series of community volunteer gatherings, and then distributed with handwritten letters gathered from abroad to thousands of appreciative soldiers. In addition, with the help of the Ariel Development Fund and New Poll: 78% of Likud Members Sar El, ZOA's Israel Office organized a pre-Purim concert Oppose Creation Of for 500 soldiers that was to feature the popular Harel Skaat Palestinian Arab State at the brand new Ariel Performing Arts Center. The cultural center has been a target of anti-Israel boycotters because of its location in Samaria, so the city of Ariel was extremely grateful for ZOA's show of solidarity. At the last minute, April 12, 2011 Despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin however, the concert had to be canceled due to the Fogel Netanyahu’s speech at Bar Ilan University in favor of a con- family massacre in Itamar, after which the soldiers were or- ditional Palestinian Arab state in parts of Judea and Samaria, dered to stay in their bases on high alert. the rank and file members of his own Likud party – a full Many American yeshivot and congregations participated 78% – do not support renewed diplomatic efforts towards in Purim IDF Project 2011, whether by helping to raise funds

ZOA REPORT 26 FALL 2011 27 ZOA REPORT ZOA ISRAEL/JEWISH NEWS ITEMS or enlisting students to write personal letters to the soldiers. to funding the PA, including Congs. Allen West (R-FL) and Joe “It is unbelievable," said Margules, "seeing the enthusiasm Walsh (D-FL). these soldiers display as they read these notes and letters The Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) also strong- written by students and contributors thanking them for de- ly praised Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Jerry Moran fending our biblical homeland. We come to thank them and (R-KS) for the Senate Republican caucus letter to President they can’t stop thanking us!” Barack Obama, signed by 16 Republican senators, urging the President to suspend U.S. aid to the PA. ZOA assisted Sena- tors Boozman and Moran in initiating the letter and asking ZOA Praises Senators Senators to sign it. Menendez, Casey, Boozman & 41 Other Senators For Facebook Closes Intifada Page Urging Obama to Stop Aid Calling For Murder of Jews, for Hamas/PA Unity Govt. Following Protests from ZOA

June 21, 2011 The Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) has strongly praised Senators Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and March 30, 2011 The social networking site, Facebook, Robert P. Casey (D-PA) for the Senate Democratic caucus- has closed the page ‘Third Intifada,’ following protests from initiated letter to the leader of the Democratic Party, Pres- the Israeli Government, the Zionist Organization of Amer- ident Barack Obama, signed by 27 other U.S. Democratic ica (ZOA), and other groups. The ZOA and others pro- senators, urging the President to suspend U.S. aid to Mah- tested to Mark Zuckerberg, CEO and founder of Facebook, moud Abbas’ Palestinian Authority (PA) unless Hamas, which regarding Facebook maintaining a page calling for a third has now joined the Fatah-controlled PA in a unity govern- intifada – a terrorist wave, intending to murder Israeli Jews, ment, recognizes Israel, renounces terrorism and fulfills the both civilians and military – to commence on May 15, 2011, signed, written agreements between Israel and the PA. The the 63rd anniversary of Israel’s independence. PA now receives between $550-980 million per year from The Facebook page in question, which had, as of late the U.S. taxpayer. last week, over 230,000 friends and over 282, 000 people Additionally, other senior Members of Congress have who had recorded “liking” it, was replete with photographs, issued warnings that the United States will risk charges of video-clips and postings calling for violence and murder of financing terrorist operatives if U.S. aid to the PA is not cut. Israeli Jews and for “liberating” Jerusalem and “Palestine” The House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairwoman, Cong. through war and acts of terror. The site was used by anti- Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) has called attention to a 2006 law, Semitic groups that deny Israel’s right to exist as a Jew- P.L. No. 109-446, “Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act,” that condi- ish state planning a wide-ranging campaign against Israel. tions U.S. aid on a “requirement that Palestinian recipients Among other things, the site included calls for coordinated must renounce violence and acknowledge Israel's right to attacks by Palestinians and other Arabs, including rocket exist,” conditions which Hamas openly repudiates. Rep. Ros- attacks upon Israeli cities by the Lebanese, Iranian-backed Lehtinen said, “No taxpayer funds should go, they must not Hezbollah terrorist group. go, to the new Palestinian unity government.” Senator Mark The ZOA called for Facebook to follow up this cor- Kirk (R-IL) has similarly stated that the Fatah-Hamas unity rect decision by closing down a number of new sites that government would put U.S. aid to the PA at risk. Also, Cong. replaced the deleted “Third Intifada” page, arguing that, if Alcee Hastings (D-FL) last week introduced a nonbinding Facebook fails to do so, not only will the racist and violent resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives that urged people behind the “Third Intifada” page have successfully cutting off assistance to a Fatah/Hamas-run PA. On June 20, continued to plan and recruit for their terrorist war on numerous other Members of the House and Senate, while Facebook, but they will also have shown that Facebook addressing a ZOA-sponsored luncheon held on Capitol Hill lacks the will to enforce responsible standards on the in the Hart Senate Office Building, declared their opposition content it permits.

ZOA REPORT 28 FALL 2011 29 ZOA REPORT ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA ZOA ISRAEL OFFICE Opposing Violence, Desecrations, and Illegal Construction on the Mt. of Olives is Key to Advocating Jerusalem Unity

Jerusalem is becom- an effort to have the attacks included in the State Depart- ing a major focal point around which Israel’s adversaries ment’s annual International Religious Freedom report. are concentrating resources. The often violent tactics Recently, we accompanied Israeli Minister of Public used by Israel’s opponents are designed to intimidate and Diplomacy and Diaspora Affairs Yuli Edelstein, Presidents force Israel to withdraw its presence, thereby lending Conference Executive Vice Chairman Malcolm Hoenlein, credibility to their claim that Jewish interest in retaining and National Council of Young Israel President Shlomo Jerusalem is minimal. ZOA Israel continues to accompany Mostofsky to the cemetery in a series of briefings. visiting leaders on trips to eastern Jerusalem in coordina- After bringing former presidential candidate and Ar- tion with Keep Jerusalem, the Jerusalem Reclamation Proj- kansas governor Mike Huckabee to the Mt. of Olives, we ect, and the Israel Land Fund, to raise awareness about the arranged a press conference at which we presented him challenges to Israeli sovereignty, including from groups with a letter requesting his assistance and emphasizing the dedicated to Jerusalem’s division. But our deepest involve- number of American citizens impacted by this disgrace. ment has been with the fight to secure a vibrant Jewish Huckabee assured us he would do whatever possible to presence in one of Jerusalem’s major battlegrounds, the raise consciousness about the issue among fellow gover- Mt. of Olives. nors. His traveling companion, former U.S. Rep. Bob McE- Joining forces with the U.S.-based International Com- wen [R-OH], also promised to follow up with colleagues mittee for the Preserva- in Congress. tion of Har Hazeitim, ZOA We also began collecting testimonies from affected Israel brought a new politi- U.S. citizens. Harrowing accounts of violent attacks al- cal angle to the campaign ready have been submitted by ZOA’s National Advisory to publicize and oppose Council Chairman Dr. Alan Mazurek and ZOA Campus the desecrations of Jewish Coordinator Jason Holtzman. Members of Knesset, State graves, stonings of mourn- Department/Jerusalem Consulate officials, and Members ers and visitors, fire-bomb- of Congress have been moved by the narratives and ac- ings of cars, and dumping companying photos. of garbage over the course Last spring, ZOA Israel brought its case to the Knesset of many years. We engaged where we testified at an Interior Committee hearing about

the U.S. Jerusalem Consul- our attempts to secure the appropriate condemnations. We BANNER PHOTO CREDIT OF STA M PS: T ate in meetings to encour- asked leadership to establish a central body to be respon- age officials to condemn sive to complaints and responsible for redress. The govern- the violence and prevail ment seems to be taking the matter more seriously. Sixty- upon the Palestinian Au- two of the budgeted 150 security cameras finally have been Jeff Daube Director, ZOA Israel thority (PA) and the local installed—though many of them were later destroyed by

Waqf to do the same—in Arabs rioting on Nakba Day. And National Security Adviser a kkk Arabic! We also initiated Maj. Gen. Ya’akov Amidror was recently appointed by PM Ne-

ZOA REPORT 28 FALL 2011 29 ZOA REPORT ZOA ISRAEL OFFICE tanyahu to oversee the situ- ZOA Israel is ed the bolder measures proval before negotia- ation on the Mt. of Olives. a respected taken by Knesset legislators tions may be conducted Lately, there has been lately, including: on a change in Jerusa- an uptick in violence and in resource lem’s legal status. the number of desecrated for Israeli • Desecration of Ceme- • Prisoners Bill: ZOA Isra- graves, especially those teries Bill: The Israel Of- el is promoting Regev’s of American citizens. This government fice is working to sup- other bill to curtail ex- has prompted the injured leadership port MK Yoel Hasson’s travagant privileges, such parties to consider filing [Kadima] proposed legis- as post-graduate degree lawsuits in American and Israel’s Knesset and lation calling for a three- programs, offered to Israeli courts. The Israel Government Minis- year minimum sentence convicted Hamas ter- Office also has become in- tries have become regular after one is convicted rorists, many of whom volved in efforts to stop beats for ZOA Israel as we of desecrating graves or are murderers. This recent construction activ- attempt to close the com- harassing cemetery visi- has come up recently ity on an illegal mosque no munications gap between tors. We are urging that in connection with the more than five meters from Israeli leadership and its the bill include punitive denial of basic rights to the gravesite of former PM friends in the U.S. In our measures for under-age Gilad Shalit, held captive Menachem Begin, despite regular meetings with MKs, perpetrators, or at least for five years without a stop-work order. This af- we share with them the for their parents. even being allowed a front is only the latest in a pro-Israel initiatives origi- • Judea/Samaria Annexa- visit by the International systematic effort to limit nating in Congress, such as tion Initiative: ZOA Is- Red Cross. Jewish presence by illegal the recent ZOA-assisted rael is working with MK construction. GOP Senatorial letter call- Danny Danon [Likud] If the intolerable and ing for a cut-off of funds to and other MKs on legis- dangerous status quo is not the PA. We also identify lation to establish Israe- Insider addressed soon, it will con- Knesset initiatives that are li sovereignty over Area tribute to the de facto divi- consonant with ZOA ob- C, which includes the perspective sion of Israel’s beloved cap- jectives and look for op- Jewish communities of on behalf of ital—unfortunately already portunities to help them Judea and Samaria. The Members underway in several east- succeed. annexation would go ern Jerusalem locations. The ZOA has support- into effect should the PA of Knesset, actually follow through Israeli on the threat to declare a state unilaterally via activists, and the U.N. We drafted a the American letter for Danon’s office Israeli to submit to Congress requesting support for community this move, on the basis that the PA’s unilateral President Obama con- effort would violate the tinues to pursue his ag- Oslo Accords. gressive policy of selective • Jerusalem Negotiations/ pressure on Israel, further Knesset Vote Bill: ZOA diminishing his popular- Israel has been talking ity among Israelis (as of Insidious Arab desecrations throughout the Mount of up MK Miri Regev’s [Li- this writing, only 12% of Olives cemetery, the oldest burial site in Israel kud] bill, which calls for Israeli Jews consider him a Knesset vote of ap- pro-Israel) and intensifying

ZOA REPORT 30 FALL 2011 31 ZOA REPORT ZOA ISRAEL OFFICE

journalist Arlene Kush- the legitimacy and strategic ner, proposing recon- necessity of the demon- sideration of funding ized Jewish communities of for the Dayton Forces, Judea and Samaria. At the seven U.S. trained and behest of ZOA National well-armed PA battal- Board Member Dr. Jona- ions already deployed in than Gold, ZOA Israel re- areas of Judea and Sa- quested that MKs look into maria that General Day- the lack of government- ton himself fears could supplied infrastructure and soon turn their weap- services in Samaria’s Chavat Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee and ZOA ons against Israel. Gilad, a community built on Israel Director Jeff Daube on the Mount of Olives privately owned Jewish land Our reports described and named for the owner’s our 27 meetings on the son who was killed by ter- Hill, including discussions rorists in 2001. A number their concern about the capital on official U.S. and information sharing of concerned MKs told us U.S.-Israel relationship. In documents. with Foreign Affairs Com- the situation likely will im- response, the Israel Office • The Mt. of Olives vio- mittee Chair Ileana Ros- prove with the authorization has been stepping up its lence and desecra- Lehtinen [R-FL], Eliot Engel for such projects recently role as liaison and facilita- tions and our efforts to [D-NY], Frank Wolf [R-VI], having been moved from tor between the leadership bring these to a halt and Brad Sherman [D-CA], the Defense Minister to of both countries, including pursue condemnation Shelley Berkley [D-NV] the Prime Minister’s office. two trips to Washington, from the State Depart- and John Carter [R-TX]— The Israel Office’s twinning D.C. last spring in which ment, its Jerusalem con- all of whom committed to initiative between ZOA’s we brought the Israeli in- sulate, and the PA. Rep. addressing the concerns of Greater Philadelphia Dis- sider perspective to Sen- Engel [D-NY] offered Israeli leadership that we trict and two schools in Ar- ate and House members to write a letter to that brought to their attention. iel, capital of Samaria, con- and staffers, and to State effect to Secretary of During our second visit to tinues under the capable Department officials. State Hillary Rodham D.C., Members of Con- leadership of both com- On our return to Israel, Clinton. Other mem- gress from both sides of munities. we reported to various bers said they would the aisle attending an Isra- MKs and ministers on the sign such a letter or el Allies Caucus breakfast Tel Shiloh: Former chief general Washington mood, write their own. with us on Jerusalem Day of staff for PM Netan- the reactions to ZOA’s • Clarification regard- were extremely critical of yahu, Yechiel Leiter, asked core issues, and a number ing appropriations de- the PA, and stressed their ZOA Israel to assist in a of additional matters we cisions in Judea and support for moving the new and exciting University had raised in connection Samaria. In a State De- embassy to Jerusalem. of Haifa archeological proj- with: partment meeting, we ect at Tel Shiloh, which was • The steps needed to as- pointed to the apparent just approved by the Antiq- sert Israel’s sovereignty discriminatory policy by uities Authority. This is the over Jerusalem, such as USAID against Jewish Additional site where the mishkan, the moving the American residents, a number of center for ritual practice embassy without presi- whom also are U.S. citi- Highlights before the Temple in Jeru- dential waiver, and un- zens. Both at State and salem, resided for the first ambiguously recogniz- in our congressional Shomron communi- 369 years of Israel’s nation- ing Jerusalem as Israel’s meetings, we also in- ties: The Israel Office con- al history. Almost assuredly sovereign indivisible troduced an analysis by tinues to call attention to there will be major finds

ZOA REPORT 30 FALL 2011 31 ZOA REPORT ZOA ISRAEL OFFICE that will reinforce Israel’s ing in Israel that are fund- leader, Tzipi Livni, at the J ern Jerusalem locations claims to Jewish sovereign- ed by various European Street Washington confer- for Florida Regional Direc- ty in its heartland. countries, foundations and ence, contrary to official tor Joseph Sabag, as well as even Jewish sources have Israeli policy. for National Board mem- Huckabee returns to contributed to the erosion ber Rubin Margules and Israel: Former Arkansas of Israel’s safety and inter- Visiting ZOA leader- his contingent. Governor Mike Huckabee national standing, which is ship: ZOA Israel’s di- has become a close friend why support for legislation rector joined National of ZOA Israel’s office. In requiring greater transpar- President Morton Klein addition to playing the key ency and oversight is gain- and National Board Vice Media planning and coordinat- ing traction in the Knesset Chairman Steve Goldberg ing role for the Jerusalem and ZOA Israel is helping for a series of June meet- Connections and Judea/Samaria compo- its promoters. We attend- ings that we arranged nents of Huckabee’s an- ed a highly contentious with, among others, Min- • At the Knesset Chan- nual Israel visit, including a Knesset committee meet- isters Moshe Ya’alon, Uzi nel’s invitation, Israel mutually informative meet- ing chaired by MK Danny Landau and Gilad Erdan; Office Director Jeff ing for him and our Israel Danon in which even Kadi- MKs Danny Danon [Likud] Daube participated Office director with VPM ma MK Otniel Schneller and Arieh Eldad [Ichud in a panel discussion Moshe Ya’alon, we brought railed against J Street as Leumi]; Ambassador Dore about Sarah Palin and Huckabee to the Barkan a non-Zionist organiza- Gold; Senior Policy Advisor her solidarity visit to Industrial Park in Samaria tion. The Israel Office also to the Prime Minister, Ron Israel. so that he could speak to helped Deputy Minister Dermer; and Deputy Na- • Jeff arranged for ZOA Arab workers who are Ayoub Kara compose a tional Security Council President Mort Klein openly happy to be work- letter to AIPAC, criticiz- Advisor for Foreign Affairs, to meet the Jerusalem ing alongside “settlers” and ing Kadima ties to J Street, Col. (res.) Dr. Eran Lerman. Post’s new editor in receiving much higher sala- along with the appearance We also arranged detailed chief, Steve Linde, and ries and benefits than they of Kadima’s opposition briefings at various east- to be videotaped in an would in the PA. In addition, interview with Mike Ev- the Israel Office helped or- ans, guest commentator ganize a gala reception at for Fox News. the Psagot winery which • ZOA Israel was fea- included former Congress- tured in two Yeshiva man Bob McEwen, actor World News articles, Jon Voight, and the mission’s two in the Jerusalem 175-member Christian en- Post, and one in Mish- tourage. After Huckabee’s pacha Magazine. return to the U.S., we ar- • Several of our let- ranged for MK Ayoub Kara ters were published in to discuss with him the the Jerusalem Post. growth of radical Islam in • ZOA’s Purim IDF mis- America and Israel’s hard sion was featured in won expertise in dealing a Talkline Communi- with those elements. cations video, on the Friends of Ariel website, Monitoring opposi- Board Member Rubin Margules and ZOA Israel and in Israel National tion activities: The Director Jeff Daube distributing Purim packages News and Koleinu ar- subversive activities of ticles. anti-Israel NGOs operat-

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ZOA were Chasya Cowen, Leah Fuhrman, Harrison Newman, Adir Pittsburgh Shimon, Maayan Shimon and Masha Shollar. The Jewish Federation of Pittsburgh sponsored the City’s District Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebration honoring Israel’s 63rd birthday, which focused on the children. The Pittsburgh District en- The ZOA’s Pittsburgh District has been very busy. Our gaged the younger children to create Israeli postage stamps. spring speakers series included Dr. Steven Albert and Profes- Older children and adults participated in trivia quizzes about sor Nathan Firestone. Dr. Albert is active with Scholars for Israel. And since no birthday is a celebration without cake, Peace in the Middle East at the University of Pittsburgh. He six huge sheet cakes decorated as Israeli flags were prepared has focused on articles in medical journals – mostly European and served. Board members Linda Safyan and Marian Sala- – that wrongly bash Israel for various problems in the Middle mon served as co-chairpersons of ZOA’s booth. East. Dr. Albert and his colleagues have been successful in The Pittsburgh District has a busy fall schedule ahead, getting articles published and retractions issued which vindi- which will include speakers, Holocaust Education and a ma- cate Israel. Professor Firestone, having taught American poli- jor fundraiser. tics at Duquesne University for almost 40 years, discussed past and present American and Middle East foreign policy. ZOA Working closely with JFilm: The Pittsburgh Jewish Film Forum, the ZOA’s Pittsburgh District co-sponsored the Philadelphia Pittsburgh premier of two documentaries. Ahead of Time District documents the life of Dr. Ruth Gruber, a journalist cele- brating her 100th birthday in 2011, who was involved in rescuing Jewish refugees during WWII, covered the birth One week after President Obama’s speech at the State of modern Israel and its early years, and the Nuremberg Department about the Middle East, Philadelphia ZOA staged trials. Family in Captivity tells the heart wrenching story of a town hall meeting in the area’s largest traditional syna- the family of kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, as they gogue, the Congregation of Shaare Shamayim. More than 300 struggle to cope with his now over-five-year absence and in attendance heard from delegates to Sen. Patrick Toomey plead for his freedom. (R-PA), Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA), and three local congressmen. Each May, the Pittsburgh District holds its Annual Meet- Other speakers included two Christian Zionist leaders, ZOA ing and Scholar-in-Residence The program is held in mem- officials, talk-radio hosts and three local rabbis. The following ory of the late Kandy Ehrenwerth, an ardent Zionist whose day, Philadelphia ZOA staged a pro-Israel rally outside the life was cut short by an automobile accident. This year’s Israeli Consulate that garnered TV coverage. scholar was ZOA’s own Susan Tuchman, director of the We had a record number of activists attend the ZOA’s ZOA’s Center for Law and Justice. Susan spoke about the annual advocacy mission to harassment and intimidation that Jewish students are fac- Washington, DC. Fifty peo- ing at schools across the country and the ZOA’s efforts to ple came to represent our combat these problems. district. Also at the Annual Meeting, the Pittsburgh District’s Schol- Philadelphia ZOA was arship Committee announced this year’s recipients. The Patti prominently featured in sev- and Abe Anouchi Scholarship, awarded to the applicant with eral articles and letters in the the winning proposal for a research project while studying in Jewish Exponent newspaper. Israel, went to Derek Kwait in the amount of $750. Named The Exponent, Philadelphia in loving memory of the late Natalie and Ivan Novick, the Jewish Voice and the American Novick Israel Scholarship is awarded to the winner of an es- Thinker published articles Greater Philadelphia say contest whose theme is “The influence of Israel on me and letters by Co-President District Co-President as a Jew.” Nechama Weinstein wrote the winning essay and Len Getz, Vice President Lee Len Getz talks at was awarded $500. Ivan Novick was a past president of the Bender and Executive Direc- “An Evening of Israeli Pittsburgh District and a past National President of ZOA. tor Steve Feldman. Wines and Cheeses” Receiving $250 scholarships for travel and study in Israel Philadelphia ZOA hosted

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“An Evening of Israeli Wines and Cheeses” featuring talks by the documentary, For the Sake of Nakba. The Michigan Region experts and tastings of wine and cheese. This event was held also helped sponsor an exclusive screening of the film, Ira- in conjunction with our “Buy Israel” project. nium. Additionally, we again took part in the Detroit Jewish Our twinning project with schools in Ariel continues to community’s annual film festival, sponsoring the film,Winston forge ahead. Churchill: Walking with Destiny. Our quarterly meeting in May featured a talk by local vet- This past spring, the Michigan Region assisted students eran communal leader and former Jewish Federation pres- at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in their fight to ident Joseph Smukler. His topic was “What Zionists Can study abroad in Israel. We helped the students petition the Learn From the Soviet Jewry Movement”. Smukler and his University of Michigan Board of Regents. wife Connie were prominent national leaders in the effort to Through the Sidney Silverman Scholarship Fund, we gain freedom for Jews in the Soviet Union. awarded grants for year-long programs in Israel to excep- Steve Feldman addressed a Hadassah chapter’s closing tional graduating high school seniors. Next year we hope to luncheon and a Reform congregation’s men’s club. help even more young Jewish Michiganders have the oppor- We had a table at the Jewish community’s official Israel tunity to study in Israel. Independence Day celebration and collected 200 signatures This year, ZOA’s Michigan Region will be holding its first on a petition opposing President Obama’s call for a Palestin- Israel Advocacy Weekend Retreat at Camp Butzel in Or- ian state based on the 1949 armistice lines. tonville, Michigan. Select college students will be invited to The Greater Philadelphia District held its first gala in spend a weekend learning how to advocate for Israel through many years this September, honoring prominent Philadelphia lectures and discussions on Israeli politics, Jewish history and talk-radio host Dom Giordano, and a beloved Israel activist, heritage, and issues faced on college campuses today. Rabbi Fred Kazan. Our keynote speaker was Commentary We are also looking forward to our 78th Annual Balfour magazine’s Jonathan Tobin. Celebration in November. We continue to speak out in both local and national press ZOA through articles, op-eds and letters to the editor. Our e- newsletter continues to reach over 900 people each week. Michigan We encourage everyone to visit our website, www.mizoa. Region org and learn more about our region’s advocacy efforts and upcoming programs. This past March, the Michigan Region welcomed a new ZOA Executive Director. Kobi Erez was born and raised in Israel where he served for three years in combat units of the Israel Florida Defense Forces. Having commanded his troops in high-risk Region areas such as Gaza and Hebron, Kobi knows firsthand why the success of the ZOA is so imperative. Kobi has long re- spected the ZOA’s mission and efforts. He considers him- On April 9th, Mort Klein spoke at Shabbat services at self “privileged to be working for an organization with such Temple Emanuel, a prominent Conservative synagogue in his- a clear pro-Israel message,” whose members are willing to toric Palm Beach. His speech, entitled “Obama and Israel,” speak up for the Jewish state, regardless of potential backlash, comprehensively reviewed President Obama’s background when others will not. Kobi maintains, “Spending most of my and associations, his political appointments affecting Israel, life in Israel, it is here, in the U.S. and particularly in Michigan, his speeches about the Middle East, and his troubling poli- that I have met some of the strongest advocates for Israel.” cies toward Israel. In his critique of President Obama, Mort The Michigan Region’s Education Series continued into emphasized that the ZOA also strongly criticized Republi- last spring with programs featuring well-known author Rob- can President George W. Bush when he promoted policies ert Spencer; Dr. Charles Jacobs, cofounder of CAMERA; that were detrimental to Israel. On Shabbat afternoon, Mort Frank Loewenberg, Bar-Ilan University Professor Emeritus; spoke at the Palm Beach Synagogue, the premiere Orthodox reformed terrorist Kamal Saleem; and David Bedein, Direc- synagogue in the Palm Beach area, which frequently hosts tor of the Center for Near East Policy Research who showed leading figures in the Jewish world.

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On April 10th, Mort was Yom Yerushalayim event at Young Israel of Hollywood. The honored by City of Miami event’s theme was “Celebrate and Defend.” Addressing a Gardens Councilman, An- large turnout, Mort passionately presented the facts and dre Williams, at New Way data that support the Jewish right to Jerusalem, and also Fellowship Church. New dispelled the myth of Jerusalem’s importance to Islam. The Way Fellowship is an Afri- American Spectator published a complimentary article about can-American congrega- the event, praising Mort’s speech. On June 1st, Mort spoke tion whose spiritual leader, at a Yom Yerushalayim event at the Boca Raton Synagogue Bishop Billy Baskin, was to an audience of over 1,000 people. U.S. Congressmen Ted also being honored. Mort Deutch and Allen West offered their remarks via video link. Hundreds of people has developed a personal Mort again spoke powerfully about the Jewish right to Je- gather at a ZOA co-sponsored rally in relationship with Council- rusalem, and then spent over an hour talking with members response to the Fogel man Williams after they of the audience, many of whom expressed appreciation for massacre appeared together on the ZOA’s uncommon honesty. A front-page article about both Tuesday Night Live television of Mort’s speeches appeared in the Florida Jewish Journal. program last January. The Councilman is now running ZOA for mayor of Miami Gardens, and has a remarkable record of pro-Israel advocacy. In fact, it was under his leadership that Los Angeles/ the City of Miami Gardens—whose approximately 100,000 Western Region citizens are almost all African-American—became one of the first municipalities in the country to divest from Iran. Coun- cilman Williams has addressed two of Florida’s ZOA chap- ZOA Western Region has had a full slate of programs. ters, brilliantly articulating why African-Americans should The speakers have included: stand with Israel and explaining the parallels between Zion- ism and Afrocentrism. • Israel’s General Uzi Dayan, an adviser to Prime Minister On April 11th, ZOA co-sponsored a community-wide Netanyahu shloshim memorial for the Fogel family in North Miami. The • Member of Knesset Tzipi Hotovely (Likud) Fogels – including three young children – were massacred in • Dr. Brad Sparks and Rabbi Cooper of the Simon Wiesen- their home in Itamar by Palestinian Arab terrorists. The me- thal Center morial was hosted by the Falic family, one of South Florida’s • Avraham Sion, Professor, University of Haifa most prominent Zionist families who are also supporters • Anita Tucker, an Israeli forcibly evicted from Gaza of ZOA’s annual student trip to Israel. Between 1,200-1,400 • Dr. Martin Sherman, Professor, Tel Aviv University people attended the memorial, including many children, who • Steve Coughlin and Robert Spencer, The Rise of the Mus- sang Hatikva with hundreds of Israeli flags waving in the air. lim Brotherhood Two speakers from Israel addressed the crowd: Dr. Yechiel • Dr. Rachel Ehrenfeld – Tracing the Money Trail of Ter- Leiter, former Chief of Staff to Israeli Prime Minister Netan- rorists yahu, and Rabbi Avi Ronsky, former Chief Rabbi of the Israel • Phillipe Karsenty: French Journalist – Debunking the al- Defense Forces and neighbor of the Fogel family. Dura Blood Libel On May 31st, Mort Klein and Florida Regional Direc- • Jay Sanderson, Director of LA Jewish Federation tor Joe Sabag met with Ohio State Treasurer Josh Mandel. • Riad Hassain, City Clerk Dalyat el-Carmel & Osafiah, Is- Mandel is a former two-term member of the Ohio State raeli Druze towns House of Representatives and is now running for the U.S. • Nitzana Darshon-Leitner, Esq. – Bankrupting Terror, One Senate against incumbent Sherrod Brown. He expressed his Lawsuit At A Time strong support for ZOA’s policy positions and advocacy. At • Hon. Andre Williams, African-American City Council- only 33 years old, Mandel may well become one of the most man, Miami – Broadening Relationships Between African- dynamic pro-Israel politicians in the country. Americans & Jews In Support of Israel On May 31st, Mort Klein spoke at a ZOA-sponsored • General Herzl Bodinger – Ariel University

ZOA REPORT 34 FALL 2011 35 ZOA REPORT Zionist Organization of America NON-PROFIT ORG. Jacob and Libby Goodman ZOA House US POSTAGE PAID 4 East 34th Street BROOKLYN, NY New York, NY 10016 Permit No. 1235

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ZOA REPORT 36 FALL 2011 PB ZOA REPORT