Founded 1897

Zionist Organization of America

1200 ATTEND SPRING STAR-STUDDED ZOA DINNER 2015 INCLUDING 260 STUDENTS

Global Philanthropists Sheldon and Dr. Miriam Adelson and ZOA President Morton A. Klein

Adelsons, Dershowitz, Zuckerman, Cruz, Tisch, Hagee, Judge Jeanine, Home Depot FOX -TV’s Judge Jeanine Pirro Founder Bernie Marcus, Emcee, and more... and ZOA Board Member Myron Zimmerman

JOIN US TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2015

Bernie Marcus giving Brandeis U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) Award to Las Vegas Sands and Dr. Bob Shillman ZOA PRO-ISRAEL President, Michael Leven CAPITOL HILL MISSION

James Tisch, Pastor John Hagee, U.S. Mortimer Zuckerman and Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and ZOA Board Professor Alan Dershowitz Chair Dr. Michael Goldblatt ZOA REPORT 1 Table Of Contents

Table of Contents

5 14 Brandeis Center for Law Award Dinner and Justice

21 26 Gov’t Relations Brandeis Award Department Dinner Pictorial

Table of Morton A. Klein 2 Contents President President’s Dr. Michael Goldblatt 3 Message Board Chair 30 Brandeis Award Irwin Hochberg Campus Activism 5 Dinner Vice Chair, Board Network Center for Law and Dr. Alan Mazurek 14 Justice Vice Chair, Board Gov’t Relations Mark Levenson, Esq. 21 Department National Secretary Brandeis Award Henry Schwartz 26 Dinner Pictorial National Treasurer ZIONIST ORGANIZATION Campus Activism Bart Blatstein 36 OF AMERICA 30 Network Associate Treasurer Israel Office FOUNDED 1897 ZOA People: David Drimer 34 Daniel Katz National Executive Director ZIONIST Israel ORGANIZATION 36 Office OF AMERICA Design and Layout FOUNDED 1897 Around the Josh Teplow 41 Country Art Director Published by the Policy Zionist Organization of ZIONISTAmerica Briefs ORGANIZATION 50 Email: [email protected] OF AMERICA ZOA argues case Website: www.zoa.orgFOUNDED 1897 55 against BDS groups 212.481.1500 Fax: 212.481.1515

2 ZOA REPORT FOUNDED 1897 President’s Message Photo Credit: Caleb Smith

Obama's Hostile Positions Cause Tense US/Israel Relations

When Susan Rice, Minister David Cameron Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel addresses a President Barack Obama’s to do just that. But he ob- joint meeting of Congress on March 3, 2015 National Security Adviser, jected to Netanyahu cri- was interviewed on PBS’s tiquing his Iran policy to Charlie Rose program, she Congress. It is not hard to criticized Israeli Prime see why: Netanyahu de- Minister Benjamin Netan- molished the Obama claim yahu’s decision to accept that negotiations with Iran the invitation of House would lead to a deal that Speaker John Boehner to stops Iran from going nu- address Congress on the is- clear. ministration said it would sue of Iran’s looming nucle- Indeed, President hold the PA accountable. ar threat. Rice claimed that Obama has elevated to Last month, a federal jury the decision “injected a de- crises disagreements that held the PLO and Abbas’ gree of partisanship, which previous administrations PA liable for six terrorist is not only unfortunate, I tamped down. Obama attacks in Israel that killed think it’s destructive of the has continually criticized, and wounded Americans MORTON fabric of the [U.S./Israel] and even “condemned” as more than a decade ago— A. KLEIN relationship.” anti-peace, Israel merely but President Obama has President, Nothing could be fur- announcing the building not commented on it. Zionist Organization ther from the truth: Presi- of homes in Jewish neigh- The current problem in of America dent Obama’s partisanship borhoods of eastern Jeru- U.S./Israel relations is not has produced a crisis in re- salem—a bipartisan Israeli based on Mr. Netanyahu lations between the White policy—that would remain addressing Congress. Rath- House and Jerusalem—and Israeli under any peace er, it is based on President the record shows it. agreement. Obama’s anti-Israel policy, President Obama Conversely, Obama of which Netanyahu’s ad- doesn’t mind foreign lead- has not condemned the dress to Congress was ers speaking to Congress— Palestinian Authority’s merely a symptom, not a as long as they support his Mahmoud Abbas for in- cause. Put simply, President policies. That’s why he was citement to hatred and Obama seems willing to happy for British Prime murder—though his ad- tolerate an Iranian nuclear

ZOA REPORT 3 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

weapons threshold capac- is not only an advocate placed Malley in a posi- ity, but Israel is not. Of of U.S. recognition of the tion to give a still stron- The current course there’s a crisis. terrorist groups Hamas ger anti-Israel tilt to his President Obama’s de- and Hizballah, but also a policy. problem in U.S./ termination to cut a deal proponent of containing We see, then, the sheer Israel relations with Iran, free from con- Iran (i.e., not preventing hollowness of the Obama gressional scrutiny and ap- Iran from attaining nuclear Administration’s claim is not based on proval, that enables Iran to weapons). In fact, Mal- that the Israeli govern- become a nuclear threshold ley has criticized President ment has soured relations Mr. Netanyahu state, complete with a sun- Obama—because suppos- with the White House. set clause that would lay edly he “took containment Has not President Obama addressing the path for Iran develop- of a nuclear-armed Iran off said that allies sometimes ing nuclear weapons in ten the table.” have the obligation to Congress. Rather, years, would explain much In 2001, in the pages of speak out, even when else that is now occurring. The New York Times and their advice is uncom- it is based on The staunchest Demo- The New York Review of fortable? Did he not tell President Obama’s cratic critic of Obama’s Books, Malley blamed Is- Jewish leaders that “day- Iran policy, Senator Rob- rael and exculpated Yas- light” between the U.S. anti-Israel policy, of ert Menendez, the ranking ser Arafat for the failure and Israel might be neces- Democrat on the Senate of the Camp David peace sary? But he objected to which Netanyahu’s Foreign Relations Com- talks, contrary to the ac- the Israeli Prime Minister mittee, has recently been counts of all the other informing the world that address to indicted on corruption Americans and Israelis there is indeed daylight charges. Former U.S. fed- involved in the negotia- on a major issue of policy Congress was eral prosecutor Andrew tions, including President on Iran. McCarthy opined, “If Bill Clinton himself. Mal- President Obama only merely a symptom, Menendez were running ley has essentially sought imagined himself advis- not a cause. interference for Obama to legitimize the Palestin- ing Israel, not Israel ad- on the Iran deal, rather ian Arab opposition to Is- vising him. He seeks no than trying to scupper it, rael’s existence. meeting of the minds. I believe he would not be Malley was seen as tox- The evidence shows that charged.” ic to President Obama’s he seeks only to foist his Senator Menendez pro-Israel bona fides dangerously anti-Israel is scarcely alone in find- when he was running foreign policy on the re- ing Obama’s approach for president in 2008, so gion. deeply troubling. A recent Obama fired Malley at McLaughlin poll found the time. But he later ap- that 59% of Americans pointed him as a senior supported Netanyahu’s adviser on Iraq, Iran and speech to Congress, while Syria. When the 2014 only 23% opposed it. Congressional elections Moreover, President were imminent, President With Zionist Greetings, Obama’s true feelings Obama said that Malley about Israel are reflected in would not be involved in his recent appointment of Israeli/Palestinian issues. serial Israel-basher Robert Now, free of all electoral Malley as Middle East Co- considerations, President ordinator on the National Obama has done what he Morton A. Klein Security Council. Malley said he wouldn’t do and National President

4 ZOA REPORT Brandeis Award Dinner

Sheldon and Dr. Miriam ZOA Dinner Before Record 1200 People Adelson, Pastor John Headlined by Mike Leven, Sen. Ted Cruz, Harvard Prof. Hagee, Mrs. Hagee Alan Dershowitz, Pastor John Hagee, Sheldon & Dr. Miriam Adelson, Mort Zuckerman, Bernie Marcus, Rabbi Shmuley Boteach

A record crowd of 1200 didate Senator Ted Cruz Defender of Israel Award to people attended the Zion- (R-TX); renowned Har- Pastor John Hagee. Senator ist Organization of Ameri- vard Law Professor Alan Cruz received the Dr. Bob The generosity of ca’s (ZOA) 116th Louis D. Dershowitz; legendary Shillman Award for Out- major ZOA donors Brandeis Award Dinner on founder of Christians Unit- standing Pro-Israel Legisla- Sunday, November 23rd, at ed for Israel (CUFI) Pastor tor; Professor Dershowitz enabled 261 Manhattan’s elegant Grand John Hagee; global philan- received the Mort Zucker- Hyatt Hotel. The generos- thropists/humanitarians man Award for Outstand- student activists ity of major ZOA donors Dr. Miriam and Sheldon ing Pro-Israel Journalism; enabled 261 student activ- Adelson; and businessman and Michael Leven, presi- from various ists from various universi- Michael Leven all spoke. dent of Las Vegas Sands ties around the country Israeli Prime Minister Corporation, received the universities to be to be part of this exciting Benjamin Netanyahu ad- Louis D. Brandeis Award. event. dressed the crowd by video. Bernie Marcus—an ex- part of this exciting Rising Republican star Sheldon and Miriam Adel- traordinary businessman, event. and future presidential can- son presented the Adelson founder of the national

ZOA REPORT 5 BRANDEIS AWARD DINNER

ZOA President Morton Klein, Bernie Marcus presenting Brandeis Award to Michael Leven

retail chain, Home Depot, war against Israel and a and a major supporter of worldwide Hamas-compli- Israel who was inducted ant media. Mr. Netanyahu into the U.S. Business Hall reminded the audience of Fame in 2006—was the that in the final analysis, it Dinner emcee. Also attend- is the IDF which ensures Kenneth J. Bialkin, Esq. and Professor Alan Dershowitz ing the Dinner were Fox the survival and security News television host Judge of the state of Israel and its Jeanine Pirro, Congress- citizens. City must be empty, since ...ZOA is a rare woman Michele Bachmann Dr. Bob Shillman, everyone seemed to be (R-MN), former presiden- Founder and Chairman of in that room: “Had there voice among major tial candidate Gary Bauer, Cognex Corporation, the been Jews and Christian Middle East scholar Dr. world’s leading supplier of Zionists in the world like American Jewish Daniel Pipes, along with re- machine vision systems, these in this room in the nowned businessmen and introduced ZOA National 1930s and the 1940s, his- organizations, Jewish leaders Ken Bialkin, President Morton Klein, tory would have been very Esq., David Brog, Martin observing how Mort is an different,” he said. telling the truth Gross, Jack Halpern, Irwin irrepressible fighter for Is- Klein shared that The Hochberg, Ira Rennert, rael’s right to exist in peace Jerusalem Post recently about the decades- Richard Stone, Jim Tisch and security. “In that cause, noted that ZOA is a rare old Arab war on and Rabbi Avi Weiss. Mort has been called many voice among major Ameri- In a pre-recorded video things, some of them even can Jewish organizations, Israel to kill Jews address, Prime Minister true. He is among the top telling the truth about the Netanyahu thanked the ten people in American decades-old Arab war on and destroy the ZOA for profoundly aid- Jewish life who have made Israel to kill Jews and de- ing the defense of Israel a vital difference.” stroy the Jewish state, and Jewish state... by its extraordinary sup- Looking around the criticizing the U.S. admin- port for the Israel Defense overflowing ballroom,istration when appropriate. Forces (IDF), especially Mort Klein remarked that Klein emphasized that in during the recent Hamas the streets of New York speaking out, the ZOA was

6 ZOA REPORT BRANDEIS AWARD DINNER

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz

pher, Edmund Burke, who famously said, “All that is “Remembering the necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do Holocaust and Kenneth J. Bialkin, Esq. and Professor Alan Dershowitz nothing.” Klein continued, “In the murder of the this instance, the U.S. not “not being right-wing, but sports teams after terrorists, only says nothing, we pay Jews of Europe simply right. The truth is authorizes posters of Jew- the PA $500 million per means more not a political position.” killing terrorists, and pays year, including an addi- Klein spoke of Mah- pensions to jailed Palestin- tional gift of $47 million than just holding moud Abbas’ “phony con- ian terrorists in propor- that went to Hamas during demnation” of the recent tion to the number of Jews the Gaza war. This sends commemorative terrorist attack on a Jerusa- they murder—is not part the clear, unmistakable lem synagogue, where four of an extremist Palestinian message that, no matter services. It Jews at prayer were hacked fringe, but sadly represents what the PA does, it will to death, and a Druze po- the “Palestinian main- pay no price. Remember- means the duty of liceman was killed defend- stream,” observed Klein. ing the Holocaust and the ing the worshipers. Abbas, Palestinian society murder of the Jews of Eu- acting decisively far from being critical of, or encourages, praises, and rope means more than just to safeguard the ceasing to incite violence, honors Jew-killers. What is holding commemorative incited it immediately af- worse, the Obama Admin- services. It means the duty Jewish people.” terward, calling the Israeli istration and world govern- of acting decisively to safe- police “terrorists” and re- ments say nothing about guard the Jewish people.” peating lies about Israel this; it is a blanket of silence Klein also turned to seeking to destroy the Al that Klein described as a the subject of Jerusalem Aqsa Mosque on the Tem- “diplomatic Kristallnacht.” and debunked the Palestin- ple Mount. Abbas—who Klein cited a quote from ian falsehoods about the names schools, streets, and the Irish political philoso- city, which is, in fact, one

ZOA REPORT 7 BRANDEIS AWARD DINNER

also had a Jewish majority people, and Israel should, population since the 1870s, instead of demolishing the “so the Palestinian Arabs homes of terrorists, take the have no claim on Jerusa- homes, sell them, and give lem. The Palestinians’ claim the proceeds to the victims to Jerusalem is propaganda of terror. and myth.” “We might sometimes Klein debunked the ask,” Klein said in con- idea that Palestinian Arabs clusion, “Can it be that are “occupied” by Israel, we Jews are right and the noting that 98% of the Ar- whole world is wrong? abs of Judea/Samaria live The answer is yes, it can be under PA rule, with their true and it has been true own police, courts, schools throughout history. When and textbooks, and that Israel bombed the Iraqi Israeli forces remain in nuclear reactor at Osirak certain areas on account in 1981, the whole world of continuing terrorism. If condemned Israel — and there were no terror or dan- now everyone knows it was ger, there would be no need the right thing to do. In the for Israeli troops. ancient world, we were de- Moreover, Israel is not rided by everyone for hav- occupying someone else’s ing a day of rest; people said land. Judea/Samaria is un- we were lazy, but we were allocated territory under right. We were accused of international law, which killing Jesus, and everyone was previously illegally oc- was wrong. In the Middle cupied and annexed by Ages, people thought we Jordan in 1948. The truth killed gentile children to of the matter, concluded use their blood in matza; Tzivia Orbach, daughter of of the oldest cities in the Klein, is that the Palestin- only we knew otherwise, Board Member Michael world and the holiest city ian Arabs don’t want their and we were right. People Orbach in Judaism, a capital estab- own state unless they can believed we poisoned wells; lished by King David in deprive the Jews of theirs. we never did. They were biblical times: “Jerusalem This can be the only rea- wrong, we were right.” has only ever been the capi- son why Palestinian leaders David Kadosh, Man- tal of a Jewish state, and has have turned down state- aging Director of ZOA’s never been a Palestinian hood alongside a Jewish Campus Activism Net- Arab state capital.” Klein state on every occasion — work, addressed the crowd, reminded his listeners that in 1937, 1947, 2000 and describing the ZOA’s vital the city is mentioned 638 again in 2008. campus activism and the times in the Bible, but is Klein said, “The U.S. exponential increase in not mentioned even once should therefore demand ZOA’s activities on cam- in the Quran. During the the relocation of the U.S. puses across the country. years of the illegal Jordani- embassy to Jerusalem with- This is made possible by the an occupation (1948-67), out delay, demand of Ab- generosity of Myron Zim- no Arab leaders other than bas an utter and immediate merman, the San Francisco- Jordan’s King Hussein ever end to incitement to hatred based real estate magnate, visited the city. The city has and murder of the Jewish pro-Israel philanthropist,

8 ZOA REPORT BRANDEIS AWARD DINNER

leader of Birthright, officer of several Jewish Federa- tions, and former Louis D. Brandeis Dinner Awardee. In a self-effacing speech, Louis D. Brandeis Award recipient Michael Leven chose not to speak of himself but rather of Jus- tice Louis Brandeis, after whom the award is named. Mr. Leven noted the pow- erful and compelling views on Zionism that Brandeis espoused in his lifetime, regarding how a commit- ment to Jewish national independence by Ameri- can Jewish citizens made them stronger, rather than weaker U.S. citizens, just as individuals loyally devoted to their family, careers, dis- trict, and state also made for stronger American citizens. Brandeis always Harvard student, Senator emphasizes only the 20% Cantor Joseph Malovany, maintained that such mul- Ted Cruz (R-TX), spoke of case not shared by oth- Dr. Bob Shillman, Senator tiple loyalties should not the underlying principle he ers. They speak often of an Ted Cruz, Mort Klein and be a source of suspicion but followed in advocating for open tent, but they have Professor Alan Dershowitz rather should be mutually Israel. He focuses unrelent- driven out the 80%. To be reinforcing, provided they ingly, not on what might anti-Israel today is to be were not in conflict. “Zion- divide Zionists of differ- also anti-American. It is ism enlarged, rather than ent stripes, but on what no coincidence that those reduced, human freedom,” united Zionists across the who hate Israel also despise Mr. Leven shared. board — for example, the the United States of Amer- Bernie Marcus de- vital Zionist position that ica — Norman Finkelstein, scribed Mr. Leven as “a Iran must not be permitted Noam Chomsky and so on. real mensch” and then to become either a nuclear “I have significantly introduced “another real power or a nuclear thresh- different views from many mensch” — Harvard Uni- old state. other Zionists on social, versity Law Professor, world Dershowitz continued, economic, and political is- famous attorney and de- “I make the 80% case — sues, but I unite with other fender of Israel, Alan Der- that on which virtually all Zionists on that about showitz, who opened with Zionists are in agreement. which we agree. I don’t the exclamation, “Wow, There are reasonable dis- attack other Zionists for what a gathering! I’m here agreements between Zion- disagreeing with me on as a liberal, Democrat and ists but the difference, for these matters, just as I don’t Zionist.” Dershowitz, who example, between ZOA necessarily agree on Zion- later introduced his former and J Street, is that J Street ism with others who might

ZOA REPORT 9 BRANDEIS AWARD DINNER

Board Member Robert share my social, economic defense of Israel and the won’t let you back into the Jacobs, Dr. Esther Chouake, and political views. And Jewish people. “Had John Harvard faculty lounge.” ZOA Board Members Dr. it’s also so clear that true F. Kennedy been writing Senator Cruz paid hand- Ben Chouake and Sylvia liberals must support Is- Profiles in Courage today, some tribute to ZOA’s Na- Freyer, Jeffrey and Naava rael over its adversaries, this would have to be one tional President, saying, “As Parker the only state which has of them. Ted Cruz is an in- for Mort Klein, what an the rule of law, that safe- tellectual powerhouse. He incredible, powerful voice! guards minorities, that could have done anything in He reminds me of the book protects gays, and so on. life, but he chose to devote of Exodus, when G-d called . . . Senator Cruz was one himself to public service.” upon Moses, who spoke of my most brilliant stu- Senator Ted Cruz with a clarion call when the dents and I’m proud to opened by saying, “G-d situation demanded it.” introduce him tonight. bless the nation of Israel Senator Cruz also paid Even though we don’t and G-d bless the United tribute to the Adelsons, es- agree on many issues, we States of America.” He pecially their courage and agree on Israel.” quipped, “Alan Dershowitz fortitude in fighting for Dershowitz went on was an incredible teacher what they believe is right: to explain how Senator who fiercely defends his “If there is a fight for them Cruz walked out of a De- principles, even when he’s from which to run away, we fense of Christians Din- wrong.” Turning to his have yet to see what that ner earlier this year when former professor, Cruz fight is.” Turning to the he encountered deep hos- added, “I have to warn you political situation, Senator tility from some of the that if you keep on saying Cruz forcefully noted that audience for his strong nice things about me, they “Jerusalem is the holy and

10 ZOA REPORT BRANDEIS AWARD DINNER

eternal capital of Israel,” Obama banned flights to and he lamented the turn of Israel, I spoke up about this events in the Middle East, obviously hostile decision, in which Hamas and other given that we don’t stop Palestinian Arab groups flights, even to the Ukraine murder Jews, while Abbas’ where a passenger plane Fatah/PA celebrates and was actually shot down. justifies their acts. Senator “Second, I look at our Cruz especially commend- overall direction with re- ed the fight ZOA is waging gard to Iran, where we are to inform the world about on the verge of a very bad the truth of the Arab war deal and historic mistake on Israel, saying, “If there is on its nuclear program. one principle ZOA is com- We should not only re-im- mitted to, it is the prin- pose sanctions on Iran, but ciple that the truth has real strengthen them — and power. There is no equiva- make it clear that unless ly in telling the story. Why Roberta and Irwin Chafetz lence between Jews being Iran dismantles all 19,000 do we fight? My father came murdered and Palestinians centrifuges, hands over ev- here from Cuba 57 years being killed as a result of Is- ery pound it has ever pro- ago with only the clothes raeli action in dealing with duced of enriched uranium, on his back and $100 in his terrorism. terminates its ICBM pro- pocket. He worked for 50 “Today, the threats gram — a program which cents an hour and saved to to Israel have never been can only exist to deliver a open his own business and greater. We need leaders nuclear warhead to Israel or fulfill the American dream. who will act decisively to the U.S.—and ceases being He said that when he had strengthen the unshak- a state sponsor of terrorism, to flee, he had somewhere able alliance with the na- we do not have a deal. to go to live a free life. But tion of Israel. To this end, “Instead, under Presi- if we lose our liberties here, I pursue a tripartite strat- dent Obama, we repeat where will we go? In this egy. First, I work towards the mistakes we made with battle, ZOA tells the truth all that we can achieve on North Korea, even employ- all the time.” a bipartisan basis, such as ing the same official from Morton Klein intro- legislation to bar entry to that debacle, Wendy Sher- duced global philanthro- the United States of the man, to negotiate another pists Sheldon and Dr. proposed Iranian ambassa- bad deal. This will lead to Miriam Adelson, paying dor to the United Nations, a situation in which there particular tribute to Miri which passed the Senate by is no deterrence on the Adelson’s work with drug a vote of 100 to 0, and the mullahs in Tehran. And addiction and Holocaust House by a vote of 435 to the most significant thing issues. Dr. Adelson, for 0. A known terrorist simply about the ‘chickens--t’ her part, spoke of the in- cannot live in Manhattan. I episode is not the hostile delible impression Pastor also pushed for legislation comments about the Israeli John Hagee left upon her at offering a $5 million re- Prime Minister, but that their first meeting, through ward for the capture of ter- the official involved was his stirring oratory: “I fell rorists who have murdered crowing that the Adminis- in love with this inspiring American nationals, which tration had delayed Israel lover of Israel, the most ef- also passed the Senate by from acting against Iran. fective Christian Zionist in 100 to 0. When President “Third, I believe strong- the world.”

ZOA REPORT 11 BRANDEIS AWARD DINNER

Pastor Hagee spoke of salem has been the Jewish “President Obama speaks of the CUFI, which is now 33 capital for 3,000 years. Tell- years old and at 2 million ing Israel what it can and ‘unbreakable’ bonds that bind the U.S. and members, is the strongest cannot do in Jerusalem is, and most powerful pro- as President Obama might Israel—and he knows they are unbreakable Israel organization, now have put it, above his pay in the process of radically grade. . . . For Zion’s sake, because he’s been trying to break them for increasing its presence in speak out. Israel’s fight is over five years.” Washington, D.C. CUFI, our fight. Do not be silent. he said, is also expanding its Not to speak is to speak. . efforts to Britain because . . John Kerry, your efforts “we must win this fight. At to win the Nobel Prize at CUFI, we don’t bark, we Israel’s expense have failed. bite. Whenever we don’t Now is the time to cut off John Hagee is the pas- like what a legislator says or all aid to the Palestinians. tor of the mega-church does, 1.8 million members . . . ZOA is the only ma- Cornerstone Church in can send a deluge of emails jor pro-Israel organization San Antonio, Texas, which and letters to get our view that said—at the time— has 20,000 active members, across where it matters.” that Oslo would not bring and President and CEO Turning to the interna- either peace or security of John Hagee Ministries, tional scene, Pastor Hagee to Israel. It’s time for the which telecasts his na- said that President Obama PA to embrace peace, not tional radio and television is anxious to accommo- Hamas.” ministry (carried in the date Iran. “Our Executive Rabbi Shmuley Bote- United States on 10 net- branch is in the hands of ach, named one of the top works, including 62 high- one of the most anti-Israel ten influential Rabbis in power stations broadcast presidents in the history of America by Newsweek mag- to more than 150 million Israel. . . President Obama azine, delivered the D’var households). Pastor Ha- speaks of the ‘unbreakable’ Torah for the night. gee received the Adelson bonds that bind the U.S. Renowned Cantor Defender of Israel Award and Israel—and he knows Malovany of the Fifth Av- for his consistent and pio- they are unbreakable be- enue Synagogue sang the neering work in mobiliz- cause he’s been trying to American and Israeli na- ing the Christian Zionist break them for over five tional anthems. movement in America. years.” This year’s ZOA Din- He opened by saying how The Pastor continued, ner would not have been deeply humbled he was to “The disgusting verbal at- possible without the hard receive this honor, because tack on Prime Minister Ne- work of Howard Katzoff, he considers the Adelsons tanyahu from within this David Drimer, Kathy to be some of the greatest Administration is unprec- Branch, Phyllis Meiner, people for what they do edented. Had this ‘chick- Enid Roman, Harriet for Jews and, indeed, for ens—t’ comment been said Bachmann, Paul Basisty, the wider world, with their of Mahmoud Abbas or the Felice Capustin, Zach incredible philanthropic Iranian leadership, it would Stern, Debra Benjamin, projects. Pastor Hagee then not have been tolerated. I Susan Tuchman, Josh thanked Mort Klein for call upon President Obama Teplow and Devorah Yar- what he has done to make to find out who this official mush. The Dinner Chairs ZOA such a vibrant and is and have him removed were Bernie Marcus and productive organization. from public office. . . . Jeru- Cherna Moskowitz.

12 ZOA REPORT Founded 1897

GIVE JOIN THE ZOA ONE DAY OF IN WASHINGTON YOUR LIFE FOR ZIONIST AT THIS ORGANIZATION ISRAEL OF AMERICA CRITICAL TIME

ZOA PRO-ISRAEL CAPITOL HILL MISSION TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2015

Personally lobby members of Congress on issues of vital interest to Israel’s security Attend private luncheon with dozens of members of Congress addressing us Gain valuable insights into the Arab war against Israel and pertinent U.S. policy positions Meet and greet ZOA members from around the country Round trip transportation is available from New York Metro Area & Philadelphia Early Registration including glatt kosher meals – ZOA-subsidized cost of only $125 After March 26, Registration cost is $180 Special Student and Young Professional Discounts Available online

SAVE! REGISTER BY MARCH 26 AND SAVE $55 FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 212-481-1500 OR EMAIL [email protected]

DR. MICHAEL GOLDBLATT MORTON A. KLEIN Chairman President REGISTER NOW HTTP://ZOA.ORG/WASHINGTON-MISSION-2015

ZOA REPORT 13 Center for Law and Justice

ZOA Spearheads Group Effort Alerting U.S. College Presidents to Growing Anti-Semitism and Urging Action to Protect Jewish Students

The ZOA spearheaded do if any other vulnerable is a clear mechanism for re- a letter, co-signed by 13 minority group were being porting harassment, intimi- other national organiza- targeted.” dation and hate crimes on tions, that was sent last The 14 groups recom- campus and that students September to more than mended the following are made aware of it. 2,500 college and univer- “appropriate and doable” (3) Issue strong pub- sity presidents across the steps: lic statements to the uni- U.S. The letter expressed (1) Review and aug- versity community, urging concern about rising anti- ment campus security and students, faculty and other Semitism worldwide, and ensure that security per- members of the commu- urged college and universi- sonnel are prepared for the nity to engage in discussion ty leaders “to take the nec- potential for violence and and debate in a civil, toler- essary steps to safeguard are appropriately trained ant and respectful manner. SUSAN TUCHMAN Jewish students’ physical to respond to it. Local po- (4) Respond prompt- Director, Center for and emotional safety and lice officials should also be ly to any anti-Semitic in- Law and Justice well-being on your cam- alerted. cidents that do occur by pus, as you surely would (2) Ensure that there publicly condemning the

14 ZOA REPORT CENTER FOR LAW AND JUSTICE

anti-Semitism and the per- as a guide) is a focus of the Initiative, the American petrators and publicly af- university’s diversity edu- Association of Jewish Law- firming that anti-Semitism cation for students, staff yers and Jurists, Americans is inconsistent with the and faculty. Students and for Peace and Tolerance, university’s values of civil- student groups that engage Christians United for Is- ity, respect and tolerance. in anti-Semitic conduct rael, the Committee for (5) Immediately and should be supervised and Accuracy in Middle East thoroughly respond to appropriately mentored. Reporting in America possible infractions of uni- (9) Issue a statement (CAMERA), the David versity rules and policies to faculty making it clear Horowitz Freedom Cen- (including student-filed that students must be able ter, Hasbara Fellowships, grievances and complaints) to express their views in the Institute for Black Soli- Nazi propaganda poster and hold wrongdoers ac- class without fear of intimi- darity with Israel, Scholars posted on Tumblr by countable for their miscon- dation or reprisal from oth- for Peace in the Middle Vassar’s Students for duct. No student or student er students or professors. East, the Simon Wiesen- Justice in Palestine, group should be given spe- (10) Exercise your thal Center Campus Out- described in letter to cial treatment and allowed moral duty as a leader and reach and StandWithUs. college presidents to violate rules and policies educator and publicly speak without consequence. If a out if anti-Israel speech and student group engages in conduct on campus cross hateful, bigoted conduct the line into anti-Semitism. that creates a climate of fear The ZOA and other or disrespect on campus, groups wrote: “We appre- then that group should not ciate that college campuses be entitled to the rights and should encourage free and privileges afforded to regis- open debate and the robust tered student groups, and exchange of ideas. We sup- those rights and privileges port these principles. But should be revoked. none of us should tolerate a (6) Immediately re- campus where students and port alleged or suspected student groups flagrantly criminal conduct (e.g., vio- disregard university rules lence, threats of violence, and policies—supported vandalism) to the appropri- by university funds, no ate authorities. less—without consequenc- (7) Familiarize ad- es. None of us should toler- ministrators, faculty, se- ate a campus climate of fear curity and other univer- or disrespect, which can se- sity personnel with the U.S. riously impair the physical government standards on and psychological health of anti-Semitism, so that they students and create condi- will recognize when anti- tions that negatively affect Israelism and anti-Zionism their learning and their cross the line into anti- ability to achieve their full Semitism. potential.” (8) Ensure that anti- The other groups that Semitism in all its forms joined the ZOA in sign- (using the U.S. government ing this letter were Alpha standards on anti-Semitism Epsilon Pi, the AMCHA

ZOA REPORT 15 CENTER FOR LAW AND JUSTICE

comments about him on Facebook (e.g., threatening to “beat” him “with a crow- bar” to “shut up people who shouldnt [sic] speak”); and (3) At an anti-Israel event that was advertised as free and open to the public, an admission fee was sud- denly imposed and selec- tively enforced against any- one perceived to be Jewish or pro-Israel, after the event organizers saw how many “Zionists” showed up. In its 15-page appeal, the ZOA urged OCR to reverse its decision, on grounds that it was based on an incomplete re- view of the evidence, that ZOA Appeals Dismissal of Its Title VI OCR’s analysis of the facts Action Against Rutgers was incorrect and that OCR did not apply the appropriate legal standard. The ZOA showed that the evidence and the law sup- In September 2014, the ately when: port the conclusion that ZOA appealed a decision (1) The Outreach Co- Jewish students had been by the U.S. Department of ordinator for Rutgers’ Mid- subjected to anti-Semitic Education’s Office for Civil dle East Studies Center ha- harassment, intimidation Rights (OCR) to close the rassed a Jewish student by and discrimination at Rut- ZOA’s complaint against physically threatening him gers and that the university Rutgers University, which (i.e., charging and lunging failed to take appropriate was filed under Title VI at him, pounding her chest remedial steps in violation of the Civil Rights Act. In and yelling, “Do you want of Title VI. its complaint, the ZOA to take me on? I’m Palestin- Title VI cases are typi- had alleged that Jewish ian. I have thick Palestinian cally resolved by OCR students were subjected to blood.”) and posting anti- within 180 days. It took anti-Semitic harassment, Semitic comments about OCR approximately three intimidation and discrimi- him on Facebook (i.e., call- years to complete its inves- nation at Rutgers and that ing the Jewish student “that tigation of the ZOA’s alle- the university had failed to racist Zionist pig!!!!!!!!” gations and to decide that take appropriate remedial and referring other Face- the complaint should be steps in violation of Title book users to a hate page closed. It is unclear when a VI. about him); decision on the ZOA’s ap- Specifically, the ZOA (2) Students harassed peal, which was filed with had alleged that Rutgers the same Jewish student the director of OCR’s New failed to respond appropri- by posting life-threatening York office, will be issued.

16 ZOA REPORT CENTER FOR LAW AND JUSTICE

For Second Time, Supreme Court Considers Jerusalem Passport Case; ZOA Files Amicus Brief

On November 3, 2014, tamount to recognizing the U.S. Supreme Court Jerusalem as part of Israel, heard, for the second time, when the status of Jeru- This time, the Supreme Court oral argument in Zivotofsky salem is undecided and a v. Kerry, the legal action to matter to be negotiated be- is going to decide whether the enforce a 2002 federal law tween Israel and the Pales- giving Americans born in tinian Arabs. Jerusalem the right to have Zivotofsky is repre- 2002 law is constitutional... “Israel” listed as their birth- sented by an amazing fa- place on their passports ther-daughter legal team, and other official docu- Nathan Lewin (who is a ments. Prior to the law’s member of the ZOA Cen- enactment, Jerusalem-born ter for Law and Justice’s matic issue that this nation American citizens could advisory board) and Alyza has faced for decades.” He only have “Jerusalem” re- Lewin. Alyza Lewin argued claimed that enforcing this corded as their birthplace, the case before the Su- law would undermine the with no country of birth. preme Court. The Solicitor President’s credibility and As we had done twice be- General himself, Donald his ability to negotiate an fore in the litigation, the Verrilli, argued on behalf of end to the Arab-Israeli con- ZOA submitted an amicus the U.S. government. flict. brief to the Supreme Court Alyza Lewin argued Both lawyers were on behalf of Menachem that the law is constitu- peppered with questions. Zivotofsky, a Jerusalem- tional because it does not While it is difficult to pre- born American who was impact the President’s for- dict how the Justices will denied a passport listing eign policy powers. She ultimately vote in this case, Israel as his birthplace. explained to the Court that Justices Elena Kagan and This time, the Supreme the law was an appropriate Sonia Sotomayor did not Court is deciding whether exercise of Congress’ com- seem supportive of Zivot- the 2002 law is constitu- merce power to regulate ofsky’s claims, based on tional—i.e., whether Con- passports and that the law their comments and ques- gress had the authority is simply a means of al- tions. Justice Sotomayor under the Constitution to lowing individuals born in characterized the request pass the law, or whether Jerusalem to self-identify to have “Israel” listed on the law impermissibly in- with Israel, rather than a a passport in accordance terferes with the President’s foreign policy declaration with the law as asking the foreign policy powers. In about the status of Jerusa- U.S. government to “lie.” refusing to enforce the lem. The Solicitor General But listing “Israel” on a law, the U.S. State Depart- disagreed, describing the passport cannot possibly be ment claims that the law is question of Jerusalem’s sta- described as a lie when, the unconstitutional and that tus as “the most vexing and ZOA’s amicus brief docu- enforcing it would be tan- volatile and difficult diplo- mented how frequently and

ZOA REPORT 17 CENTER FOR LAW AND JUSTICE Photo Credit: Rikki Gordon Lewin Photo Credit: Rikki

statement that this listing should not be construed as a declaration of U.S. policy that Jerusalem is part of Is- rael. By the time the Su- preme Court heard the case last November, the case was more than 10 years old. It was filed at approximately the same time that the ZOA filed its own lawsuit to enforce the 2002 law. (The ZOA’s case was con- solidated with the Zivotof- sky case, but was ultimately terminated after our plain- tiff decided not to pro- ceed.) The ZOA was the Menachem Zivotofsky (left), routinely the Executive to identify with Israel, even only Jewish organization to his father Ari, and Attorneys Branch itself—including if they are born in areas file a legal action to enforce Alyza and Nathan Lewin at the State Department— that are indisputably part the law and the only Jewish the Supreme Court, Nov. 3, refers to Jerusalem as part of sovereign Israel (such as organization that sought 2014 of the State of Israel. Even Tel Aviv or Haifa); these in- the law’s enforcement from the Solicitor General ac- dividuals can choose to list the start. knowledged during his ar- their city of birth on their A decision in the case is gument that the Executive passports instead of listing expected in or around June. recognizes, “as a practical Israel. Menachem Zivotofsky, matter, the authority of Chief Justice John Rob- who was a baby when his Israel over West Jerusalem erts and Justices Samuel family filed this legal action [sic].” Menachem Zivotof- Alito and Antonin Scalia in 2003, will end up playing sky was born at Shaare Ze- seemed more receptive to a pivotal role in an impor- dek Hospital, in western Zivotofsky’s claims. Jus- tant constitutional issue Jerusalem. tice Scalia seemed to rec- concerning the respective Justice Kagan referred ognize that Congress had powers of Congress and the to the law as a “very se- the authority to pass the President. lective vanity plate law.” law, commenting “that the Several ZOA Board This statement demeaned State Department doesn’t members provided valuable the personal significance like the fact that it [the input to the ZOA in its ef- for many people born law] makes the Palestinians forts to uphold and enforce in Jerusalem, both Jew- angry is irrelevant.” Justice the 2002 law: Clifford A. ish and non-Jewish, who Kennedy suggested that Rieders, Esq.; Cardozo Law self-identify with Israel as the law could be enforced School Professor Malvina their country of birth. The with a “disclaimer”: The Halberstam, Esq.; Edward statement also overlooks State Department could M. Siegel, Esq.; and in par- the fact that the State De- issue passports to Jerusa- ticular, David Schoen, Esq., partment will honor the lem-born Americans with who was also the ZOA’s personal preferences of in- “Israel” recorded as their counsel of record in this dividuals who do not want birthplace and include a case.

18 ZOA REPORT CENTER FOR LAW AND JUSTICE

ZOA Helps Reinstate Holocaust Survivor’s Compensation Payments

With the ZOA’s assis- Claims Conference, based cause they had collaborat- Holocaust survivors and tance, an elderly and sickly on her being a Jewish Ho- ed with the Nazis, and they their extended family Holocaust survivor’s com- locaust survivor who had were considered traitors pensation payments from lived in a ghetto during to the Soviet government. the Conference on Jewish World War II. The Confer- To avoid persecution— Material Claims against ence decided that she was and maybe worse—by the Germany (“Claims Con- not eligible for compen- anti-Semitic Soviet regime, ference”) were recently re- sation, based on autobio- Jewish Holocaust survivors instated. graphical information that like E.S. tried to conceal In the summer of 2014, E.S. had provided in 1954, that they had been in ghet- Howard Schaerf, Esq. to a school located in the tos during the war. Accord- sought the ZOA’s help. Mr. former Soviet Union, when ing to the historian, it was a Schaerf was representing a she applied for admission matter of survival. Holocaust survivor (“E.S.”) there. E.S. had represented In a letter to the Om- who was appealing the to the Soviet school that budsman of the Claims Claims Conference’s deter- during the war, she and her Conference, urging a mination that she was no mother fled to Deribent speedy and just determi- longer eligible for compen- [likely Derbent] and that nation of E.S.’s appeal, the sation. Her appeal of this her father was drafted and ZOA wrote that E.S. “was decision had been pending killed during the war. a victim of Nazi persecu- at the Claims Conference In support of her ap- tion. It is disgraceful that for over two years. In the peal and to explain why she she is being victimized meantime, E.S.’s husband would have represented in again by an organization had recently died, she her- her school application that that is supposed to be there self was in poor health, and she had not lived in a ghet- to help her.” she feared that she would to during the war, E.S. sub- Shortly thereafter, the meet the same fate as other mitted a letter from an his- Ombudsman notified the members of her Brook- torian. He explained that ZOA that E.S.’s compen- lyn community who had Soviet Jews who survived sation payments were re- died while waiting for the the Holocaust—in the instated. Howard Schaerf Claims Conference to de- ghettos and elsewhere— expressed his appreciation cide their appeals. were regarded with suspi- to the ZOA for contribut- Before her payments cion by Soviet authorities ing to this positive result, in were terminated, E.S. had after the war. They were be- which we are proud to have been compensated by the lieved to have survived be- played a part.

ZOA REPORT 19 CENTER FOR LAW AND JUSTICE

ZOA Addresses Anti-Israel Bias at Scholastic

The ZOA contacted to verify their accuracy. sue. Scholastic identified Scholastic, Inc.—report- The ZOA also issued Hamas as “the Palestinian edly the world’s largest an Action Alert to its sup- group that controls Gaza.” publisher and distributor porters, urging them to The ZOA suggested us- of children’s books—af- check their own children’s ing the phrase “Palestinian ter it published and dis- books for anti-Semitic and Arab” instead of just “Pal- tributed a children’s book anti-Israel content, includ- estinian,” since the word containing a map of the ing any anti-Semitic and “Palestinian” has histori- Middle East that omitted anti-Israel errors and omis- cally been used to refer to Israel. The book, entitled sions, and report them to Jews, not Arabs in what was “Thea Stilton and the Blue the ZOA. Soon after the once called Palestine and Scarab Hunt,” is part of the Action Alert was issued, a is now Israel. In addition, children’s Geronimo Stil- teacher contacted the ZOA the ZOA advised Scholas- ton series. It was initially about another Scholastic tic that simply identifying published in Italy and was publication reflecting bias Hamas as a “group” was in- translated into English by against Israel. In a “special accurate and misleading; it Scholastic. issue” of Junior Scholas- should have been identified After the omission of Is- tic (the company’s current as a U.S.-designated foreign rael came to light, Scholas- events magazine for middle terrorist organization. tic committed to stop ship- school students) focusing In addition, the ZOA ping the offending book, on world affairs, some of objected to how Scholas- In a “special issue” revising the map and re- the information relating to tic depicted the 2014 war printing it. In a letter to the Israel was misleading and between Hamas and Israel. of Junior Scholastic company, the ZOA urged inaccurate. The description wrongly Scholastic to take addition- For example, a footnote suggested to students that magazine, some al steps “for the sake of all about Israel erroneously re- Palestinian Arabs suffered the families, teachers and ferred to “Israeli-occupied more than Israelis did in of the information schools around the coun- parts of the West Bank.” In a the war and could lead stu- try who rely on Scholastic letter to Scholastic, Inc., the dents to wrongly believe relating to Israel for high quality, accurate ZOA informed the pub- that Israel was responsible books and educational ma- lisher that “to be accurate for their suffering. was misleading and terials.” Among the ZOA’s and to avoid bias,” the com- After Scholastic re- inaccurate. recommendations were to pany should instead have ceived the ZOA’s letter, the (1) ensure that Scholastic’s used the term “disputed ter- company requested that the editors and proofreaders ritories whose final status ZOA speak with the man- have the requisite experi- is a matter to be negotiated aging editor of Scholastic’s ence, competence and at- between the parties.” classroom magazines. As a tention to detail to prevent The ZOA also alerted result of that conversation, such errors and omissions Scholastic to problems Scholastic agreed to raise from recurring; and (2) with the way in which the ZOA’s points with the conduct a thorough review Hamas was described in editors of Scholastic’s news of Scholastic’s other books the Junior Scholastic is- magazine going forward.

20 ZOA REPORT Government Relations Department Photo Credit: wbeem

Ending The Existential Threat Of Iranian Nuclear Weapons

The highest priority only thing that might pre- ing of aid to the Palestinian of the Government Rela- vent this catastrophe for Authority (PA) and mak- tions Department has been American policy in the re- ing any future aid contin- the issue of Iran. ZOA gion is the threat of an at- gent upon the PA fulfilling has been urging the U.S. tack on Iran by the U.S. or its many interim peace ac- Congress to play a role in our allies. Instead, Ameri- cord obligations; educating stopping the Iranian re- can policy seems focused Congress about the ongo- JOSH gime from developing a on creating the illusion of ing Arab war against Israel; LONDON military nuclear capabil- progress so that a military and communicating ZOA’s Co-Director, ity. The administration is attack on Iran is deemed insights and reactions to Government Relations doing everything it can to unthinkable. Opponents the news of the day. Department head off any congressional of military pressure should During this past 113th action, and hopes are high be forced to explain for his- Congress, ZOA’s educa- in the new Congress that tory why they are acquiesc- tional efforts helped create additional sanctions will ing to Iran’s achievement of a bipartisan climate of dis- be conditionally approved, a nuclear capability. It may trust of the PA’s intentions if a deal is not in place by be that supporting mili- and active concern over the the end of June 2015, ob- tary action against Iran is disbursement and use of ligating Iran to roll back the only way, in the final U.S. financial aid to the PA. its nuclear program. It analysis, to end the Iranian Likewise, ZOA has helped DAN should be remembered, threat. contribute to the biparti- POLLAK though, that sanctions are The Government Re- san determination to main- Co-Director, not the goal of ZOA, but lations Department also tain sanctions against Iran Government Relations rather the ending of the continues to focus on our and to hold Iran account- Department existential threat of Ira- other regular legislative pri- able for its human rights nian nuclear weapons. The orities, including the end- violations. ZOA advocates

ZOA REPORT 21 GOVERNMENT RELATIONS DEPARTMENT

fers to the 1998 conference Gaza war, even though the that established the treaty- war predated their signing The ZOA believes the plain language of the based court, which began of the statute. Abbas’ letter operations in 2002. asked that the investigation Cromnibus law requires funding to be cut This move will theo- start with events that oc- retically enable the ICC curred after June 13, which, off to the PA immediately. to assert jurisdiction over not coincidentally, is just future developments in Ju- hours after three Israeli dea and Samaria, and em- youths were kidnapped powers any signatory to the and murdered by Palestin- for letters, resolutions and Rome Statute—currently ian Arab terrorists. Israel bills based on their content, including 160 countries— launched a manhunt for even when the prospects to claim that Israel should the boys the following day. for passage are remote. be brought to the court The actual war began on Nevertheless, the end of the on charges of war crimes. July 8, when 210 rockets 113th Congress saw some In the first week of Janu- were indiscriminately fired major accomplishments. ary, UN Secretary-General by Hamas on Israeli cities. Both the Consolidated Ban Ki-moon publicly con- Once any such inquiries are Appropriations Act, 2014 firmed that the Palestin- concluded, it would be up (Public Law 113-76) and ians will become an ICC to the ICC’s chief prosecu- the so-called “Cromnibus” member on April 1, 2015. tor to move forward with bill, aka the Consolidated On January 16, ICC Chief actual cases against Israeli and Further Continuing Prosecutor and Gambian officials. Appropriations Act, 2015 attorney Fatou Bensouda The ZOA believes (Public Law 113-235; en- announced that she would the plain language of the acted in the waning days of start a preliminary exami- Cromnibus law requires 2014), contained language nation into last summer’s funding to be cut off to the [see Sec. 7041(j), A(i)(II)] Gaza war. It remains un- PA immediately. Funding to prohibit funding for the known whether the Ben- has not yet been cut to the PA should “the Palestinians souda preliminary inquiry PA, despite the existing law, initiate an International will transition to a fuller because the State Depart- Criminal Court judicially examination in the com- ment maintains that, under authorized investigation, ing weeks, months or years. the current language of the or actively support such an (It is worth noting that the law, the Palestinian Arabs investigation, that subjects ICC engaged in a prelimi- have yet to technically trip Israeli nationals to an inves- nary examination against the wire that would auto- tigation for alleged crimes the U.S. in 2007 due to its matically result in the cut- against Palestinians.” role in Afghanistan, but ting off of aid. With this in- While this seems that examination appears terpretation, the language straightforward enough, to have been abandoned does not require the cutting on Dec. 31, 2014, PA as were other preliminary of aid to the Palestinian President, Fatah leader and investigations against both Arabs simply for seeking PLO Chairman Mahmoud Russia and the United to join the ICC, for being Abbas signed 20 interna- Kingdom.) admitted as a member to tional treaties and conven- When the Palestinian the ICC or even for asking tions, including the Rome Arabs signed the Rome the ICC to investigate Is- Statute of the International Statute, they attached a raelis. The Obama admin- Criminal Court (ICC). letter asking for an inves- istration’s position is that The name of the statute re- tigation into last summer’s the law is triggered only if

22 ZOA REPORT GOVERNMENT RELATIONS DEPARTMENT

the ICC actually ends up guage, the Cromnibus bill nibus bill, the House also investigating Israel as the included: passed H.R. 5739, the No result of action initiated or • Language that directs Social Security for Nazis supported by the Palestin- the State Department Act, designed to close loop- ian Arabs. to reduce U.S. foreign holes that allowed Social This all means, in ef- assistance to the PA in Security benefits to con- fect, that so far the Pales- amounts equal to what victed war criminals who tinian Arabs have received the Palestinian Arabs had been deported from no substantive penalty or regularly pay out to the U.S., and H. Res. 754, rebuke for their ongoing families of imprisoned calling on the government international lawfare bel- or dead terrorists, of Iran to abide by all of its ligerence towards Israel, estimated to total international and domestic their ongoing incitement at least $60 million obligations with respect to to murder Jews and Israelis, annually. human rights and civil lib- their active coalition and • Language that requires erties, including the free- partnership with Hamas, the State Department their continued failure— to report to Congress for 20 years—to fulfill any with an approximate of their obligations under number of people ...the Palestinian Arabs have received no the peace agreements they currently served by have signed, or their clear the United Nations substantive penalty or rebuke for their contempt for the U.S., Relief and Works which continues to fund Agency for Palestine ongoing international lawfare belligerence the Palestinian Arabs (to- Refugees (UNRWA) tal funding since 1994 ex- who actually lived towards Israel... ceeds $5 billion). In Janu- in then-Palestine ary 2015, 75 U.S. senators, between 1946 and led by Marco Rubio (R-FL) 1948 and were doms of assembly, speech and Kirsten Gillibrand displaced by the 1948 and press. It also urges (D-NY), sent a bipartisan Arab-Israeli war. (This President Obama to im- letter to Secretary of State reporting requirement pose sanctions on Iranian John Kerry, expressing is designed to increase government officials and deep concern regarding the the transparency and other individuals directly PA’s steps to bypass Israel in accountability of responsible for serious hu- the peace process. The let- UNRWA; the U.S. has man rights abuses. ter supported a suspension provided more than Restrictions on aid to of aid to the PA while the $4 billion to UNRWA the PA, and even an out- State Department reviews since 1950.) right ban on all aid to the the Palestinian Arabs’ ac- • $3.1 billion in U.S. PA, may actually be a re- tions at the UN Security military assistance to alistic goal for congressio- Council and the ICC. This Israel (per the U.S. nal action during the new is merely a preliminary commitment outlined Congress. Establishment step, and much more ro- in the U.S.-Israel Jewish leaders have reacted bust congressional action Memorandum of with fury to Palestinian must be taken. ZOA will Understanding); and Arab provocations, such continue to work closely doubled funding for as continued attempts to with Congress to facilitate Israeli missile defense join the UN unilaterally, the next step. systems. continued Jew-hatred and, Beyond this ICC lan- Along with the Crom- especially, the attempt to

ZOA REPORT 23 GOVERNMENT RELATIONS DEPARTMENT

join the ICC and prosecute both Qatar and Turkey for Turkey for those countries’ Israeli military and govern- those countries’ support support of Hamas terror- ment leaders there. There of terrorism. Several key ism. Not a single congress- is some real momentum senators and congressional man spoke in defense of for holding the Palestin- leaders were contacted by Qatar and the bankrolling ian Arabs accountable in ZOA and urged to sponsor of Hamas, and the usual Congress, despite probable legislation to take action “humanitarian” defense attempts at obstruction by against Qatar. of such contributions was the administration. Following extensive simply not offered by the Following the war in lobbying, the chairs of witnesses or by the con- Gaza last summer, the two subcommittees of gressmen. Instead, the fo- leadership of ZOA issued the House Foreign Affairs cus was on concrete steps a press release calling for Committee announced a to put pressure on Qatar Qatar—which has been the hearing on September 9, and Turkey. leading funder of the Islam- 2014. The Government Re- ic terrorist group Hamas— The House hearing lations Department con- to be denied landing rights was a joint subcommittee tinues its ongoing work of for its airline in the U.S.; convened by Rep. Ileana building and maintaining for American universi- Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), relations with members of chairwoman of the Sub- Congress and their staffs. committee on the Middle Following the 2014 mid- East and North Africa, term elections, there was and Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX), a great deal of turnover in chairman of the Subcom- staff as the Republicans Not a single congressman at a House mittee on Terrorism, Non- increased their majori- hearing spoke in defense of Qatar proliferation, and Trade. ties in the House and took The ranking members of control of the Senate. New and the bankrolling of Hamas, and the the subcommittees are, members require special respectively, Reps. Brad handling to be brought up usual “humanitarian” defense of such Sherman (D-CA) and to speed on the issues. An- Ted Deutsch (D-FL). The other development from contributions was simply not offered by the hearings, entitled “Hamas’ recent history is the ex- Benefactors: A Network of treme partisan atmosphere witnesses or by the congressmen. Instead, Terror,” attracted an unusu- in both the House and al number of participants. Senate. Support for Israel the focus was on concrete steps to put It quickly became evident has traditionally been one pressure on Qatar and Turkey. that many of the congress- of the few issues that tran- men and women ZOA had scends the partisan divide, reached out to on the Qa- but—as illuminated by the tar issue were taking the fight over the invitation to ties, cultural institutions issue very seriously. In fact, Prime Minister Benjamin and think tanks to end or several questions came di- Netanyahu to speak before suspend their programs in rectly from ZOA-supplied Congress—partisanship is Qatar; and for the country talking points. creeping into every issue to be designated formally During both their in Washington. The ZOA as a supporter of terrorism. opening statements and the supports the idea of bipar- During the war, liberal icon questioning of the witness- tisan support for our clos- Alan Dershowitz had also es, the lawmakers urged est ally, but we do not make written a column critical of consequences on Qatar and a fetish of this ideal, and

24 ZOA REPORT GOVERNMENT RELATIONS DEPARTMENT

substance—for example, Education Act, so that and political professionals, the need to stop a bad deal these programs reflect di- and we continue to engage on Iran—must take prece- verse perspectives rather in print and broadcast me- dence over the principle of than one-sided anti-Amer- dia opportunities to spread bipartisan consensus. ican and anti-Israel bias. In the word on ZOA’s issues. In addition to dealing addition, together with the ZOA grassroots activ- with our elected officials, Center for Law and Justice ism—particularly at our the Government Relations and other Jewish groups, annual DC Pro-Israel Department interacts with we are working to ensure Capitol Hill Mission, Jewish and Christian Zi- that the Department of scheduled to take place on onist organizations in DC, Education enforces Title Tuesday, April 28, 2015— as well as other American VI of the Civil Rights Act helps underscore that at Jewish groups. For exam- to protect Jewish students the heart of all of ZOA’s ple, in conjunction with from anti-Semitic harass- Government Relations ZOA’s Center for Law ment and discrimination at efforts stands the dedica- and Justice, we continue federally funded schools. tion, passionate advocacy to pursue opportunities We also work closely with and depth of knowledge of to team with other Jewish ZOA’s regional directors ZOA members across the groups to ensure that the and with Jeff Daube, direc- country. Please continue Department of Education tor of the ZOA’s Israel of- to stay involved in the is properly overseeing fed- fice. In addition, we partic- grassroots advocacy that erally funded Middle East ipate in meetings, public is so critical to our being studies programs pursuant forums and policy discus- effective in Washington, to Title VI of the Higher sions with foreign policy DC. Photo Credit: Daniel Mennerich

ZOA REPORT 25 Brandeis Award Dinner Pictorial

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1. Pastor John Hagee, Dr. Miriam and Sheldon Adelson 2. Board Member Bob Guzzardi and Chief Of Staff to Sen. Cruz. Paul Teller 3. Gov't Relations Co-Director Dan Pollak 4. Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, Board Member and Vice Chairman Dr. Alan 4 Mazurek and Karen Mazurek 5. Midwest Campus Coordinator Pandit Mami, Southeast Campus Coordinator Cesar DeGracia-Morales, ZOA West Director David Kadosh, Israel Office Director Jeff Daube, Activist Chloe Valdary and ZOA students 6. Dr. Joseph Frager, MK Yaakov Katz (Katzela), Eli and Bertel Gluck 7. Two students thankful for Dr. Bob Shillman's dinner 5 sponsorship

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26 ZOA REPORT Brandeis Award Dinner Pictorial

1. Andrea Leven and Judge Jeanine Pirro 2. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and NORPAC President and ZOA Board Member Dr. Ben Chouake 3. Rita Klein, U.S. Cong. Michele Bachmann, Pittsburgh Executive Director Stuart Pavilack, Rachel Glazer and Development Director Howard 1 2 Katzoff 4. U.S. Cong. Michele Bachmann and American Values President Gary Bauer 5. Board Member Dr. Arthur Kook, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and Dr. Daniel Pipes 6. Sheldon and Dr. Miriam Adelson and ZOA President Morton Klein 7. Student activists enjoying the Brandeis dinner 8. Mortimer Zuckerman, Judge Jeanine Pirro, Pari Schwartz, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, Board Member Myron Zimmerman and Board Member and Treasurer Henry Schwartz 3 4

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ZOA REPORT 27 Brandeis Award Dinner Pictorial

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1. Board Members Eli Hertz and Irwin Hochberg 2. Eytan Laor, Board Member Gene Shusman and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz 3. Cantor Joseph Malovany and Dr. Bob Shillman 4. ZOA West Executive Director David Kadosh, President Morton Klein, Southeast Executive Director Sharona Whisler, Board Member Myron Zimmerman, Myron Zimmerman Award for Outstanding Student Activism Awardee Ron Feingold and Emcee Bernie Marcus 5. Mark Simon and Samantha Schneider, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, Susan Schneider and Judy Taylor 6. Board Member Mark Levenson, Esq., U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, National Executive 4 Director David Drimer, Board Member Ruben Margules

5 6

28 ZOA REPORT Brandeis Award Dinner Pictorial

1. ZOA guests listening to U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz 2. Jonathan Pontell, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, Josh Pontell, Shoshana Pontell and Bonnie Pontell 3. Board Member Bart Blatsein, Dr. Cory Ruth and Board Member Kevin Ross 4. Judy Rosenberg, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and Board Member Stanley Rosenberg, Esq. 5. Gov't Relations Co-Director Josh London, ZOA-Greater Philadelphia Co-President Lee Bender, Esq. and ZOA Center for MidEast Policy Director Daniel Mandel 6. U.S. Sen. Cruz and ZOA President Mort Klein 7. Board Member Michael Orbach, Mortimer Zuckerman, Prof. Alan Dershowitz and Bonnie Orbach 1

2 3 4

5 6 7

ZOA REPORT 29 Campus Activism Network

WESTERN gional conferences was or- Israel club at UC Berkeley. REGION ganized by the Rimon Club Three students in the west- Z organization, which ern region—at UC Irvine, works with high school stu- De Anza College and UC The ZOA’s West Coast dents throughout the Bay Davis—have signed on for Campus Coordinator, Da- Area. At that retreat, David a one-year term as ZOA ZACH STERN vid Kadosh, has expanded also led a discussion for the Campus Fellows. The mis- Managing Director, Zionist outreach through- students on the history of sion of these Fellows is to Northeast Campus Coord. out the region. David has Israel and the Middle East increase ZOA’s presence at [email protected] continued to deliver his conflict. The other regional their schools and promote presentation on the impor- conference was organized Zionism to their peers. The tance in Zionist philoso- by student activists from ZOA Fellow at UC Irvine phy of Jewish self-defense, the San Diego area, with brought Noam Bedein of providing students with an representation from UC the Sderot Media Center to introductory Krav Maga San Diego, San Diego State campus, to convey the ter- demonstration. This pro- University and surround- ror of life under rocket fire BRIAN ALBERT gram has been very success- ing community colleges. from Gaza for Israelis living Mid-Atlantic Campus Coord. ful, empowering students Of the 40 students on in the western Negev. [email protected] at a time when anti-Semi- the 2014-2015 ZOA Stu- tism is on the rise globally. dent Leadership Mission NORTHEAST Since the last issue of the to Israel, nine were from ZOA Report, this program the western region. David REGION has been brought to San has continued to work with Francisco State University, these students, bringing ef- During the fall 2014 UC Santa Cruz, Loyola fective pro-Israel programs semester, ZOA acted as a Marymount University, to campus. One of the leading resource for stu- CESAR DeGRACIA- San Jose State University trip participants returned dents in the northeast re- MORALES (two programs, including from Israel inspired to en- gion. The ZOA’s North- Southeast Campus Coord. one entirely for women on gage in more pro-Israel east Campus Coordinator, [email protected] campus) and two regional activism on campus, and Zach Stern, led educational conferences. One of the re- helped create a new pro- events at 14 campuses in the

Midwest Campus Coordinator PANDIT MAMI Pandit Mami with student Midwest Campus Coord. representatives from various [email protected] Ohio schools after his speech about Zionism at the “Ohio Loves Israel” festival at Ohio State University

DAVID KADOSH West Coast Exec. Director, Bay Area Campus Coord. [email protected] 30 ZOA REPORT CAMPUS ACTIVISM NETWORK

building the ZOA’s pres- Temple University and ence on campuses in the Drexel University, where northeast. he gave presentations on Is- rael’s ongoing conflict with MID-ATLANTIC Hamas in Gaza. Brian also gave firsthand accounts of REGION his experiences as an IDF soldier during Operation ZOA’s Brian Albert Cast Lead in 2009. spoke on a variety of issues In addition, Brian as- at colleges in the mid-At- sisted ZOA’s regional lantic region. In Septem- and national offices with ber, Brian spoke at George their two most important Washington University events of the year. In Sep- on Israel’s legal rights to tember, he helped bring West Coast Executive Director David Kadosh teaches Judea and Samaria under over two dozen students students in San Diego about the importance of Jewish self- international law and on to the ZOA-Philadelphia defense through Krav Maga lessons ways to effectively debate chapter’s Annual Gala. In anti-Israel activists. That October and November, same month he gave a guest he advertised the ZOA’s lecture at the University Brandeis Award Dinner to of Delaware on the water Philadelphia’s student and region and helped organize These events gave campus libel against Israel (i.e., the young professional com- other pro-Israel activities communities the opportu- falsehood promoted by munities, with positive and speakers at other uni- nity to hear from experts in the Palestinian Arabs that results: Over ten percent versities. The events Zach their fields about key issues Israel limits their access of student attendees at the led included presentations facing Israel. to clean water). In early dinner came from the Phil- and discussions about the In addition to lead- November, Brian spoke adelphia area. Jewish connection to Israel, ing and organizing events, at back-to-back events at the war in Gaza, Palestin- Zach spent much of the ian incitement and how semester recruiting stu- to formulate and promote dents in the northeast to effective Zionist messages attend the ZOA Louis D. on college campuses. These Brandeis Award Dinner. discussions helped educate Approximately 270 stu- students about the real is- dents attended the event sues in the Middle East and and connected with ZOA prepared them to stand up and its mission. Further- for the Jewish state on cam- more, 15 students from pus. the northeast attended the Zach organized other 2014-2015 ZOA Student pro-Israel events, including Leadership Mission to Is- lectures from prominent rael, learning to become pro-Israel figures, such as more informed and effec- Kasim Hafeez, a former tive pro-Israel student lead- radical anti-Semite turned ers on their campuses. proud Muslim Zionist, and Zach is excited to keep Northeast Campus Coordinator Zach Stern worked with Noam Bedein, director of working with these stu- students at NYU to organize a panel on combating anti- the Sderot Media Center. dents in 2015 and to keep Semitism on campus

ZOA REPORT 31 CAMPUS ACTIVISM NETWORK

spent a great deal of time on campus, shedding light on the often-ignored prob- lem of Palestinian incite- ment and exploring the anti-Semitism embedded in popular anti-Zionist and anti-Israel rhetoric found on social media. On Martin Luther King Day at Capital University, Pandit engaged a group of students, community members and university professors in a workshop on anti-Semitism in the modern world. The work- shop encouraged students to think critically about rising anti-Israel and anti- Zionist sentiment among university scholars and academics, and to appreci- Northeast Campus Coordinator Zach Stern speaks to students about the war in Gaza and ate that throughout history effective pro-Israel messages to use on campus the world of academia has coexisted with anti-Semi- tism instead of eroding it. In addition to educat- ing students about anti- Semitism on their cam- cent months, he has been Céesar has been visiting puses, Pandit engaged SOUTHEAST able to engage political AEPi chapters across the students on the peace REGION groups, such as the Young region to spread the ZOA process and the obstacles Republicans, and create a message among the frater- to peace. He led a presen- strong network of college nity community. He plans tation at the Ohio Loves ZOA’s Southeast Cam- political advocates. to visit campuses across Israel convention last pus Coordinator, César Under the leadership Georgia, Tennessee and the November at Ohio State DeGracia-Morales, has of ZOA Regional Direc- Carolinas, where he already University with students traveled throughout the tor Sharona Whisler, the started to build relation- from various Ohio uni- region, partnering with ZOA’s Florida chapter is ships during the fall semes- versities. student groups and organi- organizing Israel advocacy ter. Pandit brought ZOA zations to create and spon- classes for high school presentations to Augsburg sor events that address the students in conjunction MIDWEST College, the University of complicated situation in with synagogues in South Minnesota and the Uni- the Middle East and how Florida. Recently, as part REGION versity of Wisconsin. He it impacts Israel and its ac- of this new project, César is also working closely with tions. César has traveled to was a guest speaker in Palm This year, ZOA’s new ZOA’s Campus Fellow at Texas, Louisiana and across Beach. Midwest Campus Coor- the University of Michi- the state of Florida. In re- As an AEPi alumnus, dinator, Pandit Mami, has gan, Ann Arbor.

32 ZOA REPORT CAMPUS ACTIVISM NETWORK

STUDENT LEADERSHIP MISSION TO ISRAEL The ZOA Student Leadership Mission to Is- rael has continued to ex- pand in both participation and content from previous years. The 2014-15 Mission hosted 40 college activists, representing every region of the country. This is a sig- Students explored the tunnels of the ancient City of David in eastern Jerusalem nificant increase from the previous year, in which 35 students participated, and from past trips, which aver- aged 25 students per trip. All of the participants hold Zionist foundation for col- of Olives cemetery and This year’s students came leadership positions in lege activists through their the Cave of the Patriarchs from many different cam- their Israel clubs or CUFI first-hand experiences with and Matriarchs in Hevron, puses, backgrounds and (Christians United for Is- Israeli leadership in gov- among others. The group political orientations, but rael) chapters. ernment, the military and also had the rare opportu- they shared a willingness to The main focus of the grassroots movements. In nity to meet with Profes- learn, and they united over trip has always been to addition, students hear sor of Archaeology Gabi their Zionist leadership. educate and lay a strong, from policy experts, jour- Barkai to sift through Jew- nalists and academics. That ish artifacts excavated from goal was achieved. Students the Temple Mount and to were exposed to key themes see their ancestral history such as the importance of in their own hands. an undivided Jerusalem as capital of the Jewish state; The ZOA Mission al- the propaganda war against ways exposes students to the so-called “settlers” and the security issues facing the Jewish historical, legal Israel, especially relating and moral rights to Judea to the border regions. The and Samaria; and Israel’s group met with soldiers management of both do- working on the front lines mestic and external threats. and learned about their The Jewish connection to efforts to keep Israel safe. the land was emphasized Students were able to see through tours of the site across the border into of the Mishkan (the taber- Gaza from often-rocket- nacle from the pre-Temple targeted vantage points in period) in Shiloh as well as Sderot and into Lebanese the historic Jewish sites in homes flying the Hezbol- The students with Jeff Seidel in the Old City of Jerusalem the Old City of Jerusalem, lah flag from the farms of only days after Mr. Seidel was wounded in a rock-throwing the tunnel complex of the Kibbutz Misgav Am along terrorist attack City of David, the Mount the northern border. Up

ZOA REPORT 33 CAMPUS ACTIVISM NETWORK

Students learned about the Jewish connection to Israel as they sifted through thousands of years of Jewish history near the Temple Mount

Students stopped in the Jordan Valley to learn about the strategic importance of the area and to meet with the local communities campuses. The new Cam- ZOA Campus staff and pus Fellows program is a student leaders. If it is suc- means of ensuring a long- cessful, we hope to expand north, the students were in- to work with ZOA for a lasting and committed the program in the coming troduced to a group called year, to bring pro-Israel relationship between the years. HaShomer HaHadash (the programs to their colleges New Guard), which vol- and universities. We are unteers to protect Jewish proud to welcome our 10 farms and property from ZOA Campus Fellows for Arab vandalism and theft. this year: Sharon Shaou- Part of the expansion of lian, UC Irvine; Mikaela the trip included new secu- Tenner, UC Davis; Spen- rity briefings and site visits cer Kinsey, De Anza Col- to Israel’s strategic Jordan lege; Liron Ozery, Stern River Valley, an area the College; Grant Gold- international community berg, Ohio State Univer- is pressuring Israel to give sity; Derek Silver, Florida away, and site visits to the State University; Saman- Negev with Regavim, a tha Rothman, University group which monitors and of Pittsburgh; Sarah La reports illegal Arab con- Pearl, University of Mich- struction on private and igan, Ann Arbor; Jason public lands. Vessal, Yeshiva Universi- For the first time, the ty; and Lindsey Rivka Co- ZOA Campus Depart- hen, Boston University. ment launched a Campus Many of the student Fellows program in con- leaders that attended the ZOA's Jeff Daube spoke to students at the Mount of Olives junction with the Israel trip have already brought Cemetery in eastern Jerusalem, which is the oldest and trip. Fellows sign a contract ZOA programs to their largest Jewish cemetery in the world

34 ZOA REPORT Around The Country With Mort Klein

BELGIUM for Israel” on Capitol Hill man, among others. merous radio and TV pro- organized by Gov. Mike grams including debates on Mort was the keynote Huckabee. Other speakers NEBRASKA CNN with Erin Burnett; speaker at a major confer- included former Presiden- Al Jazeera, NPR, JBS, RT, ence on anti-semitism in tial candidate, Gary Bauer; Mort was the keynote ABC/TV and many oth- Brussels, Belgium. This Weekly Standard editor Bill speaker at the Christian ers. Conference was orga- Kristol; Reuven Azar, Depu- Rally for Israel in Omaha, nized and sponsored by ty Head of the Israeli Embas- Nebraska. He also spoke at OP-EDS the anti-semitism divi- sy; and Cong. Trent Franks a church and a synagogue sion of the World Zion- (R-AZ), among others. there. Mort’s op-eds appeared ist Organization in Is- in the Washington Times; rael. There were Jewish NEW YORK JERUSALEM Idaho Daily; Kansas City leaders from many coun- Star; and numerous Jewish tries around the world Another major rally at Mort addressed 300 newspapers. in attendance, including which Mort spoke was out- Christian Zionists who France, England, Rus- side NY’s Lincoln Center came to Israel under the aus- AND MORE... sia, Ecuador, Argentina, protesting the anti-semitic pices of Gov. Mike Hucka- South Africa, Australia opera, “Death of Klinghof- bee. The speech was deliv- Mort continues lec- and Israel fer.” Other speakers includ- ered at the Inbal Hotel in turing around the country ed former Attorney Gen- Jerusalem and was reported in venues like Engelwood, WASHINGTON, eral Mike Mukasey; former in the Washington Post. NJ; Orlando and Day- DC NY Governor, George Pa- tona Beach, FL; Omaha, taki; U.S. Congresswoman TV Nebraska; St. Louis, Mis- Mort spoke at many Carolyn Maloney (D-NY); souri; and Jerusalem, Is- rallies including a “Rally criminal lawyer, Ben Braff- Mort appeared on nu- rael, among others.

ZOA REPORT 35 ZOA People

Six Day War. but they also feared us.” They toured extensively The Katz family enjoyed and visited the newly cap- their trip so much that in Daniel Katz: tured Gaza Strip and the Si- 1970 they moved to Israel, nai desert, where they saw settling in Tel Aviv. They dead Egyptian servicemen moved frequently, and and bombed out Egyptian Katz attended a number of A Profile tanks. In Gaza and El-Ar- schools. ish, local Arabs came out He spent time on Kib- to greet the family and sell butz Kfar Bloom, as well, in pottery and other trinkets. 1972-73, during his tenth “It was very different then,” grade year. The family was Katz says. “Today, no Jew living in Tel Aviv during in his right mind would the 1973 Yom Kippur War, Daniel Katz is very pas- want to walk down the and they experienced, with sionate about being Jew- main street in Gaza, as I did all Israelis, the shock and ish and defending Jewish at the age of 10.” trauma of those tense weeks causes, in particular, the The Katzes also vis- of fighting. They lived just State of Israel. ited the newly captured around the corner from Is- Born in Milwaukee in Golan Heights, includ- rael’s first prime minister, 1956 into a largely secu- ing the battle-damaged David Ben-Gurion. They lar, Zionist family, Katz town of Kuneitra. They would often see him, in the remembers Menachem Be- saw the bombed-out Al- boulevard that today bears gin staying with them on lenby Bridge and a host of his name, sitting in front Begin’s visits to Milwaukee other localities, including of his house, and they oc- and also, on occasion, Jew- Jericho, Nablus and Beth- casionally engaged him in ish Defense League found- lehem. Katz says: “Now, we conversation. er Meir Kahane. are no longer in control in In 1975, the family re- Katz and his family these places. Back then, it turned to the U.S., where went to Israel when he was was a different atmosphere. Katz attended Washing- 10, just two weeks after the They may have hated us, ton University’s business school, followed by law school. He graduated in 1980 and founded Katz Properties. In time, he be- came involved with Israel Bonds, eventually becom- ing North American chair- man for new leadership. In that capacity, he organized trips to the former Soviet Union, the Czech Republic and Poland, where he vis- ited Nazi death camps. Through Katz’s deep in- volvement in Israel Bonds, he met leading Israeli po- litical figures, including Benjamin Netanyahu. They

36 ZOA REPORT ZOA PEOPLE

first met in the early 1990s essarily about being Or- you wish to revive yiddish- in Jerusalem, and Netan- thodox. Whether one is keit here? This is a Jewish “Only Jews are going yahu sounded out Katz on Reform or Conservative, wasteland. Why don’t you the idea of heading Likud you have to be involved, go to Israel, go to the U.S., to sustain the Jewish in America. While nothing you have to study, you but why on earth stay here? came of this proposal, Katz must gain Jewish knowl- We’ve been screaming from people, and that was impressed by Netanya- edge, must do things, give America: Let my people hu, even before he assumed to tzeddaka, because in go.” includes the realm the Likud leadership. Dur- Judaism it is by our acts, Says Katz: “I looked ing his involvement with not only our thoughts and around and discovered of philanthropy. Israel Bonds, Katz met oth- beliefs, that we live. Only that the person who asked I’m shocked to see er giants on the Israeli po- Jews are going to sustain this question was Mort litical scene, as well—Ariel the Jewish people, and Klein. He’s the picador— Jewish money go Sharon,Yitzhak Shamir that includes the realm of he knows where to hit the and Ezer Weizman—and philanthropy. I’m shocked bull. At the end of trip, he to institutions that served on the organiza- to see Jewish money go to got the award for asking the tion’s national board for 10 institutions that give plat- best pithy questions. We give platforms to years. forms to murderous ene- became friendly then. Among other Jewish mies of the Jewish people. “Many years later,” Katz murderous enemies causes in which Katz has I was shocked to see peo- says, “I discovered that been involved, he takes ple giving tens of millions Mort had become presi- of the Jewish particular pride in the Is- of dollars to Columbia dent of the ZOA. I was ex- people.” rael Scouts, a non-affiliated University after they had cited and went to see him. movement that is 70,000 Mahmoud Ahmadinejad We embraced and became strong in Israel, with 2,500 there.” good friends. Mort is a to 3,000 U.S. members. He Katz’s involvement special kind of courageous has been North American in ZOA goes back to the person. My son put it very chair for the past 15 years. dawn of Morton Klein’s well: ‘Mort is a guy who While Katz’s back- presidency, and it came isn’t afraid to eat alone.’ ground was secular, his life about in an unusual way. “He’s always right. I never in Israel and deepening in- In the late 1980s, Katz was found him to be anything volvement in Jewish affairs chairing an Israel Bonds other than truthful, honest led him to modern ortho- mission to Moscow and and accurate. I also agree doxy and, in turn, to his Leningrad (now St. Pe- with his conclusions, which involvement in the Jewish tersburg). In the course derive from facts, not opin- day school movement. For of the trip, they visited a ions. It’s a privilege to call the past 10 years, he has big, old synagogue filled him my friend, whose heart been president of the Hillel with old-timers who had and soul is ZOA. I love, Day School of Boca Raton, survived the cultural and him, he’s a wonderful man. Florida, where he, his wife religious repression of So- “Back in 1993, when he and six children live. Until viet communism. expressed his deep skepti- two years ago, he was also They spoke about their cism about the Oslo pro- president of his Boca Raton pride in being Jewish and cess, other people were synagogue. their aspirations to revive dreaming of peace with Ar- Katz says: “To continue yiddishkeit in Russia now abs, but he recognized that the line of yiddishkeit, you that Soviet oppression was they didn’t want peace with have to be religious; to be gone. But a dissenter put us. Mort and the ZOA Zionist is not enough. And up his hand and asked a have been right all along I’m not talking here nec- simple question: “Why do the way.”

ZOA REPORT 37 Israel Office

Left: Israel Director Daube, BESA Director Jerusalem Is Terrorized Efraim Inbar and ZOA Board member Henry Schwartz, overlooking Jordan Valley. Right: MK Danon activist motivating voters for yet another election

In the first six months processions. rectly at us. of 2014 alone, thousands A series of desecrations In a series of meetings, of attacks already had over- in the Gerrer Hasidic sec- new Jerusalem police chief whelmed eastern Jerusa- tion of the Mount of Olives Moshe Edri repeatedly lem, including the Mount Cemetery particularly got assured us he would do of Olives area where we under our skin. After the everything he could to ap- JEFF DAUBE are most focused. A more gravestone of MK Rabbi prehend the perpetrators. Director, frightful cycle of violence I.M. Levin, a co-founder While it appears he means Israel Office then erupted with the of the State of Israel, was business, instituting puni- Gaza war and escalated found pulverized, and doz- tive measures for effective into late fall. Stronger po- ens of other graves vandal- deterrence—not his baili- lice enforcement – and the ized, ZOA-Israel helped wick—is also needed. weather—eventually re- organize a media-covered Legislative deter- duced the mayhem. But an vigil and brought haredi rence is the domain of the average of five high-profile MKs Yisrael Eichler and Knesset Interior Commit- assaults each day is still un- Menachem Moses to the tee, last headed by MK acceptable, as are the near scene. The briefing of the Miri Regev. We facilitated lynchings and targeting of former ended with a bar- a highly publicized tour of kindergartens and funeral rage of fireworks aimed di- neighborhoods plagued by

38 ZOA REPORT ISRAEL OFFICE

Arab violence for MKs Re- a hundred on the Light Yehuda Glick. Left: At the Knesset with PM gev, Moshe Feiglin, Moti Rail alone) against the Je- Glick’s peaceful activ- Netanyahu and American Yogev, Yisrael Eichler and rusalem services meant to ism against relinquish- Jewish leaders. Right: David Azoulay. MK Re- better integrate Palestin- ing Jewish rights on the Security balloon monitoring gev’s team then resolved to ian Arab residents into the Temple Mount continues violent outbreaks in eastern introduce tougher legisla- economic, social and cul- with ZOA-Israel’s involve- Jerusalem tion – now pending until tural fabric of the city. We ment. As we have empha- the Knesset reconvenes— highlighted the paradox sized, making the case for based upon U.S. state laws of Israel being blamed for the Jewish people’s holy that we translated and “deepening the occupa- sites is as much about rein- broke down for them. tion” specifically because it forcing Israel’s sovereignty ZOA-Israel also provides these services. in Jerusalem as protecting brought U.S. Consul Gen- Months later, we up- lives and preserving our eral Michael Ratney to the dated U.S. Justice Depart- history. A joint report with flashpoints. American Is- ment official Heather Cart- and initiated by Greater raeli residents of the Mount wright, who had asked us Philadelphia ZOA Co- of Olives spoke about lives to be her “eyes and ears” President Lee Bender, “The consumed by fear, espe- the last time we discussed Mount of Olives: The Most cially for their children, neglect of terror victims. Significantly Forgotten and of aborted attempts A spate of new Palestinian Component in Israeli-Pal- at coexistence with Arab Arab terror crimes against estinian Arab Relations,” neighbors. In addition, we Americans in Jerusalem plainly made that point. underlined the importance had since been added to our of Israeli control in the roster, the most horrifying context of the 1949 armi- of which were the slaugh- stice agreement with Jor- ter and dismemberment of dan, which had guaranteed three rabbis (and another Making the case for the Jewish people’s safe access and use but re- from England) at prayer; sulted in sacrilege and de- the slaying of Chaya Braun, holy sites is as much about reinforcing struction. whose three-month-old Israel’s sovereignty in Jerusalem as We also presented body had been flung in the the consul with concur- air by a terrorist-driven car; protecting lives and preserving our history. rent reports about mas- and a deliberate, vicious at- sive Arab attacks (nearly tempt on the life of Rabbi

ZOA REPORT 39 ISRAEL OFFICE

Israel’s Rights Are Denied

Members of Forum Nashim, Within little more ers. The approach of the Danon and Ayelet Shaked MK Danny Danon, and ZOA than 24 hours, on Decem- “Levy Report”—a key re- have displayed the great- Florida Executive Director ber 17, 2014, the European pository of relevant legal est enthusiasm in favor of Sharona Whisler Union’s Court of Justice and historical data justify- Israel’s legal rights. Deputy removed Hamas from its ing settlement in Judea- Foreign Minister Tzachi terror list and recognized Samaria—was quietly ad- Hanegbi and former Am- a Palestinian state in prin- opted by those not wishing bassador to the U.S. Mi- ciple. In addition, at the to lock horns with Prime chael Oren showed consid- behest of Mahmoud Abbas, Minister Netanyahu, who erable interest, too. Jordan introduced a UN had previously shelved the Our talk at a packed Security Council resolution document. Emunah Seminars gath- to set a deadline for the es- Israel’s lawmakers then ering – “Campaigning tablishment of a Palestinian virtually abandoned the Right, Governing Left: Arab state. Between this Knesset to attend to their Post-Election Realities concentrated assault and election campaigns. We in Schizophrenic Israel” the International Criminal turned this into a net posi- —raised the specter that Court’s having accepted the tive by publicly engaging party planks might be jet- PA’s application for mem- national camp MKs at their tisoned later, as in the past. bership, we could do no less events—asking for heartier We charged the attendees than redouble our efforts statements about Israel’s le- with informing candi- fighting for Israel’s rights gal rights in front of their dates they would not abide and legitimacy. constituents and a commit- disingenuous or deliberate- ZOA-Israel intensified ment to do more once they ly misleading promises. its Legal Grounds activi- were seated in the Knesset. Meanwhile, we contin- ties, providing leadership So far, Bayit Yehudi ued to work closely with with the push, platforms head Naftali Bennett, Knes- international law experts, and information needed set Speaker Yuli Edelstein, former Israeli Ambassa- to keep our concerns on Deputy Minister Tzipi dor to Canada Alan Baker their respective front burn- Hotovely and MKs Danny and Professor Eugene Kon-

40 ZOA REPORT ISRAEL OFFICE

torovich, who issued opin- thanked us for our role in ions on such matters as his latest Israel visit, which baseless antagonism toward included arranging for for- building on Etzion Bloc mer Israeli Ambassador to state land and the hypoc- the UN Dore Gold to ad- risy of tolerance for truly dress Huckabee’s 250-per- illegal occupations, such as son mission. With U.S. those in northern Cyprus pursuit of a perilous Iran and Western Sahara. accommodation on ev- We also planned BDS- eryone’s mind, Gold sepa- Foreign Minister Moham- ZOA Student Leadership opposing strategies with rated the facts from the mad Javad Zarif talking a Mission in front of Hebron’s longtime partners Stand- lies, as did ZOA President good game to the West— Cave of the Patriarchs WithUs and Israel cam- Morton Klein in his ad- abetted by anti-Israel ele- pus watchdog Im Tirzu; dress to the group. Later, ments—Iran remains an and entered active relation- Gov. Huckabee raved to us, uphill challenge in some ships with two new kids on “Mort always tells it like it circles. We are using our the block, Face of Israel and is.” connections in the He- the Tazpit News Agency, The Israel office has brew-language, Israeli- both of which cultivate been sounding the Iran Anglo and American me- rapport with foreign jour- alarm. With Iranian Presi- dia in service of this critical nalists in order to foster a dent Hassan Rouhani and agenda. more informed perception of Israel. We are cooperat- ing with CAMERA staff to present “The J Street Chal- lenge” documentary to Is- raeli and visiting students. Ties Are Energized Equating Zionism with Nazism was the subject of a community event we co- led with Nidra Poller, who has been writing about the Bringing our fight for reporting. We followed rise of European jihad in Israel’s security and legiti- up with the interpreted relation to poor public macy back to Washington, data and trends requested, diplomacy (hasbara) by we began our latest round culled from the Jerusalem Israel. We also co-led an with a satisfying meeting at security officers’ report we exciting world premiere the State Department, con- monitor daily. screening and panel dis- vened after we had written On the Hill, we present- cussion with “Body and Under Secretary of State ed the Israeli perspective Soul” filmmaker Gloria Sarah Sewall about devel- on the Jerusalem depreda- Greenfield and media per- opments on the Mount of tions and other compelling sonality Melanie Phillips; Olives. With photographic recent issues: nuclear- and we presented practical and incitement evidence bound Iran; PA improbity ideas for combating lawfare in hand, we made the case and unilateralism; threat- in the “Setting the Record for qualifying Arab attacks ened U.S. sanctions against Straight” seminar series. and desecrations as terror, Israel because of building Republican presiden- as anti-Semitism and as hu- in Jerusalem; and brutally tial hopeful Governor man rights violations in the murdered American ter- Mike Huckabee once again State Department’s own ror victims. Members of

ZOA REPORT 41 ISRAEL OFFICE

charts showing how Pal- support for Israel. We also estinian Arab workers fare asked about hopes for re- much better under Israeli viving the 2007 resolution employment than under favoring Jerusalem as Is- the PA. rael’s united capital that he, We also asked mem- as a U.S. congressman, and bers to support an anti- Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) boycott bill from Rep. had co-sponsored. Doug Lamborn (R-CO), On another occa- similar to that of retir- sion, we met with visiting ing Rep. Steve Stockman Reps. Robert Pittenger (R-TX), explaining how (R-NC) and Dennis Ross MKs Regev and Azoulay Congress were especially we make use of such bills (R-FL), discussing, among condemning terror from perturbed by our examples to embolden Israel’s more other topics, the applica- atop the Mount of Olives of PA incentivization of reticent leaders. Mean- tion of the Case-Zablocki terror through the salaries while, Lamborn and Stock- Act should a bad Iran deal and grants it pays terrorists, man staffers—with whom emerge. Though never in- its latest stratagem being to we had been communicat- voked previously, this 1972 switch those to the PLO ing about getting a major law permits Congress to re- budget, which has no U.S. portion of the translat- view and debate an execu- oversight. ed “Levy Report” into the tive agreement and refuse After discussing the mis- Congressional Record—let to fund its implementation appropriations with us in us know the entry had just if warranted. DC a year ago, as he had in been made. ZOA-Israel kicked off Jerusalem the summer be- Deputy Minister Ofir a major registration drive fore, an incensed Rep. Ted Akounis spoke at ZOA’s at the Knesset, with MK Yoho (R-FL) introduced national office, after we Danon, for the October the Financial Assistance asked him to include ZOA 2015 World Zionist Con- Accountability Act. We in his December U.S. visit. gress. We explained to the reminded like-minded He is deeply concerned 60 volunteers in atten- members to cosponsor about a Palestinian state dance that a strong ZOA Yoho’s resolution, which led by the currently hos- slate translates to, among recommends a suspension tile PA. At another closed other goals, greater ef- of funding to the PA until meeting of U.S. leaders, fectiveness against the it repeals its own obligato- PM Netanyahu focused insidiously anti-Israel, ry terrorist salary laws. We with razor sharp clarity on rights-denying positions also received good news PA irredentism and unilat- of competing groups. from Rep. Nita Lowey (D- eralism and also on Iran, We took our campaign NY) about language writ- ignoring the previous days’ on the road, canvassing ten into the Foreign Opera- scatological ad hominem recruits in several Jerusa- tions bill, penalizing the PA invective by Obama ad- lem neighborhoods and commensurately. ministration mouthpieces outlying communities, We once again brought aiming to derail him. including Hashmonaim, up the discriminatory State Citing voting records Beit Shemesh and Efrat. Department attitude to- and demographic data, we MK Danon also appeared ward Jewish and Jewish- queried Indiana Governor with us in Ra’anana, at the Arab projects in Judea-Sa- Mike Pence, at a town hall home of former Demo- maria and Jerusalem. This assembly and privately, cratic South Florida Rep. time, we supplied briefs and about waning Democratic Peter Deutsch.

42 ZOA REPORT Around the Country

FLORIDA Programming in Flor- ida picks up during the snowbird season, and pro- Israel events are no differ- ent. In October, ZOA’s Florida Executive Director Sharona Whisler presented “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” at Boca Raton’s Temple Beth Ami. The pre- sentation was composed of a talk, PowerPoint and video clips. It served as a tutorial and workshop to Florida Executive Director of Israeli ZOA Florida Executive Director Sharona educate the congregation American Council, Denise Tamir and Whisler, ZOA National President Morton about the false accusations ZOA Florida Executive Director Sharona Klein, and Rabbi Scheiner of West Palm commonly leveled against Whisler Beach Synagogue Israel in the media and on college campuses, and ways to effectively respond with the truth. The workshop was interactive and en- Greenfield followed the gaged the audience, who screening. Leaders from left the event with a helpful the Israeli Consulate, Israe- summary of what they had li American Council and learned. StandWithUs attended the ZOA Florida ended the event. ZOA Florida was year on a strong note with proud to host the Miami the southeast regional pre- premiere of this important miere of award-winning film at a time when en- director Gloria Greenfield’s emies of the Jewish people newest film, “Body and want to rewrite history and Soul: The State of the Jew- so many—Jews included— ZOA Florida Executive Director Sharona Whisler and Carolyn ish Nation” (co- produced have come to believe the and Prof. Alan Dershowitz at Miami Premiere of Body and by ZOA). The Florida false Arab narratives. Soul Jewish Journal published Addressing the audi- an article about the pre- ence, Ms. Greenfield said miere in advance of the that her motivation for event. The premiere took making the film was to about?” To resounding ap- onism” alive in the Jewish place at the Jewish Mu- “wake us up to the impor- plause, she expressed the and pro-Israel lexicon is a seum of Florida-FIU and tance of being educated hope that the film would priority for ZOA. was filled to capacity. The Jews.” She posed the ques- “re-polish the honor of Zi- In January, ZOA Na- audience was treated to a tion: “What is the dan- onism,” and that we “and tional President Morton “meet and greet” recep- ger to us as a people if we our children should be Klein delivered his speech, tion with Ms. Greenfield don’t understand, and our proud of what Zionism is “The Orwellian Lies before the screening, and children don’t understand, and reclaim the term ‘Zi- About Israel,” at the West a discussion with Professor what our history is about onism.’ Take back Zion- Palm Beach Synagogue. Alan Dershowitz and Ms. and what our texts are ism.” Keeping the term “Zi- Mr. Klein’s talk came a few

ZOA REPORT 43 ZOA AROUND THE COUNTRY

addition, responding to an policy analyst at the Cen- op-ed that advocated cut- ter for Immigration Stud- ting off support to Israel by ies and the author of two painting a horribly inaccu- books, “Fractious Nation? rate depiction of the Jewish Unity and Division in state, ZOA Florida’s letter Contemporary American to the editor debunked the Life” (UC-Berkeley Press, author’s false assertions and 2003) and “Children of listed the many sacrifices Is- Abraham: An Introduc- rael has made for peace. tion to Islam and Islamism” To bolster ZOA’s plat- (Ktav Publishing, 2002), form in the upcoming co-authored with one of World Zionist Congress the foremost scholars/op- (WZC) elections, MK ponents of Islamism, the Danny Danon spoke at late Khalid Durán. the Aventura Turnberry Finally, in February, Jewish Center. It was a ZOA Florida proudly co- Long Island-Queens Executive Director Liz Berney and heavily attended event. sponsored a CAMERA daughter ZOA’s Florida Executive event in West Palm Beach, Director Sharona Whisler titled “Defaming of Israel introduced Mr. Danon. on College Campuses.” The She emphasized the im- program featured a panel days after Islamic terror- that “I call them Orwellian portance of a strong ZOA of professors and students ists attacked the Charlie lies because Orwell spoke presence at the WZC and who briefed the audience Hebdo newspaper offices of a time when people will the importance of voting on how to most effectively and kosher market in Paris, think wrong is right and for the ZOA platform be- advocate for Israel in the murdering 17 people. Mr. right is wrong—a time cause “ZOA is committed face of a hostile campus Klein began his presenta- of universal deceit, when to serving the best interests environment, where BDS tion with a strong admon- telling the truth will be a and future prosperity of the campaigns and the anti- ishment of those who have revolutionary act.” There Jewish people, Israel and Israel hate group, the so- continuously failed to iden- are many examples of this Zionism.” called “Students for Justice tify these acts as Islamic ter- twisted reality today. But In February, ZOA’s in Palestine,” viciously and rorist attacks. He asserted: he ended on a positive note, Sarasota chapter, headed unfairly target and attack “We have to deal with Is- saying, “the nation of Israel by Dr. Brent Rubin, spon- Israel. lamic terrorism in Amer- will always prevail and will sored a presentation by ZOA Florida is work- ica,” and noted that ZOA always prosper.” Professor Mordechai Ke- ing tirelessly to build its is lobbying Congress to cut In addition to the dar, in collaboration with network and offers valu- off foreign aid to countries media coverage of ZOA the Sarasota Ministerial able resources and educa- that “are protecting terror- events, ZOA letters have Association, the Sarasota tional programming. If you ists.” He added that “if the been published in the lo- Patriots and Humanity would like to get involved only people murdered in cal papers. After the be- Working to End Genocide. with ZOA Florida, please that terrorist attack were heading by ISIS of Jew- Addressing a group of ap- contact [email protected]. Jews, the world wouldn’t ish journalist and Florida proximately 150 people, have paid attention. Jews native Steven Sotloff, the Professor Kedar spoke LONG ISLAND- are being attacked all the community came together about the dangers facing time in France.” to mourn with the Sotloff Christians in the Middle QUEENS Mr. Klein then ad- family, and ZOA Florida’s East. In May, ZOA’s Sara- ZOA’s Long Island- dressed the “Orwellian lies letter of condolence to the sota chapter will host Dr. Queens Region (ZOA- about Israel,” explaining Sotloffs was published. In Stephen Steinlight, senior LIQ) has a new acting

44 ZOA REPORT ZOA AROUND THE COUNTRY

ZOA MI Teens at the 4 Israel Event

president, Martin Sokol; a Israel’s history. attracts people from far and videos. new chairman, Alan Ma- Berney also spoke at and wide to view antique “We learned just how zurek, M.D.; a new execu- screenings of “The J-Street cars and enjoy a fun-filled easy it is for a photojour- tive director, Liz Berney, Challenge” at several Long day. We plan to host ZOA nalist to manipulate a Esq.; and a new board of Island synagogues. information tables at other photo,” said Sam Kole, a approximately a dozen ter- Many of our ZOA-LIQ local events, including an sophomore at the Frankel rific, committed members, members are candidates on Israeli artists showcase at Jewish Academy. “The bat- which we plan to expand. the ZOA: Defend Jews & the Mashadi Jewish Center tle between Israel and her As part of our efforts to Israeli Rights slate in the in Great Neck on March enemies is not exclusive to build our region, ZOA- World Zionist Congress 22. the battlefield—it extends LIQ is planning a major elections. Several Long Is- to every personal computer public event on Sunday land local newspapers have MICHIGAN across the globe.” Then the evening, May 3, with for- published articles discuss- TEEN EVENT— group took a bus to see mer UN Ambassador John ing the large numbers of ISRAEL IN THE “Anchorman 2: The Leg- Bolton. ZOA-LIQ candidates and MEDIA end Continues,” a comedy ZOA-LIQ is full of quoting their statements about misrepresentation in caring Jewish activists. about why they are proud Thirty Detroit-areathe media. We helped organize pro- to be running on the ZOA high school students from tests of the Metropolitan slate. With heated debates across the Jewish spectrum VIGIL AT THE Opera’s production of the regarding Middle East is- came together over pizza to UNIVERSITY OF anti-Semitic opera, “The sues raging in the local pa- learn about the ways that MICHIGAN Death of Klinghoffer.” Our pers, ZOA-LIQ officials Israel is falsely represented members were at Lincoln have written many articles in the news and on camera. On January 28, 2015, Center protesting every defending Israel. Members ZOA-MI Executive the ZOA hosted its first performance (except on are actively involved, as Director Kobi Erez gave event of the year at the Shabbat). Executive Direc- well, protesting the danger- an interactive multimedia University of Michigan. It tor Liz Berney also gave ous deal with the Iranian presentation showing the was designed as a candle- talks at synagogues in Old regime. shocking ways that news light memorial for world- Westbury, Great Neck and In September, ZOA- reporters falsify real stories wide victims of terror, elsewhere on Long Island LIQ hosted a well-received about Israelis and Palestin- specifically those targeted and in Queens regarding table at the Great Neck ian Arabs and distort the in the recent attacks in Is- the opera’s falsification of Auto Festival, an event that truth using photographs rael, France and Nigeria.

ZOA REPORT 45 ZOA AROUND THE COUNTRY

ZOA MI Director Kobi Erez in a ZOA-J Street debate on campus

Several speakers, including rael. The ZOA’s Michigan Talmid of Oak Park, who panel of local experts on ZOA Campus Coordina- region is happy to educate participated in the event, Israeli politics from all tor Pandit Mami, provided these future Jewish leaders said: “The IDF is fascinat- backgrounds will repre- a diverse audience with per- and help support their trav- ing. We didn’t have an army sent Israel’s parties, from sonal insights into global els to Israel. for 2,000 years, and now we left to right, in a realistic radical Islamic terrorism. have the IDF, which should debate, giving us a better Other speakers, including PAINTBALL, IDF- be a source of pride to Jews understanding of Israel’s Kobi Erez, talked about an- STYLE worldwide. Paintball is the complex political land- ti-Semitism and anti-Zion- closest thing to a real battle scape. ism. Together, the speakers Thirty young adults for me. Getting hit can generated a broader under- came together to learn hurt a little, so I can’t imag- BODY AND SOUL standing of terrorism and about the Israel Defense ine how soldiers must feel the challenges Israel faces. Forces as part of ZOA’s in a real battle!” ZOA-MI hosted new young adult division, Andre Reznic of “Body and Soul—The ISRAEL EDUCATION Israel in Focus. Tal Zirian, Southfield added, “We State of the Jewish Na- WORKSHOP a guest speaker from Israel learned firsthand how dif- tion,” a new documentary who served in a special unit ficult it is to make a split- by award-winning film- High school students in the IDF, and Kobi Erez, second decision under maker Gloria Z. Green- from public and Jewish who also served in the IDF, pressure—something the field. The film presents day schools around metro spoke about what it takes IDF is trained to do in a comprehensive exami- Detroit participated in a to be a soldier in Israel, the order to protect civilians, nation of the broad and half-day workshop about difference between conven- even when doing so might deep connections be- Israel. The dynamic, knowl- tional warfare and guerrilla endanger the soldiers.” tween the Jewish people edgeable guest speakers dis- fighting, the Israeli army’s and the land of Israel. In cussed Jewish heritage, Isra- tactics to protect civilians the film, renowned histo- el’s history and advocating and the IDF’s spirit and ISRAELI ELECTION rians, archaeologists, po- for Israel. Workshop par- values. DEBATE litical scientists, religious ticipants became eligible The participants then leaders and international to apply for scholarships headed out to play paint- ZOA-MI will host a law and media experts to be used toward the cost ball games that were geared community-wide event in trace the evolution of the of summer or year-long towards working as a team March 2015, co-sponsored relationship between the educational programs in Is- under pressure. Daniel by many organizations. A Jewish people and their

46 ZOA REPORT ZOA-NJ has been growing steadily over the spring and summer months, and is looking forward to an exciting fall season. The highlight of the spring was of course the annual DC mission, where NJ participants met with both NJ Senators as well as many of their representatives. A group of students from four NJ Jewish schools added excitement , a fresh perspective to the NJ contingency, and shows the impact ZOA can have on the next generation of Jewish leaders.

ZOA AROUND THE COUNTRY

ZOA Event at University of Michigan. Director of the Middle East Political and Information Network Dr. Eric Mandel and North Jersey ZOA Executive Director Laura Fein

homeland of more than the University of Michigan You,” a shocking look at Jew- New York Times. 3,000 years. to protect pro-Israel stu- hatred in American cinema. In October, ZOA-NJ dents from threats and in- The discussion included hosted a powerful presen- FIGHTING timidation on campus. The a video presentation of the tation by Susan Tuchman, INTIMIDATION petition garnered approxi- 2010 movie, “Drive,” and ex- director of the ZOA Cen- OF PRO-ISRAEL mately 1,000 signatures, plored how the film delivers ter for Law and Justice, STUDENTS signifying the community’s a subtle, subliminal message, about anti-Semitism on concern that university ad- using common Christian and college campuses. Parents In 2014, as part of an ministrators address anti- Jewish religious symbols and were treated to brunch and attempt to pass a univer- Semitic harassment. themes, to justify hatred and to Susan’s incomparable sity-wide anti-Israel di- violence against Jews. insight on the situation on vestment resolution, stu- “THE J STREET campus and what can be dents at the University of CHALLENGE” NORTH JERSEY done by parents and stu- Michigan were subjected dents alike. This event was to death threats and such ZOA-MI hosted “The ZOA-NJ continued to held in collaboration with anti-Semitic name calling J Street Challenge,” a film grow throughout the fall/ the Bergen County High as “kike” and “dirty Jew.” about the J Street lobby- winter season. In September, School of Jewish Studies. Students (both Jewish and ing group and its effect we hosted Boston activist Dr. In November, ZOA-NJ non-Jewish) said that they on the American Jewish Charles Jacobs and had a very co-sponsored an excellent felt intimidated and were community’s relationship successful showing of the film educational event featuring afraid to go to class after with Israel. The documen- “The J Street Challenge,” with Dr. Eric Mandel, director being threatened. tary examines and debates J wonderful attendance and of the Middle East Political The ZOA sent letters to Street’s messages and those many new members. Later and Information Network. the leadership of the Uni- of its leaders. that month, ZOA-NJ mem- Addressing the ideologi- versity of Michigan, calling bers turned out to protest cal and tactical overlap be- on them to address this big- THE NEW ANTI- the anti-Semitic opera, “The tween ISIS and Hamas, Dr. otry, harassment and bully- SEMITISM Death of Klinghoffer,” at the Mandel presented detailed ing, but the university’s re- Metropolitan Opera. ZOA- slides that explained the sponse was insufficient. ZOA-MI presented a NJ Executive Director Laura various threats that Israel ZOA-MI asked mem- panel discussion, “The New Fein was interviewed by two is currently facing. ZOA- bers of the community to Anti-Semitism—Coming television stations and several NJ enthusiastically thanks sign a petition calling on Soon to a Theater Near news outlets, including The our board member Elayne

ZOA REPORT 47 ZOA AROUND THE COUNTRY

Kalina for her hard work ror. Upon their return, Jeff organizing both the Tuch- gave a fascinating presen- man and Mandel events. tation of his work on pro- Two national ZOA tecting Jewish graves and events also brightened our visitors on the Mount of fall schedule. In October, Olives, on behalf of Ameri- ZOA-NJ board members can terror victims, and on and members from across the progress of the Legal the state joined Harvard Grounds project to in- Professor Ruth Wisse, Pu- crease understanding of the National and NJ Board Member Stanley Rosenberg, ZOA-NJ litzer Prize winning Wall legal, legitimate presence of Executive Director Laura Fein, Israeli Deputy Minister to the Street Journal columnist Israel in Judea, Samaria and PM Ofir Akunis, and Board Member Sylvia Freyer attend a Bret Stephens and our own all Jerusalem. Many thanks briefing in ZOA’s NY headquarters Morton Klein to attend the to Jodi and Shaul Cohen of exciting U.S. premiere of Englewood for hosting this Gloria Greenfield’s remark- event. able film, “Body and Soul: More recently, ZOA- The State of the Jewish NJ hosted two showings to important information Staten Island. Prior to join- Nation.” The highlight of of “Body and Soul” in New about our key issues, in- ing ZOA, Eytan served as a the season was the incred- Jersey, including a new col- cluding articles published Middle East analyst for the ible ZOA Annual Dinner, laboration with Congrega- by Executive Director Conference of Presidents with an unparalleled panel tion B’nai Tikva (CBT) in Laura Fein in local Jewish of Major American Jewish of speakers and palpable North Brunswick. Many papers as well as The Alge- Organizations, working excitement for a strong, thanks to our board mem- meiner, The Times of Israel directly for Executive Vice proud State of Israel. What ber Naomi Vilko for her and Jewish News Service Chairman Malcolm Hoen- an unforgettable evening passionate advocacy and (JNS). Our board contin- lein. While earning his for all. ability to open up this ues to grow, as do our mem- master’s degree in interna- In December, ZOA-NJ venue to our programming. bership and programming. tional affairs at Columbia Executive Director Laura March 8 was an incredible Watch for our upcoming University, Eytan served as Fein traveled to Washing- day for ZOA-NJ. In the initiatives to reach high an analyst at the Bureau of ton, DC with ZOA Israel morning, we co-sponsored school students before they Political Military Affairs at Director Jeff Daube to a program at CBT focusing arrive on campus, to fight the U.S. State Department. meet more than a dozen on campus anti-Semitism BDS and to educate on le- His articles have appeared senators, congressional and harassment and offer- gal issues affecting victims in The Times of Israel, representatives and State ing an opportunity for our of terror. Now is the per- Real Clear World and The Department officials. To- members to meet former fect time to get involved or Harvard Business Review, gether they advocated for a Israeli Ambassador to the increase your involvement. among other publications. range of issues, in particu- U.S. Danny Ayalon. Then, Together we can change Eytan has hit the lar, the need for the State that evening, ZOA Nation- the conversation on Israel ground running, organiz- Department to include al President Morton Klein and expose the truth. ing a number of ZOA previously unreported anti- delivered a lecture at Con- events to galvanize activism Semitic acts in its official gregation Ahavath Torah NEW YORK and inform the community regional reports on world- in Englewood, exposing of the prevailing security wide racism and anti-Sem- the Orwellian lies against In September, the ZOA challenges affecting Israel itism and the need to find Israel. hired Eytan Sosnovich as today. In December, ZOA- politically viable ways to ZOA-NJ will soon executive director of the New York Metro hosted cut funding to the Palestin- launch its website, which New York Metro Chapter, Dr. Richard Landes, a pro- ian Authority that is being will feature current and which includes Manhattan, fessor of history at Bos- used to fund or reward ter- past events as well as links Brooklyn, the Bronx and ton University, who spoke

48 ZOA REPORT ZOA AROUND THE COUNTRY

Dr. Michael Widlanski Speaking at the Edmond J. Safra Brad Shusman presents Philadelphia ZOA’s Pillars of Synagogue the Community Award to his parents, Fran and Nat'l Vice President Gene Shusman at Philadelphia ZOA’s Annual Gala.

about Arab intimidation cifically among young pro- again. He also delivered GREATER of journalists in the con- fessionals. In November— remarks when “Body and text of Operation Protec- thanks to the generous Soul” screened in Decem- PHILADELPHIA tive Edge. In January, the support of one of its mem- ber at the Russian Ameri- Approximately 330 chapter sponsored lectures bers—the chapter held its can Jewish Experience. guests attended the Great- by Dr. Michael Widlanski first young professionals With World Zionist er Philadelphia chapter’s and Professor Eugene Kon- gathering, to introduce Congress elections now Annual Gala on September torovich. Dr. Widlanski, the ZOA and the annual underway, ZOA-New 10, at the Hilton Philadel- the former strategic affairs Brandeis Awards Dinner. York Metro has been work- phia City Avenue Hotel. advisor for Israel’s Ministry The group is planning ad- ing to get out the vote. To We celebrated Israel, Zion- of Public Security, spoke to ditional programs in 2015, that end, the chapter was ism and America and hon- a packed house at the Ed- including a collaborative honored to host the cur- ored three area couples and mond J. Safra Synagogue event with Party for a Pur- rent World Likud chair- a journalist. on Manhattan’s Upper pose New York, on March man, MK Danny Danon. National ZOA Vice West Side about how Israel, 12. ZOA’s New York Metro World Likud has endorsed President and Philadel- the Arabs and the world Chapter also has an active the ZOA slate. MK Danon phia ZOA board member view Jerusalem. Professor Facebook page with nearly addressed packed houses at Gene Shusman and his Kontorovich, a professor of 700 followers and a grow- Manhattan’s Jewish Center wife, Fran, received our law at Northwestern Uni- ing email distribution list. and at Mikdash Eliyahu Pillars of the Community versity, discussed Israel’s Eytan has been invited in Brooklyn, where he ex- award. Rabbi Jean Claude standing under interna- to speak at a number of syn- plained why it is critical to Klein, a Philadelphia ZOA tional law, specifically fo- agogues and organizations vote for the ZOA slate. board member, and his cusing on the PA gambit at around the city. In response The New York Metro wife, Miriam, received our the International Criminal to an article he penned for Chapter has a number of Guardians of Israel award. Court. Just a few days after The Times of Israel, he was initiatives in the works for Christian Zionists Susan speaking for the ZOA, Pro- invited to speak at Con- spring and summer. If you and David Warner received fessor Kontorovich testi- gregation Ohav Sholom on are interested in getting our Friends of Zion award. fied before Congress on the January 31. His talk, “Ter- involved, or organizing or Christian Broadcasting same topic. rorism in Jerusalem: The hosting an event, please Network reporter and The chapter has also Hidden Hand of Qatar,” contact Eytan Sosnovich Philadelphia native Erick been working to increase was well-received, and he at [email protected], or by Stakelbeck received our ZOA’s membership, spe- was invited to speak there phone at 917-408-3433. Ben Hecht Award for Out-

ZOA REPORT 49 ZOA AROUND THE COUNTRY

Susan and David Warner receive Philadelphia Philadelphia Executive Director Steve Feldman, Co-President Lee ZOA’s Friends of Zion Award from CUFI Regional Bender present Philadelphia ZOA’s Ben Hecht Award to Christian Director Victor Styrsky (right) at Annual Gala Broadcasting Network correspondent Erick Stakelbeck. Israel Consul General Yaron Sideman and Recording Secretary Heather Berman

standing Journalism. the past few months as a and broadcast journalists other featured noted area Our 2015 Gala is sched- guest on “The Dom Gior- from the region. In addi- lecturer and attorney Naph- uled for Oct. 21. dano Show” (WPHT Ra- tion, Feldman discussed the tali Perlberger. Co-President Lee dio 1210 AM). Bender, Six-Day War, and Bender Our twice-a-month, Bender and Vice Presi- Verlin and Feldman have and Verlin gave a presenta- pro-Israel demonstrations dent Jerry Verlin have had had numerous speaking tion on anti-Israel bias at across from the Israeli Con- numerous articles pub- engagements throughout the University of Delaware- sulate in Center City Phila- lished—primarily in The the region at prominent Wilmington campus. delphia continue, as does Algemeiner, The Times of congregations and organi- We have presented two our ongoing “Buy Israel” Israel and Philadelphia Jew- zations. They gave a presen- screenings of “Body and campaign. After a big push ish Voice. tation on anti-Israel media Soul: The State of the Jew- prior to Chanukah, we are Executive Director bias at The Pen and Pencil ish Nation.” One included gearing up to urge consum- Steve Feldman has ap- Club, an organization for a talk by filmmaker Gloria ers to buy Israeli products peared several times in current and retired print Z. Greenfield, while the for Pesach.

Philadelphia ZOA’s Guardians of Israel Philadelphia ZOA Executive Director Steve Feldman talks to a crowd of Award is presented to Miriam and Rabbi 150 during a Israel solidarity rally. Other speakers included ZOA President Jean Claude Klein by ZOA Director of Morton Klein; President of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia Development Howard Katzoff Sherrie Savett and Israel Consul General Yaron Sideman.

50 ZOA REPORT ZOA AROUND THE COUNTRY

Philadelphia ZOA was a co-sponsor of the shloshim memorial service for victims of the Har Nof synagogue massacre. Nine of our members are on the ZOA slate for the World Zionist Con- gress elections. More than 50 people from our area, including nearly 20 students, at- tend the ZOA’s National Justice Louis D. Brandeis ZOA Philadelphia cosponsored a rally with Philly Israelim in solidarity with Israel for Award Dinner in Novem- kidnapped Israeli teens Gilad Shaar, Naftali Frenkel and Eyal Yifrach. Participants placed ber. Approximately 30 of yellow ribbons around the pole that displays the Israeli flag in downtown Philadelphia. our members attended the Philadelphia ZOA Executive Director Steve Feldman; Rabbi Menachem Schmidt of Lubavitch North American premiere of Philadelphia and the Jewish Heritage Program who led prayers; Israel Consul General of “Body and Soul: The Yaron Sideman; Sharona Durry, executive director of Philly Israelim; Councilman Mark Squilla State of the Jewish Nation” in Manhattan. In June, we hosted “An Evening With Caroline been involved in an inci- Relations Council Board offers numerous educa- Glick,” featuring a talk by dent at Temple University and the Jewish Federation tional programs. One such the celebrated Jerusalem in which a pro-Israel stu- of Greater Philadelphia’s Is- event was a fascinating lec- Post columnist and author. dent was reportedly hit by rael Advocacy Committee, ture by Pittsburgh’s own National President Mor- another student at a “Stu- actively involved in setting Dr. Alexander Orbach, ton Klein introduced Ms. dents for Justice in Pales- policy for the regional Jew- entitled “Aaron David Gor- Glick. tine” information table on ish community. Executive don and Rabbi Abraham During the 2014 Gaza campus. We have spoken Director Steve Feldman Isaac Kook; To Renew the war, Philadelphia ZOA with several students about serves on the JCRC Israel Jews and Judaism and to sponsored or co-sponsored the anti-Israel climate on Professionals Group, dis- Redeem the World.” Dr. four rallies in support of the campus. Feldman met cussing coordinated pro- Orbach is a faculty member Israel. We also sponsored with a group of pro-Israel Israel advocacy initiatives. in the European and Rus- a rally in support of the students at Temple Univer- Both Bender and Feldman sian Studies Center at the three Israeli teens who were sity. meet regularly with Israel’s University of Pittsburgh, kidnapped, and when they Prior to the November Consul General and other where he was formerly the were found murdered, we congressional elections and consular staff. longtime director of the sponsored a memorial ser- earlier, during the primary Philadelphia ZOA Jewish Studies Depart- vice for them. All of the campaigns, Philadelphia leadership continues meet- ment. events took place in down- ZOA met with a number ing with students, and we ZOA’s Pittsburgh chap- town Philadelphia. of candidates and their staff have been actively engaged ter also hosted a screening We co-sponsored two to introduce them to ZOA, with Christian Zionists of “The J Street Challenge.” screenings of the documen- to hear their positions on throughout the region. Afterwards, a vigorous dis- tary “The J Street Chal- Israel and to offer them in- cussion ensued about the lenge,” one at the Univer- formation. PITTSBURGH misguided messages being sity of Pennsylvania and Co-President Lee delivered on college cam- another in Cherry Hill, NJ. Bender continues serving Throughout the year, puses around the country at Philadelphia ZOA has on the Jewish Community ZOA’s Pittsburgh region a time when anti-Semitism

ZOA REPORT 51 ZOA AROUND THE COUNTRY

and anti-Zionist activities vote, Director Pavilack re- guided by principle and are rampart. ceived this message from purpose, have demon- A joint program with Reverend Martin: “Let me strated outstanding com- Volunteers for Israel (VFI) first say, I am ashamed of mitment and dedication in and ZOA’s Pittsburgh what has happened within service to Israel, the Jewish chapter was held to further the PCUSA. All the more people and the communi- develop strong Pittsburgh I would like to connect ty. Mayor Peduto has sup- Zionists and to encourage with you in the study of ported ZOA’s Tolerance local people to volunteer the issue even beyond the Education Program for Mayor William Peduto for various tasks that sup- heinous work of Zionism Pittsburgh public school port Israeli soldiers on Unsettled. Let us keep the students, which culminates their military bases. Volun- dialogue in place.” That in a trip to the U.S. Holo- teers assemble emergency email engendered the for- caust Memorial Museum medical kits, repair equip- mation of a committee – in Washington, DC. Bill ment and perform mainte- composed of Presbyterian served as a chaperone on nance on bases around the ministers, church leaders, two trips. country. Local VFI coordi- rabbis, historians and ZOA Mayor Peduto was nator and past participant board members – to exam- sworn in as Pittsburgh’s Jeanne Bair explained the ine ways to address the di- sixtieth mayor on Jan. 6, program and showed a vid- vestment issue and ensure 2014. He had served the eo of volunteers in action. that anti-Israel falsehoods city for 19 years in admin- Pittsburgh ZOA members are exposed and the truth istrative capacities and as a who have participated in about Israel is effectively councilman from District the program shared their communicated. Direc- 8 from 2002 until 2014. experiences. tor Pavilack and Reverend The Natalie E. Novick ZOA-Pittsburgh is Martin are working on a Community Leadership deeply concerned with spring 2015 program for Award was presented to the Presbyterian Church his church membership. It Rhonda Horvitz. This Rhonda Horvitz (USA)’s vote to divest from is hoped that the program award was established Caterpillar, Hewlett Pack- can be used as a template at in memory of Natalie ard and Motorola because other Presbyterian church- Novick’s lifetime of ser- those companies do busi- es in the Pittsburgh area. vice and leadership in the ness with Israel in Judea Pittsburgh ZOA held Pittsburgh Jewish com- and Samara. Several years its annual Gala Awards munity, and was given to ago, the ZOA Pittsburgh Dinner on October 22, Rhonda because she best chapter sponsored its Min- 2014, at Congregation represents the spirit of isters Delegation to Israel. Beth Shalom. The event community leadership in Led by ZOA Executive Di- was a smash success, with Jewish and humanitarian rector Stuart Pavilack, the more than 170 people at- causes. Rhonda’s passion delegation spent eight days tending, three wonder- for a thriving Jewish com- in Israel and included sev- ful honorees and a terrific munity, the State of Israel eral members of the Pres- guest speaker. and her belief in the impor- byterian Church. Director ZOA’s prestigious Life- tance of Jewish continuity Pavilack has maintained a time Achievement Award led her to the Jewish Fed- close friendship with Rev- was presented to Pitts- eration of Greater Pitts- erend Ted Martin of the burgh Mayor Bill Peduto. burgh, where she worked Hampton Presbyterian The award recognizes ex- as the community outreach Church in Gibsonia, PA. ceptional leadership and is coordinator from 2007 to Ronna Harris Askin After the divestment given to individuals who, 2011.

52 ZOA REPORT ZOA AROUND THE COUNTRY

Rhonda has served on the boards of the ZOA- Pittsburgh region, Hillel/ Jewish University Center and Shaare Torah Congre- gation. She presently serves on the Jewish Federation’s Community Relations Committee and Partner- ship2Gether. This past July, Rhonda co-chaired the Jewish Federation’s 2014 women’s philanthropy mis- Dr. Joshua Muravchik spoke to San Diego ZOA on “How the World Turned Against Israel” sion to Prague and Buda- pest. Ronna Harris Askin, who was presented with the professor at the Josef Kor- sion. speak on the subject of Israel Service Award, has a bel School of International At present, ZOA-Pitts- his recent book, “Mak- history of helping others. Studies at the University burgh is accepting applica- ing David into Goliath: Ronna worked as a psychi- of Denver, with extensive tions from Pittsburgh-area How the World Turned atric specialty counselor for experience in both interna- Jewish high school students Against Israel.” The No- Western Psychiatric Insti- tional and domestic affairs. for its Israel Scholarship vember 20, 2014 lecture, tute and Clinic at UPMC The State Department has Program. In 1962, under with an attendance of for 20 years. She ran psychi- sent Professor Adelman the guidance of the late Hy about 100, was very well- atric research projects with on 18 international speak- Kimmel, ZOA-Pittsburgh received. heart transplant recipients ing tours. Dr. Adelman created this program, which Muravchik contends and their primary caregiv- founded and ran both the has enabled hundreds of that the worldview para- ers, and conducted research China Center and the Isra- local Jewish high school digm of the Left shifted with geriatric patients. She el Center at the University students to participate in from the class struggle was also a special education of Denver. His presenta- structured study trips to of Marxist doctrine, to a teacher with the Pittsburgh tion focused on the many Israel. The trips help to re- new paradigm of imperi- public schools. positive developments and inforce the commitment of alism of the West against Ronna is a board mem- achievements in Israel’s in- these students to Judaism Third World peoples. ber of Congregation Beth ternational relations and and give them an appre- After the Six Day War, Shalom and the Hebrew trade. ciation of the centrality of the Left, which had previ- Free Loan Association, ZOA-Pittsburgh spon- Israel to Jewish life. Schol- ously shown considerable president of American sored the Pennsylvania pre- arships are available for the sympathy toward then- Friends of Israel War Dis- miere of “Body and Soul: summer 2015 trip to per- socialist and pioneer- abled, co-chair of Adult The State of the Jewish Na- manent residents who will ing Israel, began to view Kesher for Partnership tion” and hosted filmmaker be high school juniors or Israel through this new 2Gether with Karmiel/ Gloria Greenfield. ZOA- seniors in the fall of 2015. paradigm. Israel was now Misgav, a mentor with Boys Pittsburgh also hosted The program is under the regarded as the oppressor and Girls Clubs of South- Greenfield when it showed guidance of Chairwoman of the Palestinian Arabs western PA and a volunteer her last film, “Unmasked Phyllis Novick Silverman. rather than as the victim with the Circle of EKC, Judeophobia, The Threat to of the much larger Arab a non-sectarian camp for Civilization.” Pittsburghers SAN DIEGO world. This viewpoint grieving girls. packed the hall at the JCC has gained widespread Guest speaker, Jona- and thoroughly enjoyed en- San Diego ZOA heard acceptance, to the detri- than Adelman, Ph.D., is a gaging Greenfield in discus- Dr. Joshua Muravchik ment of Israel.

ZOA REPORT 53 Policy Briefs

RALLY MONDAY, SEPT 22 AT LINCOLN CENTER

ZOA, OTHERS URGE COLLEGE PRESIDENTS TO PROTECT JEWISH STUDENTS FROM ANTI- SEMITISM ZOA: STOP SAYING THAT ISRAELIS SUPPORT ESTABLISHING A PAL. STATE ― THEY DON’T ZOA WINS SECOND WEBSITE DESIGN AWARD IN 2014 COMPETITION ZOA LETTER TO UNIV. OF PITTSBURGH ABOUT SUPPORTING ANTI-ISRAEL PROJECT PALESTINIAN STATE WOULD BE TERRORIST STATE—80% SUPPORT TERROR, HAMAS IN POLL ZOA APPLAUDS LEADING AFRICAN AMER. ACTIVISTS/MINISTERS FOR STANDING WITH THE JEWISH VOICE ENDORSES THE ZOA ISRAEL SLATE AT THE WJC SAYING ‘CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS SHOULD BE ABSOLUTELY ASHAMED’ FOR BOYCOTT OF NEW POLL: 70% OF AMERICANS FAVORABLY NETANYAHU SPEECH VIEW ISRAEL BY 62% TO 16%, AMERICANS SUPPORT ISRAEL OVER PALESTINIANS JEWISH FRATERNITY ZBT SAYS: CONTACT ZOA WITH ANY CAMPUS ANTI-SEMITISM SHOULD AIPAC ALLOW SUSAN RICE TO ISSUES SPEAK? JEWISH FRATERNITY, ZETA BETA TAU (ZBT) NO CONSEQUENCES FOR RICE SAYING PM EXPRESSES DEEP CONCERN FOR SAFETY OF JEWISH DESTROYING U.S./ISRAEL RELATIONS? STUDENTS IN EMAIL TO FRATERNITY MEMBERS NATIONWIDE ZOA PRAISES BOARD MEMBER DAVID SCHOEN’S VITAL WORK IN WINNING CASE NEW POLL: 72% PALESTINIAN ARABS AGAINST PLO/PA SUPPORT HAMAS’ MILITARY APPROACH, PROOF PLO/PA FUNDS, PROMOTES MURDER OF WANT TO USE IT IN JUDEA/SAMARIA AS JEWS WELL 61%—32% SUPPORT HAMAS’ HANIYEH OVER ABBAS ZOA CRITICAL OF CONGRESSIONAL DEMS WHO BOYCOTTED ISRAELI PM’S ADDRESS NEW ZOA MONOGRAPH EXPOSING “THE TO CONGRESS TRUTH ABOUT HAMAS’S WAR AGAINST ISRAEL” ZOA CRITICIZES OBAMA APPT OF ISRAEL BASHER ROB MALLEY TO MIDDLE EAST FMR. US ATTORNEY GEN’L MUKASEY, KLEIN, POLICY POST

54 ZOA REPORT Article

ZOA ARGUES CASE AGAINST BDS complaint seeking to dis- Jewish State. Herzl would GROUPS AT THE ZIONIST SUPREME qualify the Hatikvah slate “roll over in his grave” if from the World Zionist he knew that groups that COURT Congress election because boycott fellow Jews were the Hatikvah slate’s BDS participating in the World BY ELIZABETH BERNEY, ESQ. activities discriminate Zionist Congress that he against Jews and Israelis, founded. which violates the anti- This has been quite a discrimination provisions legal saga. American and of the World Zionist Orga- Israeli election officials de- nization (WZO) Consti- nied ZOA’s claim without tution and New York State even addressing the Con- law. Anti-Jewish boycotts stitutional and legal issues. The Zionist Organiza- sible 1949 Armistice lines); also violate Jewish law. ZOA appealed to the tion of America is running (3) Ameinu, through its The Hatikvah slate’s re- Zionist Supreme Court. a slate dedicated to defend- The Third Narrative sub- sponse was truly sickening. On March 12, ZOA ar- ing Jews and Israel’s rights, sidiary, promotes severe The Hatikvah slate ignored gued the case before that led by ZOA National Presi- international sanctions, in- the WZO Constitution, Court in Jerusalem. We are dent Morton Klein, in the cluding travel restrictions and had the gall to try to awaiting a decision. ongoing World Zionist and financial penalties, justify its discriminatory, The ZOA team on this Congress election. against Israeli officials with economically damaging case included: Attorneys ZOA learned that an- whom it disagrees; (4) New boycotts against Jewish and Howard Katzoff, Liz Ber- other slate running in the Israel Fund (“NIF”) funds Israeli businesses as pro- ney and Jan Sokolowsky; election, misleadingly BDS groups and funded moting “peace” and “jus- ZOA Israel Director Jeff named the “Hatikvah” the BDS infrastructure; (5) tice.” In fact, Hatikvah’s Daube; National President slate, is an alliance of the J Street promotes, honors boycotts damage peaceful Morton Klein; National following radical orga- and features leading BDS co-existence; boycotts are Chairman Dr. Michael nizations that promote speakers to conferences causing hundreds of Arab Goldblatt; ZOA-Michigan boycotts, sanctions and/ and college campuses; (6) workers to lose their well- Director Kobi Erez; and or divestment (“BDS”) “Open Hillel” works to paid jobs at Jewish-owned translator David Greenberg. against Israel: (1&2) Part- force campus Hillel facili- businesses. It is extremely impor- ners for Progressive Israel ties to host BDS speakers The World Zionist tant to vote for the Zionist and Americans for Peace and BDS events. The Congress’s founder, Theo- Organization of America/ Now both openly promote Hatikvah slate groups are dore Herzl, wrote in his ZOA: Defend Jews & Is- (right on their websites) interconnected; they share famous book, The Jewish raeli Rights slate. You can boycotts against Jewish and offices, directors, and re- State, that the scourge of vote online at the voting Israeli-owned business that ferrals to each other’s web- anti-Jewish boycotts was link at VoteZOA.org. For have any facility over the sites, etc. one of the reasons why the assistance, contact liz@zoa. “green line” (the indefen- ZOA filed a detailed Jewish people needed a org.

ZOA REPORT 55 Zionist Organization of America PRESORTED STD Jacob and Libby Goodman ZOA House U.S. POSTAGE 4 East 34th Street PAID New York, NY 10016 PERMIT NO. 1235 BROOKLYN, NY

Remember the ZOA in Your Will Ensure the ZOA’s Future Many people include some of their favorite charitable causes and organizations in their wills. The ZOA leadership is planning for a future of activism, commitment and devotion to Zionist ideals. By re- membering the ZOA in your list of bequests, you can help plan for that future. For more information on the procedure for including the ZOA in your will, call the ZOA National Office at 212-481-1500.

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Founded 1897 Please visit our website: www.zoa.org For information: Call 212-481-1500 Fax 212-481-1515 [email protected] Thanks for your support. ZRS15 56 ZOA REPORT