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Israeli Women, Jewish Women and the Challenges of Multiple Identities

feminisrael-panelOver 100 people gathered in the community room at B’nai Jeshurun synagogue on New York’s Upper West Side on Sunday, March 10th for a unique program marking International Women’s Day.  The program was part of a month-long observance of Women’s History Month that the AZM and WZO jointly mark as “FeminIsrael. ” Each year FeminIsrael explores the challenges facing Israeli women and celebrates their accomplishments and the accomplishments of women worldwide.

The 90-minute program left everyone wanting to know more, and most of the audience remained for another hour to speak directly with the panelists — each an accomplished woman in her own right.  The program, sponsored by B’nai Jeshurun, the World Zionist Organization and the American Zionist Movement also featured the works of an Israeli artist, Sharona Eliassaf.

Participating in the program were: Tova Birnbaum, shlicha for the World Zionist Organization; Liron Mor, a graduate student in literature at Cornell University; Elana Sztokman, Executive Director of the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance (JOFA);  Amal Abusif, Associate Director of Academic Programs for Kivunim; and Shani Rozanes, Director of Events and Public Programming at the Consulate General of Israel in New York.

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More Than 1000 Mishloach Manot Delivered to Southern Israel for Purim

Children in costume at NAAMAT centerFor more than 25 years, the American Zionist Movement has proudly been donating mishloach manot (traditional Purimgift baskets) to Israeli children and soldiers for Purim. Because of the numerous recent attacks faced by those living in the south of Israel, this year AZM focused on Ashkelon and its surrounding areas in order to show solidarity with residents there. More than 1,000 mishloach manot were distributed to a variety of organizations and community centers in need of extra support.

AZM donated the majority of mishloach manot to organizations in and around Ashkelon related to children. Children at Neve Hanna, a children’s home located in Kiryat Gat, and in the children’s ward of Barzilai Hospital, were delighted to receive their candy and noisemakers. The gifts enhanced the Purim celebration at the Kehillat Netzach Israel Ashkelon Preschool as well as at several NA’AMAT daycare centers. At the Ashkelon Family Nest, which assists young mothers and their children, recipients both enjoyed the surprise and were educated on the importance of volunteering and helping others. Ethiopian immigrant children at the Beit Canada Absorption Center celebrated Purim for the first time, and their mishloach manot made the experience even more exciting.

As in the past, in conjunction with Yashar LaChayal, an organization that provides necessities to soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces, AZM donated mishloach manot to soldiers on Israel’s front lines. Lone Soldiers who are based in the Ashkelon area also were recipients of AZM gifts.

The mishloach manot were distributed by Marty and Terri Davis, who, in their capacity as Ashkelon community activists, are passionate about helping their community. In a letter of thanks to AZM, they shared how important the packages were to recipients.

[The mishloach manot] put smiles on the faces of many children and Soldiers. Try to imagine a child in the hospital missing out on the Purim festivities and, from over the ocean, special gifts arrive to help them celebrate! Even those with serious health problems were able to smile.…For us it is an emotional experience, and we would like to thank AZM on behalf of all the children and soldiers in Ashkelon for bringing them such joy and happiness.

 To help AZM continue its mission of supporting and promoting Zionism, donate here.

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DONATE NOW: Purim 2013 Heads South to Ashkelon and Beyond

Dear Friend:

This winter brought an historically large blanket of snow to Jerusalem and northern Israel. The Kinneret reached record levels.

IDF Soldiers in front of large mound of snow

IDF soldiers in the snow

 

As we view these positive images, let’s not forget that it was just a few short weeks ago that Israeli children in the southern part of the country were terrorized by missile attacks numbering in the hundreds. Many lived in safe rooms and shelters for close to two weeks.

There was no school to attend.  The sanitary and living conditions were primitive.  And the rockets kept coming. Yet the children found it within themselves to stand up to the attacks and resumed their lives as soon as they were able. It takes a special strength to do this: Jewish strength supported by a Zionist spirit.

As American Jews and Zionists we can reward and strengthen that resolve through the AZM Purim Connection. Each year we send mishloach  manot (the traditional Purim gift of sweets and other goodies) to Lone Soldiers, to the frontlines of the IDF and to children facing unusual struggles or challenges during the year, like those in Ashkelon and other southern communities.

With your purchase of mishloach  manot  for a child or soldier you create an indelible memory of the gift from abroad. You demonstrate your solidarity, your caring and your connection to the people of Israel.

For $36, $54,  $108 or more you can participate in the Purim traditional custom mishloach manot and at the same time stand in support and solidarity of our fellow Jews in Israel. Please consider your tax-deductible donation to the 2013 American Zionist Movement’s Purim Connection 5773. You may send a check or make your gift on our web site: www.azm.org/purim2013.

Zionists are the activists who act. Make a difference. Bring a smile to a young Israeli face. Act now and support the Purim Connection. It is a perfect activity for a religious school or day school class. There are lots of ways to help, taking the first step is vital. Do it now.

Please make your gift by February 22, 2013.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Vernon Kurtz, President

Karen J. Rubinstein, Executive Director

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IDF Soldiers Receive Purim Gifts

As part of AZM’s Purim Connection, IDF soldiers serving on the front lines are provided with traditional Purim mishloach manot giftsto let them know we in the Diaspora care.

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Purim 2012 Brings Gifts and Goodies to Soldiers and Children

volunteer with soldiers

A volunteer poses with soldiers who came to take the Purim gifts back to their units.

The 2012 Purim Connection was another stunning success with lots of thank yous coming in from across Israel.

AZM with help from AMIT, Mercaz,  and many individuals and synagogues across the country brought Purim joy to schools in Kiryat Malachi, soldiers in the front line units across the country, and to many Lone Soldiers (IDF soldiers who serve without the support of their families.)

 

An important part of our Purim Connection is the role that young Jews studying or volunteering in Israel play in the packaging and delivery of the Purim mishloach manot. This year’s volunteers from Magshimey Herut, Habonim-Dror and the kibbutz ulpan program were all on extended stays in Israel as part of  MASA Israel Journey programs.  Among the volunteers to AZM’s Purim Connection were: Raphael Falk,  Andrew DuFour,  Benjamin Scholom, Brett Godette, Yossi Cohen,  Izzy Eisen,  and Eugene Kikoin.

One of the Lone Soldiers, Gidi, who received an AZM Purim package posted on the Kehillat Netzach’s Facebook Page, expressing his happiness and gratitude. When you see comments like these you know how important it is to participate in these programs:

 

 

soldier with gift

הפורים בכלל לא היה מורגש, ולקבל חבילה מושקעת שכזאת. אוהב אתכם ומוקיר תודה. גידי איגנשטיין
thank you everyone for the great parcel for purim! it feels amazing to return from a hard week of training and still get to feel the happiness of purim with your kindness. gidi eigenstein.

We hope that next year even more congregations and individuals will help to us tell send the message to those in Israel that even though we live here in America, we are always thinking of Israel’s soldiers and citizens who are truly on the front lines of the Jewish people.

Thanks to all who helped bring this to reality!

children on Purim

Four children from an AMIT elementary school in Kiryat Malachi in Purim costumes..

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Miri Shalem Talks About Gender Discrimination in Israel

On Wednesday, February 29th 2012, we had the pleasure of hearing Miri Shalem speak to us about the challenges facing Israel today.

Miri Shalem, Organizer of Flashmob in Bet-Shemesh, Brings a Vibrant Perspective on Religious Life in Israel.

“We felt like we had power to change the world” proclaimed Miri Shalem to an attentive audience, who attentively listened to Miri speak.

Shalem, a resident of Bet Shemesh, organized a flash mob of 250 Jewish women of various backgrounds, to peacefully demonstrate against women’s segregation and inequality.  While she confessed she is not a professional dancer, she articulated her passion for using dance as a form of self- expression and community strength.

As the Director of the JCC in Bet Shemesh for the past 17 years, Miri has seen the city change before her eyes. A beautifully diverse town has become populated with a community of Haredim. This change led to a clash over culture and conduct. Miri felt passionate about the importance of keeping her community feeling alive throughout these changes, and created a dance night for women only.

When the story of eight year old Na’ama Margolese came to light, Miri’s passion peaked. Na’ama, who was spit on by ulta-Orthodox men on her way to school, grabbed the attention of the Jewish State, the world, and more specifically, of Miri.

Shalem felt dissatisfied that while there was so much talk about the situation, no action was taken to stop the violence against the female gender in the community. Using dance as her voice and social media as her guide, she brought together a choreographer, a videographer, a producer, and 250 local women for a public dance one Friday afternoon in January. The local women danced for a recorded 3 minutes, and spontaneously for about an hour following that.  “The women felt confident and empowered, and we couldn’t stop dancing…We didn’t care what people would say”, said a proud Miri.

With over 175,000 hits, the YouTube video of her flash mob to Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now” has truly left a mark on the world. As Miri articulated so beautifully over lunch, “Don’t stop us now…. No one will be able to stop us now or ever…”

This event was sponsored by the following:

American Zionist Movement

Bnai Brith International

Dorothy and Harold Greenwald Foundation

Hadassah – NY Region

Jewish Community Relations Council of New York

Jewish National Fund

Women’s League for Conservative Judaism

World Zionist Organization

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For the Jews There was Gladness and Light…..

Dear AZM Friend,

Imagine a soldier standing guard. It’s dark and silent. There is no town, no synagogue, nothing within a 40 kilometer radius.  A rocket streaks overhead reminding him, again, why he is here.  Purim is coming and Ronen is remembering the Purim parties he had with his friends back home.  He’s thinking about his ima’s oznei haman (hamentashen) and wishing he could bite into one now.  Ronen’s fellow soldier, Alexsey, is thinking about his parents, but they are far away in Smolensk.  His whole unit feels a bit sad to be away from friends and family today, but then a truck draws up.  The unit commander has brought special treats for all from America!

For more than two decades The American Zionist Movement (AZM) has sought to touch these front line soldiers with its Purim Connection – an opportunity for American Jews to demonstrate their solidarity with Israelis who serve on the frontline in defense of Israel and with the youngest and most at-risk Israelis.

This year the Purim Connection is also making a special effort to reach “Lone Soldiers.”  There are 2,500 soldiers serving in the IDF who have no family in Israel.  Some are new immigrants from North America; others are from the former Soviet Union, Ethiopia and other countries.  They are particularly vulnerable and it is especially meaningful when they receive a holiday package.  In addition, children with special needs in the south will also receive gifts from you.

Wouldn’t you like to do something special this Purim?  Even a small donation will help a young child or a lonely soldier feel cared for and remembered.

Not only will these gifts improve the spirits of the receivers – they also support the Israeli economy, as all products used are made in Israel. In addition, in Israel, the mishloach manot packages will be delivered by young Jews: members of Zionist youth movements and students on year programs. This is one more tangible way in which we are building the connections between our young people and our homeland.

Please make your contribution online – go to www.azm.org/purim2012. Or send a check in the mail to: American Zionist Movement Purim Connection, 633 Third Avenue – 21st floor, New York, NY, 10017-8157.

Your mishloach manot gift will tell an Israeli soldier or child that you care. It’s a gesture that will long be remembered. But the deadline is coming up quickly.  We ask that donations be received no later than March 15, 2012. Please don’t delay!

We thank you; and Ronen, the children of Kiryat Gat and Kiryat Malachi, and all of Israel thanks you as well.

Chag sameach and Zion greetings.

Special note: AZM is very appreciative for the assistance provided by the volunteers from Magshemei Herut and by Yashar L’Chayal in Israel, and for the support provided by AZM member organizations, particularly AMIT and Mercaz USA.

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For the Jews There Was Gladness and Light, Joy and Honor

Child dressed up for Purim

Child dressed up for Purim

 Purchase Purim Basket for
An Israeli Child in School
($18 per basket): 

add

Child in hospital on Purim

Child in hospital on Purim

 Purchase Purim Basket for
An Israeli Child in Hospital
($36 per basket): 

add

A soldier receiving a Purim Basket in 2009

A soldier receiving a Purim Basket in 2009

 Purchase Purim Basket for
An Israeli Lone Soldier
($54 per basket): 

add

Class in Ashkelon

Class in Ashkelon

 Help Purchase Purim Baskets for
A School Class
$180 

add

Members of the Venus Tank Unit mug for the camera after receiving their Purim gifts.

Members of the Venus Tank Unit mug for the camera after receiving their Purim gifts.

 Help Purchase Purim Baskets for
An IDF Unit
$360 

add

I wish to support the Purim Connection and the AZM with a contribution of:

My contribution:

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Help AZM Strengthen Israel – 2011 Year End Appeal

December 2011Donate Now

Dear Friend,

To talk about Zionism is to talk about the redemption and renewal of a people, its language and culture in its ancient homeland. It is also to imagine all the potential that homeland has to offers its citizens and the global community.  The miracle of Israel’s establishment and the miracles of the 64 years of Israel’s existence, did not happen without tremendous effort. Thus, in this season of miracles and rededication, Israel and the crises it faces should be our obvious focus.

The crises are the on-going, pernicious attempts to delegitimize the State of Israel and the growing distance between young  American Jews and Israel. Both crises must be addressed by the Zionist Movement, through the American Zionist Movement.

AZM, the representative of the World Zionist Organization in the US, is the sole organization that brings Israel to all American Jews regardless of age, religious affiliation or political belief. Uniting and fortifying our members is the essential belief in the Jewish state and the right of Jews to self-determination in our own homeland. You can help AZM bring that message to Jews throughout the United States with your support.

Among AZM’s  accomplishments this year:

* Convening a conference on Countering Delegitimization of Israel and Anti-Semitism during UN Week in New York;

* Bringing Israeli Zionists to campuses, synagogues and JCC’s around the country ;

* Sending Purim gifts to “Lone Soldiers“ — IDF troops on active duty whose families do not live in Israel;

* Engaging young Jewish professionals in meaningful Zionist dialogue;

*Bringing young Jewish journalists to the General Assembly of JFNA to meet Jewish leadership and sharpen their skills.

*Organizing meaningful events to commemorate the significant dates on the “Zionist Calendar” in New York, Chicago and other American cities

The Zionist Movement was founded in 1897 to give a beleaguered Jewish people a sense of peoplehood and hope during some of the darkest hours of our long history.

We prevailed!  Today we have a homeland, a refuge; a Jewish land where Hebrew has been revived and which serves as a living experiment in the building of a model society.

The Zionist Movement is both our legacy and our future. Please help AZM continue the work of maintaining a united Zionist coalition on Israel’s behalf. Make a donation today through our website.

With thanks and with warm Zion Greetings,

William D. Hess, President

Marlene E. Post, Chair, National Board

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Gilad Shalit is Home — Send Your Words of Welcome

Gilad Shalit has been home for a year, and we are thrilled that he had a safe return. Below, find out more about his story.

 

We join with Zionists around the world in welcoming Gilad home to Israel.

“And the children of Israel shall return to their borders.”

In our joy, we also embrace those whose pain has been increased by the price that has been paid for a soldier’s return.

Background

The polls in Israel show broad based support for the exchange deal. For the families of the victims and others concerned about future security implications it is very painful and problematic. All of these considerations were discussed and debated by the government, which approved the deal by a vote of 26-3.

As this issue will continue to be in the forefront of news in the coming days, including massive celebrations in Gaza and elsewhere, we are providing this memo providing information and talking points that may be helpful, along with an action recommendation, which we urge you to follow up.

History

Gilad Shalit was born in Naharia, Israel on August 28, 1986 to Noam and Aviva Shalit. He has an older brother and younger sister.  On June 25, 2006, during his service in the IDF, Gilad Shalit was abducted on the Israeli side of the Kerem Shalom crossing by Hamas militants, who infiltrated through an underground tunnel.  He has been held as a hostage at an undisclosed location in the Gaza Strip for more than five years, deprived of all International Red Cross medical care and visits, as required by international law.  Israeli forces entered Khan Yunis on June 28, 2006 to search for Shalit, but the recovery efforts were unsuccessful.  Some media reports suggested that Israel may have learned of Shalit’s whereabouts, but the location was booby trapped to prevent any rescue attempts.

The only proof of Shalit’s well-being until recently has been three letters, an audio tape, and a DVD received in exchange for the release by Israel of 20 convicted female Palestinian prisoners.  A recent video was provided at the insistence of the government of Israel showing Shalit as well and able to communicate.

He was the first Israeli soldier captured by Palestinian militants since Nachshon Wachsman in 1994.  Since his abduction, Shalit has been promoted from the rank of corporal to Staff Sergeant and Sergeant Major.

Shalit holds dual French and Israeli citizenship, a fact that prompted French and European Union involvement in the efforts on his behalf.

On October 11, 2011 a prisoner swap deal was announced to free Shalit in exchange for 1,027 Palestinian prisoners.

 

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