Just one of many celebrations of the 150th birthday of the father of Modern Zionism, Theodor Herzl, took place on Wednesday, June 2nd, at the headquarters of the American Zionist Movement in NYC. Young professionals from the NY area were treated to an Israeli buffet dinner (and birthday cupcakes, of course!) as they had the opportunity to hear a panel of speakers discuss Herzl’s vision and what it means today.
Rabbi Leor Sinai, Co-Founder and Membership Chair of ViZion, moderated a panel of two – Russell Robinson, Chief Executive Officer of the Jewish National Fund, and Sam “Bodi” Bodenheimer, Founder/Director of Spicerack Music.
After spending 17 years working in the Federation world, Russell Robinson moved to JNF. It was at JNF that Robinson had the opportunity to learn about Herzl and his message – how to accomplish your goals beyond all adversity. Herzl was able, without Facebook, Twitter, etc., to inspire people to connect to his vision, and join him in his dream of the land of Israel. He knew his objective, and was able to overcome all obstacles in his way. This serves as a strong lesson for us all as we try to get a handle of on the global challenges we face on a daily basis. It’s not about “logo ego” – who gets the credit for what. It is vital to the success of all our initiatives that we find partners to work with all of us to accomplish our goals.
Sam Bodenheimer participated in “A Journey in Herzl’s Footsteps”, a trip that followed Herzl’s path from Paris to Basle, Vienna, Budapest and Jerusalem. Sam spoke of the part of the trip that he felt made the biggest impact on him. The group was supposed to travel to Israel for Yom HaZikaron, but their flight was delayed due to the volcanic eruption in Iceland. Almost internalizing the Herzlian spirit (as reference by Russell earlier), members of the group worked together to coordinate a program to honor Israel’s fallen soldiers. Commemoration in Israel would be easy – the whole country mourns the loss of life, as just about everyone in Israel has lost a loved one. But, in a place seemingly so far removed from the sadness, it was extremely emotional to participate in a program put together by a unique and diverse group of people – including Israelis – who were able to provide a better understanding of what memorial day means to a people who are so closely connected to the meaning on the day.
Russell and Sam both addressed the issue of the strained relationships between the American and Israeli Jewish communities and how to mend the relationship. No longer is the relationship between the Diaspora and Israel all about crisis, but rather success and pride. This creates an exciting opportunity for the Jewish nation. As the most powerful people on earth, having done what no one else has done, we must show the world what else we can accomplish together.
When asked how they define their “Zionism”, Russell and Sam spoke of looking back on where Israel came from and far she has come. There is cultural diversity and success and a feeling of excitement about Israel. They also shared their thoughts on ways to show the world sides of Israel you don’t see on the news, by taking back our Zionism and repositioning the lens to the positive Israel the world should see, and made us feel proud of all Israel has accomplished in 62 short years.
Herzl’s message here is crystal clear. We have the opportunity to become even more motivated in our lives, both personal and professional, and not to settle. We can look for ways to grow, and take note of the importance of having a deep-rooted passion that will drive others to rally behind us.
An amazing turnout of young Jewish professionals from various different Jewish non-profits gathered for a night of celebration and networking. If you are interested in getting involved with ViZion and would like to attend future events, email ViZioninfo@azm.org.
Click to view photos from the event: http://azm.org/herzl-birthday-party-gallery
Panel Video:
Russell Robinson on Theodor Herzl’s vision
Click on the following link for other videos from this event and to subscribe to the AZM YouTube Channel
http://www.youtube.com/user/AmericanZionist
Click to read our June newsletter
- Journey in the footsteps of Theodor Herzl—past, present and future—and celebrate the 150th birthday of the father of Zionism!
- Hear from a panel of leaders living Herzl’s dream!
- Enjoy Viennese and Israeli refreshments!
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Written by David Harris, AJC Executive Director, February 2010
When I joined the Jewish world in 1975, I thought it would be a brief idealistic stint, more or less like a Jewish Peace Corps experience, after which, to quote a family member, I’d find a “real” job.
It turned out rather differently. Thirty-five years later, I’m still at it. Truth be told, I love my work at AJC and still can’t believe I’m being paid to do something that fills me, day after day, with such passion, meaning and fulfillment. I can only wish others the same sense of satisfaction.
In those 35 years, even as there have been dark and difficult moments, I’ve been fortunate to witness some remarkable achievements in the ever-unfolding history of the Jewish people: the rescue of Soviet and Ethiopian Jewry; the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe and renewal of Jewish life; peace treaties for Israel with Egypt and Jordan; the repeal of the infamous “Zionism is racism” resolution; Israel’s start-up revolution; burgeoning Jewish days schools and Jewish studies programs across the U.S.; and so much more.
I mention these milestones to encourage new dreams. Jewish professionals should never solely see themselves as firefighters, for we must be, above all, architects. We face fear, yes, but we should never allow ourselves to be defined by it. Our goal is to ensure that the best days of the Jewish people lie ahead of us. It is for Jewish professionals to shape the vision and chart the path.
If I were starting now, I’d set three goals in the course of my lifetime – an Israel living in peace and security as an integral part of the Middle East; a global Jewish community, growing in number and commitment; and a world in which hostile oil-producing states can no longer hold the rest of us hostage to their resources.
The path won’t always be easy. Challenges abound. We are few in number to begin with, and still fewer when it counts. We are too often divided among ourselves, at times working at cross-purposes. Civility and mutual respect are not always the hallmarks of Jewish life they should be. Understanding of the Jewish journey, including especially the abyss of the Holocaust and the rebirth of Israel, is on the wane both outside and, indeed, inside the Jewish community. There will soon be an era when the survivors and eyewitnesses of the Shoah are no longer with us and able to testify to what took place. Shifting power balances in the world and the U.S. require constant friend-raising and cross-cultural diplomacy. And in a time when many seek instant gratification and immediate concrete results, our work, requiring infinite patience and perseverance, may at times discourage long-term dedication.
But we have come a long way. Considering where the Jewish people were in the days immediately following the Second World War, the upward trajectory of the past 65 years has been nothing short of miraculous. If that happened, it was because of those who came before us and found the faith, footing and fortitude to press ahead. Let their example always serve as an inspiration. We each stand on the broad shoulders of the generations that preceded us. How fortunate, then, each generation is!
Dan Brown, editor and founder of eJewishPhilanthropy.com joined ViZion, via video conference, and shared some important insights on the direction of social media and our role as professionals in the philanthropic world.
E-Philanthropy has become one of the main applications of the internet in the philanthropic sector. Dan discussed the challenges of keeping up with the ever-evolving world of social media, and leveraging it to best serve non-profit organizations.
The concept of a 5-10 year plan has become non-existent thanks to social media, as the field is constantly changing. However, while we recognize the vital part e-philanthropy plays these days, it is imperative for organizations to be mindful of their market and donors. Donors are more demanding today and therefore transparency is of the utmost importance. So, while social media tools are valuable for everyone, not all areas of social media work to the benefit of every organization. Social media works well to help organizations build a brand to make them more identifiable and recognizable in the over-saturated world of non-profit organizations.
Dan emphasized how crucial it is that each organization’s website should be current, keeping in mind that websites have a two year shelf life. Evolution of an organization’s website is dependent of technology. But, one way to keep your website current and utilizing it to attract donors of various ages would be to create microsites and developing content relevant to a particular age demographic.
ViZion thanks Dan Brown for taking the time to speak with this dynamic group of young professionals. This video conference is just one of the ways that ViZion is connecting and cultivating professionals in the Israel/Zionist related world. We are currently building our team. If you are interested in learning how to become more involved, contact Leor Sinai, Membership Chair, at leorsinai@gmail.com.
ViZion and AZM recently hosted Minister of Public Diplomacy and Diaspora Affairs Yuli Edelstein, holding an informal lunch discussion.
Guests engaged in a real dialogue with Minister Edelstein, as he
Minister Edelstein makes a point during his presentation.
opened up the discussion posing one big question: how can Israel engage and maintain a relationship with the next generation? Over the next hour,Minister Edelstein and ViZion members examined the challenges of keeping the younger generations excited and connected to Israel and shared a number of possible modes of engagement
More specifically, we discussed Israel’s advances in environmental issues and technology, and re-packaging Israel’s historical narrative.
Minister Edelstein and ViZion members walked away knowing that while we all have a lot of work ahead of us, our generation is dedicated to the Zionist dream and the current Israeli government is dedicated to working with us to maintain it.
Repairing Our World
On Wednesday evening September 9th, ViZion, together with AJP (Advancing Jewish Professionals) sponsored a program in New York City entitled “Repairing Our World: A Conversation with Today’s Leaders Preparing for Tomorrow.
Rabbi Leor Sinai (center), co-chair of ViZion, with Nigel Savage (left) and Erik Levis (right).
The moderator was Erik Levis; the panelists were: Alisa Kurshan, VP of UJA-Federation-New York; Rabbi Joy Levitt, Executive Director, JCC of the Westside; and Nigel Savage, Executive Director of Hazon.
See the photo gallery below of the event
For more about ViZion visit this page.
ViZion: Connecting, Creating, Cultivating
Young Professionals of Jewish Non-Profits
- ViZion’s Mission is to:
- Connect young Jewish professionals working in Zionist/Israel/Jewish not-for-profits
- Create a network of like-minded professionals sharing the challenges facing the Jewish communal world and their own professional development
- Cultivate the future of Zionist and communal leaders in a safe and open environment
ViZion groups are currently active in New York and Chicago. For more information about the New York group, please contact Leor Sinai at ViZion@azm.org. For more information about the Chicago group, please contact Becky Adelberg at badelberg@azm.org or call 847-677-5949.
