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The AZM E-Letter is a publication of the American Zionist Movement, sent to registered voters in the Zionist elections and people who requested to be added to the AZM e-mail list. The E-Letter updates readers about the activities of the American Zionist Movement and its members, the World Zionist Organization and important trends in Israel and world Jewry.  To subscribe to the AZM E-Letter, click here. To inform us of a change in your e-mail address, to update your contact information, or to unsubscribe, click here. |
Over 3,500 Purim baskets were delivered to soldiers and schoolchildren across Israel, thanks to the AZM Purim Connection and the support of all who participated.
In light of the constant barrage of rockets on Israel's southern communities, the AZM Purim Connection focused its efforts on the children in Sderot and other areas in the South. A total of 1,150 Purim baskets were distributed to the Venus Tank unit, which has suffered losses and injuries while serving near Gaza; four Givati brigades; the elite Golani Sayaret unit; and the entire infantry Egoz unit.
Purim baskets also bolstered the holiday cheer of 2,410 Israeli schoolchildren. The children's campaign was carried out in cooperation with AMIT, which runs many of the schools in Sderot, and Mercaz-USA. In addition to three elementary and two upper schools in Sderot, mishloach manot were given to all the pupils in the Sha'ar HaNegev regional school, which was relocated to Kibbutz Ruhama, and to the young residents of the Neve Hanna Youth Village, sponsored by the Conservative Movement.
In addition to bolstering the spirits of a lonely soldier or a young child, AZM's initiative helped support the Israeli economy and builds relationships between young people and Israel. The Purim baskets were purchased and packed in Israel. Then, they were delivered by members of Zionist youth movements and students in Israel on year programs.
Students from all over the United States and Canada gathered in Chicago for the final event of Hagshama's North American "Who Wants to be a Zionist?" trivia competition on March 21-22. After a special Shabbaton, the students in front of an audience of 200 students and young professionals at a party celebrating Israel's 60th. The weekend was organized by USD/Hagshama and AZM.
The Shabbaton featured scholar-in-residence Carl Schrag, former editor of the Jerusalem Post, who led discussions on Israel's achievements over the past 60 years and the relevance of classical Zionist thinkers today. Other sessions ranged from a discussion of Israeli writer Etgar Keret to an in-depth explanation of the Israeli political system.
At the event Saturday night - which included Israeli music, games, and the Chicago comedian Aaron Freeman - five students out of the twenty finalists competed for a chance to win a free, ten-day Zionist trip to Israel in honor of the 60th anniversary. The four winners were: Meena from MIT, Noah from Toronto, Yehel from Toronto, and Alan from University of Illinois.
Freedom is the central theme of the Passover seder. It echoes and re-echoes throughout the Haggadah. Yet Ron Arad, Zachary Baumel, Zvi Feldman, Yehuda Katz, Guy Hever, Gilad Shalit, Eldad Regev and Ehud Goldwasser are not free.
This Passover, please consider adding an additional four questions at your seder to raise awareness about the abducted Israeli soldiers still in captivity, their fate unknown.
Together with USD/Hagshama and the Jewish National Fund, AZM is currently planning the second annual Amazing Israel Race in Manhattan, which will take place Sunday, May 4, 2008 during the day. The Amazing Israel Race is a scavanger hunt similar to the popular television show, "The Amazing Race" - except that it takes place in Manhattan, the contestants are college students from many campuses in the New York area, and the content of the clues and activities concerns the connection between Israel, American Zionism, and New York. The scavanger hunt entails picking up clues of Israel/Zionist history and performing related activities at each station. The prize for each member of the winning team will be $500 toward a ticket to Israel; second-place team members will receive an iPod shuffle of Israeli music, and third-place team members receive a certificate for a dinner at an Israeli/kosher restaurant in the city.
The World Zionist Organization has launched a new, global network for the NextGen of Zionist leadership, Dor Hemshech! If you are a Zionist leader in your mid-twenties and thirties, you are invited to join the network at www.dorhemshech.com. This website will serve as a forum and laboratory for developing ideas and vision for Dor Hemshech.
The resources and discussions on the website will lead up to the first International Dor Hemshech Gathering in Israel on December 8-11, 2008. At this gathering, exceptional Dor Hemshech leaders who have demonstrated initiative, creativity, commitment to Israel, and leadership potential through their involvement in Jewish communal life will explore how they as individuals can maximize their potential as Zionists and work to develop a Dor Hemshech network around the world. 120 international participants will join 30 of their Israeli peers to inspire each other and be inspired. All ground costs will be covered by the World Zionist Organization.
This special exhibit - a joint venture of the Department for Zionist Activities (WZO) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Israel - contrasts early scenes of the State of Israel with modern scenes using a hologram form of photography.
The exhibit features 14 panels and captions, which can be hung from the ceiling or wall, and is accompanied with a visitor's pamphlet available in English, Spanish, French, and Hebrew. It will be available immediately after Passover.
Israel and the Jewish world's first international technology summer camp, eCamp Israel, will open this summer for children ages 10-18 from around the world.
eCamp will take full advantage of Israel's being home to the second largest number of startups in the world. eCampers will meet with entrepreneurs including the founder of ICQ (the originator behind AOL Instant Messenger), visit leading Israeli research centers such as Intel, Microsoft, Google, Motorola, and train in the Israeli Air Force's flight simulator. Based in the eVillage of Aloney Yitzhak, 28 miles from Tel Aviv, the camp will continue with interactive and online learning throughout the year.
eCampers will engage in interactive projects at the cutting edge of technology, using the same high top-class software and hardware that Israeli high tech innovators use to change the world. In addition, the camp will combine Jewish values with technology and innovation, using technology as the basis for tikkun olam initiatives.
Nir Kouris, Co-Founder, eCamp Israel: "eCamp Israel is an International Technology Summer Camp, opening the gates to the #1 success story of Israel: Technology Innovation. eCamp Israel introduces the campers to an enriching experience that touches their deepest emotions and spur creative energies in their minds. We provide an original, creative and fascinating program, matching worldwide youth with Israeli peers in a unique way using universal language: Technology. eCamp Israel is an overnight summer camp where worldwide youth who love technology get together for an unforgettable experience."
eCamp Israel is officially supported by the President of Israel, Israel Ministry of Tourism, Minister Advisor for Diaspora, Google Israel, Microsoft Israel, ICQ, MTV Israel and Mr. Shai Agassi (Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Project Better Place).
FutureTense, sponsored by AZM and PresenTense, is a regular round table bringing together Jewish innovators from different fields. The second FutureTense event, which occurred on March 2, focused on Arts & Letters, specifically the field of publishing, polemics, and the act of artistic and literary criticism. The three discussion leaders were: Eli Valley, a comic artist for Jewcy, the author of The Great Jewish Cities of Central Europe, and the editor of Contact; Rebecca Honig Friedman, senior writer for Jewess, blogger for Lilith Magazine, and a producer for The Jewish Channel; and Andrew Krucoff, web content developer at the 92nd Street Y, and previous contributor to Gawker Media and Gothamist.
FutureTense features leading Jewish pioneers in a moderated discussion to share best practices and build a better understanding of what is to come, and what can be done about it. The next panel will take place on April 6 and focus on Cultural Innovators.
A continuously updated events calendar is always available at www.azm.org/events.shtml.
If you would like to submit an event to be posted on this calendar, please email eletter@azm.org.
| FutureTense | |
|---|---|
| FutureTense is a regular round table bringing together Jewish innovators from different fields to talk about what's next – and what will disrupt the way things have 'been done.' FutureTense will feature leading Jewish pioneers in a moderated discussion to share best practices and build a better understanding of what is to come, and what can be done about it. Each month features a different theme and panel of speakers. | |
| Organizer: | AZM and PresenTense Magazine |
| Where: | JNF House |
| When: | April 6 (Cultural Innovators); May 4 (Israel Activism) |
| Contact: | For more information or to submit contact information of one or two candidates to join this series, please contact Daniel Cipriani at dcipriani@azm.org. |
| Israel Liberation Week at Hofstra | |
|---|---|
| Full week of information tables, film presentations, musical performances, art exhibits, inspirational speakers, discussion groups and special events focused on the historic justice of the Zionist dream. | |
| Organizer: | Zionist Freedom Alliance (Magshimey Herut North America) |
| Where: | Hofstra University |
| When: | April 7-10 |
| Contact: | For more information, contact Yehuda HaKohen at Yehuda@zfa.org.il or 646-675-3413. |
| The Art of Wine Tasting | |
|---|---|
| Join Bnai Zion for an afternoon of wine tasting. | |
| Organizer: | Bnai Zion |
| Where: | Bnai Zion Ballroom |
| When: | Sunday, April 6, 2008 |
| Contact: | For more information and reservations, please contact Margie Price at: 212-725-1211 x226 or margie.price@bnaizion.org |
| Israel@60 Music and Arts Festival | |
|---|---|
| Israel's 60th Birthday Festival will include Israeli Performers, Klezmer, Israeli Jazz band and Israeli Rock Band, Activities for young and old. | |
| Organizer: | ARZA |
| Where: | Temple Shaaray Tefila (89 Baldwind Rd., Bedford Corners, NY) |
| When: | Sunday, April 13, 1-5 p.m. |
| Contact: | Free admission. For more information, please call Temple Shaaray Tefila at 914-666-3133. |
| New York Celebrates Israel@60 | |
|---|---|
| 8 p.m.: Memorial Service – Featuring the IDF Musical Ensemble and Ambassadors Dan Gillerman and Asaf Shariv. 8:30 p.m.: Concert – Featuring Rami Kleinstein, David Broza, Idan Reichel, Matisyahu, Habanot Nechama, Paul Shaffer and John Zorn’s Masada. All-Night Dance After-Party: Featuring Israeli and American music with DJ Van Jee | |
| Organizer: | New York Jewish Community |
| Where: | Radio City Music Hall / Tavern on the Green |
| When: | Wednesday, May 7 at 8 p.m. |
| Contact: | For more information and to purchase tickets, click here. |
| ARZA National Assembly | |
|---|---|
| Held every two years, the ARZA National Assembly is the premier gathering of ARZA members, leadership and Reform Jews who care about Israel. The Assembly serves as an opportunity for deliberations regarding the future of ARZA and Reform Zionism, learning and training, and decision-making in the General Board meeting. First-rate speakers, international leaders from the Movement and beyond, and cutting edge scholars will be featured. | |
| Where: | Baltimore |
| When: | May 11-14, 2008 |
| Contact: | For more information call 212-650-4280 |
| Brunch with Hagit Ofran | |
|---|---|
| Brunch with Hagit Ofran, director of Settlement Watch for Shalom Achshav. | |
| Organizer: | Ameinu |
| Where: | Metro Washington DC |
| When: | Sunday, April 13, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. |
| Contact: | For directions, contact: Judy Gelman at 202-841-5055 or Haya Laufer at 301-335-7331. |
| Event with Yechiel Leiter | |
|---|---|
| "The Forgotten People of Gush Katif and the Withdrawal that Led to the Attacks on Sderot" | |
| Organizer: | American Friends of Likud |
| Where: | Nessah Synagogue in Beverly Hills |
| When: | Thursday, April 3 at 7:30 p.m. |
| Contact: | Please RSVP to NIYP@nessah.org |
| Zionism and Jewish Creativity | |
|---|---|
| Salon with Micha Goodman, philosopher from Hebrew University and founding director of the Israeli Academy for Leadership. | |
| Organizer: | AZM-Or L'Dor Chicago, USD-Hagshama & PresenTense Magazine |
| Where: | Caribou Coffee, Lakeview |
| When: | Tuesday, April 8 at 8 p.m. |
| Contact: | For more information, contact Deborah Fishman at dfishman@azm.org |
| Young Professional's Lunch and Advocacy Workshop with Gil Troy | |
|---|---|
| Gil Troy, a dynamic professor at McGill University and author of "Why I Am A Zionist," will lead an interactive seminar on "Israel at 60, Myths and Facts: Advocating for Israel and its Accomplishments." | |
| Organizer: | AZM-Or L'Dor Chicago & The Anti-Defamation League |
| Where: | Chicago (TBD) |
| When: | Monday, May 5 at 12:30 p.m. |
| Contact: | For more information, contact Deborah Fishman at dfishman@azm.org |
| Yom Ha'Atzmaut Reception | |
|---|---|
| Presentation of Scroll of Honor to Consul General Binah. With guest speaker Gil Troy and musical program. | |
| Organizer: | AZM-Chicago |
| Where: | Adas Yehuda v'Shoshana (2548 Jasper Court, Northbrook) |
| When: | Monday, May 5 at 7:45 p.m. |
| Contact: | For more information, call: 847-677-5949 or email: azmchicago@azm.org |
| "Tribute to Israel’s 60th Anniversary" Luncheon | |
|---|---|
| Sponsored by the Cleveland Council in honor of Florence and Richard Dobrin for their commitment to Israel. Featuring Cantor Rebecca Carmi with the "Music of Israel" and "Florence and Richard Dobrin: The True Story." | |
| Organizer: | NA'AMAT USA |
| Where: | Jewish Federation, Cleveland, OH |
| When: | Sunday, April 6 |
| Contact: | Tickets are $60 each or $180 and up for one ticket and a Day Care Center Scholarship. For reservations, contact the NA'AMAT office at 216-321-2002 |
| Detroit: Tzedek Award Luncheon | |
|---|---|
| Sponsored by the Cleveland Council in honor of Florence and Richard Dobrin for their commitment to Israel. Featuring Cantor Rebecca Carmi with the "Music of Israel" and "Florence and Richard Dobrin: The True Story." | |
| Organizer: | Ameinu |
| Where: | Congregation Beth Shalom, Oak Park, MI |
| When: | Sunday, April 6 at 12:30 p.m. |
| Contact: | Dairy lunch; $75 per person. For more information, call 248-967-3170. |
| JNF Israel at 60 Trip | |
|---|---|
| Trip includes emotional ceremonies marking Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’Atzmaut, briefings by top Israeli newsmakers and opinion leaders, visits to new JNF communities in the Negev, meetings with some of the newest Negev pioneers and visionaries, tours of Ammunition Hill, Independence Hall and the Ayalon Institute, and 5-star hotel accommodations | |
| Organizer: | JNF |
| Where: | Israel |
| When: | May 5-13 |
| Contact: | To register, visit www.jnf.org/travel or call 877-JNF-TOUR. |
| Bnai Zion Mission to Israel | |
|---|---|
| 100th Anniversary Mission to Israel | |
| Organizer: | Bnai Zion |
| Where: | Israel |
| When: | June 23 - July 3, 2008 |
| Contact: | For more information, contact Lisa Paule at: 212-725-1211 x234 or lisapaule@bnaizion.org. |