Wednesday, February 1, 2012: Immigration: Security and Economic Realities. Balancing security needs with immigrant rights - what does this mean for our community? The panel of speakers included Scott Stringer, Manhattan Borough President; Muzaffar Chishti, Director, Migration Policy Institute; Alphonso David, Deputy Secretary for Civil Rights, State of New York; and Ravi Ragbir, who shared his personal deportation story. Attendees learned about how security measures are affecting immigration reform and the toll they take on immigrants' lives. 

Monday, February 6, 2012: Energy Program - Digging Deeper: The Fracking Debate. A panel of speakers including Tom Hassenboehler, VP for Policy and Legislative Affairs, ANGA; Deborah Goldberg, Managing Attorney at Earthjustice; Mark Brownstein, Chief Counsel at Environmental Defense Fund, presented all sides of the complex issues of hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) and energy independence. AJC believes that domestic resources, including closely regulated fracking, can be utilized to help the U.S. reduce its dependence on foreign oil from countries that do not share our democratic values.

Thursday, February 9, 2012: Dr. Amy-Jill Levine, one of the country's premier experts on Jewish-Christian relations, spoke about her new book, "The Jewish Annotated New Testament: It's Good for Jews, and Christians." This event was co-sponsored by AJC NY and held at the 92nd Street Y.  

Thursday, December 15, 2011: Israel's History & Narrative: Making the Case.
Iranian protestors storm the British embassy...elections in Egypt....these and other rapidly changing events throughout the Middle East will have an impact on Israel.  In view of all that is happening in the world, how do we tell Israel's story and advocate on her behalf? Click here to read comments by Rebecca Neuwirth, Director of AJC's award winning ACCESS Program for young leaders.

September 14, 2011:  Beyond Borders: Global Solutions for Energy Independence
The third in our energy series focused on policies to secure energy independence around the world. Diplomatic representatives from Denmark  presented their national policy to be fossil fuel free by 2050. Diplomatic representatives and policy experts from France, Germany, Israel and an expert on Middle East Energy Policy discussed cutting edge, and sometimes controversial, initiatives their countries and region are undertaking.

September 10, 2011: Interfaith Service of Hope and Healing Commemorating the 10th Anniversary of 9/11

In partnership with Park East Synagogue
Speakers Included:
Rabbi Arthur Schneier, Chief Rabbi, Park East Synagogue
Anne Schaffer, Director, AJC Center for American Pluraism
Rev. Father Mark Arey, Ecumenical Officer, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese
Rev. Dr. Katharine Rhodes Henderson, President, Auburn Theological Seminary
Imam Tahir Kukaj, Albanian Islamic Center

 July 27, 2011: Meeting with Philipp Mißfelder

AJC staff members and lay leaders met with Chancellor Merkel's spokesperson on foreign policy matters and German parliament member Philipp Mißfelder to discuss German relations with the European Union, United States, and Israel, and mutual support for Israeli-Palestinian bilateral negotiations.

June 28, 2011: Meeting with Congressman Nadler

AJC NY Board, AJC NY Director Michael Schmidt, Board Members Jo Fine, Sybil Maimin, Ellen Levy, Judith O’Neill and Jules Silbert, together with Goldman Fellow Jeremy Ruch, Kimmel Fellow Rebecca Berg, met with Congressman Jerrold Nadler to update him on AJC NY’s work and discuss areas of possible collaboration and issues of mutual concern. 

June 22, 2011: Consul General Ido Aharoni Addresses AJC NY Annual Meeting

We welcomed 90+ AJC NY members at our Annual Meeting. Israeli Consul General Ido Aharoni spoke powerfully on the importance of positively branding Israel by highlighting its strengths and achievements rather than solely focusing on the strife in the Middle East. AJC NY used this forum to announce that in the Fall it will be launching an education as advocacy program focusing on Israel’s past, present and future. At the meeting, AJC NY Director Michael Schmidt, highlighted our programs over the past year that advanced AJC’s priorities by advocating for energy security, supporting a peaceful Israel, isolating Iran, and working for immigration reform.

June 21, 2011: NY State Interfaith Network for Immigration Reform

AJC NY hosted a New York State Interfaith Network for Immigration Reform Steering Committee meeting to discuss new advocacy priorities for summer and Fall, including a summer advocacy campaign urging President Obama, “with the stroke of  his pen," to halt unjust deportations of immigrants that tear apart both families and communities. Learn more about the Pen Campaign and sign the petition by clicking here.

May 16, 2011: Securing Our Nation: Recharging America's Energy Policy

AJC NY hosted a panel discussion on securing our nation through energy policy and legislation. This 2nd of a 3-part energy seminar series featured Federal and local legislators, including Congressman Eliot Engel (NY-D), and NYC Taxi and Limousine Deputy Commissioner Ashwini Chhabra, who discussed current energy legislation on a city and federal level and the opportunities and challenges to moving toward energy independence through totally renewable energy technologies. The event was chaired by NYU Professor and expert in global energy policy and economics, Christopher Gadomski, who is also a Lead Nuclear Analyst at Bloomberg Financial. Click HERE for more photos from the event.

(L-R) NYC TLC Deputy Commissioner Ashwini Chhabra, Professor Chris Gadomski and Rep. Eliot Engel speak on energy policy

May 9, 2011: Yom Ha'Zikaron/Yom Ha'Atzmaut Celebration!

AJC NY joined110 partnering Jewish organizations and Dor Chadash at BB King Blues Club and Grill to honor the memory of Israel’s fallen and victims of terror in a moving and meaningful ceremony marking Israelis Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day).  We then transitioned into a festive celebration for Israel’s 63 Yom Ha’atzmaut (Independence Day) with performances by Blue Nitrous and DJ music by Moshe Bonen/Maydalleh,  This was the largest single event celebrating Israel outside of Israel.

May 5, 2011: "The Redistricting Puzzle- The Shifting Sands of Population and the Electorate: Changes in New York" 

This seminar, co-sponsored by AJC NY, the Center for Urban Research, Graduate Center, CUNY and JCRC NY, explored the concrete effects the recent 2010 census will have on NY residents. A panel of leading demographic experts analyzed the geographic, racial and ethnic changes within the general and voting population and political implications of these shifts. 

April 13, 2011: The Shifting Sands of Redistricting Law: Unanswered Questions
AJC NY, JCRC and others partnered to present a seminar to explore "To what extent should race and ethnicity be considered when developing a redistricting plan?" Some of the leading academics, advocates and decision makers will discussed the current state of the law and the role of the Voting Rights Act in the 2010 redistricting cycle.

April 5, 2011:  Taking Action on Energy Independence
AJC NY hosted, along with ACCESS NY, the first in a three part series focusing on  energy efficiency, security and independence. Jennifer Pomerantz, CEO of Cleopatra Resources, a private energy development company gave a broad overview of the current energy market and how recent global events are shaping that reality.  Mike Granoff, Head of Oil Independence Policies at BetterPlace, spoke about the potentially global game changing technology of electric cars and how innovative technology and economic models being piloted by Betterplace are helping make freedom from oil dependence a reality around the world.  NYC TLC Commissioner David Yassky spoke about the City’s plans to take its taxi and limousine fleets green and touched upon the recent US Supreme Court decision preventing NYC from implementing higher standards of fuel efficiency in its fleet. The evening was moderated by Andrew Peskoe who is also a Board Member at Israel Cleantech Ventures. Click here to see photos from the event.

(L-R) German Consul for Political and Social Affairs, Elmar Jakobs, AJC NY Board member Ellie Cohanim and AJC ACCESS member at April 5th's energy panel discussion

April 5, 2011: Diplomatic Tour- "Understanding the NY Jewish Community: Different Journeys, Shared Values
AJC NY hosted the 20th Diplomatic Tour of NY called "Understanding the NY Jewish Community: Different Journeys, Shared Values". The tour brought together dozens of high ranking diplomats based in NY from consulates and the United Nations for a day of learning and engagement about Jewish Diaspora experience and its role in forming the vibrant and diverse NY Jewish community of today. David Harris, AJC Executive Director,  and Professor Ray Scheindlin of JTS, addressed the group at a luncheon held at AJC before the Tour. Diplomats then visited Shearith Israel, The Spanish Portuguese Synagogue, Central Synagogue and The Edmond J. Safra Synagogue to learn about the diverse background of Jewish immigrants as well as the ties that unite these varied communities. Dr. Jonathan Krasner of HUC provided closing remarks to contextualize the day's experience.

For more photos from the tour click here.

 

Diplomats and AJC NY leaders visit Central Synagogue during the tour

March 17, 2011:  Israel Then and Now: An Intergenerational Conversation 
Much has been written in recent years about the extent of American Jews distancing themselves from Israel. Is this reality? If so, what can be done to address this phenomenon? What role do organizations like AJC play? Where do you, you, your children or grandchildren stand? Jewish Week editor/publisher Gary Rosenblatt let this interactive and thought provoking discussion with panelists Professor Ken Stein, Professor Susannah Heschel and Rabbi Melissa Weintraub.

AJC Executive Director David Harris and attendees explore perceptions of Israel from an intergenerational perspective

March 3, 2011:  Latino-Jewish Leadership Workshop
Thanks to the generous support of the Ford Foundation and the Feldman Family Foundation, AJC NY, as part of a national Building Bridges initiative, had the opportunity to expand our intergroup work between the Jewish and Latino Communities. Partnering with AJC Westchester and Long Island, AJC NY hosted a Latino-Jewish intergroup workshop on March 3. Over the course of a full day, key Latino and AJC Jewish leaders learned about their respective histories, significant milestones and core concerns. Most significantly, they will began to explore areas of common ground in the public policy arena and begin to develop a working for joint advocacy work  in the near future.

Please click here for more pictures from the well received Latino Jewish leadership workshop.

Bridging America workshop participants

March 6, 2011:  Brunch with AJC Berlin Director Deidre Berger
On Sunday, March 6th, NYRO Board Member Suzi Jaffe hosted an intimate brunch with AJC Berlin Director Deidre Berger who gave a private briefing on the state of the Jewish community in Germany and German-Israeli relations. 
 

March 1,  2011: Upheaval in the Middle East
AJC NY hosted nearly 40 board members for an informative and stimulating program on the “Upheaval in the Middle-East and implications for Israel” led by AJC's Ambassador Aaron Jacob and facilitated by AJC NY Board member Marion Stoltz-Loike. At the program board members identified a number of priority areas for action in combating the delegitimization of the State of Israel which will be used to develop a comprehensive action plan going forward

February 16,  2011: Israel and National Security Policy
AJC NY, Westchester and Long Island hosted an event with over 55 attendees on Israeli national security. Chuck Freilich, PhD, Senior Fellow at Harvard and former Israeli Deputy National Security Advisor for Foreign Affairs, shared some insights on the changing geo-political landscape and what this means for Israel.

Former Israeli Deputy National Security Advisor for Foreign Affairs, Chuck Freilich, addresses a full house at AJC. Photo by Scott Richman

February 17, 2011: Immigration, Should We Care?
Few other issues in the most recent election cycle have generated such a storm of controversy, become such a flashpoint for vitriolic rhetoric in the public discourse and engendered such passion and confusion as the debate over immigration reform. On February 17th, AJC NYhosted a panel discussion to explore what all the controversy is about. What does immigration reform really mean in actual terms, how does the outcome of this debate affect each of us in real and concrete ways and why on earth is this a Jewish issue?

Dec 7, 2010: Interfaith Vigil for the DREAM Act in Support of Immigrant Youth:
The DREAM Act would provide an eventual path to citizenship for young people brought to the US as children without proper documentation and who have become high achievers and wish to obtain a degree in higher learning or enlist in the military. On Tuesday Dec 7th, with a vote on DREAM imminent the next day in the House, AJC NY took part in an an interfaith vigil with faith leaders and many courageous young DREAM students many of whom spoke out for the first time, sharing their stories and dreams to give back to the only country many of them have ever known. The vigil was part of a series of nationally coordinated actions and marked New York City community members' moral obligation and commitment to create opportunities both for young people and for the future of our country. To see more pictures from this moving event click here.

A young DREAM student lights Hanukah candles with Rabbi Michael Feinberg as part of an interfaith candlelight vigil in support of immigrant youth at St. Theresa's Church in lower Manhattan.

Nov 30, 2010: BUYcott for Israel: AJC NY joined with other pro-Israel groups across the country on Tuesday, November 30th to support "Buy Israeli Goods" Day. Ricky's, a family run costume and beauty supply chain in NYC, has come under particularly strong pressure from anti-Israel boycotters to drop their line of Ahava beauty products and so our action was focused at a Ricky's location in Union Square (conveninetly located next to Whole Foods and Trader Joe's who also sell products from Israel).  AJC Executive Director, AJC NY and National led the delegation to BUYCott at Ricky's.

AJC NY and AJC National supporters, including AJC Executive Director David Harris, show off their Israeli product purchases outside Ricky's.

 Nov 30, 2010:  3 Diplomats on Integration in Europe:  As approx. 15 to 20 million Muslims reside permanently in Western Europe, questions of immigration and integration figure high on domestic EU agendas. Should the newcomers (and those who have lived in Europe for generations) integrate and retain their distinctive culture or assimilate into their host culture? AJC NY an ACCESS hosted a a small round table discussion with diplomats from Germany, France and the UK on challenges, opportunities and models of integration. 

Art and Anti-Semitism? Austrian-Jewish Relations Today- ACCESS NY and AJC NY hosted this event on Nov 18,2010,  featuring Austrian Deputy Consul General Ulrich Frank and Sharon Cohen Levin, the lead lawyer in the Portrait of Wally case. They discussed the history and recent settlement of one of the most critical Holocaust art restitution cases involving the compelling case of the artist Egon Schiele’s celebrated painting “Portrait of Wally” (1912) that was seized by the Nazis from an Austrian-Jewish family in 1939. The painting surfaced in an Austrian museum after the war and was immediately snapped up by a famous Austrian art collector. To recover "Wally," the heirs of the painting's original owners, along with the US Justice department, pursued a 13-year long legal battle that was settled just a few months ago.

The discussion highlighted the complexity of Austrian-Jewish relations since the Holocaust and offered participants an opportunity to speak candidly with a leading Austrian diplomat as well the the lead lawyer in the "Wally" case about anti-Semitism, right-wing extremism and the future of Austrian Jewish Relations today.

The New Jewish Europe: AJC NY and ACCESS NY presented a special briefing on the 2010 Survey of New Jewish Initiatives in Europe on Nov 17, 2010.  Over the past fifteen years, a revival of Jewish life has spread across Europe, one that is rooted in its 2,000-year heritage, reflects the diversity of contemporary Jewish thought and experience, and reflects the hope for a promising future. Quietly, and in small pockets across the continent, Jewish social entrepreneurs have been experimenting with new forms of communities and organizations designed to engage a new generation of Jews, their partners and friends in meaningful Jewish experiences.

Leading the presentation was Shawn Landres, CEO of Jumpstart, an incubator, catalyst, and think tank for sustainable Jewish innovation.  Jumpstart conducted this detailed study of Jewish initiatives in Europe.  The survey's results show that Europe is home to some of the most innovative new Jewish initiatives in the world today - including new entry points to Jewish life, and new ways of building a 21st century Judaism outside institutional walls and beyond movement affiliation.  

ACCESS NY's Making Waves Gala - On November 8, 2010 and following on last year's exciting event, this year's featured speaker was  the Chairman of the Munich Security Conference, the preeminent annual gathering of heads of state and leading thinkers on global security. Gala guests included hundreds of ACCESS members as well as members of the NY diplomatic community and ethnic and religious partner groups.  Visit www.accessgala.com for pictures and reporting coming soon!

November 8-10: Mission to Puerto Rico, in partnership with AJC’s Latino and Latin American Institute, the Hispanic Federation, the Jewish Community Center of Puerto Rico, and the National Puerto Rican Coalition a delegation that included 20 influential Puerto Rican leaders from the New York and Chicago area and 20 AJC Jewish Regional leaders from these these cities participated in a mission to Puerto Rico. The mission deepened awareness and appreciation of both communities’ shared transnational histories and cultures and forged bonds and committments to work together on a host of issues of common concern in the future. The mission  included meetings with members of the Puerto Rican government, cabinet ministers and other officials, Puerto Rican Jewish leaders; visits to innovative educational and social welfare projects; personal encounters with interfaith experts and tours of sites of historical and religious importance to Jews and Puerto Ricans.

Muslim-Jewish Relations: New Initiatives in Interfaith Relations with Islam,  was the topic of a passionate talk by Chief Rabbi David Rosen KCSG, Director AJC Interreligious Affairs on Nov 1, 2010. Rabbi Rosen spoke to a packed house of nearly 100 people and answered questions from an energized audience for over an hour after his discussion.  Rosen spoke on a range of topics from ways American Jews can engage the Muslim community here in the U.S., the role religion can play in the RESOLUTION of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and why moderate Muslim voices don't get heard in the West. Rosen is a world leader and advocate for respectful coexistence between religious communities throughout the world and particularly in Israel and the Middle East.  Rabbi Rosen is also the former Chief Rabbi of Ireland, founder of Rabbi for Human Rights, special advisor to the Chief Rabbinate of Israel and most recently was the only Jewish representative invited to address this year's Synod of Bishops at the Vatican which was dedicated to the situation of Christians in the Middle East. For photos from the event click here.

The South African Jewish Community: Wendy Kahn, Executive Director of South African Jewish Board of Directors (SAJBD)- SAJBD is the umbrella organization of South Africa's Jewish community. It is a close partner of AJC, through its Africa Institute, in developing common approaches to engaging the government of South Africa on Middle East policy and engaging through inter-faith and other outreach with local Muslim communities. In November, 2010, Ms. Kahn spoke on the relationship between the governement of South Africa and Israel as well as the Jewish community's role in the political and cultural life of the country. She also discussed challenges the community has faced in combatting anti-Semitism and anti-Israel attitudes in various forums.

Expert Addresses the "Challenges Israel Faces Today": AJC NY  hosted Ed Rettig, AJC Acting Director, Israel/Middle East Office of the AJC  in October. Dr. Rettig has served as an attorney in the Israel Ministry of Police and on the boards of IsrAID, the Israeli Coalition for International Assistance and human rights associations in Israel. He has published on freedom of speech, the laws of libel and issues of democracy, as well as on the American Jewish Community and its ties with Israel.  His work has been cited in Israel Supreme Court reports as well as in the Israeli, American-Jewish and general media.

Following a reception an engaging discussion guided by audience interest focused on a variety of topics including  the impact of US policy on the peace process,  media coverage and bias of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the political climate in Israel today.

Young Diplomat Walking Tour of the Lower East Side: In October, ACCESS NY, AJC's new generation program, hosted an educational walking tour of the Lower East Side. The event brought together young diplomats and their AJC NY young Jewish professional peers to learn about the history of this neighborhood and its place in the American Jewish experience. Diplomats from Germany, Austria, France, Uruguay, Canada and the Republic of Georgia took part. ACCESS seeks to inspire and empower young professionals to engage today's critical domestic and international issues.

The Future of the German Military : This event was a dinner hosted by ACCESS NY. It featured key German diplomatic and military representatives and discussion focused on Israel and the Middle East, Iran's nuclear quest and Germany's relationship to the military and trans-Atlantic relations. The visit waspart of an ongoing exchange, initiated 16 years ago, between AJC and the German military.

AJC NY Hosts Israeli Knesset Member  

In August AJC NY along with Westchester, NJ and Long Island Regions hosted the second youngest member of the Israeli Knesset, rising Kadima party leader, Yoel Hasson. Speaking to a packed house of over 110 people on August 2, 2010, MK  Yoel Hasson spoke on a wide variety of topics ranging from the flotilla aftermath, the Rotem Conversion Bill, policies regarding the settlements and the US-Israel relationship.

AJC Senior Leadership Delegation Visits Bulgaria , Cyprus and Greece In August Executive Director David Harris as well as an 8 member delegation of senior leadership concluded a series of high level visits with heads of state and key leadership in all three countries. Most notably Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov conferred the country's highest honor for foreigners, the Madara Rider State Order, on AJC Executive Director David Harris in a ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Sofia.

"I have always said that AJC and Bulgaria enjoy a warm and enduring friendship, which has its roots in the heroic wartime salvation of the Jewish population within its borders,” said Harris. “Today, the Bulgarian government is a partner, working with us to confront great challenges, including the delegitimization of Israel , the prospect of a nuclear Iran , and the need to maintain a safe and secure future for European Jewry.”

Click HERE and HERE for more information on this high level mission.

AJC NY Board Member Bill Siegel was among the key delegation members who took part and for whom the purpose for the mission was obvious - - "Israel in the aftermath of the breakdown of its strong ties with Turkey must enhance strategic relations with other countries in the region and the entire mission achieved what few other non-governmental organizations could. We had meetings with two presidents, two prime ministers, three foreign ministers and three defense ministers. The meetings in Bulgaria were particularly gratifying. It is a too little known fact that Bulgaria, although an Axis ally, rescued virtually all of its 48,000 Jews despite constant Nazi pressure to deport them to the camps."

 AJC NY Takes Its Immigration Advocacy to Washington!