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AJC's national New Generation Program, aims to inspire and substantively involve individuals in their 20s and 30s in the work of AJC.
A ccess to the leaders in Los Angeles, nationally, and internationally
C ommunity service opportunities
C onnection with like-minded, outstanding Jewish young people
E xploration of Jewish identity
S tudy of forward-looking local, national and international political issues
S haring in the work of AJC through its chapter departments:
International Relations, Legislative Affairs, Interreligious Affairs, and Urban Affairs
Join Our Upcoming Programs! Travel Abroad!
Meet Diplomats and Community Leaders!
Sign up for email updates - accessla@ajc.org or 310-282-8080
for more information
Previous Programs
- National community service trip to help rebuild New Orleans
- Private reception at the home of the German Consul General
- Missions to Buenos Aires, Argentina and Germany
- ACCESS sponsored events with writer and activist Ayaan Hirsi Ali, IDF Captain & Hollywood Screenwriter Dan Gordon, and many others
- A private 'Conversation with Local Diplomats' event
Mission
ACCESS programs will provide:
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a forum to discuss National and international political issues
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Hands-on community service initiatives
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Exciting educational / diplomatic travel missions abroad
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Interactions to meet like-minded, outstanding Jewish young people
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Opportunities to explore Jewish identity
There is no charge to join the ACCESS email invitation list or to participate in ACCESS and AJC offerings unless specifically noted for each event. ACCESS's goal is that participants will choose to become members of the American Jewish Committee ($100) or join the Los Angeles Chapter President's Council ($1000). There is no time commitment or requirement and your participation may be flexible as we understand your busy professional and social demands.
Adam Weiss
Chair of AJC ACCESS Program
ACCESS LA History
ACCESS was launched in June of 2005 with exclusive programs that included: a kick-off event with AJC's President Sherry Weinman and Western Regional Director Rabbi Gary Greenebaum; an ACCESS national community service trip to help rebuild New Orleans, a private reception following a presentation by Ambassador Dennis Ross, an exclusive Diplomatic Reception with Deputy Consuls General; a special ACCESS program at the AJC National Centennial Celebration (at the Annual Meeting) and International Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.(speakers included President George W. Bush, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan), and an ACCESS Mission to Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Some of the chapter offerings to ACCESS included a training seminar on how to engage in diplomatic outreach, participation in organizing the “Promoting Tolerance" visit of leaders from central and eastern Europe, and the “Consular Corps Tour of Jewish Los Angeles" programs, a dinner honoring Amy Pascal, President of Sony Pictures Entertainment, the "Comedy with a Cause" event at the Improv, International Relations Breakfast and Lunch Forums; participation in the “Engaging America" inter-group / inter-ethnic / inter-religious training initiative; tours of the new Mormon Church as well as the beautiful Greek Orthodox Church, private diplomatic meetings with local Consuls General (International Diplomats) and much more.
Past AJC ACCESS Programs
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'ACCESS in the Media'
Informs Young Leaders
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Held at the lovely Beverly Hills home of Judi and Roy Kaufman, 'ACCESS in the Media' was an opportunity to ask the burning questions about the media from journalists and editors representing radio, newspaper, and blogs. Our expert panel included LA Times columnist Joel Stein, LAObserved and Truthdigg blogger Bill Boyarsky, Editor of the Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles Rob Eshman, Senior Producer of 'Airtalk with Larry Mantle' on KPCC's 89.3FM Linda Othenin-Girard, and GMMB PR Partner Steve Caplan.
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AJC Executive Director David Harris Updates ACCESS
David Harris gave an update to an overflow crowd of young professionals and AJC members at an event sponsored by ACCESS LA and organized by the fabulous Kathy Cucher, Assistant Director of Resource Development. ACCESS Chair Adam Weiss opened the program, extolling Harris's work for the AJC and spoke about his recent trip with AJC ACCESS to Ethiopia.
Harris was introduced by hosts Paula and Bruce Bennett, whose beautiful home was the backdrop for a perfect night. Harris spoke about the presidential campaign and the American Jewish community. He spoke about the tenuous situation Israel faces everyday with countries, organizations, and individuals questioning its very existence. He spoke about the important role AJC plays everyday to advocate on behalf of Israel and the Jewish people while also supporting ideals of human rights, freedom, and democracy for all peoples. And he talked about our dangerous addiction to foreign oil that is damaging to our economy and ability to conduct foreign policy.
AJC Executive Director David Harris Impressed by ACCESS Los Angeles
David Harris spoke to an overflow crowd in Los Angeles of young professionals and AJC members at an event sponsored by the ACCESS Los Angeles program. He was impressed by the commitment, intelligence, and vibrancy of the ACCESS Los Angeles participants. Harris spoke about the tenuous situation Israel faces everyday with countries, organizations, and individuals questioning its very existence. He spoke about the important role AJC plays everyday to advocate on behalf of Israel and the Jewish people while also supporting ideals of human rights, freedom, and democracy for all peoples. The event was hosted at the beautiful new home of Paula and Bruce Bennett and was attended by close to 100 people.
ACCESS Program with Ayaan Hirsi Ali
A packed crowd of over 200 people listened intently to the fascinating story of writer and critic of radical Islam Ayaan Hirsi Ali at a special program organized by AJC's ACCESS program for young professionals. Daniel Inlender, Chair of the ACCESS program thanked the generous sponsors of the event, including Marcia Burnam, Debbie and Naty Saidoff, and Holly and Ron Toplitzky. Helen Springut introduced Hirsi Ali by describing how she was mesmerized by her story when she received the Moral Courage Award at AJC's Centennial Meeting. Hirsi Ali is a Somali born feminist and former Dutch Parliamentarian who burst onto international headlines following an Islamist's murder of her colleague, Theo van Gogh, with whom she made the movie "Submission", which criticized Islam's treatment of women. Hirsi Ali answered a series of questions posed by moderator Rabbi Gary Greenebaum, AJC's National Director of Interreligious Affairs, concerning her life story, which she writes about in her new book "Infidel". She also spoke about her lifelong fight for women's equality and religious reform in Islam. The audience asked about her struggle to confront radical Islam and her reason for moving to the United States. She explained that the U.S. was the battleground to fight radical Islam and its treatment of women because of its democratic institutions and its international influence and she moved here to start a discussion on this issue. After the program, Hirsi Ali signed copies of her book at a reception held at the stunning new CAA headquarters in Century City.
ACCESS Program with Dan Gordon
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| Host Paul Soroudi with Chapter President Sherry Weinman. |
On January 28th, Hollywood 'A List' screenwriter Dan Gordon told a group of over 40 members of AJC's ACCESS program about his journey to become an Israeli Defense Force Captain and Spokesman. The program was hosted at the wonderful home of ACCESS member Paul Soroudi, who traveled to Berlin with the ACCESS Mission in November. Dan told the story of his experiences as a Captain in the Israel Defense Forces Spokesperson Unit during the recent war between Israel and Hezbullah in the Summer of 2006. His first hand account of the war was the story not heard in the media - the calculated planning of Hezbullah to attack Israel, evidence gathered of Iran's munitions and financial support of Hezbullah, and the great lengths the Israelis went to minimize civilian casualties. Gordon described the personal triumphs of many Israelis who spent months in bomb shelters and the heroism of ordinary citizens to ensure some semblance of a normal life during the war.
ACCESS Mission to Berlin
ACCESS, AJC’s Young Professional’s Leadership Development Program, just returned from a one week trip to Berlin, Germany. Twenty five participants, including 12 from Los Angeles, engaged in a week of intensive learning, bridge building and exploration. The mission met with top level U.S. and Israeli Diplomats, including Shimon Stein, Israel’s Ambassador to Germany. Discussions were also had with various members of the Bundestag and also with attaches at the German Foreign Ministry’s Training Academy. The group explored the complex politics of German-Jewish relations today and also had a chance to learn about AJC’s important efforts to promote tolerance, multiculturalism and dialogue in Germany. Of course the trip would not have been complete without the opportunity to tour the richness of post-modern Berlin. The mission, the first international trip for ACCESS Los Angeles, provided a framework for independent exploration and experiences in a country that seeks reconciliation and a bright future. Funding for the mission was made possible by AJC and the Transatlantic Program of the Federal Republic of Germany through the Ministry of Economics.
Click here to read the Participant's Journal
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Los Angeles Participants: Leeor Alpern, Jonathan Brier, Daniel Inlender, Matt Louchheim, Paul Soroudi, Jennifer Rosner, Helen Springut, Jordan Toplitzky, David Weiner, Adam Weiss, Marjaneh Yafeh and Steve Addison, Director of International Relations and ACCESS Programs
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AJC ACCESS members with program Director Steve Addison at the German Parliament on the ACCESS Trip to Germany
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Breakfast Forum with Ilka Schroeder, former European Union Parliament Representative of Germany
At the Four Seasons Hotel, guests at this International Relations Breakfast Forum were treated to a program with Ilka Schroeder, former EU Parliament Representative of Germany to discuss the topic "Between hypocritical solidarity and open anti-Zionism...How Germany and the EU work against Israel". The program also featured a special presentation by the recent young adult ACCESS mission to Berlin in October/November. Matt Louchheim and Adam Weiss talked about their impressions of Germany and the impact of Germany's approach to Anti-Semitism and their post-Holocaust, post-Communist past. Schroeder focused on her assessment that Europe has supported Israel in certain ways - such as through strong bilateral positive trade relations. On the other hand, she observed that most of their actions with regard to multilateral entities, and their blank check approach to funding of the Palestinian Authority, have in effect aided the terrorist anti-Israel cause.
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| ACCESS members Adam Weiss (left) and Matt Louchheim (right) discuss their recent trip to Germany. |
Speaker Ilka Schroeder talks about the European Union and its relations with Israel. |
AJC ACCESS Holds Summer Event at Consul General of Germany's Private Residence
An extraordinary group of 70 impressive, sharp, intellectually curious young professional leaders came together for a lovely afternoon of wine, strawberries, hors d'oeuvres, and interesting conversation. The private reception was held at Consul General Christian Stocks' beautiful home in Hancock Park on Sunday August 13 with special guest Deidre Berger, Managing Director of AJC's Berlin Office. Consul General Stocks spoke about the close relationship between Germany and Israel and the importance of that relationship. Berger spoke about the AJC's long relationship with the German government and the work of the AJC in Germany and in Europe. Many new faces were seen at this event as ACCESS continues to build networks and involve more young professionals.
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Event Co-Chair Jordan Toplitzky, AJC Berlin Director Diedre Berger, Event Co-Chair Yoni Shoshani, Consul General Christian Stocks, ACCESS Chair Daniel Inlender
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'A Conversation with Diplomats' Event
In April 2006, ACCESS hosted their first program at the home of Barry and Nancy Sanders. Deputy Consuls General of France, Turkey, China and South Africa spoke to over 40 participants about their experiences in the Consular Corps and answered questions.
Contact AJC at accessla@ajc.org or 310-282-8080 to be placed on our ACCESS invitation list
for upcoming programs or to serve on the ACCESS Steering Committee
which helps to plan upcoming ACCESS events.
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