AJC Board of Directors learn about the Baha'i faith & religious persecution in Iran
AJC's Board of Directors hosted members of the Los Angeles Baha'i community, including United States 9th Circuit Court of Appeals Senior Judge Dorothy Nelson, at the most recent meeting. Judge Nelson spoke about her path to becoming a Baha'i and her deep commitment to the religion. She spoke about how her appointment as a Judge allowed her the ability to advocate for Baha'i's around the world who face persecution in Egypt and Iran. She spoke of her deep gratitude to Israel for providing special protections to Baha'is and their two holy sites near Haifa. AJC also heard from Iraj Kamalabadi whose sister is one of seven Baha'is jailed in Iran based solely on her adherence to the Baha'i faith. AJC has condemned the arrest of leaders and the religious discrimination against Baha'is, and joins other faith leaders in advocating for their release.
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3rd Annual Sukkot Celebration a Huge Success - Over 1000 Jews, Latinos in Attendance
There was singing, dancing, and prayer at Sinai Temple in Los Angeles as more one thousand people from AJC, the Israeli community, and the Latino Pentecostal and Evangelical community joined together on October 8th to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Sukkot.
This year’s celebration, organized by AJC's Assistant Director of Interreligious Affairs Randy Brown, was the culmination of this year's 'Essence of Judaism' program. The event was filled with songs in English, Hebrew Spanish and Ladino (a combination of Spanish and Hebrew), participation by the Latino community in the Jewish rituals associated with Sukkot, and a presentation on the growing relationship between the Jewish and Latino communities. Read more about the event here.
Want to get involved with AJC's work?
Learn more here.
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Pictures from the 3rd Annual Sukkot Celebration
Check out the great stories on the event:
LA Times coverage
LA Daily News coverage
Losangelesblueprint.com coverage
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| AJC Los Angeles holds Annual Meeting
On April 22, AJC in Los Angeles held their 64th Annual Meeting. The keynote speaker was Dr. Christian Stocks Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany who emphasized his country’s special responsibility to never forget the crimes of the Holocaust and the continued need to advance German-Jewish relations in cooperation with organizations such as AJC. Dr. Stocks paid his profound respects to the Holocaust survivors and their families, and to the victims who perished and lauded the work of the AJC, a Jewish advocacy and diplomacy organization which seeks to achieve German-Jewish understanding and reconciliation.
Dr. Stocks' speech
More than 225 members Chapter Chairman, Sherry A. Weinman presented Dr. Stocks with the prestigious C.I. Neumann Lifetime Achievement Award that recognizes individuals in our community who possess strong character and demonstrate moral and ethical standards in the face of adversity.
Also honored was Marcia Burnam for her fifty years of leadership, dedication and friendship. Bruce M. Ramer, AJC’s Past National President, presented Ms. Burnam with an award of appreciation.
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Consul General Christian Stocks
© Consulate General Los Angeles
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| Marcia Burnam |
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| Unidos (United) for Israel
On Wednesday, January 14, 2009 American Jewish Committee and its Latino partners, Latin University of Theology, Zion Multimedia and Hispanic Ministerial Alliance hosted a prayer vigil for Israel at Llamada Final Ministries in Downey, California. Over 1,200 attendees watched a live security briefing in Spanish from Israel by renown scholar Moshe Shaier who provide a balanced understanding of the war in Gaza. In addition, Silvio Nunez from the Israeli Consulate delivered greetings to the impassioned audience who were led in song by Cantor Ron Li-Paz chanting, “Am Yisrael Chai”.
Shofar blowers support Israel
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2nd Annual African American/Jewish Passover Seder
AJC and The Center for Religious Inquiry of Wilshire Boulevard Temple hosted the second annual African American/Jewish Passover Seder on April 14. More than 200 people participated in the annual celebration from slavery and bondage led by Wilshire Boulevard Temple Rabbi Stephen Julius Stein, AJC Director of Interreligious Affairs, Randy Brown and Rev. Brenda Lamothe of Brookins AME. Cantor Arianne Brown and the Brookins AME Church choir added lively music.
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Participants reading the Haggadah during the African America/Jewish Passover Seder at Wilshire Blvd. Temple.
Cantor Arianne Brown and children reciting the four questions.
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Festival of Lights
On December 21, Vicki and Jerry Neuman graciously hosted AJC leaders as well as a diverse group of diplomats, elected officials and religious leaders in their home to celebrate Chanukah. Guests enjoyed the beautiful setting, shared AJC's achievements and recalled the themes of Chanukah; self-determination and religious freedom. Representatives of AJC's partners were called to light the Chanukiah. Gilad Shalit, who remains a hostage of Hamas in the Gaza Strip, was honored with the final candle.
Learn about Chanukah here and Gilad Shalit here
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l to r: Deputy Consul General of Israel Gil Artzyeli, Consul General of Germany Christian Stocks, Executive Committee member Ruth Block lights the chanukiah, Board member Gosia Szymanska and Consul General of Azerbaijan Elin Suleymanov
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l to r: French Consul General David Martinon, AJC LA President Fredrick Levin, UN Watch Director Hillel Neuer, AJC LA Director Seth Brysk, and former AJC National President Bruce Ramer
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AJC's UN Watch Briefs Diplomats and Leaders
On December 17, Hillel Neuer, Director of UN Watch, AJC's office in Geneva, briefed regional diplomats and members of AJC's President's Council concerning the UN Human Rights Council and the April 2009 gathering to review the Durban Conference on Racism of 2001. AJC is raising concerns that "Durban II" is poised to set back the cause of human rights and democracy by ignoring episodes of racism while stifling free speech and singling out Israel for condemnation. learn more here
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Japanese Consul General
Addresses AJC Board
On November 19 Consul General Junichi Ihara of Japan addressed AJC’s Board of Directors. Consul General Ihara, in a very informative presentation entitled “Greening the world – Japan’s contribution” spoke about Japan’s efforts to create greater energy independence and efficiency through developing alternative sources of energy. His presentation included an analysis of the innovations that are deemed to help reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide, while further decreasing dependence on foreign oil. The eye-opening presentation elucidated Japan’s commitment to improving the health of our planet while enhancing geo-political stability. Consul General Ihara’s presentation can be viewed here.
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Annual "Promoting Tolerance" Program Visits Los Angeles
Eleven rising leaders from Central and Eastern Europe arrived in the United States for an intensive nine day, six city tour, to learn from Americans and one another while addressing issues of discrimination and ethnic tension. They visited Los Angeles from November 16th to 18th as part of the 16th annual “Promoting Tolerance” program.
“Promoting Tolerance” is a joint project of AJC and the German Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty. For the past 16 years, program organizers identify emerging leaders in the new democracies of Europe and Eurasia and introduce them to initiatives aimed at fostering pluralism and respect for diversity in the United States. The program is designed to inspire similar efforts in the participants' respective countries.
Participants came from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Georgia, Moldova, Romania, Serbia and Uzbekistan. In Los Angeles, the program consisted of: conversation with Dean Schramm, Executive Producer of “Darfur Now” about Hollywood’s willingness to address difficult social issues of our time, tour of Homeboy Industries and meeting with its founder Fr. Gregory Boyle, panel discussion with Yvonne Mariajimenez of Neighborhood Legal Services of LA county and Consul Mariana Díaz of the Mexican Consulate General about the Latino community in Los Angeles, visit at the Gay and Lesbian Center and meeting with its Executive Director Lorri Jean, as well as meeting with Nancy Volpert, Director of Public Policy of Jewish Family Service.
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AJC's 2nd Annual Sukkot Celebration
On October 29, 2008, The American Jewish Committee hosted its 2nd Annual Sukkot Celebration with the Latino community. The seven hundred guests learned about the eight day pilgrimage festival of thanksgiving and how the Israelites dwelled in temporary booths. This unique celebration included food, Israeli dancing and a keynote address in Spanish from Israeli Deputy Consul General Gil Artzyeli. The event also marked the graduation of the forty Pentecostal Pastors from the initial cohort of Esencia de Judaismo. The second course of Esencia de Judaismo will begin on November 17, 2008.
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Deidre Berger addresses
L.A. Chapter Leaders
On October 20th 2008, Deidre Berger, Director of the Lawrence and Lee Ramer Center for German-Jewish Relations in Berlin met with leaders of AJC’s Los Angeles Chapter. More than 20 people in attendance, including German Consul General Dr. Christian Stocks and Mr. Larry Ramer, benefactor of AJC’s Berlin office, learned about German affairs in the wake of the unfolding economic crisis, German policies vis-à-vis Iran, and German-Israeli relations. Mrs. Berger responded to questions about Soviet Jewish immigrants in Germany and about Germany’s position on Russia's military campaign in Georgia.
AJC was the first American Jewish organization to establish a permanent presence in Germany. In 1998, AJC opened its Berlin headquarters with a goal to promote German-American Jewish understanding. The AJC Berlin office/Ramer Center emphasizes bilateral German-American partnerships, working with a variety of governmental and non-governmental agencies in pursuit of common goals in Europe. To learn more, please visit www.ajcgermany.org.
To see most recent press releases regarding German-Jewish relations, please click here and here.
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Deidre Berger Addresses AJC
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On October 13, 2008, Israel Affairs Co-Chair Honey Kessler Amado hosted Shachar Zahavi, Chairperson of IsrAid for a pre-Sukkot breakfast meeting in her family’s Sukkah. Zahavi educated the Israel Affairs Committee members about "The Israel Forum for International Humanitarian Aid" and its work to improve and expand international humanitarian assistance activities provided from Israel through cooperation between Israeli aid organizations. AJC looks forward to collaborating with IsraAid (www.israaid.org.il )and its important work which highlights the positive impact Israel has on humanity.
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Donniel Hartman visits AJC
On September 17, 2008, AJC kicked off its 4th Annual AJC/Hartman Institute Lay Leadership Institute. This annual program unites our most active and successful leaders for monthly interactive broadcasts directly from the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem. We study classic texts about Jewish tradition, history and values and modern implications of biblical narratives. The eight session series for 2008-9 is entitled “8 Dilemmas of Membership”.
Rabbi Dr. Donniel Hartman gave a compelling lecture to thirty AJC members on, “The Tribes of Israel”. Rabbi Hartman’s remarks focused on the “Haredi” community which constitutes 10% of the Israeli population. The group gained tremendous insight about the transformation in the Haredi community its and involvement in Israeli society.
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AJC says 'Adieu' to Consul General Philippe Larrieu of France
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Held at the lovely Hollywood Hills home of Madeline and Bruce Ramer, this farewell to the outgoing French Consul General Philippe Larrieu featured French food, wine, and heartful praise for his service to Los Angeles. Au Revoir Philippe!
Want to meet foreign diplomats? Get involved with AJC's International Relations - learn more by clicking here.
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AJC Latino and Latin American Institute Director Speaker to President's Council
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AJC's Director of the Latino and Latin American Institute Dina Siegel Vann spoke to the President's Council about the growing power and influence of Latin America, the Jewish community in Latin America, and the concern over the rise in Anti-Semitism and the influence of Iran in the region. The program was organized by Kathy Cucher, AJC's Assistant Development Director. To participate in future programs, please contact Karen Stone or call 310-282-8080 x339. |
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Hidden Children of Greece
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Alexandros Mallias, Ambassador of Greece to the US, Kitty Dukakis, Governor Michael Dukakis, AJC Pres. Sherry Weinman, and AJC Exec. Dir. Seth Brysk
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| The Greek Consulate General in Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Office of the American Jewish Committee organized the exhibition HIDDEN CHILDREN IN OCCUPIED GREECE, presenting the stories of 16 Jewish children form Greece, who escaped death during Greece's Nazi occupation with the help of their Christian compatriots. The Exhibition is co-sponsored by the Sephardic Temple Tifereth Israel and the American Friends of the Jewish Museum of Greece. Over 600 people attended the program and reception at the Opening Night reception. |
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Chanukah Party Brings the LA Community Together
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Hosts Barry Freeman and Robbin Itkin light candles
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| Diplomatic, political, religious and civic leaders in Los Angeles joined members of the Chapter's Board of Directors at the lovely home of Barry Freeman and Robbin Itkin to celebrate Chanukah at AJC LA's annual 'Festival of Lights' celebration. Speaking at his first Chanukah in LA, Executive Director Seth Brysk, spoke of the warmth the LA community extended to him on his arrival. Attendees included new Israeli Consul General Jacob Dayan in one of his first public appearances, Congressman Howard Berman, and Keith Atkinson from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. |
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Brindell Gottlieb Honored by David Harris
David Harris, AJC National Executive Director, presented Brindell Gottlieb the 2007 American Jewish Committee National Leadership Council Award, recognizing her commitment to the spirit and mission of AJC and her devotion to philanthropy and civic and communal activities. In his keynote remarks, Mr. Harris shared an analysis of current world events, including the historical context of the sixtieth anniversary of the founding of the state of Israel. The event was generously hosted by Brindell in her beautiful Bel Air home. National Leadership Council is a Giving Society of the AJC. DONATE TODAY. |
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President's Council hears noted expert on Southeast Asia Terrorism
Dr. Zachary Abuza, one of the worlds leading experts on radical Islamic terrorism, met with our President's Council at Hillcrest Country Club. He highlighted the growing terrorist threats in the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, and shared how militant groups use creative funding networks, charitable front organizations, and recruitment of followers under the guise of religious institutions to accomplish their aims. While on an AJC mission to the Pacific Rim, Naty Saidoff.heard Dr. Abuza speak and through his determination and generosity we were able to bring Dr. Abuza to Washington DC last May to address AJC's Annual Meeting, as well as to come to Los Angeles to meet with our chapter leaders. |
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4th Annual Consular Corp Tour of Los Angeles
Diplomats, lay leaders and staff enjoyed the Consular Corps Tour. Click Here to read more.
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Comedy with a Cause 4 - An Evening at the Improv
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"performing" on stage are Chairs Lynne & Stewart Brookman and Steven & Michelle Brookman
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Double the Pleasure - Double the Fun...
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Identical twins Stewart and Steven Brookman and their wives, Lynne and Michelle, welcomed an SRO crowd at the American Jewish Committee's fourth annual Comedy with a Cause event. The Improv was filled with a dynamic group of vice-chairs, committee members and guests who enjoyed an informal buffet dinner followed by a state-of-the-art video describing the mission of AJC introduced by Sherry Weinman, President of the Los Angeles Chapter. Emceed by Avi Liberman, the comedy lineup featured comedians Marc Price, Dan Levy, Elon Gold, Jeff Ross, and Barry Diamond. Special guest Congressman Brad Sherman (27th Congressional District) was received enthusiastically for his talents as a stand up comic - who knew?!
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Los Angeles Chapter Chanukah Party a Resounding Success
More than 100 leaders of Los Angeles' diverse ethnic, political, religious and diplomatic communities gathered at a private reception in the home of Debbie and Naty Saidoff to share with AJC lay leaders in the miracle of Chanukah.
Chapter President Sherry A. Weinman and AJC National Director of Interreligious Affairs Rabbi Gary Greenebaum welcomed the nearly 200 attendees and conducted the ritual of lighting the Chanukah menorah, inviting groups of guests representing the chapter's diplomatic, political, inter-religious and inter-ethnic partners to come forward and light the candles.
Acting Los Angeles Chapter Director Saundra Mandel noted, "We gather together on this cold December evening to celebrate the warmth of the Chanukah candles and the light our collaborations bring to the world." Ms. Weinman added, "We are thankful for your support and your partnership, and as our agency enters its second century of human relations work, we pray that the years to come bring us many occasions to celebrate together
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Los Angeles Chapter Dinner Honors Two Local Leaders
| Over 450 of Los Angeles’ outstanding attorneys, judges and community leaders gathered to pay tribute to two distinguished honorees, and to hear from keynote speaker Tom Brokaw and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. The Centennial Leadership Award was presented to Harriet Hochman, a member of AJC’s National Executive Committee, and the 27th Annual Learned Hand Award was given to Alan Friedman of Munger, Tolles & Olson. In his remarks, Mayor Villaraigosa said: "I was deeply honored to speak at the AJC's centennial celebration in Washington earlier this year. I am deeply honored to be here tonight. For a century, AJC has been in the forefront of fighting for the inclusion of everyone in American society. I salute your work." |
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On December 5th, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and former NBC news anchor Tom Brokaw spoke at the 27th
Annual Learned Hand Award in honor of Alan Friedman. AJC/LA also honored Harriet Hochman(pictured standing
to the left of the Mayor with AJC President Sherry A. Weinman), with the Centennial Leadership Award. AJC
Executive Director David A. Harris presented the award to Harriet. To read more, click here.
AJC Los Angeles Chapter Honors Barry Meyer with the Corwin Human Relations Award
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| More than 600 guests attended the Dorothy and Sherrill C. Corwin Human Relations Award Dinner on October 19th to honor Barry Meyer, Chairman & CEO of Warner Bros. Entertainment. The company's founders, Harry and Jack Warner, were also founding members of the Los Angeles Chapter created in 1945. The Award is named in memory of Sherrill C. Corwin, a respected film industry figure, and his wife Dorothy, and is given to outstanding leaders in the entertainment and communications industries including Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, and Clint Eastwood. Bruce Ramer, AJC's past National President, welcomed the guests, thanking them for their support of over $1.5 million for the AJC. In his address, Senator Patrick Leahy spoke about the importance of the AJC's work, commenting that AJC is "able to do things that nobody else can." Former Corwin recipient, Jack Valenti, presented the award to Barry Meyer. In his acceptance of the award, Meyer said, "I'm especially honored to be chosen to receive this award on this - the 100th anniversary of the founding of the AJC. For 100 years, the AJC has been unwavering in its commitment to bring understanding and its attendant benefits of cooperation, tolerance and peace, not only to Israel and its neighbors, but to all corners of the world." |
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(Left to Right) Honoree Barry Meyer, Bonnie Corwin Fuller
(daughter of Dorothy and Sherrill C. Corwin), and presenter Jack Valenti |
(L to R) Jack Valenti, Barry Meyer, and Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT |
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French Consulate Reception Honoring Rabbi Gary Greenebaum
The Western Regional Director was presented the Insignia of Officer in the French National Order of Merit by Ambassador to the U.S. Jean-David Levitte at a reception held at the French Consulate's residence in Beverly Hills.
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Rabbi Gary Greenebaum displaying the Insignia with Los Angeles French Consul General Phillippe Laurrieu (left) and French Ambassador Jean-David Levitte (right).
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61st Annual Meeting
On May 31st three hundred guests including AJC members, Consuls General and Deputy Consuls from 18 countries, members of the clergy, elected officials, and urban partners honored the past presidents of AJC/LA and raised $8,000 to help refugee families affected by the genocide in Darfur, Sudan.
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Attendees listened to the impassioned plea of Darfur Task Force Chair Fredrick Levin (at left) who asked the members to partner with Jewish World Watch to combat genocide. The campaign was to outfit every family with 2 solar cookers at the Iridimi Refugee Camp in Chad, which borders the Darfur region of Sudan. The funds raised by the AJC will buy solar cookers for 320 families, reducing the need for firewood and the risk associated with its collection. The majority of refugees are women and girls who are objects of gender-based violence when they are outside the camp's perimeter.
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AJC/LA's past presidents, seven of whom were in attendance, were honored (from left to right): Current President Sherry Weinman, Arthur Greenberg, Cathy Siegel Weiss, Howard Friedman, Richard Weston, David Rousso, Barry Sanders, and Peter Weil. The outgoing Resources Development Chair, Joel Mogy, was also honored. |
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2006 Community Service Award Honoring Debbie & Naty Saidoff
Held at the lovely home of Cathy Siegel Weiss and Ken Weiss, this reception included guest speaker Shula Bahat, AJC Associate Executive Director who shared an update on international challenges being addressed by the AJC. Debbie and Naty were honored for their longstanding membership on AJC/LA's Board of Directors and the National Board of Governors. They currently serve as co-chairs of the AJC Leadership Development Committee. Other special guests included Bruce Ramer, AJC Honorary National President, and Ehud Danoch, Los Angeles Consul-General of Israel.
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| Honorable Ehud Danoch, Consul-General of Israel with Debbie & Naty Saidoff |
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National Leadership Council Reception with UN Ambassador
His Royal Highness Prince Zeid Ra'ad Zeid Al-Hussein, Ambassador to the United Nations for the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, briefed the NLC at a private reception hosted by Shelly and Art Rosenblum. The Ambassador shared an insightful update on the current situation in the Middle East focusing on Jordanian-Israeli relations. Since 2000 he has been Jordan's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the U.N. with special responsibilities relating to international justice, women's development and U.N. peacekeeping.
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| Sherry A. Weinman, President, AJC/LA; Bert Massing, Chair, Resource Development; Shelly and Art Rosenblum, NLC hosts of the evening on either side of Prince Zeid Ra'ad Zeid Al-Hussein |
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AJC Latino Jewish Policy Forum Presents an Analysis of AB 1381
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa proposal to significantly change the structure and oversight of the Los Angeles Unified School District has created a lot of discussion and controversy in the community. In an effort to understand the issue better the AJC Latino Jewish Policy Forum organized a meeting entitled ‘Which Way, LAUSD?’ to discuss the Mayor’s proposal, Assembly Bill 1381, on August 10th. The panel was moderated by Professor of Political Science at Cal State Fullerton Dr. Raphael Sonenshein, and panelists were Kevin Reed, General Counsel for LAUSD, and Erin Walsh, Policy Analyst for Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Over 40 attendees asked probing questions of the panelists to get at the core issues of governance, oversight, collective bargaining, performance in the school system, and many other issues.
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Special Reception with AJC's Executive Director David A. Harris
Executive Director David Harris was warmly greeted by 200 at a country club reception generously hosted by Brindell and Milton Gottlieb on January 26, 2006. Mr. Harris spoke about the 'Power of Global Diplomacy' and addressed the need to be informed about the complete post 9-11 issues and problems faced by the United States, Israel and Jews around the world. Sadly, three weeks after the event, Milton Gottlieb passed away.
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