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AJC Executive Director David Harris Updates ACCESS |
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ACCESS Hosts AJC ED David Harris |
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. |
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| ACCESS Program with Dan Gordon | |
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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. |
 Host Paul Soroudi with Chapter President Sherry Weinman.
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Breakfast Forum with Ilka Schroeder, former European Union Parliament Representative of Germany Guests of this International Relations Breakfast Forum had the opportunity to hear Ilka Schroeder, former EU Parliament Representative of Germany discuss the topic "Between hypocritical solidarity and open anti-Zionism...How Germany and the EU work against Israel". The program, held at the Four Seasons Hotel, also featured a presentation about the recent 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.
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Speaker Ilka Schroeder talks about the European Union and its relations with Israel. |
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ACCESS members Adam Weiss (left) and Matt Louchheim (right) discuss their recent trip to Germany. |
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ACCESS Mission to Berlin |
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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
AJC ACCESS members with program Director Steve Addison at the German Parliament on the ACCESS Trip to Germany
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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. |
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| AJC ACCESS Holds Summer Event at Consul General of Germany's Private Residence | |
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An extraordinary group of 70 impressive, sharp, intellectually curious young professional leaders came together for an 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. |
ACCESS Event with Consul General Christian Stocks and Deidre Berger |
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A Conversation with Diplomats Event |
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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. |
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