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Yom HaShoah
Program Moved Indoors to Rodeph Shalom
From Yom HaShoah to Yom Ha'atzmaut
This is a very special time of year for both the Israeli and Diaspora communities - often referred to as Chag Ha'atzmaut. No series of events so connect our worlds like the observance of Yom HaShoah, Yom Hazikaron (Israeli Memorial Day) and Yom Ha'atzmaut (Israeli Independence Day).
It could be said that no day of observance for the Jewish community so engages the people of Israel as does Yom HaShoah. From the siren that causes cars to stop in their tracks on the highway to the emotional connection that most Israelis feel to the legacy of the Holocaust, it is an essential part of their world view and their Israeli identity. The modern State of Israel rose out of the ashes of the Holocaust - to be a haven for Jews around the world - and now stands as a modern marvel of perseverance, drive, and fortitude. Of course Jews have had a constant presence in Israel for thousands of years. But no event crystallized why there was a need for the State of Israel like the Shoah.
And from Yom HaShoah, we all move on to Yom Hazikaron where we memorialize all those who perished - not only those protecting Israel in the military - but those who have died as victims of terrorism, largely because Israel simply deems to exists.
And then in one of the most "Jewish" traditions you could imagine, we turn on a dime from these thoughts of tragedy and horror to the thoughts of joy and celebration for the realization of the dream that has culminated in the modern State of Israel.
Please consider joining the entire community in our public events over the next few weeks as we reflect on what theses days of remembrance and celebration mean for the Jewish people and for Israeli society.
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Upcoming Events:
Speaker Dan Mariachin,
Exec. Director of B'nai B'rith
Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El
Sunday - April 22 - 10am
Community Commemoration
of the Holocaust
Sunday - April 22 - 1pm
NOW INDOORS at
RODEPH SHALOM
Memorial Day Ceremony for Israel's Fallen Soldiers and the Victims of Terrorism Har Zion Temple Tuesday - April 24 - 7:30pm
ISRAEL as FEATURED NATION
May 3-6, 2012
Community Israel Independence Celebration
Sunday - May 20, 2012
The Ultimate Israel Adventure
December 19-28, 2012
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For more information, or to arrange a speaker, contact
or 215-832-0549
Click HERE for our JewishPhilly
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    EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY MATERIALS
FREE!! - WHILE SUPPLIES LAST
We are pleased to offer the community - at no cost - a variety of Stand With Us resources about Israeli society and political realities. Materials will be available to all those interested, on a first come, first serve basis.
Their excellent guide book, Israel 101, and their attractive pamphlets cover topics ranging from Israeli innovation, Israeli diversity, LGBT rights in Israel, and the evolution of the State of Israel. These publications would make excellent additions to any Yom Ha'atzmaut program or celebration.
Contact us to find out which materials are currently available.
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ISRAEL INSIDE:
How a Small Nation Makes a Big Difference
The JerusalemOnlineU.com film Israel Inside (watch trailer) is available at no cost to Greater Philadelphia schools and organizations as part of Federation's ongoing Israel advocacy and education initiatives. This truly inspiring look into Israeli society is appropriate for teens and adults and is a perfect resource for your upcoming Yom Haatzmaut programming. Join Adath Israel, Temple Sinai, Beth Am Israel, and Temple Sholom - among many others - who are bringing Israel Inside to their community.
Contact us to find out about showing "Israel Inside" in your community and to get more information about the entire Step Up for Israel film series.
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The iCenter resource "Poster Tales" is an excellent educational tool to help students reflect on the struggles, values and ideals of Israeli society. This is also available to schools and organizations at no cost on a first come first serve basis.
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| Israel Independence Day Community Celebration
Join the Greater Philadelphia Community in this annual celebration of our connection to Israel. Headlining the event will be Nurit Galron, an Israeli singing icon.
Come Shop at an Israeli marketplace, enjoy a wide variety of foods, and browse booths highlighting the programs and activities of many local community organizations.
Click here for more information about the day.
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Progress Seen in Talks with Iran: May Meetings Scheduled
Talks in Istanbul among negotiators from Iran and six world powers including the United States represented "a positive first step" in addressing international concern over the Iranian nuclear program, the White House said.
The parties in Turkey discussed Iran's nuclear program for the first time in more than a year and agreed to reconvene in Baghdad on May 23. Catherine Ashton, the European Union's foreign policy chief who has headed negotiations for the six international powers including the United States and Russia, told a news conference after a day of talks in Istanbul that, "the discussions on the Iranian nuclear issue have been constructive and useful. We want now to move to a sustained process of serious dialogue, where we can take urgent, practical steps."
She said the negotiating powers wanted Iran to meet its international obligations - it is a signatory to the treaty which prevents the spread of nuclear weapons - and should reciprocate in negotiations.
Tehran is looking for sanctions to be lifted after these initial meetings, but as indicated above, the international community believes it is the recent increased pressure of more severe sanctions that has led Iran to the negotiating table.
More sanctions are scheduled to take effect in June and July and it is widely believed that these heightened pressures on the Iranian economy, in combination with the conversation over possible military action, has successfully accomplished what the empty rhetoric of the past could not. There are still some who believe that Israel is beating the drums of war, but to counter that, others use the moderate success of these talks as examples of why tough talk - followed by increased diplomatic and economic pressure - is what was needed all along. According to many - Iran has been more of a global problem then anyone has ever wanted to admit and it is about time Israel was not the only one taking Iran seriously.
Israel is cautiously optimistic about the talks, wanting to make sure that they are not used to delay the international community until such time as Iran is "weapons capable."
To read more:
- Jpost
- Miami Herald
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