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A Message from Congresswoman Allison Schwartz
On the Passage of the United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act
Dear Friend:
As a proud cosponsor of H.R. 4133-the United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act-bipartisan legislation affirming the United States and Israel's deep military and security ties and reiterating our firm commitment to Israel's security, I wanted to provide you with a brief update. This bill overwhelmingly passed the House of Representatives this week-sending a clear message that the United States will not waiver in its commitment to Israel.
I have also cosponsored H.R. 4229, the Iron Dome Support Act, to authorize the President to provide assistance for the procurement, maintenance, and sustainment of additional Iron Dome missile defense systems. In March 2012, when Israel faced an onslaught of rocket attacks from Gaza, the Iron Dome systems intercepted 90 percent of the rockets aimed at population centers. The systems' success prevented the crisis from deepening further. As Ambassador Michael Oren has said, "For America, as well as for Israel, an investment in the Iron Dome system is an investment in diplomacy - helping to create the conditions conducive to peace."
I appreciate your views regarding Israel and the Middle East and encourage you to stay in touch.
Sincerely,
Allyson Schwartz
Archaeological Find Stirs Debate on David's Kingdom
 Two small containers unearthed at Khirbet Qeiyafa are believed to be the first-ever archaeological evidence of Judean ritual dating from the time of David, about the 10th century B.C.E. "Khirbet Qeiyafa is the first proof of the existence of a regional government during the time of David. This evidence is a significant counter-claim to scholars who say David's kingdom was nothing more than a meagerly populated village in the Jerusalem area. These scholars, known as minimalists, say that in the absence of extra-biblical support, Scripture's depiction of David's kingdom as large and powerful cannot be accepted. The maximalists, however, who accept the validity of the biblical description, view Khirbet Qeiyafa as the first proof of their claim that David's realm could have been as large as the Bible says it was." Read more here. (Haaretz)
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Upcoming Events:
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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Israel's Birthday Present
A New Government!
An agreement between Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the opposition Kadima party to form Israel's seventh national unity government has been approved by the country's Knesset.
The move puts Mr Netanyahu at the helm of one of Israel's largest ruling coalitions with an overwhelming 94 votes in the 120-seat Knesset, or parliament. The legislative body voted to approve the surprise accord by 71 votes to 23.
Immediately after the deal was approved, Kadima leader Shaul Mofaz was sworn in as a minister within the premier's office. He will also serve as one of Mr Netanyahu's vice prime ministers. Mr Netanyahu and Mr Mofaz, who took over leadership of the centre-right Kadima only six weeks ago, negotiated the eleventh-hour deal as the Knesset was voting on a motion to end its current session to clear the way for early elections this September, rather than in October 2013 as scheduled.
Under the deal, Kadima and Mr Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party will replace a contentious law which allowed ultra-orthodox Jews to defer their military service, with new legislation that would ensure a "fair" sharing of the burden of army service, by the end of July.
Ahead of the vote, many opposition members lambasted Mr Mofaz for "opportunism" and "cheap politics". Although Kadima emerged as the largest party in parliament following the 2009 elections, with 28 seats, it failed to form a government and polls have suggested it stands to lose up to half of them in any new election.
See Haaretz article below for multiple perspectives on the new arrangement. There will also be a Jewish Federation of North American Conference Call on the latest developments in the new government, on WEDNESDAY, MAY 16th.
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Conference Call
on New Israeli Government:
Federation Leadership Conference Call
Wednesday, May 16 at 2 pm EST
Please join us for The Jewish Federations of North America teleconference on the new Israeli government and its implications for the Tal Law. The Tal Law, which has exempted religious Jews who participate in full-time Jewish learning from serving in the army since 2002, was recently ruled unlawful by the Supreme Court. The call on Wednesday, May 16 will examine the Tal Law and whether the ultra-Orthodox community in Israel will soon be drafted into the army. Are we about to see a monumental change in the country's society? With a newly formed national unity government in Israel, what is likely to happen to the Tal Law and other issues? The call will feature Gil Hoffman, chief political correspondent and analyst for The Jerusalem Post.
As chief political correspondent and analyst for The Jerusalem Post, Hoffman has interviewed Prime Minister Netanyahu, former prime ministers Olmert, Sharon, Peres and Barak and every major figure across the Israeli political spectrum. He frequently covers diplomatic issues, traveling with the prime minister and reporting on efforts to achieve Mideast peace and other key international developments. Hoffman, who was raised in Chicago, graduated Magna Cum Laude from Northwestern University's School of Journalism and wrote for the Miami Herald and the Arizona Republic before moving to Israel. A corporal in the IDF's Spokesman's Unit (Dover Tzahal), he has given lectures in 18 American states, Washington, D.C., Canada, England and Australia.
Call-in details: Date: Wednesday, May 16 at 2 pm EST
Dial-in Number: 1-877-559-2802
Israel Dial-in Number: 1-809-457-877 or 1-809-315-362
Conference ID: 79886132
Click here for further reading on the Tal law.(Times of Israel)
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EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY
ISRAEL INSIDE: How a Small Nation Makes a Big Difference FREE for ONE WEEK!! 
In celebration of the 64th year of Israel's independence, on May 14, 2012, Israel Inside will be available for free online streaming for one week through our Federation website (www.JewishPhilly.org)
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 critically-acclaimed film, hosted by former Harvard lecturer Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, uncovers the core values that enable Israelis to succeed against incredible odds. The film debuted on PBS in November and is being screened at more than 150 locations worldwide.
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.
   
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. Keep in mind, many of these booklets and pamphlets are FULLY downloadable. For example, download the following booklet to find concise, but effective responses to common criticisms of Israel.
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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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