While Israel is still restlessly searching for its three missing teens and having recently buried a fifteen year old Israeli-Arab citizen who was brutally killed by a Syrian missile in northern Israel earlier this week, the Jewish world was shocked to learn that even in such a hostile environment, the Presbyterian Church (USA) voted to divest from three American companies because of their economic ties to Israel.  It is a shame that the national leadership of the Presbyterian Church chose such a contentious, one-sided course of action, which will only prove to be counterproductive and negatively impact the relationship between Jews and Presbyterians.  Please click here  for the official JCPA statement released Friday June 20th. Federation joins national Jewish leadership with hope that this appalling vote will be reversed in the future.

On Monday, we put the finishing touches to the 2014-2015 edition of SHALOM Delaware, the Jewish Community Guide to Life in Delaware and the Brandywine Valley. Printed copies will be mailed late next week and complimentary copies will also be available at the Jewish Community Campus.

On Tuesday, Federation President Jack Blumenfeld and I attended the Annual Meeting of beneficiary agency, Jewish Family Services of Delaware. Yasher koach to outgoing President, Alan Horowitz, incoming President Valerie Middleton and the JFS Board and staff.

On Wednesday our community came together for Jewish Heritage Night at the Wilmington Blue Rocks. Special thanks to Cantor Mark Stanton/Congregation Beth Emeth, and Cantor Elisa Abrams Casuto/Congregation Beth Shalom, for singing our national anthems.

Shabbat Shalom,

 

Our prayers remain with the families of Eyal, Gilad and Naftali. These three teens have been in captivity at the hands of Hamas for 13 days. In solidarity, the Embassy and Ambassador Dermer have launched a Facebook and Twitter campaign, in conjunction with entertainer Tony Orlando, to tie three yellow ribbons in support of our three kidnapped boys: Yellow Ribbons for Our Boys. We encourage you to join the campaign by:

• Liking the Facebook page and distributing to your friends.
• On Twitter, hashtag your photos with #YellowRibbons4OurBoys
• Use the yellow ribbon in public vigils and gatherings.

June 26, 2014

 

Washington, DC - During his final official visit to the United States as President of Israel, Shimon Peres is being honored both with the Congressional Gold Medal and the Lantos Human Rights Prize in Washington, D.C. The Jewish Federations of North America applaud President Peres for these distinguished honors, which only add to what has been a long and remarkable career in public service for the State of Israel. Michael Siegel, chair of the Jewish Federations Board of Trustees, issued the following statement:

 

"Shimon Peres has been not just a remarkable and inspirational leader for the State of Israel, but a beacon of light for the Jewish people across the world. From his crucial role in the establishment of Israel as a Jewish state 66 years ago to his lifetime of service and dedication to his country and people, President Peres is, by nearly any measure, a role model and an inspiration. As a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and as one of the world's most cherished diplomats, President Peres has been a shining light for the Jewish people. The Jewish Federations applaud President Peres for being honored with the Congressional Gold Medal as well as the Lantos Human Rights Prize - we can think of few more worthy than he."

 

###

 

The Jewish Federations, collectively among the top 10 charities on the continent, protects and enhances the well-being of Jews worldwide through the values of tikkun olam (repairing the world), tzedakah (charity and social justice) and Torah (Jewish learning).

All games are at the Siegel JCC softball field.

 

Warm up is from 10:00 am - 10:30 am

Game is from 10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Men, women and teens are invited; open to the entire community

No charge

 

June 29

July 6, 13, 20, 27

August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

 

Any questions - Call Rabbi Steven Saks at (302)762-2705 or office@akse.org