Volume Two Issue 1 February 2016 Alabama Passes Unanimous Joint Resolution Denouncing BDS In 1943, in the midst of World War II, when the axis powers were not only waging world war against America and Europe, but also seeking the mass murder and systematic extermination of the Jewish people, Alabama led the nation in an official call for the establishment of the Jewish state and homeland in Act 144, SJR 4, 1943 Regular Session, a unanimous joint resolution signed by the Governor June 10, 1943. Alabama has a long history and very special relationship with the state of Israel, so it is very appropriate for Alabama to carry on that legacy with a strong response to the BDS movement. the state care deeply about the Alabama Israel relationship and responded with gratitude and appreciation. John Buhler, Alabama Israel Task Force Co--Chair, one of many who advocated for passage of the resolution commented, We are deeply grateful for the leadership of Senator Orr and Rep. Gaston, and for the entire Alabama Legislature for the overwhelming bi partisan support of this significant resolution. On February 16, the Alabama legislature passed a unanimous joint resolution (Act 2, SJR 6, 2016 Regular Session) denouncing the BDS Movement and affirming support for the state of Israel sending a strong and clear message regarding where Alabama stands. This comes as U.S. and state-level reaction is growing across the nation both denouncing BDS and reaffirming we stand with our closest ally in the Middle East. Alabama State Senator Arthur Orr from Decatur sponsored the joint resolution and said, The BDS movement has targeted the Jewish state for economic and political sanctions and with a dramatic increase of BDS activity now also reaching U.S. college campuses, our position must be clear. Alabama sends a strong message with SJR 6 denouncing the BDS Movement and affirming we stand with our closest ally in the Middle East, Alabama House Speaker Pro Tem, Rep. Victor Gaston of Mobile stated. I am proud to have had a role in the House Rules Committee assisting with the now unanimous passing of this important Resolution. The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement has no place in the State of Alabama as it harms the United States greatest ally and friend to Alabama. Many across 1
The Shoals Beth-El Sister City Story By Debra Barnes T he concept of Sister City relationships began with President Dwight Eisenhower in 1956 at a White House summit on citizen diplomacy, where he envisioned a network that would be a champion for peace and prosperity by fostering bonds between people from different communities around the world. By forming these relationships, President Eisenhower reasoned that people from different cultures could understand, appreciate, and celebrate their differences while building partnerships that would lessen the chance of new conflicts. Since its inception, the Sister Cities International network has played a key role in renewing and strengthening important global relationships. Creating such a relationship with a city in Israel was in the heart of the North Alabama Friends of Israel for quite a few years. The process was brought up a few times before June 2014, when what we call a divine appointment occurred in Beit El, Israel. During her visit to this lovely community, our Mona Allen (from Killen, AL) spoke with Judy Simon of the Beit El municipality who asked Mona (out of the clear blue sky) Have you ever thought of making us your Sister City? Upon her return home we rejoiced and immediately created a committee of interested Friends of Israel here the Beit El Mayor Shai Alon worked with Judy and others in Israel to make our dream a reality. The process began of uniting all four of our cities that comprise The Shoals to jointly become Sister Cities. Because we are English speaking and more familiar with the spelling Bethel in the Bible, it was decided that we would use the spelling Beth-El so it is more recognizable. {Beth = Beit, meaning house -- and we wanted to honor God by using the hyphen and capitalizing the e in El = God. So Beth-El means House of God.} It is truly an honor to have been asked to join with them. The process began in Sept. 2014 as our group of 8 people began meeting to prepare to petition our 4 Mayors and respective City Councils for their approval. A short video was sent to us from Beth-El which helped introduce this unique group of people to us. Our Mayors agreed that we would unite under The Shoals Chamber of Commerce with President Steve Holt as our point man. After numerous meetings and presentations each leader presented a Resolution at their City Council Meeting for approval. Beginning on March 23 rd thru April 21 st all four approvals were obtained and The Shoals Beth-El Sister City Commission became official. This fall Mona Allen returned to Beth-El, along with 3 other Shoals residents: Debra Barnes, Jeannette Lerch and Shelley Cruz. Hosted by Judy Simon, the four met with Mayor Alon over a light lunch to get acquainted. A picture album was presented to him, full of images from the quad-cities, Mayor Shai Alon is joined by members of the Shoals contingent celebrating their Sister City relationship. much to his delight. Along with the Chamber of Commerce Directory Mayor Alon was given a clearer understanding of The Shoals. A tour of their community followed, where many business owners and school officials were introduced to us. We were able to sit with some residents and discuss a few future projects to consider launching. Best of all, we realized that our two very different countries, two very different cultures share many things in common. The people of Beth-El are deeply committed to their own families, yet compassionately reach out to their neighbors in need, we realized that our two very different countries, two very different cultures share many things in common. The people of Beth-El are deeply committed to their own families, yet compassionately reach out to their neighbors in need, treating them as family also. We call it southern hospitality here in The Shoals. They are a tight-knit community dealing with many relocating there (making Aliyah) from countries far away. Our North Alabama region is also seeing an influx many from the northern states seeking a retirement home or students settling here from all over the world, some seeking to plug into our music heritage. We each are challenged and yet enriched by this new mixture. It is with great joy that we embarked on this journey called Sister Cities, to connect two cultures, each with a rich heritage. We hope to learn from each other, grow together in understanding and prosper in this new mutually beneficial relationship. Our desire is to fulfill the vision of President Eisenhower as citizen diplomats becoming champions for peace. It is our prayer for others to do the same reaching toward Israel from their own hometowns all across Alabama. We are thankful to God for allowing us to share the joy we feel in celebrating that here in North Alabama we have moved from being Friends of Israel to becoming family! 2
ICEJ Committed to Jew ish Community By Laura King, Southeast Director, ILI A few months ago, I had the honor of meeting Reverend Juha Ketola, the current International Director of the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem (ICEJ) and join him and Pastors Andrea and Patrick Penn for dinner. The Embassy s location in Jerusalem is key to understanding the commitment of the ICEJ to recognizing Jerusalem as Israel s capital and its support to the Jewish Community. Most nations have located their embassies in Tel Aviv, but not the International Christian Embassy. The current leader of the ICEJ is Reverend Juha Ketola, who is from Finland and resides with his wife and three children in Jerusalem. The ICEJ itself has a wide reach to over 140 countries and is active in over 80 nations. The ICEJ was created in 1980 in recognition of the biblical significance of all of Jerusalem and its unique connection with the Jewish people of Israel. Today it represents millions of Christians, churches and denominations to the nation and people. We recognize in the restoration of the State of Israel God s faithfulness to keep His ancient covenant with the Jewish people. Its objectives are: To stand with Israel in support and friendship To equip and to teach the world wide Church regarding God s purposes with Israel and the nations of the Middle East To be an active voice of reconciliation between Jews, Christians and Arabs, and the support the churches and congregations in the Holy Land. What was interesting to me was to understand why a Reverend from Finland felt compelled to work for these objectives. Reverend Ketola is amongst other things, honest, humble and dedicated to building of relationships that matter. His modesty, yet strong beliefs put him in the spotlight creating both a paradox and for me, a bit of an enigma. Europe today is not Israel s or the Jewish people s biggest fans. One need only look to the increased levels of anti- Semitism in countries like France, whose Jews are making Aliyah to Israel in record numbers. Israel s products are being labeled in many countries in Europe to help citizens boycott Israel, there are constant bans on Israeli academics in Europe and the list goes on. But in Finland things are different. They are unashamedly pro-israel unlike much of Europe. So why this difference? I asked Reverend Ketola these questions and we pondered that significance together. Going back to World War II, Finland was never under Nazi control for one thing. It never participated in the Holocaust and does not have that legacy of citizenry that collaborated with the Nazis. Could this be a factor? In Finland, the Finnish Jews were not persecuted, Even amongst extremists of the Finnish Right they were highly accepted. This is likely due in part to the fact that many leaders of the movement came from the clergy. The Jewish population was tiny in Finland of approximately 500 Jewish refugees, only eight were ever handed over to the Germans. In 2000, the then, Finnish prime minister Paavo Lipponen, issued an official apology for that action. Finnish Jews fought alongside their compatriots on the Eastern Front. Oddly enough while never joining the Axis nations, it was a country which sided with Germany, but in which native Jews and almost all refugees were safe from the Nazis. It was also the only country siding with Germany which maintained democracy throughout the war. The only mainland European country to do so. This legacy in my mind helps to explain the reason why Finland is different from most of Europe and why exemplary people such as Reverend Ketola would choose his life s work in Jerusalem at the ICEJ. Reverend Ketola and his country Finland, are naturals for both the leadership of the ICEJ and as a pro Israel island in Europe. Reverend Ketola joins another outstanding Christian Finnish leader, and the current Director of the Christian Friends of Yad Vashem, Dr. Susanna Kokkonen. Both are working to spread knowledge of the Holocaust, comfort its survivors and provide Christian support for Jews throughout the world. It seems that we Jews, are fortunate to have friends in, and from, Finland. We, at the Israel Leadership Institute of North America and the Alabama Israel Task Force, welcome their leadership and pray for their continued success in all their endeavors. It was an honor to meet Reverend Juha Ketola and it is always an honor to work with all of those from the ICEJ. May their work continue to blessed and continue long into the future. 3
Family history infused with love for Israel I t s such a privilege to share my thoughts and heart regarding Then, a few years later, my husband and I were very happy to the Alabama-Israel Task Force (AITF), the Israel Leadership learn about the AITF and ILI. The AITF gave us an opportunity to Institute (ILI), and Israel in this issue of the AITF newsletter. be actively involved in affecting change here in Alabama to help Over the last 32 years my husband, Ron, and I have actively supported several humanitarian charities involved in feeding, people in Israel, both on a personal level and on a state level. housing, providing medical help, etc., to both children and adults Something we could have never achieved on our own. As a in war torn parts of the world. We ve been very happy to help, but 501C3 nonprofit organization we have the chance to effect in our heart of hearts was Israel. How can we support Israel, especially from here in Alabama? educate and mobilize on a large scale people who may have a change in our state, how we do business statewide with Israel, to positive outlook on Israel but lack the opportunity to stand and speak up on her behalf, especially during this time when the BDS (Boycott, Divest, and Sanction) movement is taking advantage of people s naïveté (I hear this sentiment of empowerment happening each time people attend a pro-israel event!) Why us, why from Alabama? Well, for me it began about the time I began learning to read. We were a middle class family and finances were often tight, but my parents believed in books. If you could read, you could go or do anything, anywhere. Books were a goldmine in our home. Other than my first books (which were Charles Schulz Peanuts books, which were chock full of scripture, often spoken by a beagle named Snoopy), I learned to read mostly from our Bible. By Genesis 12:3 I knew that Israel held a special place in God s heart, and if He loved Israel, I loved Israel. Very simple. Love God = love what He loves. In years to come my understanding would grow, but at 4 or 5, that was all I needed to know. As I began reading my Bible as a small child, I somehow understood even at that young age that Israel held a very special place in God s heart. Growing up in a small rural town there weren t a lot of opportunities to show my love for Israel. Years later, when my husband and I married we began learning about Jews in other countries making aliyah to Israel, and we had a strong desire to help Jews who wanted to return to Israel to make aliyah, and we began covering the expenses of as many people as we could afford each month. It was a joyous experience for us, as we imagined what it must be like to dream of going home all your life and then finally seeing it become your reality - to touch down in a plane and literally kiss the ground of an Israeli tarmac a dream come true for thousands who ve made that trip. We both also shared the desire to stand in the gap for those who needed help. Seeing the damage, the destruction, the litter of wars, intifadas, suicide bombings, etc., we knew we couldn t live with ourselves if we sat idly by and did nothing. Sending financial help, clothing, school supplies, items much needed by expectant mothers, etc., became a standard practice whenever possible. We d joined several Christian pro Zionist groups, but logistics allowed us to only be supportive by writing a check each month, (which we were happy to do and is critical to the success of any organization), and we were now praying for an open door for more personal involvement. Somewhere along this timeline I began to wonder why God had given me, a blonde haired, blue eyed, very gentile girl of 4 or 5 in rural Alabama, such a strong love in my heart for the Jewish people and the land of Israel itself. Why was I the only one in my grammar school, or family even, that had a big sister, stalwart, protective kind of love for Israel? To say the least, it was odd. Was it because of my Dad s sternly held belief that there s nothing more important than the land, as he put it? The land, as he described it, was your history, your future, every inch of it to be cherished and cared for. I still carry that mindset with me today. Well, a few years back, a lot of things started falling into place. Our family was told that my mother s side had definite Jewish roots and are still practicing their faith today. We also were told of the Sephardic side of her family, and the American Indian side here in Alabama, that had Jewish origins as well. Things began to make sense. Between the Sephardic history, and the present day practicing Jews, I think God was bringing me full circle, answering my questions, showing me why He gave me such a desire to help the people I now consider my family. We find that when people are made aware of the innumerable contributions from Israel that better or everyday lives, in medicine, technology, military defense, etc., most understand how ludicrous the idea of a boycott is. Sanctioning or divesting from a nation whose true goal is the betterment of our world is senseless. Most people are clueless to the fact that Israelis are often the very first on the scene to help in times of disaster, no matter the country, its religion, or the personal cost to themselves. It s the same with treating people in their world class hospitals, no difference is made in terms of faith or nationality. Not only the internet firewalls, instant messaging, just about all things cell phone related, including their camera phones, are thanks to Israel. So is the NexCam, a wonderfully simple medical device that literally saved my husband s life a couple of years ago when he was bleeding internally and time was of the essence. Making the world a better place is truly Israel s aim. By Annie Shady Why do I support the AITF and ILI in Alabama? Well, as a lifelong resident of this great state, it is fitting that our state continue to foster the strong relationship with Israel, just as it did in 1943, when it called for the formation of a Jewish state, perhaps the only state in the country to do so at that time. To have the opportunity to build upon this rich friendship between the two states is a privilege for all Alabamians. We have a responsibility to educate our residents, from grade one through grad school, of the wonderful truths about Israel and her contributions to our world and how she is solely keeping the peace in the Middle East, the peace that the rest of the world enjoys. How can we individually help? Surprisingly, there are more ways than you might think. For starters, volunteer your time to a pro Zionist organization, the AITF and ILI being the top two I d definitely suggest. Speak up locally at your church or synagogue, to educate and encourage others to become active as well. Learn about Israel! Nothing dispels the media s lies like knowing the truth! In my own realm of influence, with around 25 years of experience in the jewelry industry, I ve made it a point to buy Israeli whenever possible. This means that there are several materials, metals and gem stones, that I have predetermined to only buy from Israel. In that small way, I am supporting their economy, and it also opens up a dialogue with my clients to explain why I buy Israeli, the consistent quality of their products, and why it s important to me. It may be a small way to show support, but One person at a time is my motto! 4
A FABLE: ADAM SEES THE LIGHT By Ted Roberts C an you imagine Adam - G- d s first human creation in Eden s green meadow? See him, newly minted. His fresh body gleaming and his mind totally empty of facts, attitudes, opinions - as empty as Eden is of thorn bushes - ready to begin its lifelong task of accumulation of data and weaving that data into an intellect. He turns slowly 360 degrees, a full circle, and takes in grass and forests, and flowers, and mountains, and brooks, all covered by a blue dome. As he registers every throb of the new creation in the lush, green grass of Eden and wonders at his consciousness - as flimsy as the few white clouds that sail above him - He looks closer and sees the songbirds. And look, there are small creatures in the grass and larger ones hopping and bounding amongst the trees. Truly, a brave new world full of creatures unlike himself that are necessary for him to understand - he who at birth has no identity and a head full of inexperience. Then he chances to stare into that copper disc that illuminates his new world. It beams over all. Still sitting on the green savannah and swiveling his head in all directions, because the Lord of creation has put a potion called curiosity into his bloodstream; unappreciated at the time by Adam, but destined to nourish his intellect. So much to see that it took many hours to inscribe it all in his heretofore blank brain like the honeybee fills his comb with nectar. Then among his recording of his surroundings, he made an alarming observation. That bright orange thing was no longer straight ahead. The trees on the far horizon appeared to consume it. And he could no longer see the sharp outlines of trees and mountains. In fact, the creatures that had been joyfully bounding in the woods were no longer visible to him. Darkness was replacing light. He trembled. Even a partially stocked brain knew that somehow darkness meant blindness and blindness was death. And as the trees pulled more and more of the light below the horizon, Adam s blindness increased. He chose to run to the declining sun. He must escape the danger of darkness. But he fell over a large boulder. He rose, only to run into a tree. He resumed his running - somewhere there must be light and he must find it. He was cold and blind and fearful all at once. And the Lord G-d saw his fear and took pity on him. Ah, we need a light for the night, thought the mind of G-d wherein dwells all the mechanisms of the universe. Therefore, he flung the full moon into the midnight sky. Adam stopped his flight to look heavenward. But it was only a small improvement. Now at least he could see the river, which lay in his path. But still the garden s beauty seemed blurred in dusky yellow. So, the Lord flung millions of points of light into the sky. They helped but a little. The good Lord, who made the heart of Adam, understood the heart of Adam. This fear of nighttime blindness needed more than moon and stars. The Creator spoke in Adam s ear the secret of day and night. How they revolve like all things in nature; life and death, good and evil, the seasons, the great architecture of the galaxies. But Adam s mind could not accommodate the voice of his maker. It was like talking to the beasts. He needed one of his own kind. The ragged hole of fear in Adam s soul could only be filled by a helpmate. Thus, Adam slept and G-d made Eve. She stood beside him and pointed to the horizon where the earth had swallowed the sun. Her eyes expressed no fear, only wonder. They sank to the grass in each other s arms - huddled like two babes. Neither knew anything except the warmth of the other. They watched and waited. Their fearful eyes focused on the Pine tree where they had last seen the sun. Would it ever return to bless them with light and warmth? They dozed, frightful, but full of the need to sleep. Then Eve, feeling a warmth at her back and noticing the lightening of the black sky, laughed the first exultant laugh of creation and put her hand to Adam s face in order to turn it to the life-giving light behind them. It returns, it returns, she whispered with awe; but not where it was eaten by the earth. They stand, they face the rising sun, and then they lift their faces to heaven - wherein the laws of nature are made - to thank He who gave them life and light and warmth. Around them all living things hummed a hymn of hope. TED ROBERTS - JEWISH COLUMNIST Ted Roberts, a Rockower Award winner, is a syndicated Jewish columnist who looks at Jewish life with rare wit and insight. His product is short fiction, commentary, and a series of wedding and bar mitzvah guides that explain the tradition behind our ceremonies. His themes explore Judaism from apple strudel to Zipporah. Though he does not boast of his piety nor his scholarly knowledge of Judaica, he looks at Judaism through a new lens. A spoonful of humor helps the learning go down, he says. When he's not writing, Ted worships at Etz Chayim Synagogue in Huntsville, Alabama, where for 25 years he has served as Bar Mitzvah teacher. His inspiration is his patient wife, Shirley. Shirley, both wife and muse, and three hawk-eyed children review every word he writes - especially his stories of family life, one of his frequent themes. 5
Christ Our Passover March 15 The Annual Christ Our Passover event will be held this year on Tuesday, March 15 at the Marriott, Space and Rocket Center, Five Tranquility Base, Huntsville. Christ Our Passover is a yearly event held in organized by Awareness Ministry, directed by Pastor Robert Somerville. Eating together is the universal gesture of love and acceptance in every culture. The Kingdom of God is no exception, because through the blood of Christ we are all one. Sitting together at the table of the Lord demonstrates this common-union and oneness, Somerville said. According to Pastor Somerville, Jesus chose the Hebrew "seder" meal at His last supper to eat with His disciples and the greater church of Huntsville Alabama has been coming together on a large scale to celebrate this meal for over 20 years! Every year since 2002, an average of 1,400 people have gathered together to honor the Lord's Passover. Robert Somerville is director of Awareness Ministry. Bob has been in the ministry for over 50 years, speaking throughout the United States and many foreign countries. His ministry is distinct in its "Judeo-Christian Restoration" concept. He maintains that the historic drift of the church from its Hebraic moorings and root system has left the Body of Christ in need of renewal in Judaic principles to bring it more in line with the nature and character of first century Christianity. Awareness Ministry is an international outreach that teaching the basic concepts of historic Judeo- Christianity. We declare the Lordship of Jesus Christ as the only begotten son of God, the promised Messiah and Savior of the world. Tickets for the event are now available and may be purchased through Awareness Ministry s website located at http://www.christourpassover.com/index.html. You can contact Awareness Ministry at 256-776-2333. Alabama Senate Joint Resolution 6 DENOUNCING THE BOYCOTT, DIVESTMENT, AND SANCTIONS (BDS) MOVEMENT quickly passed unanimously both the House and Senate and was signed by Alabama Governor Robert Bentley on February 16, 2016. The strongly worded Joint Resolution reaffirms its support for the State of Israel as a Jewish State and recognizes that the Jewish people are indigenous to the land of Israel. It also condemns delegitimizing Israel by denying the historical Jewish connection to the Temple Mount, Jerusalem, or the Holy Land. Alabama Governor Robert Bentley The purpose of the Resolution is to recognize the resurgence of global anti-semitism currently being at its highest point since World War II and condemns the anti-israel activities on college campuses. It recognizes that the increased Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement has resulted in intimidation and violence on University campuses, is harmful to the State s Jewish citizens and has a deleterious impact on the educational environment. 6