Many of us have been watching the news from Israel over the past few weeks as the debate on the judicial reforms proposed by the current government spills over into public life. While Federation does not take positions regarding internal Israeli policies unless they are issues that have a direct impact on Diaspora Jewry, we do want to offer opportunities for our community to better understand what is taking place and provide relevant context. Here are 3 such opportunities:
- Watch A Presentation
On February 22, Rich Walter, Federation’s Chief of Programs and Grantmaking, and Dr. Eli Sperling, Israel Institute Teaching Fellow at the University of Georgia, delivered a presentation for those who will be participating in the upcoming Community Journey to Israel. In the presentation, Rich offers some historical context into Israel’s founding and highlights how Federation’s investments in Israel strengthen peoplehood. Following Rich’s remarks, Dr. Sperling provides broader context about Israeli demography and how it influences Israeli politics and public opinion. You can click here to view that 35-minute presentation.
- Join a Virtual Program
Our friends at the Cleveland Jewish Federation have invited our community to join them for an important virtual program on Understanding Judicial Reform in Israel, presented in partnership with the Israel Democracy Institute at the Center for Democratic Values and Institutions, which is supported by our Federation.
As Israel undergoes many changes in its government, we hope you’ll join us online for a timely webinar moderated by Judge Dan A. Polster, with Dr. Amir Fuchs, senior researcher the Israel Democracy Institute at the Center for Democratic Values and Institutions. Register here. - Celebrate What Israel Means to You
If you’re looking for a way to celebrate Israel here at home, applications are open for the next round of Gather Grants. Gather Grants are an initiative of Federation’s Making Jewish Places, Next Gen, and PJ Library Atlanta that gives community members $180 microgrants in order to hold community events around a holiday or initiative. This cycle of Gather Grants is themed around celebrating Israel’s 75th birthday, which falls on May 14. You can choose any way you’d like to honor the Land of Milk and Honey—host a potluck featuring Israeli foods like falafel, shakshuka, or Bamba; invite people over for a backyard jam session and sing Israeli songs you or your friends learned at summer camp; or take a Saturday Shabbat hike and reflect on the similarities and differences between Georgia and Israel’s environment.
Applications will be accepted until March 31, and selected programs should take place between April 15 and May 15. Click here to learn more and submit your proposal!
