May 28, 2008

Israel Office

• NIF to Protest New Testament Book Bonfire
• Most Israelis Want Liberal Jewish Education

SHATIL

• Profile of Everett Fellow Avi Cohen: Connecting Environmental and Social Issues
• Everett Fellows Learn Constructive Struggle Skills

Weekly Message

At NIF and in other progressive circles, we talk often about the concept of Tikkun Olam. We understand, in an abstract sense, what the phrase “repairing the world” suggests. But I am convinced that to fully appreciate the power of Tikkun Olam, we must observe those who are among its foremost practitioners. And, for the past four years, I have been privileged to work alongside of one of those individuals - our Board President, Peter Edelman.

Before joining NIF, I was aware of Peter’s reputation as a rare example of a man with the eloquence to speak out for the poor and disadvantaged among us, no matter the political or personal cost. He has demonstrated throughout his public life that he has both a conscience and a vision, and that he is a man of deep integrity, deep commitment, and deep passion. Needless to say, in assuming my current position, I did not fully appreciate what it would mean to have someone like Peter serve as a mentor and guide in navigating the challenges of addressing issues of justice, equality and civil society in Israel today.

Peter has helped steer the New Israel Fund into a new century, one which poses even more challenging problems and intractable schisms than ever before. We are in the midst of a millennial shift – in public policy, social systems and demographic changes – and the New Israel Fund is equipped to tackle these shifts and changes due in large part to Peter’s indelible leadership during the past six years.

Last week, our Washington office organized a tribute to Peter in celebration of his six years as NIF Board President. Approximately 150 people attended the reception/program at the Decatur House. Toasts by former NIF President Mary Ann Stein, Americans for Peace Now CEO Debra DeLee, Religious Action Center Director David Saperstein and a distinguished group of Peter’s neighbors emphasized that Peter’s commitment to NIF represents but one example of his social activism and community involvement on issues of contemporary importance to the United States and Israel. While we will soon welcome another uniquely talented NIF President in the person of Naomi Chazan, we will not soon forget the specific contributions that Peter has made to NIF and in providing a wonderful model for all those involved in promoting social justice.

The Washington event was the second in a series that NIF is organizing to recognize Peter’s contributions to NIF. The first was held in Boston on May 9 at the home of Alan and Susan Solomont. Approximately 60 NIF friends and supporters participated in the Boston program, including Senator Ted Kennedy, whom we all wish good health. We have two more events scheduled in the United States to celebrate Peter’s tenure – in Chicago on June 11 and in New York on June 16. We also are planning a seminar and reception in Peter’s honor in conjunction with our June Board meeting in Jerusalem.

Last week’s NIF webcast focused on Religious Pluralism: Freedom or Fundamentalism. This week, NIF News reports on a planned protest against the shocking events that occurred last week in Or Yehuda, when a crowd of Jews, including the city’s Deputy Mayor, burned dozens of New Testament books. We also feature the findings of a survey by an NIF grantee, which shows that a majority of Israelis want liberal Jewish movements to be active in Israel's education system. SHATIL features Everett Fellow Avi Cohen and a recent workshop for the Everett Fellows on constructive struggle.