Excerpts from AJC Weekly Updates from June 20 - July 18:
Latin Mass
"We acknowledge that the Church's liturgy is an internal Catholic matter," said Rabbi David Rosen, AJC's international director of Interreligious Affairs, about the Catholic Church's recent decision to reinstate the Latin Mass. But "we are naturally concerned about how wider use of this Tridentine liturgy may impact upon how Jews are perceived and treated." AJC called upon the Vatican to clarify the matter.
UCC Resolution on Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
"The UCC has taken an encouraging step forward from its resolutions of two years ago that singularly placed blame on Israel," said Rabbi Gary Greenebaum, AJC's U.S. Director of Interreligious Affairs, as he welcomed the positive shift in the United Church of Christ approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. At the UCC biannual synod, a resolution was adopted that endorses a two-state solution and recognizes that in the past the church may have "overlooked" aspects of a complex situation in the Middle East.
Rabbi Rosen Reelected to Head IJCIC
AJC's international director of interreligious affairs was re-elected as Chairman of the International Jewish Committee on Interreligious Consultations (IJCIC). "IJCIC is a unique organization in its representation of world Jewry, religiously and organizationally, and in its role as the official Jewish interlocutor with the representative bodies of other world religious communities," said Rabbi David Rosen after the election. IJCIC is the formal representative of world Jewry to other international religious bodies.
Catholic Leader Honored
Eugene Fisher, secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, was recognized at AJC's Board of Governors meeting for his 30-year contribution to Catholic-Jewish relations. Fisher has worked closely with AJC staff experts in interreligious affairs and cooperated on many projects, including several important conferences on Christian-Jewish dialogue.
Interreligious Education for Young Jews
Sarah Siegel, AJC's Goldman Fellow for Interreligious and Interethnic Affairs, led an interfaith workshop for Jewish youth in Washington, D.C. Working with Panim, the Institute for Jewish Leadership and Values, and AJC's Washington Chapter, she brought together speakers from the Lutheran, Evangelical and Muslim communities.
U.S. Prisons Limit Access to Religious Texts
AJC is urging the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to reconsider its policy of limiting access to religious texts. The BOP recently issued approved reading lists limited to 150 published works per religion. "To arbitrarily cap the number of books available to inmates unjustifiably punishes those seeking both religious inspiration and texts that are essential for the proper observance of their faith," wrote AJC to the Bureau of Prisons.
U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom
Felice Gaer, director of AJC's Jacob Blaustein Institute for the Advancement of Human Rights, has been reappointed to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom. The bi-partisan Commission monitors global violations of the rights of freedom of thought, conscience, and religion or belief. Gaer has served on the Commission since 2001, including two terms as chair. "Felice Gaer's expertise on human rights abuses and her watchful eye on women's rights and religious intolerance have strengthened the Commission's work globally," said Commission Chair Michael Cromartie.
Miami ACCESS in New Orleans
AJC's Miami ACCESS chapter visited New Orleans and delivered a check to Xavier University for $15,000 in proceeds from the sale of New Orleans Crescendo, a jazz CD created by AJC in cooperation with the Office of Black Ministry of the Archdiocese of New York. The ACCESS delegation met with Xavier President Norman E. Francis; Professor Lance Hill of Tulane University; and Julie Schwam Harris from the New Orleans mayor's office. All expressed their gratitude to AJC for its ongoing efforts to help rebuild the city.
Africa Institute Hosts Southern Sudan Leaders
Leaders from AJC's Africa Institute and Washington Chapter met with senior officials from the government of Southern Sudan. They discussed the conflict in Darfur, among other issues. At the request of the Southern Sudanese representatives, AJC also invited other Jewish organizations, including B'nai Brith International, the National Holocaust Memorial Museum, and AIPAC.
Senate Energy Bill
AJC applauded the Senate for adopting a comprehensive energy bill and urged the House to pass similar legislation. Increasing CAFE standards for the first time in 24 years was a significant achievement. "Greater energy security means greater national security," said AJC. "This bill enhances U.S. energy security by reducing our dependence on foreign oil and also will benefit the environment by mandating use of alternative fuels."
ACCESS Focuses on Energy
AJC's New York ACCESS group and the prestigious law firm, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, co-sponsored an event on energy policy, focusing on the trend of companies "going green." A panel discussion, moderated by ACCESS Steering Committee member Ari Wallach, included Roy Bahat, vice president of Business Development for NewsCorp; Jordan Barowitz, director of External Affairs for the Durst Organization, and Ariella Rosenberg Maron, senior policy advisor for the New York Mayor's Office of Long-Term Planning and Sustainability.
Applauding Israel's Hybrid Car Program
AJC praised the Israeli government for its decision to convert its diplomatic vehicles in the U.S. to hybrid-electric technology. "This forward-thinking initiative reflects Israel's deep, ongoing contribution to the environment and global security," said David Harris. "Let us hope that other nations, particularly those that have been outspoken on energy and environmental matters, will follow Israel's laudable example." AJC's Fuel Efficient Vehicle Bonus Program was the first of a non-profit organization in America.
David Harris Briefs Senate Democratic Leaders on Israel
AJC Executive Director David Harris, for the second consecutive year, was invited to make a presentation to the Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee on Israel's security challenges, including Gaza under Hamas rule and Hezbollah in Lebanon, as Israel continues to seek peace with all its neighbors. A total of fifteen Democratic senators, including Majority Leader Harry Reid, participated in the hour-long session. Last year Harris spoke on U.S. energy independence.
University Presidents to Visit Israel with Project Interchange
Project Interchange is hosting its second educational seminar in Israel for presidents of leading U.S. universities. The group will meet with leaders in education and research at the Weizmann Institute, the Technion, Hebrew University, Ben Gurion University and Al-Quds University. They will focus on the challenges of higher education in Israeli and Palestinian societies and explore opportunities for student and faculty exchange, research, and technology transfer, especially in the fields of biotechnology and environmental research.
President Bush Hosts Jewish Leaders
AJC President Richard Sideman participated with other national Jewish leaders in a meeting at the White House with President Bush, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley. The discussion focused primarily on Middle East issues and the American role. President Bush reiterated his strong support for Israel and its aspirations. The group also met top congressional leaders from both the Democratic and Republican parties.
High-level Moroccan Delegation Visits AJC
Senior Moroccan officials, including National Intelligence Chief Yassine Mansouri and Deputy Interior Minister Fouad El Himma, discussed Maghreb and Middle East issues with lay leaders and staff over dinner at the AJC headquarters. The seven-member Moroccan delegation was in New York for a UN-mandated negotiating session with Polisario and Algerian representatives over the future of the Western Sahara, a disputed territory over which Morocco asserts sovereignty. Hosting the dinner, Jason Isaacson, director of government and international affairs, noted AJC's ongoing contacts with the Moroccan government and its formal affiliation with the Moroccan Jewish community.
Ari M. Gordon Assistant Director Department of Interreligious Affairs American Jewish Committee 165 E56th St. New York, NY 10022 (212) 891-6768 (212) 751-4000 x266 www.ajc.org www.engagingamerica.org