Excerpts From the Weekly Update: May 16, 2007
PODCAST: Exploring Interreligious Relations
"Interreligious work is something AJC has been doing for most of its history," says Rabbi Gary Greenebaum, AJC's U.S. director of Interreligious Affairs, in an AJC Studio conversation about his work. Find out the latest on Jewish relations with Catholics, Mormons, Protestants and other faith groups in the U.S. LISTEN at: ajcarchives.org/lindsay/soundfiles/garygreenebaum050907.mp3
Catholic University Honors Rabbi Rudin
St. Martin's University, the renowned Catholic Benedictine University in Lacey, Washington, awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters to Rabbi James Rudin, AJC's senior interreligious advisor. Rudin delivered the commencement address to graduating students. He spoke about ongoing dialogue between Jews and Catholics, the dangers of religious zealotry and the need to work towards peaceful coexistence.
Celebrating Shavuot
The Jewish festival of Shavuot will be observed next week. Tune in to an AJC Studio conversation with Steven Bayme, AJC's director of Contemporary Jewish Life, as he describes the roots and meaning of this holiday, celebrating the gift of the Torah at Mt. Sinai. LISTEN at: ajcarchives.org/ajchomepage/audio/BaymeShavuot051407.mp3
Professor Elie Rekhess Discusses Israeli Arabs
The world's leading expert on Israeli Arabs discusses in an audio interview with AJC recent developments affecting Israel's minority community, their ongoing struggle between Israeli and Palestinian identity, and his own suggestions on what the Israeli government should do to improve Jewish-Arab relations. Professor Elie Rekhess of Tel Aviv University recently visited the AJC Studio after addressing the board of AJC's Koppelman Institute on American Jewish-Israeli Relations. LISTEN at: ajcarchives.org/ajchomepage/audio/BaymeIsraeliArabs050907.mp3
Asia and Pacific Rim Institute Gets New Director
James Busis has been appointed director of AJC's Asia and Pacific Rim Institute. Busis comes to AJC with more than 20 years experience as a business consultant, executive and strategic planner in Asia, Europe and the U.S. "The increasingly significant economic, political and strategic roles that nations in the Asia-Pacific region play in international affairs demand we continue to foster stronger ties," said Busis. "I look forward to bolstering AJC's well-established relationships among those nations and developing new areas for mutual cooperation."
New AJC Booklet: 40 Years After 1967
AJC has sent to all Chapters, and will soon make available on AJC's website, materials regarding the 40th anniversary of the Six-Day War. A new booklet, 40 Years After 1967: Israel's Quest for Peace Still a Work in Progress, reviews the facts that led to the war, what happened during the conflict, and Israel's efforts since that fateful period to achieve peace. DOWNLOAD A COPY at: www.ajc.org/atf/cf/%7b42D75369-D582-4380-8395-D25925B85EAF%7d/40_YEARSAFTER1 967.PDF
Video Interviews with AJC Staff Experts
Valerie Hoffenberg, AJC's representative in Paris, discusses in a new video available at AJC's website the challenges Jews in France face in confronting anti-Semitism, and the role AJC plays in deepening understanding between France and the U.S. This is the first in a series of excerpted video interviews with AJC staff experts conducted by Suzanne Lasky-Gerard of Jewish Family Television, with the assistance of Felice Traktman of AJC's Miami Chapter. The full interviews will be available on local cable television later this year. VIEW HOFFENBERG at: ajc.org/site/c.ijITI2PHKoG/b.2726157/k.C300/Valerie_Hoffenberg_Interview.htm
Film on AJC Young Leadership Programs
As AJC began its second century at the 101st Annual Meeting earlier this month, AJC's newest film, focusing on the next generation of AJC members, was released. 4 Voices From the Next Generation includes Dan Kohl of Milwaukee, Beth Paradies of Atlanta, and Sarah Silverman and Andre Veissid of New York. These four are representative of the growing number of people who are engaging with AJC through ACCESS and other young leadership programs. WATCH FILM at: www.ajc.org/site/c.ijITI2PHKoG/b.2730603/k.9FB3/Film_Four_Voices.htm
Colorado Chapter Honors Schools Superintendent
AJC's Colorado Chapter honored Michael F. Bennet, superintendent of Denver Public Schools, for his commitment to education and civic leadership at its National Human Relations Award Dinner. James Bennet, editor of the Atlantic Monthly, and previously Jerusalem Bureau Chief of the New York Times, delivered the keynote. Denver Mayor John W. Hickenlooper lauded AJC for its tremendous impact in the community. More than 400 attended the dinner.
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