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2/1/2009: "Dora and the V-2" Exhibit at UAH 2/21-3/13
12/14/2009: 2009-2010 Holocaust Essay Contest Information
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3/23/2009: Yom Hashoah Observance at Space & Rocket Center
3/23/2009: First Step Forward: Supporting Gush Katif Evacuees in Nitzan
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8/28/2008: Contributions to UJC from the Network Campaign
6/1/2008: JFHNA Sponsors Concert by Israeli Pianist Einav Yarden
5/18/2008: Yom HaAtzmaut 2008
5/1/2008: Holocaust Remembrance Observance to be Held May 1
3/2008: Christian Passover Celebration 2008 Speech Transcript
1/21/2008: Federation Works with Ashalim, Israel's Child Advocacy Center
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12/23/2007: Lee High Students see Elie Wiesel as part of Holocaust Studies Project
12/9/2007: Brickman and Kimmerling share views on Islamic Fundamentalism at Etz Chaim

President’s Letter

January 2008-June 2008

2008 has continued to be another race to keep up with the momentum of the Federation! Now that may sound like a minus to some, but I can assure you it is a plus. Starting in March, I spent 2 ½ weeks in Israel, admittedly, it wasn’t all work, but it did allow me the opportunity to expand my knowledge and understanding of what the UJA and the “Joint” does there with the funds we send. During my trip I travelled to the Hof Ashkelon region (yes, where the rockets are landing) specifically to see the Carvillas of Nitzan where I received an education from the UJA and Friends of Gush Katif regarding the needs of communities still living in temporary sites since their evacuation from the Gaza Strip. The “Joint” and specifically Arik Rosenblum, Director of Operations and Federation Relations, whose office is in Jerusalem, was my host. We went to Lod to visit with the projects being done to integrate and assist the newly arrived Israeli Ethiopian Community. No small feat, the work they are doing to bridge the cultural gaps. The flight from Ethiopia to Israel is a short one, however, to borrow a quote from Rahamin Elazar, “It is the journey of 2,500 years”. More photos from both of these excursions and story can be found here on the website.

In April, the Federation board was invited by friends in the Huntsville Evangelical Christian Community to join them for what is the largest interfaith (mostly Christian interfaith; although some of our members of the Federation filled seats this year too) gathering, of its kind. Designed to educate Christian’s about the historical and religious significance of the Jewish Passover celebration, an offering is taken up each year and given to a worthy cause. This year, Pastor Somerville, led the group, and the offering was collected to bless the Jewish Community for the blessings that the Jewish Community has provided to Christians throughout history. By the end of the night, a total gift of over $20,000 was collected. One thing is sure; this is one group of Christians who definitely know what it means to do a “mitzvah”. One of the most moving highlights of the evening was the singing of “Ha Tikvah” performed by our hosts. Of course the display of unconditional love and mutual respect was the best part by far!

Later in April, Professor Jonathan Adelman came to Huntsville and was hosted by Etz Chayim and spoke to us about the U.S. and Israel relationship and gave a valuable and compelling talk on what hopes and issues need to be resolved and what he expects in the future. The talk was followed by a question and answer period and refreshments. Professor Adelman has recently published a new book “The Rise of Israel: A History of a Revolutionary State”. No, I haven’t read it yet, but I intend to.

May began with the Federation’s annual observance of Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, which this time we were able to open to the entire Huntsville community. The Federation, thanks in large part to our committee lead, Sue Farbman, decided to expand our outreach for this event to the larger community and moved it to a large facility to accommodate more people. This year also saw the inauguration of the first Huntsville Holocaust Essay Contest open to all local High School students. The topic this year was “Children in the Holocaust”. Lee High school students, some of whom had travelled last year to see Ellie Wiesel in Birmingham, performed for the crowd. Last year, thanks to a donation to the Federation from the “Angels Among Us” charity, these children who are students of previous 7th Candle award winner, Mary Hudson, not only heard Ellie Wiesel in person, but also exchanged a card and received a thank you from the Holocaust Survivor and Nobel Prize Winner. Mayor Loretta Spencer began the ceremony with a proclamation declaring Holocaust Remembrance Week in the city of Huntsville. The 7th candle award winner this year was Pastor Somerville, who has worked tirelessly for Humanitarian causes throughout his life.

Also in May, the best party all year took place for Yom HaAtzmaut, Israeli Independence Day. This being the 60th Anniversary, all stops were pulled out and there was more everything, thanks to our committee lead, Millie Rosenthal. Our guest speaker this year was Shlomit Daniel, one of the first Israeli Ethiopian Officers to serve in the Israeli Defense Forces. Shlomit came to Israel in 1991 as a part of “Operation Solomon” from her native Gondar province in Ethiopia. You can read more about the story of the Ethiopian aliyah to Israel, and also see photos on our website.

The Yom HaAtzmaut celebration also officially kicked off our 2008 campaign drive for the United Jewish Communities (UJC). The Federation was presented with a $20,000 check, by Pastor Somerville, who gave a moving speech that touched the hearts of many present, and was rewarded with a spontaneous standing ovation. This represented the money that was collected in April, and mentioned earlier in this posting. Paul Kunitz, campaign chair, and former Federation President, described the myriad of activities and programs that support Jews in need throughout the world and are managed by the UJC.

After our speakers and vocal performers, we all adjourned to enjoy the food, activities (for all ages; but especially for the children), and carnival atmosphere that went into a great celebration of Israel’s 60th! In June thanks to the kindness of Board Member Stan Belsky and Mr. Bill Lindberg, the Federation was able to help sponsor Einav Yarden, a talented and accomplished pianist, whose playing was enjoyed by members of the Jewish community and other music loving members of the Huntsville community. You can find more on Einav and the concert on this website.

There is never a dull moment for the Jewish Federation of Huntsville and North Alabama. This is in large part to the hugely energetic and enthusiastic board and community members that make everything work so well. It is because of their efforts that the Federation has been able to offer so many programs during the year and perform some special mitzvahs.

Kol Tuv

Laura King
President
Jewish Federation of Huntsville and North Alabama