AFSI Offers Sincere Condolences

Monday - October 29, 2018

IT HAPPENED IN PITTSBURGH - IT CAN HAPPEN ANYWHERE!

Etz Chayim synagogue in the Squirrel Hill section of Pittsburgh, this past Shabbat, October 27, was the scene of a slaughter, displaying pure evil and baseless hatred. While a bris, celebrating new life and joy was scheduled to be held, a heinous and vile attack was committed against innocent Jewish lives while they prayed. There has never been such an attack against the Jewish community in America with eleven lives lost and a number wounded - some very seriously. We pray it may never happen again.

Israeli emergency response group ZAKA's international unit is waiting at the scene of the Pittsburgh attack for permission to enter and treat the bodies of the murdered, which are still at the scene.

Here is a summary of what leaders around the world are saying:

"...W e just don't seem to learn from the past. There must be no tolerance for anti-Semitism in America or for any form of religious or racial hatred or prejudice," stated President Trump . The President is planning to visit Pittsburgh to pay his personal condolences to the bereaved families.

“The shooting in Pittsburgh is a painful reminder of continuing anti-Semitism. Jews across the world continue to be attacked for no other reason than their identity. Anti-Semitism is a menace to democratic values and peace, and should have no place in the 21st century,” UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said in a statement . Though AFSI appreciates Guterres' truthful statement, we'd like to see his words turn into action at the agency he heads . With all the anti-Jewish-anti-Israel-anti-Semitic actions and hypocrisy at the UN, his words have no meaning unless the UN reverses course NOW!!

"To all the anti-Semites out there on Twitter: Am Yisrael Chai!,” tweeted Ambassador Ron Dermer .

"When Jews are murdered in Pittsburgh, the people of Israel feel pain. All Israel are responsible for one another," said Diaspora Affairs Minister Naftali Bennett, who visited and met with the community in Pittsburgh and participated in the funerals of those killed in the attack.

Horrible memories of the Fogel family attack in Itamar surfaced for Israel's Consul General in New York, Dani Dayan , who is also in Pittsburgh now.

An excellent editorial in The New York Sun, "The Tree of Life Massacre," for further reading is HERE .

Rocket Barrage - Israel Under Attack

Late Friday night saw the latest escalation between the Gaza-based terror groups and the Jewish State. Thirty rockets we fired into Israel, with at least 14 into Sderot .

Six Israelis in Sderot were lightly wounded and were evacuated to Ashkelon's Barzilai Hospital.

Hundreds of residents of southern Israel blocked the entrance to the city of Sderot on Saturday night in protest against what they called the government's "helplessness.

AFSI at Work in Israel - Supplying Radios for First Response Teams

Listen to Shaul Levine tell you about how AFSI is making a difference in Israel HERE .

Hatikvah Played . Israeli national anthem played for first time for Israeli judo gold winner Sagi Muki.

Under Fire . Confronting TIHP, international organization which attacks Jews in Hebron .

Ma'aleh Adumim . 20,000 new housing units approved for immediate construction .

Special Prejudice . What Jack Engelhard has to say about the public outcry over Megan Kelly.

Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked and Meshilut

It was a great treat to meet and greet Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked at a private event on Sunday afternoon, October 28. Organized by the Israel Independence Fund, led by its brilliant and creative founder, Aharon Pulver, the SRO crowd was captivated by the Justice Minister’s remarks. Of primary interest was the detailing of the abuses of the Israel Supreme Court, which undermines the rule of law by overturning rulings by the Knesset and the Minister of the Interior. Present at the meeting was Simcha Rothman, Legal Advisor and Research Director for MESHILUT, an organization promoted by the Israel Independence Fund, which works closely with Justice Minister Shaked. Their slogan is, “We are bringing the power back to the people.” They will do this by strengthening the rule of Israel’s elected officials by restoring the proper balance between the legal and executive branches of government. Donations to Meshilut can be made by check to the Israel Independence Fund | PO Box 754087 | Forest Hills, NY 11375.

Election News - in Israel

For our Israeli friends, Allon Davidi is running for re-election as Mayor of Sderot and Arieh King for Jerusalem Councilman. We applaud these two men who work tirelessly for the good of their constituents and all of Israel. May they have success.

Elections in New York

Since AFSI scrupulously avoids taking political positions, it is important to note that our endorsement for Chele Farley is not because she is a Republican, running against a Democratic incumbent who has already been in the Senate for twelve years. It is because of her staunch love and support for Israel.

Recently, we listened to Chele Farley speak at a pro-Israel rally that she ran. Good friend, Dr. Joe Frager, spoke glowingly of her, describing their trip to Israel together. Frager detailed how Farley insisted on going to Hebron, and on going OVER the GREEN line and visiting the communities of Judea and Samaria. She was privileged to meet with U.S. Ambassador to Israel, David Friedman , and heartily endorsed the move of the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. She has also been an outspoken supporter of the Taylor Force Act, which would deny U.S. funds to the PA while they continue their "Pay to Slay" program. Farley strongly supported President Trump's cancellation of the Obama Iran "deal," and is opposed to any BDS measures against Israel.

We are concentrating here on Farley's stand on Israel , rather than her positions on how to fix what is broken in NY, because we want to refrain from being political. Needless to say, we believe someone as clear thinking as Chele Farley is on Israel, would be the same on all issues that would come before her as Senator from New York. Jews who love Israel should cast their ballot on November 6 for Chele Farley.

Helen Freedman

SOLD OUT!!

AFSI CHIZUK MISSION TO ISRAEL (7-DAY TRIP) starts tomorrow, October 30 and runs through November 5, 2018. The group will be celebrating Shabbat Chaye Sarah in Hebron. In addition, they will be meeting with U.S. Ambassador David Friedman at the U.S. Embassy in Yerushalayim. READ THE ENTIRE TRIP ITINERARY HERE .

AFSI CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Find More Events at Israel Advocacy Calendar

Monday - October 29, 2018 @ 6:30 PM - Scottsdale, AZ

Israel Strategic Security Political Insights, a view from Washington DC with EJ Kimball, Senior Advisor to the Israel Victory Project. No admission fee. Suggested donation $18. RSVP to JewishEd@BJEphoenix.org

Ina Levine Je wish Community Campus | 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ

Tuesday – October 30, 2018 @ 1:00 PM (See Webinar Address Below for West Coast, London and Israel Times)

Balfour in the Next Century-Jewish Rights to the Jewish Homeland, A Live Webinar Sponsored by The Israel Forever Foundation . Jewish rights to our ancestral homeland are unassailable. Learn about the Balfour Declaration as a symbol of Jewish legal rights and an important milestone to sovereignty in the Jewish Homeland. Send your questions to Elayna Yael to be answered during the webinar.

Webinar Address Plus West Coast, London and Israel Times HERE

Tuesday, October 30, 2018 | 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM - Addison, TX (Dallas Area)

AFSI Co-Sponsors An Evening with Caroline Glick with Special Guest Col. Allen West . Celebrated author and journalist Caroline Glick discusses “President Trump's Israel Policy and Its Effect on American Interests and National Security.” Colonel Allen West will introduce Ms. Glick. A short presentation about ZAKA, Israel's volunteer emergency responders will be shown. Book signing (books for sale) with Caroline followed by dessert reception. FREE PARKING. $25 Early Bird Price thru Sept 1. $40 after Sept 1. Get tickets on Eventbrite . For info call (972) 450-6241 or actcinfo@addisontx.gov

Addison Conference and Theater Center | 15650 Addison Road, Addison, TX

Wednesday - October 31, 2018 @ 8PM

Israel's Next Northern War: Operational and Legal Challenges. A high-level briefing sponsored by Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA) featuring US military and national security experts Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Richard Natonski, USMC and Cpl. (Ret.) Marc Warren USA. No admission fee. RSVP to Ethan Pupkin or call 202-667-3900.

The Jewish Center | 131 West 86th Street, NYC.

Friday - November 2, 2018 @ 5:40 PM

Shabbat Dinner with MK Yehuda Glick - "From Terror Victim to Knesset Member," part of the Israel 70 Years Speaker Series. Services begin 5:40 PM followed by dinner. $100 per person; $50 per child with children's program included-contact Tanya .

Fifth Avenue Synagogue | 5 East 62nd Street, NYC

Saturday - November 3, 2018 After Morning Services

MK Yehuda Glick will speak after services. Kiddush following services.

Kehilat Rayim Ahuvim (KRA) | 241 West 72nd Street

Saturday - November 3, 2018 During Seudah Shlishit (approx. 5:15 pm)

MK Yehuda Glick will speak on “The Road to Recovery Leads to the Knesset."

Rabbi Yehuda Glick was shot by a terrorist for promoting Jewish rights in Israel, specifically for praying on the Temple Mount. Hear his unforgettable story of courage and resilience. Rabbi Glick is currently a Member of the Knesset and the voice of terror survivors for OneFamily. No admission charge.

Lincoln Square Synagogue | 180 Amsterdam Avenue, NYC

Saturday - November 3, 2018

Melave Malka and Live Music with MK Yehuda Glick . At the home of Lauren and Daniel Feinberg. For more information and to RSVP contact shifra@onefamilyfund.org.

Sunday - November 4, 2018 | 11 AM - 1 PM

Book Launch: Reading the Rav: Exploring Religious Themes in the Thought of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik with Dr. Moshe Sokolow. No charge. Please register HERE .

Lincoln Square Synagogue | 180 Amsterdam Avenue, NYC

Sunday - November 4, 2018 | 12 PM – 5 PM

Bnai Zion Foundation Annual New York Gala honoring Kenneth Abramowitz, Mark E. Langfan, William K. Langfan and Rabbi Elie Abadie, M.D . and featuring entertainment by Oz Pearlman. Reception begins 12 noon immediately followed by program. For AFSI Special Rate call Rebecca Harary 212-725-1211.

Museum of Jewish Heritage @ 36 Battery Place, NYC

Monday – November 5, 2018 | 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM

WZO-AZM Luncheon Symposium on Anti-Semitism and Anti-Zionism Challenges on the American Campus Today. Among the many featured speakers are Yaakov Hagoel, Vice Chairman, World Zionist Organization and Ofir Dayan, Student at Columbia University. Complimentary lunch provided. Dietary laws observed. For more info call Alicia Post (212) 318-6100, ext. 6947 or azm@azm.org . Registration required for security entrance . Register HERE by November 1 .

The Conference Center | 130 East 59th Street, NYC

Monday - November 5, 2018 @ 7:00 PM

Aryeh Green, author of “My Israel Trail: Finding Peace in the Promised Land.” A former advisor to Natan Sharansky and head of MediaCentral in Jerusalem, Aryeh hiked the entire length and breadth of Israel on Shvil Israel - the Israel National Trail. The talk, accompanied by photos and video, will describe his intimate encounter with the land, history and people of Israel. Autographed copies of Aryeh's book available for purchase. No charge but advance registration required HERE .

Lincoln Square Synagogue | 180 Amsterdam Avenue, NYC

Tuesday - November 6, 2018 @ 6:30 PM

24/7 For 24 Years One Israel Fund Annual Dinner honoring Marc Provisor, Steve & Jacqui Herman, David & Aurora Mosberg, Dr. Irwin & Donna Azman, Eli & Mila Burman.

Keynote Speaker: Caroline Glick Master of Ceremonies:Ben Brafman

AFSI Special Rate $200 per person. Call in credit card to 516-239-9202, ext. 10 and ask for Ruthie Kohn or mail check payable to One Israel Fund - 445 Central Avenue, #210, Cedarhurst, NY 11516. Please indicate "AFSI Special Rate" on the memo section of the check. We're sorry but OIF online dinner link is not set up to process the AFSI Special Rate.

Tribeca 360 | 10 Desbrosses Street, NYC

Thursday - November 8, 2018 @ 6 PM

Kristallnacht 80th Anniversary Observance sponsored by the Suzanna Cohen Legacy Foundation, devoted to Holocaust survivor legacy . Hear prominent speakers Edwin Black, Malcolm Hoenlein, CEO of the Conference of Presidents, Nathan Lewin of the American Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists, and more. All RSVP’s receive a complimentary copy of the Foundation's first major book release, Six Thousand Miles to Home by Kim Kupperman, who will speak, and a complimentary CD of the Holocaust ballad "Edyka" by Rachel Black who will perform live. Light refreshments served. RSVP HERE with your name, any guest, and with an email contact. When you reserve, please cite whether you are associated with an inviting individual or an organization.

Temple Israel of the City of New York | 112 East 75th Street, NYC

Thursday - November 8, 2018 @ 7:30 PM

Kristallnacht Program with Dr. Moshe Avital. Dr. Avital is a noted Holocaust lecturer, author, educator and Survivor of 6 concentration camps. No admission charge.

Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun | 125 East 85th Street, NYC

Sunday - November 11, 2018 @ 11:00 AM

Israel Bonds Brunch Hosted by United Congregations for Israel (UCFI). The program will honor the representatives of the UCFI. Talk delivered by IDF Sgt. Benjamin Anthony from the "Our Soldiers Speak.". Purchase of an Israel Bond encouraged but not required to attend. Kashrut laws observed. To register click HERE.

Congregation Habonim | 103 West End Avenue, NYC (@ 64th Street)

Sunday - November 18 | 7 PM - 9 PM

The Heights of Courage with Brig. General (Ret.) Avigdor Kahalani. Autographed copies of Avigdor's book "The Heights of Courage" will be available for purchase. Also speaking will be Israel's Consul General in New York, Dani Dayan. Cost per person: $10 in advance; $20 at the door. Light refreshments will be served. Pay online HERE .

Lincoln Square Synagogue | 180 Amsterdam Avenue, NY

Wednesday - December 12, 2018 @ 7:30 PM

Award Winning Ma'ale Adumim Youth Symphony Featuring the Ramaz Upper School Choir & Chamber Choir. An incredible concert honoring Israel @ 70. Following the performance is a VIP dessert reception for guests featuring Mayor Benny Kashriel of Ma’ale Adumim and other Israeli dignitaries to be announced. Tickets range $52 - $180. Sponsorships available. Click here to RSVP and/or sponsor .

Zankel Hall @ Carnegie Hall | 881 7th Avenue, NYC (between 56th - 57th Streets)

**Ma'ale Adumim has been visited by AFSI Chizuk Mission Participants.

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Mark Langfan | Chairman

Helen Freedman | Co-Executive Director

Judith Freedman Kadish | Co-Executive Director | judy@afsi.org

P. 212-828-2424 | F. 212-828-4538