Israel Matters Committee
Past Programs
Israel Independence Celebration
Sunday, May 15, 2011. Redwood Grove
Sponsored by Israel Matters
It’s the CBH annual celebration of Israel’s birthday—the 63rd this year and the culmination of CBH’s Israel Independence Celebration Week! (The actual Independence day is the 5th of Iyar—Monday, May 9.) We gather outside on the 15th starting at 12 noon for barbecue, hot dogs, falafels, salads, cotton candy and much more (all free)! For more information, contact George Rooks at gmrooks3@gmail.com or phone Al Sokolow at 530.758.0842.
Upheaval in the Middle East: The Impact on Israel
Thursday, May 5, 7-9 p.m. North Classroom
Sponsored by Israel Matters
How is Israel affected by the major political changes now taking place in Egypt, Tunisia, Libya and other Middle Eastern nations? Join the discussion with Emily Blanck, Leadership Management Director, East Bay and Sacramento Valley, for AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee). Emily has been a staff member of AIPAC since 2007. Before, she was the director of JIMENA (Jews Indigenous to the Middle East), membership specialist with Hadassah, and worked in the government relations industry, She has degrees from Mills College and John F. Kennedy University.
For further information, contact George Rooks– gmrooks3@gmail.com .
A Dynamic Israel Update with Consul General Akiva Tor
Wednesday, May 11, 7-9 p.m. Social Hall
Sponsored by Israel Matters and Israel Peace Alternatives
Akiva Tor is Israel’s Consul General for the Pacific Northwest, with his office in San Francisco. This program was suggested by Rabbi Wolfe, who took part in a trip to Eretz Israel this summer with other northern California rabbis that was led by Tor.
A veteran of the Israeli diplomatic corps, Akiva has been this region’s consul general since 2008. Previously he was world Jewish affairs adviser to the President of Israel, director of the Israel Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei, deputy director for Palestinian affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and press and information attaché at the embassy in the Hague. He served in the IDF as a paratrooper.
He is a native of the U.S. and made aliyah upon graduation from Columbia University. Later he studied at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, specializing in Jewish values in Israel’s foreign policy.
For further information, contact George Rooks– gmrooks3@gmail.com .
Israel Essay Contest for High School Students
Think you know a lot about Israel? You can prove it, if you are a high school student in Yolo County (including but not limited to Davis, Woodland, and West Sacramento) by entering the second annual CBH Israel Essay Contest. In honor of Israel Independence Celebration week, May 8-15, the Israel Matters Committee of CBH is sponsoring this contest for junior and senior high school students. In 1,000 words or less, explain why the nation of Israel is important to the world. Choose one of the following topics:
1. Israel and Technology. Choose a technological advance made by Israelis in an area such as energy technology (solar, wind, and others), recycling, agriculture, information technology, health technology, and other fields. Discuss its importance within the field and for society as a whole.
2. The Importance of Israel: Past, Present, and Future. Suggested topics include the importance of Biblical Israel, Israel as the only democracy in the Middle East, Israel as a bulwark against terrorism, or other appropriate subjects.
Essays will be evaluated on the basis of originality, content, and form, and should have proper citations (sources). Entries must be postmarked by April 30, 2011 and sent to:
Israel Matters Committee
Essay Contest
Congregation Bet Haverim
1715 Anderson Road
Davis, CA 95616
The prizes are: $200 first place, $50 second place, $25 third place, and honorable mentions to be determined. Winners will be notified by May 10, and awards will be given out during Israel Independence Celebration Week. For further information, contact George Rooks at gmrooks3@gmail.com.
