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Action Alerts

PA State House Approves Terror-Free Investing - June 22, 2010
Senate Bill 928, Terror-Free Investing, passed the State House unanimously yesterday. This bill, which calls for divestment by the State Treasury and Pension Boards of investments in Iran and Sudan’s energy sectors, is expected to be signed into law by the Governor within the next ten days. With its adoption, Pennsylvania will join 28 other states in passing legislation to divest from Iran and/or Sudan. Please thank your State Representative for voting for this important legislation. Full Action Alert

Congressional Letters Support Israel - June 22, 2010
As Israel faces ongoing international criticism for intercepting a flotilla attempting to break the blockade of the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip on May 31, Senate and House members are circulating letters addressed to the President supporting Israel's right to self-defense. Among other issues, the letters request that the administration use its veto power, if necessary, against any biased or one-sided resolutions emanating from the U.N. Security Council on this issue. Please express your appreciation for the support of our local Congressional delegates. Full Action Alert

Gaza Flotilla Incident - June 1, 2010
As you all know, there was a violent confrontation in the Mediterranean early yesterday morning between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and a flotilla headed toward Gaza, which resulted in the tragic loss of life and many injuries on both sides of the confrontation. In spite of its stated humanitarian goal, the "Free Gaza" organization sailing the flotilla was clearly intent on provoking Israel. Full Action Alert

Past Action Alerts

News and Analysis

U.S. Congress Approves New Iran Sanctions: Congress overwhelmingly passed tough new sanctions against Iran, sending a message to the Tehran government that notions of becoming a nuclear power could be accompanied by a steep economic price. The Senate and House in quick succession approved the penalties that focus on Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard and the country's imports of gas and other refined energy products. The measure now goes to the White House for President Barack Obama's signature. Read more here.
EU adopts new sanctions against Iran: At a summit in Brussels, the E.U. approved new sanctions on Iran, including a ban on investments, technical assistance and technology transfers to Iran's key oil and gas industry. The E.U. sanctions are potentially significant because Europe is Iran's biggest trading partner. Read more here.
UN approves new Iran sanctions: The United Nations Security Council voted 12-2 in favor of a fourth round of sanctions against Iran's nuclear program. The sanctions target military purchases, trade and financial transactions carried out by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, which controls the nuclear program and has taken a more central role in running the country and the economy. Read more here. For a good analysis of why the U.N. sanctions are significant, read this article by Matthew Levitt of the Washington Institute.
Iran denounced for human rights abuses: The U.N. Human Rights Council condemned the extensive human rights violations in Iran after the United States and European Union denounced Iran for its bloody crackdowns on peaceful protests and cruel repression of Iranian citizens since disputed presidential elections a year ago. U.S. ambassador Eileen Chamberlain Donahoe told the Geneva forum the rights situation in Iran was "one of grave concern." Read more here.
A call to stop funding companies that do business with Iran: In a recent opinion piece, David Ibsen of United Against Nuclear Iran, a bipartisan advocacy group dedicated to raising awareness of the dangers of a nuclear armed Iran, makes a case for divestment from companies that do business in Iran, as an effective way of delaying their nuclear program. While Ibsen is proud of the work that ordinary citizens and organizations such as United Against a Nuclear Iran have done, he believes that more can and should be done to prevent companies from doing business with this state sponsor of terrorism. Read the full article here.

Past news and analysis

Israel Updates

Iran Sanctions Approved - June 29, 2010 Full Update here.

Helen Thomas Resigns - June 7, 2010 Full Update here.

Iran Sanctions, Palestinian Economy, Polish President’s Legacy - April 16, 2010 Full Update here.

Senate Passes Iran Sanctions - February 9, 2010 Full Update here.

Israel's Relief Efforts in Haiti - January 21, 2010 Full Update here.

Comments on the Goldstone Report - November 25, 2009 Full Update here.

Advocacy Resources

A collection of articles to help you on your way!

Bring Gilad Home!

June 25th, 2010 marked four years since the abduction of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.
Let the world know that Gilad will not be forgotten and that we will continue to fight for his safe return home.

Click here to see actions you can take for Gilad Shalit.

Click here to urge your elected officials to make Gilad's release a top priority.

U.S. Middle East Envoy George Mitchell calls for Gilad's immediate release. Read more here.

U.S. Senate and House unanimously call for Gilad's release. Read more here.

Click here to read Prime Minister Netanyahu’s statement on the government's efforts to free Gilad Shalit.

Gaza Flotilla Incident

Over Memorial Day weekend – in spite of Israel’s best efforts to avoid confrontation – the IDF was forced to intercept ships attempting to break the naval security blockade and enter the Gaza port, in spite of numerous Israeli requests to not enter.
Click here to learn more about the facts of this situation.

June 11, 2010: Read the latest JCRC Update

For Email Marketing you can trust

Click here to sign the Don't Fund Terror petition

‘Buy Israel’ Campaign

The JCRC is proud to co-sponsor the
‘Buy Israel’ campaign, which encourages you to bring a little bit of Israel into your home with each trip to the supermarket.

Click here to find out more about the campaign and about where you can buy Israeli products (PDF download)

Upcoming Events

David Ibsen, coalitions director and associate director of policy for the New York-based United Against Nuclear Iran, will discuss the dangers of Iran having a nuclear arsenal, as well as the effect of the latest sanctions. Ibsen will speak at the Quarterly Meeting of the Greater Philadelphia District of the Zionist Organization of America.
Thursday, Aug. 5, 7:30pm
Beth Sholom Congregation, 8231 Old York Road, Elkins Park
The meeting is free and open to the public. Contact: 215-338-9188

Multimedia

Shlomo Gronich and the Sheba Choir

launch multimedia show

Click here for information about community trips to Israel

Leadership & Advocacy Trips to Israel

To find out about leadership and advocacy trips to Israel for teens and adults, click here.

Past Israel Advocacy Events

Support the Israeli Economy:
Shop Israel!

Take a virtual shopping spree, Israel-style. The merchandise is beautiful and the feeling you get is even better. We've provided a comprehensive list of Israeli businesses offering wonderful one-of-a-kind items including Judaica, books, jewelry and more. Go Shop...

Advocacy Statements

An Organizational Statement of Unity in Support of the State of Israel

About the JCRC
The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia serves the needs of the Jewish community, both local and overseas, through community relations, government affairs, social action and advocacy.
For more information, see the JCRC webpage.

To find out more about Israel Advocacy, please contact:

Deborah R. Norris
Associate, Jewish Community Relations Council
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
2100 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA. 19103
215.832.0549, dnorris@jfgp.org