ACSZ Western Region Salon; Building African-American Support for Israel - The Deligitimization of Israel

Civil trial attorney Baruch C. Cohen with Jarrod Jordon

Executive Director of Vanguard Leadership Group

topics

1)    Building African-American Support for Israel

2)   The Deligitimization of Israel

Each one of Salons has been unique in different ways: topics, speakers, participants, venues… The Salon that took place last night was VERY unique (I know, ‘very unique’ is poor English – but in this case the perfect description). First – The Salon was held in the new 42 story “THE CENTURY”, one of LA’s most prestigious condominiums (Candy Spelling, Paula Abdul, Jane Fonda live there). The building is more than gorgeous and the areas in which we held our Salon were stunning. Second – the topics were timely, interesting, and thought provoking. The hour allotted for presentations and Q&As went very quickly and the 50 people in attendance (max we allowed) were mesmerized from beginning to end. Third – and most importantly – the presenters:

Adelle Nazarian, Program Director of the Henry Jackson Society (http://www.henryjacksonsociety.org/) described the work of the London based (not a typo, London as in London, England) think-tank working against the international delegitimization of Israel. Adelle is as sharp as they come, a great role model, and made us all very proud to meet and hear from such strong advocate for Israel.

Jerrod Jordan, Executive Director of the African-American Atlanta based Vanguard Leadership Group (http://vanguardleadershipgroup.com/), discussed his organizations programs geared towards building support for Israel (one of its many outstanding programs). The VLG, which works closely with AIPAC, developed pro-Israel ads which were placed in University newspapers during Apartheid week. Columbia University refused to carry the ad because it was too political! Gary Rosenblatt’s (NYJW) wonderful story about Jerrod and the VLG may be found by opening: http://www.thejewishweek.com/news/new_york/black_group_defends_israel_against_charge_apartheid

We thank the speakers, Pam Chais for hosting this Salon, Honey Kessler Amado for sponsoring the program, Stephen Matloff for spearheading our outreach to the ‘younger’ people in our community, and last but not least Jennifer Weinstein who, as always, did an outstanding job.