Israel Mission Alumni e-news

JULY 2021

Foundation statements on racial violence, injustice, and antisemitism

The Weinberg Foundation stands firmly against antisemitism in all its forms, as well as all racially and ethnically fueled violence, including racism and injustices that have been inflicted upon Black and Indigenous peoples, other people of color, and Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. The Foundation is committed to advancing equity and justice by taking action to achieve meaningful and transformational change.

We hope that you subscribe to the Foundation’s regular e-news, as well, and that you had the opportunity to see last week’s outreach, which included the following statement specifically addressing antisemitism, as well as the Foundation’s support for Israel:

Statement on antisemitism

The Jewish community in the United States has experienced a significant rise in threats, crimes, and other hate-motivated acts in recent years. In 2019, the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) Annual Audit on Hate Crimes in the US documented 2,107 antisemitic attacks—a 12 percent increase over the prior year and the highest number on record since the ADL began tracking in 1979. Although this number decreased slightly in 2020, the statistics remain staggering.

The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation continues to partner with organizations on the frontlines of the battle against antisemitism, in all its forms, grounded in the shared goal of promoting basic human decency and kindness, including confronting discrimination against and fostering respect for all peoples. In March 2021, the Weinberg Foundation announced a two-year $2.5 million funding commitment to nonprofits combating antisemitism throughout the United States, including $1 million to the ADL, as well as support for other similarly focused organizations within the Foundation’s priority communities.

The Foundation also notes with alarm the rise of antisemitic rhetoric and violence connected with the recent violence throughout Israel and in Gaza. To be clear, the Foundation unequivocally supports the pursuit of peaceful coexistence and joins in prayers for calm and lasting peace for Israel, Gaza, and the entire region. We mourn the loss of life and suffering of all peoples resulting from conflict. The Foundation also stands firmly with Israel and condemns antisemitism—explicit or implicit—as a denial of the State of Israel’s right to exist, including defending itself from attack. Such instances inflame antisemitism globally, further threatening the safety of the Jewish community.

Together, we must strive to see the humanity in every person and to reject hate and prejudice rooted in identities—including race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, or religion—and work toward a more inclusive and accepting world for all. With equal measures of hope, determination, and action, we can emerge from these turbulent times as not only a stronger, safer Jewish community but also a more peaceful global community. We invite you to click here to see all of the Foundation’s statements on racial violence, injustice, and antisemitism.

Virtual briefing on the recent Israel conflict—available on website—and resources to stay in touch with Avi Melamed

The Foundation hopes that you were able to join our recent Alumni Zoom briefing on the conflict in and around Israel, as well significant political developments. The briefing was conducted by Avi Melamed. Of course, many of you know Avi from our trips as an internationally recognized geopolitical expert on the Middle East region. For this briefing, he provided context for recent events, as well as the latest "on the ground" information. Even if you missed the live briefing, you can still share in this informative and meaningful experience by clicking here.

In addition, many Alumni have asked for ways to connect with Avi for continued learning. We invite you to visit his website, www.AviMelamed.com, where you will find numerous articles and videos. Videos can also be seen at his YouTube channel.

Avi also invites you to follow him on Twitter @avimelamed and to receive his latest intelligence analysis straight to your inbox. Please click here to subscribe to his newsletter.

Avi’s next book, Inside The Middle East | Entering A New Era is scheduled to be published in January 2022. In conjunction with the release of the book, Avi is planning a lecture/teaching tour throughout North America from February 1 through March 27, 2022. If you have questions, or would like more information regarding the tour, please contact Avi directly at Avi@AviMelamed.com.

Exciting news about two of our Mission Alumni!

The Foundation created this e-news—just for Israel Mission Alumni—with the goal of sharing Mission and Israel-specific information and updates, including upcoming or recent trips, guest/expert content exploring current events in Israel, travel news, Weinberg grant highlights, and much more. We also invite you to share your important news, so that we can share with others! In that spirit, please join us in congratulating two Mission Alumni, Susan Howe, 2018 Mission participant, and Fagan Harris, 2016 Mission participant, on their exciting news.

Specifically, Weber Shandwick—one of the world’s leading global communications and marketing solutions firms, recently named Susan as president. She has held many prominent leadership and client roles during her 25 years at the agency, including serving most recently as the company’s first chief growth officer.

Susan is seen here (far right) with, left to right, Paula B. Pretlow, Trustee; Rachel Garbow Monroe, President/CEO; and Amb. Fay Hartog-Levin, Ret., during the 2018 Mission Shabbat celebration and dinner.

Also, President Biden has nominated Fagan—in addition to six others tabbed for key roles—to serve as a Member of the Board of Directors of AmeriCorps. This is especially exciting news for all of us at the Weinberg Foundation since Fagan began his relationship with the Foundation leading an organization to which the Foundation awarded a Small Grant! Fagan is seen here at the Israel/Lebanon border during the 2016 Mission.

Perhaps you have been recently promoted or appointed; maybe you celebrated a major life event or even wrote a book! Just email us at AlumniNews@hjweinberg.org, and we will be pleased to share with all Mission Alumni in a future e-news.

Looking forward to brighter days—and, especially, our Alumni Mission in 2022!

As Israel Mission Alumni, you have had the opportunity to witness firsthand the resilience of the country, the region, and its peoples. Despite other conflicts over many years, as well as ongoing challenges and tensions, the spirit of life—“chai”—prevails. We always celebrate the opportunity to visit this ancient, soulful, beautiful, but very complicated part of the world. Back in 2011, dozens of Mission Alumni took part in the Foundation’s first “reunion” trip. We finally get the opportunity to do it again in 2022—and we hope you will join us!

Please see the invitation form below, and click where indicated to RSVP. But hurry, because fewer than 10 spots remain!

RSVP now! Space is limited (less than 10 spots available), and reservations are being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Seven days and nights introducing new locations and experiences, while also incorporating "the best" of our regular Mission itineraries
Extraordinary speakers including Israeli officials at the highest levels of government, business and hi-tech leaders, powerful voices from the philanthropic and social service sectors, and much more
Meaningful hands-on volunteer experience connecting nonprofits from Baltimore and Israel
As always, luxury accommodations and incredible regional cuisine, including a night in the desert (how about your own infinity pool overlooking one of the world's geologic wonders?)
Possible visit to Petra, Jordan

What we need from you

RSVP as soon as possible, including whether you plan to bring a guest (no more than one guest, please). Please include name(s), job title(s) and organization(s) if appropriate, best mailing address (home or work), and email address(es).

You arrange and pay for your flight (and guest's, if applicable) to and from Israel, as well as any necessary connections. We will coordinate and provide transportation from, and back to, the airport in Tel Aviv.

The Foundation covers the majority of each participant's (and guest's, if applicable) ground costs (hotel, food, bus transportation, gratuities, and fees), but we request a one-time payment to help offset this expense: $1,800 for you, $500 for guest, if applicable.

Full payment for you and your guest (if you are bringing a guest) is due to the Foundation no later than October 30, 2021 (one year prior to the trip). Of course, you are welcome to send your check to the Foundation today! Please make checks payable to the Weinberg Foundation, and mail to the attention of Yvonne Sporrer. Refund and cancellation policies are as follows: A full refund will be provided until April 1, 2022. Between April 1, 2022 and July 30, 2022, a 50 percent refund will be provided. Starting August 1, 2022, no refunds will be provided.

Again, reservations are first-come, first-served! Demand has been overwhelming, and we are close to reaching capacity.

We apologize if we run out of space, and we look forward to seeing you in Israel in 2022!