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ADVOCACY ANYWHERE

Advocacy Anywhere, Powered by AJC [link removed], is our online platform bringing you top-quality content during the pandemic. Tune in Monday, July 6 [link removed], for a conversation between Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican's Secretary for Relations with States, and Rabbi David Rosen [link removed], AJC's International Director for Interreligious Affairs, about the Vatican's relations with Israel, including efforts to quell the recent surge of antisemitism, and the Vatican’s diplomatic strategies for achieving peace in the Middle East. View the Advocacy Anywhere [link removed] page for information on past and future programs. 

ON AIR

Rabbi Angela Buchdahl on Jews and Race; Election 2020 Debate [link removed]
People of the Pod / 56-minute listen
On this week’s episode of People of the Pod [link removed], we are joined by Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, Senior Rabbi of Manhattan’s Central Synagogue and member of AJC’s Board of Governors, to discuss the Jewish community’s obligation to Jews of color and to social justice. Then, in one of the most compelling sessions from AJC Virtual Global Forum, we hear a foreign policy debate between Antony Blinken, Deputy Secretary of State under President Barack Obama and now an adviser to Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, and KT McFarland, past Deputy National Security Advisor under President Donald Trump. Listen now [link removed]   

MUST-READS

David Harris: On the Frontlines of Pro-Israel Advocacy [link removed]
AJC Advocacy Anywhere / 1-hour video
For four decades, AJC CEO David Harris has been a leading advocate for strengthening Israel’s place in the community of nations, for deepening its ties with the United States and other key countries, and for advancing Israel’s quest for enduring peace and security. With Israel and its relationship with the Palestinians once again in the news, Harris on Wednesday discussed the tough questions, complex issues, and new opportunities for Jewish advocacy in a special AJC Advocacy Anywhere program. He lamented recent displays of Jewish disunity and lack of nuance, at a time when Jews can’t afford to let disagreements stand in the way of their shared mission to safeguard Israel. “When there’s criticism, we try to find the most constructive way to channel the criticism,” Harris said about AJC’s approach. On the topic of prospective unilateral moves in the West Bank, Harris said, “At the end of the day we recognize it is not our decision to make. It is Israel’s decision to make. From our perspective at AJC, we see the cost of annexation, or the extension of sovereignty. We see the cost as being very high. We don’t see the benefits.” Watch now [link removed]  

Black Lives Matter UK Panned for Anti-Israel Tweets [link removed]
The Jerusalem Post / 2-minute read
Ahead of Israel’s anticipated policy move regarding the West Bank, a Twitter account associated with the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement in the United Kingdom tweeted its solidarity with Palestinians, adding that “mainstream British politics is gagged of the right to critique Zionism, and Israel settler colonial pursuits.” Several Jewish allies of the Black Lives Movement blasted the tweet as antisemitic and untrue since Israel is one of the most-discussed foreign policy issues in the UK. But those same groups also insisted that the hurtful language wouldn’t diminish their commitment to racial inclusivity and justice. Read more [link removed]  

Irish Government Rejects BDS [link removed]
Jewish News Syndicate / 2-minute read
The two main political parties assembling a coalition government in Ireland have removed a proposed piece of legislation from the draft agenda that would have placed a boycott on products produced in Israeli settlements. The removal is a big victory for pro-Israel advocates, who predicted the Irish parliament surely would have passed the bill. AJC tweeted: [link removed] “The bigoted BDS movement has suffered a major defeat. The new Irish government has thwarted a bill that would have placed a boycott on Israeli products.” Read more [link removed]    GOOD TO KNOW India to Use Israeli Disinfectant to Sanitize Public Spaces [link removed]
The Jerusalem Post / 2-minute read
India has acquired an innovative Israeli version of Mr. Clean, an antiseptic disinfectant originally developed for the IDF to deal with biological warfare, to fight the coronavirus pandemic. The cleaning compound, which wipes away 100% of bacteria, viruses, molds, and fungi and is safe for the public, was developed by the Israel Institute for Biological Research (IIBR). It will be used to sanitize airports, hospitals, and public transportation. AJC tweeted [link removed] news of the partnership: “A demonstration of how strong India-Israel ties have become and how vital they are during the current crisis.” Read more [link removed]   Mississippi Governor Signs Bill Removing Confederate Symbol from State Flag [link removed]
The Washington Post / 3-minute read
For more than a century Mississippi has flown a flag bearing a Confederate battle symbol. That is no longer the case after Republican Governor Tate Reeves on Tuesday signed a bill retiring the state’s flag and its controversial emblem. Within 15 days, the now-former state flag must be lowered across the Magnolia State. It will be replaced by a new design chosen by voters in November. Lawmakers insist that the new flag must incorporate the phrase “In God We Trust.” AJC tweeted: [link removed] “This is a symbolic move, and far too long in coming, but in the fight for justice, symbols matter. We applaud the people of Mississippi and Gov. @TateReeves [link removed] for ensuring that the Confederate flag no longer flies over the capitol of a single American state.” Read more [link removed]    TIDINGS RIP Carl Reiner [link removed] (The Forward)
Learning About the Girl Next Door: Anne Frank [link removed] (JTA)
Can Cuomo Cancel Camp? [link removed] (Tablet Magazine)

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