The following is from the Anti-Defamation League. ADL, which monitors and combats anti-Semitism, is one of 32 agencies and programs funded by The Birmingham Jewish Federation Annual Campaign.

ADL has called on organizers, participants and supporters of the worldwide "Occupy Wall Street" movement to condemn anti-Semitic signs and comments that have appeared at some of the protest rallies across the country and around the world.

"We are seeing some individuals holding anti-Semitic signs at the Occupy Wall Street rallies, and some videos posted on YouTube from the rallies have shown individuals expressing classic anti-Semitic beliefs such as 'Jews control the banks' and 'Jews control Wall Street,'" said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.

"While we believe that these expressions are not representative of the larger views of the Occupy Wall Street movement, it is still critical for organizers, participants and supporters of these rallies to condemn such bigoted statements clearly and forcefully," Foxman added.

Photo is from ABC News.

Joyce Spielberger, The Birmingham Jewish Federation's Director of Community Relations and Overseas Programs, has a letter in today's Birmingham News on the release this past week of captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. Joyce's letter is part of The BJF's ongoing efforts to educate Alabamians about Israel's difficulties and dilemmas.

Commenting on Israel releasing more than 1000 Palestinian prisoners to get Shalit back, Joyce writes, "It is a lopsided deal to say the least, but it also sends a strong message that the Israeli government will do whatever it takes to bring its captive soldiers home."

Adds Joyce, "As a strong supporter of Israel, America's only ally in the Middle East, I, too, am breathing a sigh of relief, joyous for the return of Shalit. However, I will be holding my next breath as I worry for the safety of the people of Israel as these prisoners resume their terrorist activities."

Photo is of Gilad Shalit being interviewed on Egyptian TV this past week.

Commentary on the death of longtime Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi was offered by Rabbi Micky Boyden.

Rabbi Boyden is co-founder of "We Are For Israel," which describes itself as centrist and which was established to help people better understand Israel's difficulties and dilemmas. Seven Alabama rabbis along with other Jewish leaders from our state have endorsed this new group. Rabbi Boyden, a Reform rabbi who lives in Israel, lost a son in combat in Lebanon.

"While the West was quick to condemn Egypt's President Mubarak and Colonel Gaddafi and support those forces that brought about their downfall, the belief that the so-called Arab Spring will bring democracy to the Muslim world is based on wishful thinking," he wrote in a piece worth reading.

"After all, the Arab world has no tradition of democratic rule, and the power vacuum that has been left by the removal of these dictators has left fertile breeding ground for both the Muslim Brotherhood and Al Qaida," Rabbi Boyden continued. "While the overthrow of Gaddafi sees the end of a ruthless dictator, one is left wondering what tomorrow will bring."

Photo of Muammar Gaddafi is from Reuters.

Our recent Update headlined "The Little Federation That Could," which highlighted the achievements and impact of our small Birmingham Jewish community, drew some great feedback.

The Update featured a Juvenile Diabetes breakthrough by Israeli researchers, which The Birmingham Jewish Foundation helped fund, and Birmingham's Rabbi Eytan Yammer and Miriam Friedman being featured in the national media. (See below link for the Update.)

The Update noted that Birmingham is one of America's smallest Jewish communities. Our Jewish community has an estimated 5500 people, making us about one half of one percent of the Birmingham metro population. Yet, we in Birmingham, and especially at The Birmingham Jewish Federation, often see ourselves as "The Little Engine That Could" -- a tiny community that tries hard and accomplishes great things!

In response to the Update, one longtime Jewish community member wrote, "This was an exceptional Update. The articles featured were so relevant to what Israel does for the world and how our local clergy and the wife of one of our rabbis, who also is a Jewish educator, are raising awareness in the Jewish and Christian communities of Birmingham!"

"I am continually proud of The BJF and the place we've carved out for our tiny community in the world at large! Your Update really touched my heart! Thanks BJF for all you do!"