A chilling video was posted today on Facebook by Jennifer Mizrahi, head of The Israel Project.

This organization, known as TIP, is one of 32 agencies and programs funded by The Birmingham Jewish Federation Annual Campaign. It provides information about Israel to journalists and other opinion leaders.

This somber video, with the tagline "These are the Palestinian heroes," gives insight into some of the terrorists released by Israel in the lopsided prisoner exchange that secured the freedom of captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. It is brief and worth watching. It provides more insight into the agonizing dilemma Israel faced regarding Shalit's release.

Above graphic is from the video. Depicted are murdered Israelis.

As the recent Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah approached, Steve Schwager, CEO of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), had a great piece in the Wall Street Journal.

JDC, which responds to overseas needs on behalf of Jewish Federations, is one of 32 agencies and programs funded by The Birmingham Jewish Federation Annual Campaign.

In an email alerting Federations to his article, Schwager said the purpose of his piece was to "reflect on the significance of this holiday to Soviet Jews and the miraculous revival of Jewish life 20 years after the collapse of the Soviet Union." This revival, he added, is "a testament to the support of the American Jewish community and the work of JDC to help Jews reclaim their heritage."

Wrote Schwager in his article, "We are in the midst of one of the world's more miraculous revivals of Jewish civilization....In fact a million or so Jews in former Soviet states are now celebrating their faith, history and culture with an enthusiasm previously unimaginable."

The BJF, through its annual campaign, has helped fund programs that have played an important role in this remarkable renewal. During the past two decades, BJF representatives have visited the former Soviet Union regularly to learn more about the programs we fund.

Photo reflects revival of Jewish life in the former Soviet Union. (From JDC website.)

Update received wonderful feedback in response to Amanda Weil's piece on Simchat Torah headlined "Holiday of the Heart." (See below link.)

Amanda, a 26-year Birmingham Jewish Federation volunteer leader who grew up in Montgomery, is participating in The BJF's Leadership Writing Project, a new initiative to help young adults affirm their leadership voices through writing for Update and other media.

"Just thought I would tell you what a great article that was in Update this morning," one of our community's longstanding volunteer leaders wrote right after the Update appeared. "Amanda told a beautiful story, and I learned a lot more about this holiday. Amanda expressed herself so well, and it is truly a blessing that she is part of our community."

"Having her and the others who are part of The BJF's Leadership Writing Project write articles for Update is a brilliant idea," this person added. "These young adults will really learn a lot...and surely improve their writing skills and the ability to express themselves through this project."

"NUMBER ALLOWABLE"

A great email also came from one of our readers who lives in a large city in another state. This person has worked for her Jewish community professionally and is involved in an array of Jewish causes.

"All I can say is OMG. Is there something in the water in Birmingham? Do you realize that Birmingham exceeds the number allowable for outstanding, incredible, amazingly gifted Jews per the population? The BJF never ceases to amaze me. I feel like a mom bragging about her children!" she wrote.

"Seriously, don't you see it?" this reader continued. "Is Amanda home grown? Or did she respond to your ad/mantra, 'You Belong in Birmingham?' The BJF cultivates, encourages and creates opportunities for the community to shine. I love Birmingham!"

Much of the credit for the infusion of young people into The BJF goes to current president Jimmy Filler. "New Faces, New Ideas" was one of the themes Jimmy embraced at the start of his presidency two and a half years ago, and he has supported staff efforts and a culture that have helped the BJF achieve this goal.

"I am so pleased with where our Federation is today," said Jimmy. "We have an Executive Committee and Board meeting this week and I already know that I'm going to love seeing all those smiling, enthusiastic young faces!"

Pictured above are, from left, Hilary Gewant, this year's recipient of The BJF's Joanie Plous Bayer Young Leadership Award; Amanda Weil; Jimmy Filler, and Layne Held, another young BJF board member. The photo was taken at The BJF's annual meeting in June where the theme was "Embracing the Future." Hilary, Amanda and Layne spoke about their involvement in The BJF.