The below is from Jimmy Filler, President of The Birmingham Jewish Federation:

I want to invite you to a wonderful community event Monday night, Dec. 12th at Temple Beth-El. On that evening, we will celebrate 30 years of our partnership with the Israeli city of Rosh Ha'ayin and honor three outstanding community members.

Hilary Gewant will receive The Birmingham Jewish Federation's Joanie Plous Bayer Young Leadership Award, Lisa Engel will receive our Federation's Susan J. Goldberg Distinguished Volunteer Award, and Pat Weil will be given The Birmingham Jewish Foundation's N.E. Miles Lifetime Achievement Award. There will be a light reception at 5 pm; the program will begin at 6:15 and end by 7:45 pm.

In addition to the presentation of awards, the program that night will be highlighted by remarks from Rosh Ha'ayin Mayor Moshe Sinai and Birmingham Mayor William Bell. Our two wonderful communities have enjoyed a relationship for three decades.

The evening will be chaired by Sheryl and Jon Kimerling. The entire community is invited.

STRONG BONDS HISTORY

When it comes to supporting Israel Bonds, which is another purpose of our community gathering, Birmingham has a long and strong history. Please help us continue that in 2011. Israel is urging us to buy Israel Bonds. Israel is in need of our investment dollars. You can either purchase a bond, or make a significant impact by financing a bond. Bonds can be purchased at a range of levels.

Israel Bonds are crucial to Israel's continued economic well-being. They are a safe, reliable investment and allow each of us to create a stronger personal connection to the Jewish Homeland. You can learn more and purchase Israel Bonds by going to the below link. Kindly take a moment to go to the link and, if possible, purchase a bond. If you need assistance, please feel free to call the Israel Bonds office directly at (800) 752-5649.

FOUNDATION'S DRIVE

Please also know that you can purchase an Israel Bond in honor of any or all of our honorees and also participate in The Birmingham Jewish Foundation's Israel Bonds drive in lieu of, or in addition to, purchasing a bond outright. For more information, please contact Sally Friedman or Janet Aarons at The Foundation at 205-879-0416 or sallyf@bjf.org or janeta@bjf.org.

Thank you in advance for your support of The BJF, Rosh Ha'ayin and Israel Bonds. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming Monday night, Dec. 12 Community Event. I am especially proud that we live in a community where agencies such as The Federation, Foundation and Israel Bonds can and do work together. This cooperation not only strengthens Israel but also our own Jewish community.

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(Childcare is available. Please contact Lauren Pyle Klinner at The BJF at laurenp@bjf.org. Above photo is of Jimmy Filler and his wife, Carol, at last year's Federation/Foundation/Israel Bonds gathering.)