Obama, Israel & 2012; Small Chores Make a Difference
OBAMA, ISRAEL & 2012
Debate over President Obama's attitudes toward and support for Israel continues, both within the Birmingham Jewish community and American Jewish community overall. A Reuters story in today's Jerusalem Post reflects this continuing saga.
"US President Barack Obama defended his policy toward Israel on Wednesday at a political fundraiser where a prominent American Jewish leader mentioned concerns in the Jewish community about the US-Israeli relationship," reported Reuters.
"Obama, who has been criticized by some of Israel's US supporters for being tough on a close ally and has had strained ties with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, offered strong assurances of his commitment to Israel's security."
Photo is of Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Obama meeting earlier this year at the White House.
SMALL CHORES, ODD JOBS & MAKING A DIFFERENCE
More than 40 teen and adult volunteers participated recently in TLC Day, sponsored each year by Collat Jewish Family Services during the weekend that we change to Daylight Saving Time.
During TLC Day -- "Teens Lend a Caring Hand" -- teens help seniors, many of whom have no family nearby or no family at all, by doing small chores and odd jobs for them at their homes.
This year, teens and adults visited the homes of 20 senior adults around the Birmingham community. Tasks completed ranged from changing clock times and smoke alarm batteries to flipping mattresses and raking leaves.
However, it was not all about work. In some of the homes, stories were shared and friendships made. In addition, each senior was presented with a goody bag, filled with season-appropriate items and topped off with a homemade blanket to help keep them warm during the winter.
In planning TLC Day each year, CJFS recognizes the importance of remembering those no longer with us who also deserve attention. To this end, CJFS Volunteer & Programs Coordinator Hillary Weiss ensured that two groups of teens traveled to Elmwood Cemetery to assist with gardening and maintenance in the Jewish section. "Cleaning up the cemetery was a very meaningful experience," said one of the teens.
TLC Day received an overwhelmingly positive response from both the senior adults and the teens. "Helping the elderly was very rewarding and I felt appreciated," commented one teen. Another expressed interest in working on more projects to assist seniors in our community.
"The teens participating in this year's TLC Day were such a delight to work with," said Hillary. "They were so enthusiastic and caring towards our seniors. I was glad to be part of the day." Next year's TLC Day will be Nov. 4, 2012.
CJFS is one of the 32 agencies and programs funded by The Birmingham Jewish Federation Annual Campaign.
Above, from left, TLC participants Cassidy Anderson, Allie Garber and Samantha Wheeler enjoy a visit with Marianne Dreyspring on TLC Day.
DINE 2 DONATE: PAINTING IT FORWARD
Speaking of Collat Jewish Family Services, Max's Deli & artist Richard Russell have teamed up for the first-ever CJFS Dine 2 Donate event on Tuesday, Dec. 6.
Jewish community member Steve Dubrinsky, owner of Max's Deli, will donate 20% of the entire day's proceeds to CJFS. From 5-9 pm that evening, Richard, a Hurricane Katrina survivor assisted by CJFS, will be signing University of Alabama and Auburn University prints for a $10 minimum donation.
"What always stands out to me is that CJFS was there for me and my family," says Richard about that difficult time in his life. He looks forward to "painting it forward" at the event Tuesday night. For more information contact Alison Berman at CJFS at alison@cjfsbham.org.
Picture is of artist Richard Russell, left, and Max's Deli's Steve Dubrinsky.
