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By Joyce Spielberger, BJF

I had one of those "aha" moments this week. It involved Birmingham and Israel and one more thing the two have in common.

It stemmed from a series of successful business meetings that The Birmingham Jewish Federation arranged for Rosh Ha'ayin Mayor Moshe Sinai who was in Birmingham this week for an array of programs and events.

The business meetings were part of our continued effort to further strengthen the bond between the people of Birmingham and the people of Israel, especially those who live in Rosh Ha'ayin.

The BJF and Rosh Ha'ayin have had a relationship for 30 years. In 2005, the City of Birmingham, through The BJF's efforts, adopted Rosh Ha'ayin as an official Sister City. The mayor was here to visit with and speak to our Jewish community as well as strengthen the ties between Rosh Ha'ayin and the City of Birmingham overall. Accompanying the mayor were Arnon Ben Amram, a Rosh Ha'ayin city councilman, and Meir Serrouya, Executive Director of the Rosh Ha'ayin Conservatory of Music.

Included in the meetings was a visit to Innovation Depot, Birmingham's "incubator" for emerging businesses in the technology sector. The Israeli delegation is pictured here at Motus Motorcycles, one of 80 businesses located at Innovation Depot. Jewish community member Lee Conn is one of the principals of Motus. From left, are Mayor Sinai; Serrouya; Devon Laney, Innovation Depot COO; Scotty Colson, Assistant to Mayor William Bell; Ben Amram; Susan Matlock, Innovation Depot's Executive Director, and Conn.

OPPORTUNITIES TO CONNECT

We also had the opportunity to meet with representatives of the Birmingham Business Alliance, where I had my "aha" moment, and where we visited with CEO Brian Hilson and VP for Economic Development Rick Davis. The purpose of the meeting was for the BBA to get to know Rosh Ha'ayin, its demographics and industries, and to create business connections and share best practices.

In the discussion the talk turned to "image." Hilson talked about the challenge Birmingham faces in its effort to attract international businesses because of negative impressions that still linger due to Birmingham's difficulties during the Civil Rights era.

As Hilson spoke, he nodded toward Mayor Sinai and acknowledged that he knew that image is an issue Israel struggles with as well, particularly in the international media. Regrettably, Israel is often portrayed unfairly and its legitimate security needs and dilemmas are minimized.

I thought later about the meeting, which was a success. Ideas flowed back and forth and it was apparent the BBA officials were impressed with Mayor Sinai's energy, vision and desire to keep moving Rosh Ha'ayin forward. Today, for example, Rosh Ha'ayin, because of its many musical programs and offerings, is widely known as a "city with music in its heart." In addition, Mayor Sinai hopes to double the population of his city within the decade.

However, as I thought about the meeting afterward, my mind kept coming back to the word "image" -- especially because we at The BJF are constantly responding to unfair portrayals of Israel. I came to realize how much Birmingham and Israel have in common when it comes to fighting the "image battle."

Image is important, as we in Birmingham know and as those of us who care about Israel know as well. That's why The BJF, through our Jewish Community Relations Coalition, Update and other venues, keeps telling Birmingham's story and Israel's story everyday in so many ways.

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If you would like to arrange a speaker on Israel for your organization, please contact BJF Director of Community Relations Joyce Spielberger at joyces@bjf.org or 205-803-1518.