Update had stories recently on the New York Times' unfair treatment of Israel on both its editorial and op-ed pages. The story was triggered by a letter written to the paper by one of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's top aides, Ron Dermer (an Update reader).

Abraham Foxman, National Director of the Anti-Defamation League, continues the discussion in a recent piece he posted on the Internet. ADL, which combats and monitors anti-Semitism and other forms of defamation, is one of the 32 agencies and programs funded by dollars raised by The Birmingham Jewish Federation Annual Campaign.

"In the past two years, the Anti-Defamation League has found the need to send 31 letters to the Times criticizing or raising questions on editorials, op-eds and articles about Israel and the Middle East conflict," writes Foxman.

"To its credit, the Times published many of these letters. But the fact that we saw the need to send so many letters -- sometimes as many as two or three a week -- reflects our growing concern about what is appearing in the newspaper."

The Birmingham Jewish Federation over the years also has sent corrections and letters to the Times believing that it is essential that the Times, given its national influence, hear not just from readers in the major urban areas but also from readers throughout the country.

Operation Grassroots -- a Birmingham Jewish Federation effort to raise ONE THOUSAND new gifts or increases of at least $100 to access a $100,000 challenge gift is off to a great start.

BJF volunteer leader Randi Landy, who along with her husband Dave, is chairing the 2012 BJF Campaign had a great morning meeting the other day with one of our longstanding Jewish community volunteer leaders. This friend and her husband gave $8500 to the 2011 BJF Campaign and after meeting with Randi, increased to $9000 for 2012.

Not only will this increase count as an Operation Grassroots gift, because it is an increase of at least $100, but it will have an impact beyond that. Thanks to additional matching funds we've received from the Sirote Fund of The Birmingham Jewish Foundation and other donors, the additional $400 increase will be matched as well. Pretty good deal, huh!

"Thanks so much for making my morning! It was wonderful to chat with you and learn more about our awesome Jewish community. I am always looking to leaders like you to help guide me in my volunteer 'career,'" wrote Randi. (The Landys moved here 12 years ago from Atlanta.)

"Dave and I feel that we have received so much from the Birmingham Jewish community. We love the opportunity to give back what we can. Chairing the 2012 BJF Campaign is a huge responsibility, so we LOVE having friends like you to help us lead. Of course, our whole fabulous community is what is going to really make the campaign a success!"

Operation Grassroots officially kicked off 12:01 AM Jan. 1st and everyone is welcome to participate. You can make your new gift or increase of at least $100 by going to one of the links below, contacting Tiffany Hyche at The BJF at 205-803-1513 or tiffanyh@bjf.org or calling our 24-Hour Operation Grassroots Hotline at 205-803-1514. You can also send a check made out to "BJF Operation Grassroots" to The Birmingham Jewish Federation, PO 130219, Birmingham, AL, 35213.

57 donors have already responded -- only 943 more to go! Through Operation Grassroots, we truly have an opportunity to make history. For our small Jewish community of just about 1500 families, along with help from our friends, to raise 1000 new gifts or increases of at least $100, will be an achievement that will lift our organization for years to come.

Click to make an Operation Grassroots payment.

Click to make and Operation Grassroots pledge and be billed.