The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), The Birmingham Jewish Federation and our other Birmingham Jewish community agencies co-sponsored a highly successful program Sunday titled "The Birmingham Israel Summit -- A Call To Action."

Approximately 200 people from Birmingham and other parts of the state attended the three-hour program at Temple Emanu-El. Participants included a broad cross-section of the Birmingham Jewish community and many Israel supporters who aren't Jewish. It was a tightly-organized, well-run, informative program, and it highlighted the importance of AIPAC's work and the need for those who care about Israel to become involved in AIPAC.

"It was an excellent AIPAC program today. I would give it an overall grade of A+," wrote one Birmingham Jewish community volunteer leader in an email after the program.

AIPAC is a national organization dedicated to educating US Senate and House members and other officials about the bonds that unite the US and Israel and how it is in America's best interest to help ensure that Israel remains safe, strong and secure. (AIPAC is not a "political action committee" and it does not endorse, rate or contribute funds to political candidates.)

The program offered informative, interactive workshops on important topics affecting the US-Israel relationship such as Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons, Christians and Jews working together for Israel, what the November, 2012 election might mean for Israel and implications of the Arab spring.

A superb keynote presentation was given by Professor Stephen Berk. His topic was, "From Tragedy to Triumph: The Future of Zionism." Berk is Professor of Holocaust and Jewish Studies at Union College in Schenectady, NY.

He reviewed a series of vexing problems facing Israel today -- including increasing difficulties for Israel in the Middle East overall, the Iranian nuclear threat, the lack of meaningful negotiations with the Palestinians, and Egypt and Turkey's shift away from Israel.

Though he catalogued a daunting array of challenges for the Jewish state, he still ended on an upbeat note. He pointed out that Israel has demonstrated a unique ability to overcome formidable challenges, and that history teaches us that things do change, suggesting that conditions could improve for Israel in the future. "Israel will not only survive, it will thrive," concluded Berk.

Other co-sponsors included Temple Beth-El, Temple Emanu-El, Knesseth Israel, the N.E. Miles Jewish Day School, the Levite Jewish Community Center and Collat Jewish Family Services.

Friday's Update story on two-year-old twins Asher and Noah Rotenstreich participating in The Birmingham Jewish Federation's current Operation Grassroots fundraising initiative struck a chord with readers.

The twins are shown here with mom Beth proudly displaying checks for Operation Grassroots. Asher is in the tan sweater; Noah is in the blue sweater.

"The Rotenstreich boys are precious and, even at a young age, they are learning the value of helping others from their mom, Beth, and grandparents, Bunny and Joel!" wrote one Jewish community member who has three young children. "I'm inspired to get my own children involved in Operation Grassroots. Talk about a wonderful life lesson!"

Operation Grassroots is a BJF effort currently underway to raise 1000 new gifts and increases of at least $100 to receive a $100,000 challenge gift. Thus far, 140 gifts have been received -- only 860 more to go!

As their grandfather Joel pointed out in an email, Friday's Update will be a great keepsake for Asher and Noah in the years ahead. It also will be a permanent representation of the values that are important to their mom and their grandparents.

If you have young children or grandchildren who would like to make a contribution to Operation Grassroots, even if they have to pool their dollars, we will be glad to feature them and their picture in Update. We'd also be happy to have you and them come to The BJF to learn more about the great work we do. To arrange a visit, contact Donna Berry at 879-0416 or donnab@bjf.org.

Click to make an Operation Grassroots payment.

Click to make an Operation Grassroots pledge and be billed.

There was a great story in the Birmingham News on Jewish community member Charles Denaburg and his successful legal career. Charles, who has been practicing law for more than 50 years, has been awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Birmingham Bar Association.

The piece is worth reading. It highlights Charles' success and interesting and diverse background. We congratulate Charles and thank him for his continuing support of The Birmingham Jewish Federation Campaign. Members of our small Jewish community continue to have extraordinary impact on Birmingham and Charles' career, contributions to Birmingham and legal success are a further reflection.