It was once thought that the bulk of American Jewry was of one frame of mind when it came to Israel -- that is, that it is important to support the Jewish state and respect the right of Israel's democratically-elected decision-makers to do what they think is best for their own country.

This is changing as new generations of Jews have come of age, some of whose members don't have the same understanding and emotional attachment to Israel, and as technology has offered a much broader spectrum of viewpoints and forum for debating issues.

CNN took a look at this growing phenomenon in a piece that includes comments from spokesmen from two agencies funded by The Birmingham Jewish Federation Annual Campaign -- the Anti-Defamation League and Jewish Council for Public Affairs.

On the local level, here in Birmingham, there is a diversity of opinion on Israel's actions and policies within our own small Jewish community. However, even people who are critical with things Israel might do, tend to support Israel in general -- understanding its history, admiring its achievements and recognizing the need for Jews to have a strong, independent homeland given the persecution, deportation, violence and genocide that Jews have faced over the centuries.

Update readers are invited to participate in the Jewish Federations of North America Teleconference Series on the 2012 Presidential Election.

The first call, on Wednesday., Feb. 1 at 3 pm CST, will feature Lynn Sweet, Washington Bureau Chief for the Chicago-Sun Times and Ron Kampeas, Washington Bureau Chief for the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA).

Sweet is a regular guest on MSNBC programs and has appeared on CNN, FOX, NBC and CBS. Sweet is universally acknowledged as one of the leading media experts on Barack Obama, having covered him since the start of his political career.

Kampeas, as JTA's Washington Bureau Chief, is responsible for coordinating coverage in the US capital and analyzing political developments that affect the Jewish world. Before coming to JTA, Kampeas worked for over a decade with the Associated Press in its bureaus in Jerusalem, New York, London, and Washington, D.C. Kampeas is a leading expert on the intersection of the Jewish community with public policy and politics.

This call is the first in a series of calls regarding the 2012 Presidential election. If you would like to participate please email us at update@bjf.org by 5 pm, Tuesday, Jan. 31 for the call-in information.

These calls, which are being sponsored by Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), are one more way that our national Jewish Federation movement serves the American Jewish community. (Neither JFNA nor The Birmingham Jewish Federation endorses candidates or is affiliated with a political party.)

At its recent annual meeting, Collat Jewish Family Services (CJFS) honored Jewish community member David Reese as the agency's 2011 Volunteer of the Year. David has offered his time to CJFS for many years as a previous board member, helping with the annual Friends Campaign, stocking the Food Closet shelves and most extensively as a Friendly Visitor to Phyllis Bass and her late husband, Jack.

CJFS has had a Friendly Visitor program since its inception. The purpose of a friendly visitor is to provide companionship to seniors who are isolated and to assist with errands or take them for outings.

Phyllis, and Jack, a Holocaust survivor, needed both companionship and assistance. David was the answer to their prayers. In no time at all, David became more than a volunteer, he became a friend. He helped run errands, came by just to visit, and added fun and entertainment to lives that were encumbered with illness and caretaking needs.

When Jack became ill and upon his passing, David remained at Phyllis' side, consoling her and listening. When Phyllis moved into a senior housing facility, David led the team of CJFS volunteers who helped her pack and unpack so that she could start anew.

CJFS is grateful for David's time and dedication. His work, along with the work of many other volunteers, enables CJFS to broaden its reach and better fulfill its mission. Phyllis presented the award to David with pride and joy in a touching moment, telling the audience, "He's my little lamb!"

CJFS is one of 32 agencies and programs funded by The Birmingham Jewish Federation Annual Campaign.