Many in Birmingham may remember Oren Almog, the Israeli boy who came here for eye surgery at UAB after losing five family members and being blinded in a suicide bombing attack in Haifa in 2003. Oren, who remains blind, continues to make a name for himself in Israel, inspiring Israelis with his courage and determination.

Oren has recently enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces. "He obviously is exempt from the draft but insisted on enlisting in the armed forces and being like most other Israelis -- and now he is a soldier in the IDF. He is in an intelligence unit, the name of which cannot be disclosed," according to an Israeli news service.

In the story, Oren was quoted as saying the following: "As someone who was hit pretty hard by terrorism I am proud to serve an organization (the IDF) that aims to protect the security of Israel, prevent terrorism and protect its residents. I want my father and grandfather (both killed in the terror attack) to be proud of me. I was raised by them to serve; if I had not enlisted I would feel a very big missed opportunity. I am proud that I've decided to undertake this trying task, and contribute back to the state."

Both the Birmingham Jewish community and UAB reached out to the Almogs while Oren was here and people in our community developed personal relationships with him and his family which continue to this day.

Esther Schuster, former executive director of Collat Jewish Family Services, received the news about Oren's enlistment from his grandparents and mother. "It is truly an amazing story!" wrote Esther reflecting on Oren serving in the IDF. Esther helped oversee our Jewish community's outreach to the Almogs during Oren's time in Birmingham.

Photo of Oren Almog is from IDF/HOT.

From Jewish Telegraphic Agency, a worldwide Jewish news service and one of 32 agencies and programs funded by The Birmingham Jewish Federation Annual Campaign:

The Washington State Court of Appeals has upheld the conviction of Naveed Haq, who shot up the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle building in July 2006. The court this week said that there were no errors in the trial and that Haq had failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he was insane at the time of the attack. Haq had mounted an insanity defense.

Haq was convicted one year ago and sentenced to life for an attack that killed one and injured five. In his appeal, Haq said among other things that prosecutors violated his rights by recording his jail telephone calls and using the recordings at trial.

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The shooting spree set off a wave of concern at Jewish Federations across the country, including The Birmingham Jewish Federation. At The BJF, the incident was a catalyst for reviewing and upgrading security procedures and reminding all Federation personnel that they must be vigilant when it comes to security.

Above photo was taken by a Seattle news photographer in the aftermath of the shooting spree.

On Thursday, Feb. 2, the Alabama Association of Nonprofits, in partnership with the Alabama Broadcasters Association and the Razoo Foundation, is doing something in Alabama that's never been done. "We're taking one day to harness the power of individual contributions statewide, connecting new and existing donors with thousands of Alabama nonprofits," explained an announcement from the group.

"The Alabama Broadcasters Association is excited to participate in what will be a historic event for philanthropy in our state and possibly across the nation. The concept of Alabama Gives Day is heartwarming for all who will be part of the event. Alabama radio and TV stations will endeavor to raise record amounts in gifts for charities across the state in a 24 hour period," added Sharon Tinsley, President of the Alabama Broadcasters Association.

This historic event in Alabama, backed by the marketing power of Alabama radio and television stations, will further help charitable organizations continue to provide a broad spectrum of aid across the state of Alabama. People will have the opportunity to contribute to The Birmingham Jewish Federation, The Birmingham Jewish Foundation, Collat Jewish Family Services and/or Levite Jewish Community Center through Alabama Gives Day.

The Birmingham Jewish Federation's Director of Outreach Caren Seligman, who runs our You Belong In Birmingham program (YBIB), received a nice email from one young man in his mid 20s who participates in the program.

He told Caren that right after she sent out a notice about an upcoming event, that he was talking with a friend who grew up in Birmingham and who now lives in a much larger city. She, too, had received the notice because she remains on our YBIB list.

"The first thing she said to me is 'this YBIB stuff is making me want to move back,'" he told Caren. "Naturally, I told her that of course she should -- she belongs in Birmingham! Thank you, Caren, for everything y'all do for us and the community!"

YBIB is funded by The Birmingham Jewish Federation Annual Campaign. Its goals are to encourage young people to live in Birmingham and to build a strong, vibrant group of young Jewish adults to enrich our community today and make it even stronger in the future.