Update had a recent story headlined "Jews Vs. Jews On Israel." It highlighted a CNN report on differences in the American Jewish community on some of Israel's decisions and policies. The following response was received from Birmingham Jewish community member Nate Salant:

I would like to point out that anything aired on CNN is suspect because of that media member's well-known anti-Israel bias. As an example, it refers to the "occupied territories" in the article -- if it were neutral, it would refer to them as "disputed territories." It also fails to clearly identify that the anti-Israel platform is a left-based phenomena that has largely fallen for the barrage of Palestinian propaganda, much of which subsequently proves to be false or even created for the media.

As an example, I offer a personal moment that occurred at my mother's 82nd birthday lunch recently: One of my nephews wanted to know why GOP presidential candidate Newt Gingrich "is making such a fuss about moving the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, when everyone knows the capital of Israel is Tel Aviv. Why would we do that?"

This is a perfect example of how Israel, and Zionist American Jews, are failing to get facts into the hands and minds of our own people. I would be very curious to see the result of a poll of public school students on this topic, especially Jewish teens. The reason I focus on the public schools is that I would assume any child attending the N.E. Miles Jewish Day School to know better.

In response, I explained not only that Jerusalem is, and has always been Israel's capital, and I asked my nephew where in the world he got a different idea. He and his twin brother, both 16, said they thought Jerusalem was the ancient and religious capital, but had nothing to do with modern Israel in that way. I not only corrected their misconception, but also pointed out something else: Israel is the only country in the world where the international community won't respect its right to name its own capital!

My nephews attend one of the top two private schools in New York City, so it is not a case of lack of access to accurate information or there being propaganda in their school. It appears to be an indicator of a widespread educational problem when it comes to the state of Israel.

Today -- 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 following is an excerpt from a Reuters story. The Jewish Council for Public Affairs, mentioned in the story, is one of 32 agencies and programs funded by The Birmingham Jewish Federation Annual Campaign.

Jewish leaders delivered a letter to the White House this week urging action to allow food to reach hundreds of thousands of people facing starvation in Sudan's border regions.

Ruth Messinger, the president of the American Jewish World Service, and Rabbi Steve Gutow, the president of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, presented the letter to Samantha Power, the top National Security Council official dealing with multilateral affairs, and Grant Harris, the top Africa official at the White House.

The letter was signed by 350 Jewish clergy and lay leaders as well as 15 interfaith leaders who often work with Jewish groups on humanitarian matters.

"The border states of Blue Nile and South Kordofan have recently seen indiscriminate bombings, targeted killings and the displacement of over 400,000 people," the letter said. "With an already fragile humanitarian situation, the disruption of the current planting season combined with the Sudanese government's refusal to allow unimpeded access to humanitarian organizations is a recipe for massive suffering."