Assassination Knot Tighter?; Grassroots Team Effort
ASSASSINATION KNOT GETTING TIGHTER?
A story Monday on the Jewish Telegraphic Agency website suggested tensions between Israel and Iran are growing.
"Iran and Israel appear to be locked in an assassination contest," wrote JTA reporter Ron Kampeas. "Israeli leaders blamed Iran for two assassination attempts late Sunday and early Monday -- in Tbilisi, Georgia, and in New Delhi, India. The attacks follow a number of reported attempts on Israeli and Jewish targets, most recently in Azerbaijan and Thailand."
"They also follow a series of assassinations of Iranian nuclear scientists and military figures associated with Iran -- most recently on Jan. 11. Iran has blamed Israel for being behind those attacks. In keeping with Israeli policy on such issues, Israeli officials have declined to comment."
Israel is deeply concerned about Iran, which, as it continues its pursuit of nuclear weapons, has vowed to destroy the Jewish state. The Birmingham Jewish Federation, through our Iran Action Initiative, will continue to educate our community on this increasingly difficult situation so that if Israel chooses to act against Iran militarily, people in our region will have an understanding of the context. For more than a year, The BJF has had plans to mobilize, if need be, and we continue to watch the situation closely.
Jewish Telegraphic Agency, a worldwide Jewish news service, is one of 32 agencies and programs funded by The BJF Annual Campaign.
A GRASSROOTS TEAM EFFORT
By Richard Friedman, Executive Director
Every so often someone will come up to me and say, "I would never want your job." I ask "why?" and they say because they could never ask people for money.
I tell them that fundraising, contrary to what may be their impressions, can be rewarding, uplifting and inspiring. However, I quickly qualify my response. I tell them I am talking about "real fundraising" -- where the donor is receptive to what you have to say, willing to listen and thinks about it before making up his or her mind.
When that happens, fundraising is so rewarding and not a day goes by that I don't feel blessed to have had the opportunity to pursue fundraising as a profession. In addition, it never gets old -- and that's been especially proven for me by Operation Grassroots, a historic Birmingham Jewish Federation undertaking now underway.
Operation Grassroots, inspired by the vision of some current and past campaign leaders, is an attempt to broaden our base and engage donors in a way that makes it easy for them to participate and make an impact. Through Operation Grassroots, we are striving to raise 1000 increases or new gifts of at least $100 to receive a $100,000 challenge gift. And the results continue to be inspiring.
GRATEFUL DONORS
Beyond the dollars, however, are the heartening responses we are receiving from donors who are grateful that we have invited them to participate.
One such response came from a friend who isn't Jewish. He and other such donors recognize, as we like to say, that "The BJF is not just a Jewish organization." In addition to enriching Jewish life at home and abroad, we are committed to supporting Israel, helping to build a better Birmingham and helping all people in need. These last three areas, we have found, especially resonate with donors who aren't Jewish.
Last year, this friend pledged $615 to the BJF campaign. This year we told him about Operation Grassroots as well as additional funding we have this year from The Birmingham Jewish Foundation to match increases beyond $100. "Thanks for your email," he wrote back quickly. "I will be happy to increase my contribution to $1200. I can't think of many better uses for my small contribution. You do an outstanding job, and I'm proud to play a small part."
Wonderful responses also have been received from a wide range of Jewish donors, including one person whose family has had a deep connection to The BJF for decades. She wrote us to tell us she would increase from $725 to $825 to be part of Operation Grassroots and added the following: "I have been following Operation Grassroots through Update and think it's a brilliant idea! I am amazed at how The BJF continues to be so clever and creative in your efforts to increase contributions and maintain enthusiasm."
TEAM EFFORT
Truth is, it's a team effort -- and it's been that way for years. Past Campaign Chair Lisa Engel was the first one who envisioned matching funds playing an important role in our annual campaign; more recent Campaign Chairs Karen and Joel Piassick challenged us to broaden our donor base; and current Campaign Chairs Randi and Dave Landy brought a vision to the job that encouraged us to reach beyond the people giving at larger levels for the growth we would need to have a successful campaign.
Staff members also have played important roles, especially in Operation Grassroots. Among those are Lauren Klinner, who helps manage our annual campaign; Donna Berry, who calls and thanks donors who make online contributions, and Tiffany Hyche, who designed our now widely-recognized Operation Grassroots logo and other materials to enhance the campaign.
Also, in addition to the campaign chairs mentioned above, Jewish community volunteer leaders Ginger and Jerry Held, who along with their sons, daughter and their spouses will be leading next year's campaign, have been helping with Operation Grassroots.
However, the ultimate credit for our success goes to our donors who continue to respond to our efforts so generously and make fundraising so rewarding. To all of you, we say thank you. We value you and appreciate you, everyday in so many ways.
