Terror Attacks, Brian Grodner's Journey & "Rising Road"
RESPONDING TO TODAY'S TERROR ATTACKS
Terrorists armed with heavy weapons, guns and explosives launched a series of attacks near Eilat in Israel's south today, killing at least six people and wounding 30, according to news reports. The Israel Project (TIP), which educates journalists and other opinion leaders about Israel, immediately convened a conference call on today's terror attacks.
The call, which is taking place as this Update is being sent out, is featuring Lt.-Col. Avital Leibovich, Israel Defense Forces Spokesperson to the International Press, and is being moderated by David Harris, TIP's Director of Research and Content. TIP is one of the 32 agencies and programs funded by The Birmingham Jewish Federation Annual Campaign. By funding TIP and other Israel-related agencies, we are able to help the Israeli people in times of need.
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BRIAN GRODNER'S REMARKABLE JOURNEY
Birmingham Jewish community member Brian Grodner was honored recently in Birmingham as one of the recipients of the American Cancer Society's Life Inspiration Awards.
The Life Inspiration Awards are awarded to cancer survivors in Alabama who have made their lives a source of inspiration to others dealing with cancer. These awards recognize the contributions of the individuals for what they give to others -- hope, courage, strength. Brian (pictured here) was diagnosed in 2009 with Stage 4 metastatic melanoma. His oncologist indicated that he was terminal and suggested that there were no options for his recovery and predicted that he had six months to live. Brian's will and positive attitude steered him differently as he sought out quite aggressive treatments and continues to make remarkable progress. Through his journey, Brian committed himself to helping ease the burden of others living with cancer and in so doing has helped many cancer patients overcome the fear that comes from the hopelessness and uncertainty of their disease. He has documented his experiences in a short essay called "Living With Cancer." Vikki Grodner, Brian's sister-in-law, nominated him for the honor. Brian, along with many others who face challenges in their life, asked the question "Why Me?" And in his search for an answer, he found, according to Vikki, that cancer had given Brian "a forum to help others and the courage to act out his thoughts of kindness." In her nomination, Vikki talked about the ways Brian has touched thousands of people since his cancer diagnosis. He is being followed by thousands of people from around the world on the Caring Bridge website and has elicited comments, support and charitable actions from hundreds as a direct result of his situation and how he has handled his fight. He has become an inspiration to many. The Birmingham Jewish Federation congratulates Brian on this honor. Brian exemplifies someone who finds the strength to face his own challenges through helping others, or as known in the Jewish religion, the mitzvah (commandment) of doing chesed -- acts of loving kindness.
"RISING ROAD" LIFTS ALL PEOPLE
By Richard Friedman, Executive Director
On behalf of The Birmingham Jewish Federation, I attended a service at St. Paul's Cathedral recently celebrating the life of Father James Coyle, who was killed in an infamous Birmingham hate crime in 1921. Since then, I have begun reading the book "Rising Road: A True Tale of Love, Race, and Religion in America" by Sharon Davies, an Ohio State University law professor. It's a great book about Birmingham nearly 100 years ago, its religious and racial hatreds at the time and the murder of Father Coyle. The book has given me a much greater understanding of the anti-Catholic hatred that once prevailed in our city. Many of us tend, naturally, to focus on the difficult periods our own people have faced without always fully appreciating the travails of others. This is why I am glad I am reading this book. It's made me much more sensitive and appreciative of the Catholic experience in Birmingham. The book also has made me especially proud of the role The Birmingham Jewish Federation plays in our community bringing different groups together and promoting understanding, interest in one another and mutual respect. I am gratified that The BJF has become one of the co-sponsors of the annual Father Coyle remembrance. At a reception after the recent service, I met Ms. Davies and subsequently corresponded with her about her book and my reactions, and, of course, added her to Update. "I am so grateful to the Jewish Federation for co-sponsoring the mass remembering Father Coyle," she wrote back. "When I decided to write 'Rising Road,' I did so with the firm belief that Father Coyle's story would speak to people of good will of numerous faiths. Your email confirms it. I am delighted as well to be on The BJF's email list to receive Update. Many, many thanks for thinking of that."
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