The story of the Jewish people over the last 135 years is unique in the annals of mankind. Starting in the late 1800s, Jews from different parts of the world began returning to the land of Israel, joining those who had returned earlier or who had never left, accompanied by a vision that the land could be shared legally and peacefully with its other inhabitants.

The rise of Nazism -- foreseen by some who came from Europe -- would lead to the Holocaust and the murder of 6,000,000 Jews. Had there been a sovereign Jewish homeland at the time for the Jews of Europe to flee to, many of our brethren would have survived. Yet, as Jews, we were largely alone during this dark and tragic era.

Fast forward to 2011: We now have a remarkably strong Jewish state, and allies, including many in the Christian community. These are Christians who, based on the Bible, believe that they are commanded to support Israel; want to atone for centuries of anti-Semitism; admire the Jewish state's commitment to democratic values, human dignity, free expression, free enterprise and the rule of law; and support Israel's willingness to fight terror and combat radical Islam's hunger to consume the West.

Today's Update features two stories that reflect the above themes. The first is on a wonderful event held Sunday celebrating the lives of Alabama's Holocaust survivors -- those who literally triumphed over Hitler. The second story is on the growing phenomenon of Christian support for Jews and Israel and, specially, an upcoming program that The Birmingham Jewish Federation is co-sponsoring with Christians United For Israel.

The times we are living in are rich with drama and importance; Israel, sadly, is still under attack. Just today eight people were injured in Tel Aviv when a terrorist from the West Bank carjacked a taxi and rammed it into a police road block before going on a stabbing spree, according to the Jerusalem Post.

It would be easy to become discouraged as we watch Israel's travail. We draw our strength, however, from the Israeli people who, just like our own Holocaust survivors, continue to triumph over Hitler everyday in so many ways.

An extraordinary event was held Sunday as nearly 250 people turned out to honor and celebrate the lives and legacies of Alabama's Holocaust survivors.

The event, "L'Chaim -- Celebrating the Lives and Legacies of Our Holocaust Survivors," was held at Temple Beth-El and was sold out. L'Chaim is Hebrew, meaning "to life." The event was sponsored by the Birmingham Holocaust Education Center (BHEC), which receives funding from The Birmingham Jewish Federation Annual Campaign.

At present, there are 20 Holocaust survivors living in Alabama. The 16 survivors who were there Sunday appeared deeply moved and appreciative of so many people coming to honor them and celebrate their post-Holocaust lives and achievements.

Our survivors have been honored and showcased over the years at Holocaust remembrance ceremonies. Sunday's event, however, was more of a celebration than a remembrance, and an uplifting energy and unity permeated the gathering. A moving video highlighted them and their families.

In addition to celebrating the lives of the survivors, the program highlighted the work of the BHEC, helping the audience learn more about the organization's Holocaust education programs.

Photo is of sisters Ruth Siegler, left, and Ilse Nathan, two of Birmingham's Holocaust survivors. The BHEC's Ann Mollengarden is in the middle. The photo was taken at a recent BHEC event.

The Birmingham Jewish Federation's Jewish Community Relations Coalition invites the community to join us for "Friends Indeed: A Briefing on Growing Christian Support for Israel." John T. Somerville, Central Regional Coordinator for Christians United for Israel (CUFI), will be the featured speaker.

The briefing will be Tuesday morning, Sept. 6, in the boardroom of the Levite Jewish Community Center. Breakfast will begin at 7:15 am and the program will start at 7:30 am. Please rsvp to Donna Berry at The BJF at donnab@bjf.org.

John (pictured here) is a retired US Marine Corps colonel. During his 30 years in the Corps, he was an Infantry Officer and later an Intelligence Officer specializing in the Middle East. John has spent time in Israel, Turkey, Somalia, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. He is considered an authority on military and political events in the region.

CUFI is a national organization of pro-Israel churches, organizations, ministries and individuals across America, who, according to the group's website, "speak and act in one voice in support of Israel in matters related to Biblical issues. "

Many CUFI chapters across the country have organized "A Night to Honor Israel" to express solidarity with Israel and the Jewish people. Alabama Christians United for Israel will host "A Night to Honor Israel" in Birmingham on Thursday, Sept. 22, 7 pm at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Keynote speaker for the event will be CUFI Executive Director David Brog. The evening is open to the community.

For more information about The BJF's Jewish Community Relations Coalition, contact BJF Director of Community Relations Joyce Spielberger at joyces@bjf.org. Funding for the staffing and activities of the Coalition is provided by The BJF Annual Campaign. Volunteers Lisa Engel and Amanda Weil are Chairs of the Coalition.