The Israel Action Network (IAN), a project of the national Jewish Federation movement, has collected 100,000 names for a petition to counter the unilateral Palestinian statehood bid at the UN this week -- and has delivered a supersized copy of the petition to the UN.

The petition with signatures was sent to the 193 UN member states, ahead of the Palestinian Authority's anticipated request for member state status this week.

This action reflects a powerful expression by Jews and supporters of Israel who aren't Jewish in support of Israelis and Palestinians returning to the negotiating table for bilateral, direct discussions toward an end-goal of two states for two peoples.

States the petition, "We are of the belief, as reaffirmed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his May 24, 2011, speech to the United States Congress, that a central goal of direct negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians is the establishment of two states for two peoples -- a Palestinian state alongside the Jewish state in secure and recognized borders."

"A unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state would serve only to undermine a lasting and negotiated peace agreement and deepen the conflict," the document adds.

"A petition of this size representing communities across North America sends a strong message of support for a return to the negotiating table," said Geri D. Palast, Managing Director, Israel Action Network. "The petitioners seek two states for two peoples, living in peace and security. This requires both Palestinians and Israelis to be partners in peace. Unilateral action is at best a distraction, and, at worst, a major impediment to the peace process. We now call on world leaders to heed the petitioners."

In addition to Jewish Federations of North America, other organizations were involved in this effort. Local Federations, including The Birmingham Jewish Federation, also played roles.

Our community's response to counter the boycott of Israeli-made goods by seeking out and buying Israeli products has been outstanding.

The Birmingham Jewish Federation, which initiated this effort, continues to receive tips from Update readers on where to find Israeli-made products -- please keep the information coming!

Today's tip comes from Jewish community member Regina Sigman. Regina's store, "Regina Jewelry" (located within Gus Mayer at The Summit), is currently offering fine jewelry made by the Israeli designer Nava Zahavi.

This beautiful handmade jewelry is manufactured in Ramat HaSharon in the south of Israel. Zahavi draws upon her experiences in the Middle East to create her jewelry and seeks to reflect the culture in her designs. All of the jewelry is handmade and includes necklaces and rings made with silver, 24k gold, and semi-precious colorful stones.

Nava has been designing jewelry for over 15 years and her pieces have been featured in Vogue, Marie Claire, Harper's Bazaar and elsewhere. Regina has arranged for a representative of Nava Zahavi to be at Gus Mayer today, Friday and Saturday.

The BJF, through our "Buy Buy Israel" initiative, is working with the American Israel Chamber of Commerce Southeast Region and BuyIsraelGoods.org to update lists of where to find Israeli-made products in our area. (See below link.) The Chamber, based in Atlanta, is one of the 32 agencies and programs funded by The BJF Campaign.

Please keep the emails about Israeli products coming! If you find such products in the Birmingham area, let us know -- and even better, have someone take a picture of you with your purchase and send it to us for Update. Send information and pictures to Joyce Spielberger at The BJF joyces@bjf.org.

-- Samantha Dubrinsky Projects Assistant