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At AJC/GMBC, our work is concentrated primarily in three core areas: (i) International Affairs; (ii) Domestic Policy/Advocacy; and (iii) Intergroup Relations. In each of these areas, we have a wide-range of exciting activities and initiatives to participate in, such as (a) our highly regarded Consular Outreach Program, (b) our Energy Task Force and (c) our Iran Divestment Advocacy Initiative. Over the past year, AJC’s Greater Miami and Broward Chapter has been a crucial voice on several major policy discussions at a local, state and federal level. 

• I.Strengthening Democracy, Jewish Security and Human Rights: AJC pursued a range of diplomatic initiatives, building on both new and well-established international relationships. 

a. Consular Corps Luncheon: At the Chapter’s Third Annual Consular Corps Luncheon, AJC executive director, David Harris, met with the consuls general of 25 countries. He spoke about issues related to the Arab-Israeli conflict, the challenge posed by Iran's quest for nuclear weapons, and strategies for combating anti-Semitism.

 

b. Throughout the year, AJC representatives met privately with consuls general, including those from Chile, France, Germany, Guatemala, Italy, Mexico, Peru, Spain and Uruguay. AJC’s overarching objective in pursuing these diplomatic exchanges is to further the organization’s mission of assuring the security and well-being of the Jewish people while advancing democratic values worldwide. The critical topics discussed included: the looming threat to regional and global security posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions; the urgency of counterterrorism cooperation; the continued spread of anti-Semitism in many parts of the world; and, Israel’s standing in the United Nations and her quest for security and peace.

 

c. Mumbai Solidarity Rally: The terrorist attacks in Mumbai in November 2008, united the Jewish and Indian communities in grief. We were deeply saddened and utterly appalled by this tragedy – a deadly attack directed against a democratic and pluralistic society that has always welcomed people of all faiths. This cowardly act of terror was a grotesque exhibition of hatred and violence that has become the all too familiar calling card of radical terror. Through a solidarity gathering, we reaffirmed our determination to continue our work to combat hatred and intolerance throughout the world and we stood together in solidarity with our friends from the Indian American community to condemn this attack on democracy, on tolerance, and on freedom.

d. Latin American Affairs: We have mobilized leaders in the Latin American Jewish community of Miami to combat anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry in Latin America and to raise awareness of the threat of Iran’s growing influence in Latin America by:

i. Responding to world events with programs and initiatives designed to educate the Jewish community and general public about the impact of these issues and AJC’s response;

1. AMIA Commemoration Program: “14 Years Later – Iran and Islamic Terrorism in Latin America: A Present Threat”: Our chapter presented a community forum at Temple Beth Torah in North Miami Beach. The focus of the evening was to raise awareness about the threat of a growing Iranian presence and rise in Islamic terrorism in the Americas, and to commemorate the 14th anniversary of the AMIA bombing in Buenos Aires. The program included a panel discussion, moderated by our own Assistant Director Juan M. Dircie, with the following experts: (i) Claudio Grossman, Dean, American University Washington College of Law, Washington D.C., (ii) Eric Farnsworth, Vice President, Council of the Americas, Washington D.C. and (iii) Patricia Poleo, Political Analyst and Journalist, Nuevo País, Venezuela. Jorge Rawiicz, VP for Latin American Affairs shared a letter that our Chapter sent to local Latin American consulates advising them of our concerns regarding the growing Iranian and Islamic terrorist presence in the region. Members of various synagogues and Jewish organizations from Miami-Dade and Broward joined us for the event, which attracted an audience of over 400 people.

 

2.  Solidarity Rally with the Venezuelan Jewish Community: Over 1,500 people of many faiths and nationalities joined AJC at the solidarity gathering for the Venezuelan Jewish community on Thursday, February 5th, in repudiation of the attack against the Synagogue Tiferet Israel in Caracas, Venezuela.  Over 60 local organizations and an amazing group of volunteers supported AJC at the event, and we were able to send a strong communal message of support for the Jewish community in Venezuela, and to expose the Chavez regime's ongoing intimidation campaign. Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Consul General of Israel Ofer Bavly, Father Federico Capdepon of Santa Martha Catholic Church, among others, spoke very eloquently about the rights of Venezuela’s Jewish Community to security and safety. A declaration in support and solidarity with the Venezuelan Jewish community was read by Rabbi Amran Amselem, former Rabbi of Synagogue Tiferet Israel, and Alex Zylberglait, chairman of the Chapter’s Latin American Affairs Task Force.

ii. Outreaching to members of the South Florida Consular corps and legislative delegation in order to foster a positive and fair approach towards Israel and its ongoing quest for security and peace, as well as addressing the challenges facing the Jewish Communities in Latin America

 

iii. Engaging the Spanish speaking media in a proactive approach in Spanish in order to disseminate a positive view of Israel in the predominant local Hispanic media outlets

• II. Assuring a Secure and Flourishing Israel: The tragic violence against Israel has been part of a Palestinian campaign to influence world opinion. AJC has consistently countered that campaign by interpreting Israeli policy and actions, making the case for Israel in clear and compelling terms. Since the onset of the Gaza operation, AJC and our network of international partners have been grappling with the diplomatic and communal repercussions of the Israeli military actions in Gaza.  In January, our chapter co-sponsored two Israel solidarity rallies that attracted thousands of people, featured speakers such as the Consul General of Israel, State Senator Ted Deutch, U.S. Congressman Ron Klein and State House Majority Leader Adam Hasner. These rallies were covered by local television and print media. 

• III. Advancing Public Policy Initiatives:

a. Immigration Reform: AJC espouses an approach to immigration policy that addresses national security concerns while respecting the dignity of human beings who come to the United States seeking safety and opportunity. In 2002, AJC’s Board of Governors adopted a resolution on immigration reaffirming support for a fair and generous immigration policy that also recognizes the urgent need for reform of America’s visa, order, and admissions systems. As a follow-up to the 2002 statement of principles, AJC adopted an additional immigration resolution on September 19, 2006, encouraging the development of expanded temporary worker programs.  In accordance with these principles, AJC has been a vigorous proponent of comprehensive immigration reform that provides a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants; allows for a legal flow of immigrants that accords with our nation’s needs; and, provides for border security and meaningful and humane enforcement.

i. Familia Unidas Rally: In March, this rally was held in response to the the Familia Unidas Campaign that was announced by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus in February of 2009. This was an effort to bring national attention to the need for comprehensive immigration reform. Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) has spearheaded the 17-stop tour, partnering with interfaith groups in each city to bring together local politicians and offer a forum for those affected by the broken immigration system to speak out. Representatives Luis Gutierrez (D-IL), Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Kendrick Meek (D-FL), and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) attended the event, all speaking to the need for an immediate solution.  The gathering was hosted by the Reverend Dr. Samuel Pagan of Homestead’s Nahbi Ministries International. Rabbi Mario Rojzman of Beth Torah in North Miami Beach was present to represent South Florida’s Jewish community.

 

ii. The DREAM Act was re-introduced in U.S. House and Senate: In late March, AJC Miami’s Immigration Task Force joined the Florida Immigrant Coalition and students from local colleges and universities to discuss the DREAM Act’s (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act) re-introduced by many senators in the House of Representatives. The DREAM Act would allow states to determine residency requirements for higher education benefits and, critically, would permit states to provide in-state tuition to all students who meet those residency requirements, regardless of immigration status. The Dream Act seeks to facilitate access to post-secondary education and to provide a path to legal residency for immigrant students and military personnel who were brought to the U.S. by their parents.

b. Energy Security: AJC called on Congress and the administration to adopt a comprehensive energy program that seeks to substantially reduce U.S. dependence on imported oil as a crucial element in achieving energy flexibility and near-energy independence in the longer term. AJC proposed substantial increases in vehicle fuel efficiency standards; a sharp reduction in wasteful energy consumption; responsible increased development of domestic sources of energy and alternative sources of energy (with stringent environmental safeguards); and, diversification of sources of foreign oil.

i. Project New Car:  An excellent example of our local impact has been our work in the field of energy security.  With Project New Car, our recently-launched initiative to advocate for and promote high mileage, flex fuel and plug-in cars at the national, state and local levels, we are seeking to cause a paradigm shift away from oil dependency.  We co-sponsored a program with the Jewish Community Relations Council to educate our community about the importance of reducing our oil dependency and its national security implications.

 

ii. Educating the Public and Building Strategic Partnerships:

1. Energy Security Panel: AJC worked closely with the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce holding a joint.

 

2. Energy Independence Panel with JCRC of Broward County: America’s Road to Freedom: A panel of experts discussed the dangers of energy dependency; panelists included Paul Hirschson, Israeli Consul of Political and Economic Affairs to Florida and Puerto Rico; James Murley, Director of the Center for Urban and Environmental Solutions in Fort Lauderdale; and Dr. George Philippidis, Associate Director of Research Development, Applied Research Center, Florida International University.

• IV. Promoting Positive Intergroup Relations:

a.  Third Annual Diversity Breakfast: America’s Table: The Chapter held a Thanksgiving program celebrating the diversity of Miami with many multicultural leaders from the community in November. The program is based on America’s Table®: A Thanksgiving Reader, an annual publication that celebrates the nation’s diversity and aims to recognize Thanksgiving as a day for Americans to unite in celebration of their diverse roots and shared values. At the event, there were presentations from three distinguished community leaders including the Honorable Rosemary Barkett, United States Circuit Judge and John Yearwood, World Affairs Editor at the Miami Herald who will share their own personal journey story to the United States. Dr. Cindy Miles, President of MDC’s Hialeah Campus, addressed the audience and described the unusual success of Miami Dade College in educating young people, particularly from immigrant backgrounds. The event, co-chaired by AJC Chapter Vice President Judith Korchin and the Honorable John Thornton, Jr. The event is held each year to reaffirm unity and commitment to inclusion and opportunity, especially in these troubling economic times. Miami Dade College President Eduardo Padrón is one of eight accomplished Americans profiled in the 2008 edition of America’s Table.

b. AJC is moving forward on several fronts to build and strengthen relations with Latino leaders and organizations across the country and around the world.

• V. Meaningful Giving:

a. Judge Learned Hand Award Dinner: At a gala dinner on April 2^nd at Jungle Island’s Treetop Ballroom, AJC recognized Mr. Andy Hall for his outstanding leadership in the legal profession and his dedication to philanthropic and community endeavors.  Established by the American Jewish Committee in 1964, the Learned Hand Award pays tribute to an attorney who epitomizes Judge Hand’s guiding belief that liberty under the law forms the foundation of this nation’s way of life. The affairs’ keynote remarks were delivered by Jason Isaacson, director of the AJC’s Office of Government and International Affairs.  Arthur and Sari Agatston served as dinner chairs.

b. Ambassadors Circle: The American Jewish Committee’s Ambassadors Circle was created to provide leaders in our community with private, insider briefings and programs with renowned diplomats, key scholars and world leaders about important issues facing the Jewish people. It is open to our generous supporters who donate a minimum annual contribution of $2,500 to our Chapter, or are willing to support AJC at this level.

c. National Fundraising Awards and Rankings:

i. AJC was awarded the top grade of “A” and listed among the top-rated Jewish organizations in the American Institute of Philanthropy’s annual Charity Rating Guide & Watchdog Report.

 ii. AJC has moved up significantly on the Chronicle of Philanthropy annual ranking of the top 400 non-profit organizations in the U.S. (out of a total of over 1,000,000 registered groups). On the 2007 list, AJC is 313, up from 355, with a 35.7 percent increase in revenue over the previous year. This achievement underscores AJC's strength and fiscal responsibility.

 

iii. For the third consecutive year, AJC received Charity Navigator’s highest 4-star rating, given in recognition of AJC outperforming most charities in the U.S. Charity Navigator, the largest independent evaluator of philanthropies in America, provides information and evaluates the financial health of more than 5,000 charities.

• VI. ACCESS: ACCESS, a premiere New Generation program which substantively involves Jewish people in their 20s and 30s in the work of AJC, entered its third year. This program gives young people access to the expertise of AJC in its areas of core competency, as well as to the unique relationships AJC has cultivated with today’s domestic and international policy makers. A group of 25 young professionals from the Miami Jewish community helped to launch the Miami chapter’s ACCESS initiative. Examples of Events include: Breakfast with City Councilman from Miami Gardens, André Williams, discussing Black-Jewish relations; Emerging Leadership Conference in New Orleans, attended by Miami and Dallas Chapters (discussions included AJC work in the diplomatic community and the Obama Administration and the Jewish community; activities included meetings with diplomats, officials and key leaders in immigration and the development of an “Action Plan”); Interfaith Environmental Day/Tree Planting, where different faith communities from South Florida spent an afternoon removing invasive species at Simpson Park, followed by interfaith discussions.

• VII. Jewish Continuity and Peoplehood: AJC leaders traveled the globe meeting with presidents, vice presidents, and government officials to defend and protect Jewish communities abroad and to build relationships with Jewish community leaders.

a. Roger Bernstein traveled to Argentina and Brazil and Venezuela. Topics discussed include Hezbollah's presence in Latin America, bias against Israel in the United Nations, and the importance of maintaining a strong international alliance against radical Islam and international terrorism.

 

b. Bernita King participated in an AJC solidarity mission to Venezuela. A small group of six traveled, including Dina Siegel Vann, Director of AJC Latino and Latin American Institute, in response to the desecration of the Venezuelan Jewish Temple. It took three days for the Venezuelan government to react to this event. An important component of this trip was learning our role: Jewish continuity in Venezuela is on its way down: in the 70s, there were two Jewish schools, and today, just one exists and is in danger of having to integrate with non-Jews. Only 15,000 Jews remain in Venezuela, compared to the original 40,000. What is our role? We need to speak out about the dangers to the Jewish community; we need to work with in immigration law and special status

 

c. Steven Eisenberg participated in AJC's 11th annual Polish-Jewish American Exchange program, visiting Warsaw, Krakow, Lublin, and Lodz. While in Poland, the group met with Polish government officials, Jewish and Christian leaders, the Israeli ambassador, and representatives from the U.S. government. In Krakow, they toured Jewish and Christian sites, including the former ghetto, Schindler's factory, Wawel Castle, and Kazimierz, the historic Jewish district. The delegation also enjoyed the Krakow Jewish Cultural Festival, attending a concert that attracted approximately 13,000 people, most of whom were non-Jewish Poles.

	P: 305.670.1121 / F: 305.670.6252 / E: Miami@ajc.org