ACCESS NY: Past Events

ACCESS NY: Global Action for a New Generation - Past Events

Tues Nov 30	ENGAGE: 3 Diplomats on Integration in Europe. As approx. 15 to 20 million Muslims reside permanently in Western Europe, questions of immigration and integration figure high on domestic EU agendas. Should the newcomers (and those who have lived in Europe for generations) integrate and retain their distinctive culture or assimilate into their host culture? Join a small round table discussion with diplomats from Germany, France and the UK on challenges, opportunities and models of integration. Midtown East. Doors open 6:30 pm, program at 7 pm.
Thurs Nov 18	ENGAGE: Art and Anti-Semitism? Austrian-Jewish Relations Today. Austrian Deputy Consul General Ulrich Frank and Sharon Cohen Levin, the lead lawyer in the Portrait of Wally case, will discuss the history and recent settlement of one of the most critical Holocaust art restitution cases and how it reflects on Austrian society. Doors open 6:30 pm, program begins 7 pm.
Wed Nov 17	INFORM: Report on Jewish Community Revival in Europe. CEO of Jumpstart Shawn Landres reports on a new study of Jewish initiatives in Europe, reflecting the diversity of contemporary Jewish thought and innovative ways of organizing and creating meaningful experience, and holding much promise for the future. Shawn and his wife Zuzana also serve on the ACCESS LA Steering Committee. 12 Noon at AJC.
Fri Nov 12	ENGAGE: Host Scandinavian journalism students for Shabbat dinner. Interested? There are few better ways to make meaningful contact with multipliers in a key region of the world than opening your home. Email Rebecca at tts@ajc.org for more information.
Mon Nov 8	CELEBRATE – ACCESS Making Waves Gala -- featuring the Honorable Wolfgang Ischinger, chair of the Munich Security Conference, with Matthew Bronfman and other special guests. Celebrating ACCESS and a strong and meaningful Jewish voice. City Winery, Varick & Vandam Sts. VIP reception 6pm, Regular admission 7pm.
Mon Nov 1	INFORM: The Future of Muslim-Jewish Relations. Join to engage Rabbi David Rosen, the Director of AJC's Department of Interreligious Affairs and the AJC's Heilbrunn Institute for International Interreligious Understanding, on new initiatives in interfaith relations with Islam. 7:00-8:30 pm. Reception starting at 6:30 pm. RSVP to altmanl@ajc.org.
Sat Oct 30	INFORM: How to make Israel’s case. Learn from one of the best: internationally acclaimed public speaking coach and media trainer, Neil Lazarus. 5:30 – 7:30 pm, private home, Central Park West by Columbus Ave. Co-sponsored by the Jewish International Connection. Register here.
Wed Oct 27	ENGAGE: Scandinavian-Jewish relations today. Join an intimate dinner discussion about Scandinavian-Israel-US relations with an Danish UN diplomat with extensive experience in humanitarian law and international terrorism. His most recent posting was in Turkey, and he currently covers the Middle East and Afghanistan. Part of our ongoing Global Jewish Diplomacy campaign. Private home in Manhattan. Doors open 6:30 pm, program at 7 pm. Register here.
Sun Oct 24	ACCESS JOINS: Mitzvah Day 2010. ACCESS and our Chinese American partner group, CCC, will come together from 11:00 to 2:00 pm to help Project Renewal maintain and improve their largest “supportive housing” complex in the country. Tenants of the Holland are either formerly homeless or have a very low-income, and our two communities coming together to help paint and garden will be meaningful and most appreciated. Optional breakfast with other volunteers from across the city with a discussion about tikkun olam at the JCC Manhattan from 9-10:30 am. RSVP to altmanl@ajc.org.
Mon Oct 18	INFORM: Israel's Challenges Today. Join Acting Director of AJC's Israel/Middle East office, Ed Rettig, to discuss the most pressing issues affecting Israel today and how Israelis are reacting, whether it is the threat of Iran or "who is a Jew?" 6:30-8:00 pm. Doors open at 6:00 pm. RSVP to altmanl@ajc.org.
Tues Oct 12	ENGAGE: The Future of the German Military. ACCESS invites you to join a dinner at AJC headquarters with a group of 35 German military officers who are liaisons to German high schools. Discussion will focus on Israel and the Middle East, Iran's nuclear quest and trans-Atlantic relations. The visit is part of an ongoing exchange, initiated 16 years ago, between AJC and the German military. Doors open 6:30 pm. RSVP to altmanl@ajc.org.
Wed Oct 6	ENGAGE: Join us for a Walking tour of the Lower East Side, followed by drinks at a hip neighborhood spot and informal discussion about the history of that neighborhood with young diplomats from Austria, Germany, Georgia, France, Israel, Argentina and other countries. Program starts 6:00 pm. Drinks at 7:30 pm.
Thurs Sept 16 POSTPONED	ENGAGE: Repairing relations-Israel and South Africa. Meeting with influential Foreign Affairs editor. Following ACCESS's first-ever trip to South Africa, AJC focuses on rich and complex relations between South Africa and Israel. AJC Africa Institute director, Eliseo Neuman, in discussion with Foreign Affairs editor Sasha Polakow-Suransky. Polakow-Suransky's recent book The Unspoken Alliance: Israel's Secret Relationship with Apartheid South Africa has garnered considerable interest and controversy in its account of the military (including nuclear) cooperation between Israel and Apartheid South Africa in the late '70s and '80s. Polakow-Suransky is a senior editor at Foreign Affairs and holds a doctorate in modern history from Oxford University, where he was a Rhodes Scholar from 2003 to 2006. His writing has appeared in The American Prospect, the International Herald Tribune, The New Republic, and Newsweek. Part of ACCESS's Engaging in Global Jewish Advocacy series.
Thurs August 26	ENGAGE: Discussion of German and EU foreign policy with Ilka Schroeder, former EU parliament member for the Greens, academic and writer. She will be in conversation with Jason Isaacson, director of AJC’s Office of Government and International Affairs, a longtime analyst of U.S. political and strategic affairs and AJC’s main liaison to the Arab world. Hear them talk about Germany’s relations with Israel, the recently passed EU sanctions against Iran and public opinion of Germany’s military engagement in the Middle East and Afghanistan. At AJC. Doors open at 6:30 pm; program at 7:00 pm.
Tues August 17	INFORM: AJC responds to the NY Muslim community center – Special ACCESS national conference call. AJC has taken an outspoken position on the controversial Muslim community center planned for lower Manhattan known as Park51. The discussion about the center has erupted nationally and prominent Jewish voices have taken very different stands. Join us for a special ACCESS briefing on the situation and our position by AJC’s Exective Director David Harris. Also joining and prepared to answer questions are Yehudit Barsky and Rabbi Noam Marans, AJC experts in international terrorism and interreligious affairs.
Sun August 15	ENGAGE: Human Rights in Post-Apartheid South Africa: A conversation with Tesliso Thipanyane, immediate past CEO of the South African Human Rights Commission, over dinner at the private home of an ACCESS member. Included viewing of the works by one of South Africa’s most highly regarded photographers, David Goldblatt, at the Jewish Museum prior to dinner and accompanied by Mr. Thipanyane.
April-July	APRIL through July is our EXPLORING THE GLOBAL JEWISH OUTLOOK campaign: an intensive training program on Jewish concerns and interests in key regions around the world; in preparation for our ADVOCACY campaign this fall
Wed July 21	ENGAGE: Orientation for community service outreach -- be a mentor and build bridges. During our Building Bridges Campaign from MLK Jr. weekend through Passover, ACCESS cleaned up at school in Brooklyn, hosted a great mentoring panel with outstanding speakers and organizations, 2 weekend events with exceptional minority students and chronically ill children, and a session at the same Brooklyn school on options after high school. Moving forward, we'll are committed to a more sustained mentorship program, and working with a fantastic group called iMentor as well as partnering up with a young professionals Chinese-American group. Info session for all interested: July 21st. Training session with imentor on August 4th
Wed August 4	ENGAGE: Mandatory training for community service outreach -- be a mentor and build bridges. Join ACCESS to become a mentor this school year with a special NY City public school kid. We are proud to work with iMentor.
Aug 2-11	CLOSED Student Trip to Berlin This trip, hosted by Germany Close-Up, will take top students and AJC Goldman Fellows to Germany for a 10-day experience. Open to current students (undergraduate and graduate) and 2010 Goldman Fellows. Estimated cost: $670 (including international airfare and all costs on the ground in Germany). More information and application available at ajc.org/access.
Wed July 21	ENGAGE: Orientation for community service outreach -- be a mentor and build bridges. During our Building Bridges Campaign from MLK Jr. weekend through Passover, ACCESS cleaned up at school in Brooklyn, hosted a great mentoring panel with outstanding speakers and organizations, 2 weekend events with exceptional minority students and chronically ill children, and a session at the same Brooklyn school on options after high school. Moving forward, we'll are committed to a more sustained mentorship program, and working with a fantastic group called iMentor as well as partnering up with a young professionals Chinese-American group. Info session for all interested: July 21st. Training session with imentor on August 4th. 7:00 pm- 8:00 pm
Thurs July 15	INFORM: The Jewish Agenda in Africa? A case for engagement. With Eliseo Neuman, Director of the Africa Institue. Doors open 6:30 pm, event starts 7 pm.
Wed July 7	INFORM: Reporting on Israel: Understanding the UK/US media divide. A conversation between Michael Weiss, head of Just Journalism, a UK-based research organization, and Bari Weiss of the Wall Street Journal. Event starts at 7 pm.
June 19-27	AT CAPACITY/CLOSED TRAVEL: ALLIANZ-AJC Third Generation Fellowship Join peers from ALLIANZ to explore German and Jewish past and present in Munich and Berlin, gain an inside look and make valuable contacts in the German business community. In affiliation with Germany Close-Up; Cost: $400 For more information go to the calendar at ajc.org/access
Sun June 27	ACCESS JOINS: JCRC in the first ever Jewish International Soccer Tournament in New York. Be part of our ACCESS team and enjoy a day of soccer at your world cup within the World Cup!
Tues June 22	ENGAGE: Meet Dutch intellectual, feminist, writer and politician Ayaan Hirsi Ali. Named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine in 2005 and featured twice in the last month alone in the New York Times (here and here), Ayaan Hirsi Ali has a fascinating story to tell. Born in Somalia, she was raised as a devout Muslim, and at her own peril, has become a staunch supporter of women's rights, Israel, the Jewish people, and promotion of democratic values
Tues June 15	INFORM: Jewish advocacy in key emerging powers: China and India. A workshop with Jim Busis, director of AJC’s Asia and Pacific Rim Institute. With kosher Indian food and drinks. Doors open 6:30 pm, event starts 7 pm.
Mon June 14	INFORM: Human Rights in US Foreign Policy: Setting Examples or Exercising Leadership? AJC's Human Rights division and ACCESS are hosting George Packer (The New Yorker), Sharon Hom (Exec. Director, Human Rights in China), Suzanne Nossel (State Dept.; Dep. Asst. Secretary of State for Intern'l Orgs) and Payam Akhavan (President, Iran Human Rights Documentation Center). This high-level expert panel will address US policy's implications on global human rights, rule of law and democracy promotion.
Mon June 14	ENGAGE: AJC conversation with Peter Beinart, whose recent piece about our generation's relationship with Israel in the NY Review of Books has made major waves in our community. We'll be representing the young voice in this discussion. Midtown East.
Wed June 9	INFORM: Europe, Israel and antisemitism: the inside story. Discussion with Rabbi Andy Baker, Special Rapporteur on antisemitism for the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe. Cosponsored with 3GNY, a NYC-based Group for Grandchildren of Holocaust Survivors. Doors open at 6:30 pm; program begins at 7. Click here to read Andy Baker’s testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Committee in April in which he addresses the increasingly normative presence of anti-Semitism in European public discourse and the emergence of a virulent anti-Israel animus, which frequently crosses over into a “new” form of anti-Semitism – evidenced by many recent incidents.
Sun June 6	ACCESS Board Retreat
Fri June 4	INFORM: Special ACCESS conference call on Gaza Flotilla Join ACCESS for a special conference call featuring AJC Executive Director David Harris for a discussion about the recent Gaza flotilla. As this incident has garnered worldwide media attention, it is extremely important that ACCESS members and friends understand the issues and are able to effectively engage with others on the subject. David Harris, one of the leading diplomats and spokesmen for the global Jewish community, will discuss the international implications and ramifications of the incident as well as prepare us to engage effectively on matters related to the incident. June 4, 2010 at 2:00 pm EST. Dial in number: 1-866-288-9872, Participant Passcode: 521736
Wed June 3	CELEBRATE: AJC honors Major ACCESS Supporters Leslie and Howard Chatzinoff. Join us in celebrating Leslie and Howard Chatzinoff's many contributions to AJC and ACCESS. Heavily discounted ACCESS rate available. Click here for more information and download your response card. Email global@ajc.org with any questions.
Mon May 31	ACCESS JOINS: The third-annual Memorial Day Ceremony hosted by The Council of Young Jewish Presidents. Honor and commemorate America's fallen heroes and those men and women who put their lives on the line for the sake of our safety. At Kehilath Jeshurun, doors open 7:30 pm, program starts 8:00 pm.
Mon May 24	INFORM: In the trenches with David Harris - conducting real life international diplomacy for Israel, a workshop. AJC's executive director presents a hands-on workshop on how to successfully engage in international diplomacy on Israel/Jewish community issues. 6-7 pm private dinner with leaders of ex-pat Jewish groups. 7-8:30 pm hands-on session.
Sun May 23	CELEBRATE: Walk with AJC & ACCESS in the SALUTE TO ISRAEL PARADE With snacks, t-shirts, good people and a great walk -- and our traditional AJC post-parade picnic in Central Park (by 72nd street). SECTION 2E: 52nd Street, Between 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue
May 6-16	TRAVEL: Germany: Focus on Interreligious Spearhead unique interreligious outreach efforts in Germany, incl visit and focused discussions with the creators of the most famous Passion Play in the world, student/professor seminar at Berlin University, and meetings with Catholic/Protestant activists at annual Kirchentag. Hosted by Germany Close-Up.
Wed-Fri April 28-30	AJC Annual Meeting in Washington, DC AJC's premiere conference brings influential voices in domestic and international policy together for debate, discussion and planning. Enjoy the unique chance to interact (and even share a dance floor) with Jewish leaders from dozens of countries around the world.
Thurs, April 22	INFORM: Iran’s Human Rights Violations: the inside story A discussion with Renee Redman, the Executive Director of the Iran Human Rights Documentation Center, one of the most important institutions worldwide on this key international issue, and Siavash Rahbari, IHRDC expert on the human rights situation in Iran since the June 2009 elections. In cooperation with 30 Years After. AJC, doors open 6:30 pm, program begins 7 pm.
Mon April 19	ACCESS JOINS: Dor Chadash for Yom Ha'Zikaron/Yom Ha'Atzmaut gathering. Join Dor Chadash with ACCESS for honoring Israel's fallen and celebrating 62 years of independence at the largest Yom Ha'Zikaron/Yom Ha'Atzmaut gathering in the world outside of Israel.
Tues April 13	ENGAGE: An off-the-record discussion with German Political Consul Elmar Jakobs. Engage key issues of Germany’s role in Israel-Palestinian conflict, the handling of Iran and EU diplomacy, and German-Jewish life with Elmar Jakobs, who previously served as intercultural expert with an emphasis on dialogue with Islam for the German Foreign Ministry. Bronfman Center for Jewish Life, by Union Square. Doors open at 6:00pm, program starts at 6:30pm.
Thurs April 8	VISION: ACCESS invites members, friends and activists from all organizations and walks of life to "vision" with us on key issues for the Jewish political agenda. As part of our priority-setting process, we open up our "visioning" to the entire Jewish community. Join us with ideas/inspirations/questions for an interactive open-space meeting. Hosted at the home of ACCESS co-chair Daniel Pincus, West Village. Doors open 7 pm, discussion starts 7:30 pm.
Thurs March 25	ENGAGE: Diplomatic Model Seder. ACCESS joins a pre-Passover seder with NY-area diplomats and senior AJC leaders. One of the most effective ways of building bridges in the powerful NY diplomatic community. 6-9 pm. Congregation B'nai Jeshurun, Upper West Side.
Thurs March 25	ENGAGE: Volunteer to prepare HS juniors for college applications. ACCESS is proud to partner with the Institute for Collaborative Education, a school downtown, to talk to HS juniors about college and career choices. 1:15-2 pm.
Wed March 24	ACCESS JOINS: The Canadian Consulate extends a special invitation to ACCESS for a comparative look at domestic Islamic radicalism in Canada, the US, and Europe. Hosted by John Jay College of Criminal Justice; Tenth Avenue by 58th Street. Panel at 6:30 pm.
Wed March 24	ACCESS JOINS: The French Consulate extends a special invitation to ACCESS for a conversation on Jewish Life in France and the US with head of French Jewish community and AJC's David Harris. "Evolutions of Jewish communities in France and the United States" is the title of a discussion at the Consulate General of France featuring Richard Prasquier, president of CRIF, a French organizaWtion comprising all French Jewish groups, and AJC’s executive director David Harris. Program starts at 6:30pm.
Mon March 22	INFORM: Attitudes of Arabs and Muslims Towards Jews and Israel. As a follow up to the Feb. 22 conference call, join ACCESS members from around the country in a discussion regarding Arab and Muslim sentiment towards Jews and Israel and areas for possible future collaboration between the two groups. We will be joined by Mordechai Kedar of Israel, expert in Arab media and discourse. 1:00-1:30 EST.
Thurs March 18	ACCESS Steering Committee meets NY Office Executive Committee - 6 pm; ACCESS Board Meeting 7 pm.
Thurs March 18	ACCESS JOINS: Judios Latinos and others in a fundraiser for Chile. Judios Latinos in cooperation with AJC hosts an exclusive benefit for earthquake relief in Chile.
Sun March 14	ENGAGE: An off-the-record discussion with Israeli soldiers. In association with the Friends of the IDF, ACCESS invites you to a night of conversations with Israeli soldiers. Everything you wanted to ask a soldier but never had the opportunity to.... Meet 4 active duty soldiers for open questions and discussion. Doors open 6:30 pm, program 7 pm.
Sat March 13	ENGAGE: Volunteer at Career Day with outstanding high school students. ACCESS is proud to partner with Oliver Scholars to help offer high school students insight into future career opportunities. Career Day is sponsored by Barclay's and so we are looking in particular for people in other than the financial industry. 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, midtown Manhattan.
Thurs March 11	ENGAGE: An off-the-record discussion with Israeli soldiers. In association with the Friends of the IDF, ACCESS invites you to a night of conversations with Israeli soldiers. Everything you wanted to ask a soldier but never had the opportunity to.... Meet 5 active duty soldiers for open questions and discussion. Doors open 6:30, program 7 pm.
Thurs Mar 4	ENGAGE: Turkish-Jewish relations/Muslim-Jewish relations -- a discussion with the Deputy Consul General of Turkey. In depth, off-the-record discussion on Muslim-Jewish/Israel-Turkey relations today, including Turkish-Israeli relations. 7 pm. Midtown East.
Thurs Feb 25	INFORM: Movie night with Columbia Prof. Jeremy Dauber, part of our Jewish literacy series, with friends from the diplomatic community. A Serious Man, the most recent, highly acclaimed Coen Brothers pic about life, death, injustice, knowledge and the 60s. Private screening room in the W. 60s, limited seating. Doors open 6:30 pm, program starts 7 pm.
Tues Feb 23	INFORM: Join for a presentation on Israel’s Energy Future by Rand Corporation experts Dr. Debra Koopman and Dr. Steven Popper. 6:45 – 7:45 p.m. Midtown East.
Mon Feb 22	INFORM: Muslim-Jewish Relations: a conversation with Dalia Mogahed, Executive Director and Senior Analyst for the Gallup Center for Muslim Studies, and Magali Rheault, Senior Analyst, on the results of the most comprehensive worldwide study of Muslim public opinion. We will also discuss a recently released report on US attitudes toward Muslims, Jews and other religious groups. 12:00-12:30 pm EST.
Mon Feb 8	INFORM: Turkey’s Changing Politics. An analysis of Turkey’s changing relationship with Israel and the US. ACCESS national call with Aaron Jacob, AJC’s Associate Director of International Affairs. 12:00-12:30 EST.
Tues Feb 2	INFORM: Education and Mentorship: bridging the divides, making a difference. Meeting with key educators about the most successful models out there today. Including Akil Kamau, Education Director, NY Urban League; David Addams, Executive Director of the Oliver Scholars Program; Bruce Beckwith, Mentoring Partnership of New York; and Amanda Roberts, Management Leadership for Tomorrow. The program is also intended as preparation for our own mentorship pilot in March. Stay tuned for details. Doors open 6:30 pm, event begins at 7 pm. AJC.
Tues Jan 26	ENGAGE: What should be done to improve American Jewish-Israel relations? Share your thoughts in an off-the-record discussion with Israeli Minister Yuli Edelstein. Open discussion about the American Jewish relationship with Israel today with one of the leading architects of Israeli-Diaspora relations. Make your voice heard. Doors open 7:30 pm, event begins at 8 pm. Private home on the Upper West Side.
Mon Jan 25	INFORM - Ramifications of Copenhagen Conference Join ACCESS for a discussion on the ramifications and impact of the Copenhagen Conference as well as the Jewish community’s involvement. Featuring Dr. Mirele Goldsmith, who represented six Jewish and non-Jewish nonprofit organizations at the conference. Also joined by Richard Foltin, AJC’s Director of National and Legislative Affairs. 12:00-12:30 pm EST.
Tues Jan 19, 2010	ENGAGE: India-Israel. A presentation by Dr. Maina Chawla Singh about her recent book Being Indian, Being Israeli -- on diaspora identities, with special guest Ambassador Arun K. Singh, Deputy Chief of Mission, Indian Embassy. Joined by ACCESS partners from The Indus Entrepreneurs (TIE Tristate). Part of our Indian-Jewish outreach efforts. Hosted by Marion and Stanley Bergman in their home, midtown East; organized by AJC LI.
Mon Jan 18, 2010 MLK Jr. Day	ENGAGE: Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service-help paint/clean a great NYC public school. ACCESS and the NY Urban League Young Professionals join together to volunteer with parents and students at the Institute for Collaborative Education, a public school at 15th and First Avenue. We’ll be starting at 10 am and finishing at 1pm and then heading out for informal lunch/coffee.
Mon Jan 11, 2010	INFORM: Cyberspace and the Iranian Grassroots Movement. A program on one of the most dynamic and important movements of our time. With Andrew Apostolou, Director of Iran Projects at Freedom House, Joel Simon, Executive Director of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), and other guests. Co-sponsored with JBI Institute for Human Rights. We'll be joined by members of 30 Years After. Doors open 6:30 pm, program starts 7 pm. Check out the controversy here, here and here.
Tues Dec 8, 2009	CELEBRATE – ACCESS Making Waves Gala -- featuring Newark Mayor Cory Booker, with Matthew Bronfman and other special guests. Celebrating ACCESS and a strong and meaningful Jewish voice. Greenhouse, NYC's first eco-friendly club, SOHO. VIP reception 7 pm, Regular admission 7:30 pm.
Tues Dec 1	INFORM – Call to Action with David Harris, including an update on the ramifications of the Goldstone Report and recent diplomatic travel to Turkey, Spain, UK and Israel. 12-12:30 pm.
Mon Nov 23	AJC invites ACCESS – A Thanksgiving Tribute to NYC immigrants, celebrating this city's diversity and the values that unite us. ACCESS members will be joined by TIE Tristate, our Indian partner organization. NY Historical Society.
Sun Nov 22	ENGAGE – Community Service package delivery: Thanksgiving meal delivery to the elderly in conjunction with DOROT. At Congregation Rodoph Sholom.
Thurs Nov 19	ACCESS Board Meeting
Sun Nov 15	ENGAGE – Community Service: Mitzvah Day 2009, with the Council for Young Jewish Presidents. Go to www.cyjp.org to volunteer for a service project.
Wed Nov 11	CELEBRATE – Enhance your Fashion, Engage your Passion. An evening of fashion and mingling, hosted by Israeli top model Esti Ginzburg. By CYJP and Birthright Israel NEXT NY. 7 pm at Espace (635 West 42nd Street by 11th Ave). Go to www.fashionandpassion09.com to buy your ticket.
Thurs Oct 29	INFORM – as Israel made Jews safer, or has it become the vulnerable Third Temple? Has Israel changed the image of “the Jews” around the world? Thursday, October 29: INFORM – An interactive conversation with bestselling author and cultural critic Rich Cohen and Jewish Week Editor/Publisher Gary Rosenblatt. Rich Cohen’s new book is *Israel is Real, previous titles incl Tough Jews*, and cover stories on Angelina Jolie, Madonna, G. Clooney for Vanity Fair. Part of our Israel Viewpoints series.
Sat Oct 17	ENGAGE – ACCESS hosts Polish leaders for dinner and discussion on Hassidism and Jewish Nostalgia – and Polish-Jewish relations today. With Rabbi Alan Brill, Professor of Jewish-Christian Studies at Seton Hall University. Join us for dinner with influential Poles, focused on the past AND on a better future we can work towards together. A special session of our -ISMs series on Jewish thought and learning.
Mon Oct 19	INFORM – ACCESS National Conference Call with AJC executive director David Harris. David will share insights from AJC’s Diplomatic Marathon, an annual series of meetings (this year there were a record 75!) with presidents, prime ministers, foreign ministers, and other key foreign policy leaders from around the world and lay out the key challenges to global Jewry today, including recent UN voting on the Goldstone Report. 11:45-12:15 EST
deadline: Sept 25	ENGAGE – High Holy Days Drive for homeless seniors. ACCESS partners with Dorot to help poor seniors resettle into permanent housing and normal lives. Please donate new/like-new sheets, handheld vacuums, clocks, phones, toiletries, and small kitchenware along with a well-wishing card. Collection box in AJC lobby. Questions? Contact global@ajc.org
Sept 10	ACCESS Board Meeting
July 20	ENGAGE -- Muslims-Jewish Relations and Attitudes toward Israel in Germany today. Join ACCESS for a discussion with German-Turkish social entrepreneur Ramazan Salman about issues of immigration and discrimination affecting Muslim immigrants and efforts to promote integration.
July 16	ACCESS Board cocktails
June 21-25	TRAVEL -- Catholic and Jewish Emerging Leaders Conference in Castel Gandolfo, Italy $300 plus airfare
June 25	AJC invites ACCESS – UN Peacekeeping Operations and Israel: Can they work? A conversation with Dr. Efrat Elron, Senior Fellow at the International Peace Institute and senior lay leaders of the NY chapter. Doors open 6:30 pm, program starts 6:45 pm. AJC.
June 24	AJC invites ACCESS - Dinner honoring World Bank's Vice President. Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili will be honored by the Nigeria Higher Education Foundation (NHEF) at their Inaugural Awards Dinner. Tavern on Green, 6 pm.
June 14-21	TRAVEL -- Berlin Close-Up, with special focus on alternative energy Hosted by Germany Close-Up. $900, incl airfare, hotel and ground costs.
June 14	AJC invites ACCESS – Martin S. Indyk keynotes dinner honoring Birthright's Founder Charles R. Bronfman. With AJC national board. 5:30 pm. St Regis Hotel. Register here, regular seats $500, special ACCESS rate $100. (ACCESS Board Retreat 12 to 3:30 pm. Private home, Upper West Side)
June 9	ENGAGE - Meet with Dr. Horst Freitag, German Consul General to New York. Amb. Freitag previously served in Ramallah and as Commissoner for Middle East Affairs to Germany's Foreign Minister.
June 8	ENGAGE -- Senior delegation of German Staff Officers from Germany's top military leadership academy: Lunch discussion with David Harris.
June 4	ENGAGE – The Face of Diplomacy: Honoring AJC Executive David Harris. Featuring four leading Israeli ambassadors serving around the world (Germany, UK, India and the UN) on challenges and opportunities facing Israel today. Will include smaller break-out sessions with Ambassadors.
June 2	ENGAGE – TiE Tri-State/ACCESS event on Shaping the future - Indian- Israeli Strategic Partnership. Private meeting with Israel’s Ambassador to India . Amb. Mark Sofer discusses Israel-India relations.
June 2	ENGAGE -- Senior delegation of German Staff Officers from Germany's top military leadership academy: Lunch discussion with David Harris.
June 1	ENGAGE -- Muslim- Jewish meeting
May 31	CELEBRATE/ ENGAGE – March with AJC in the Salute to Israel Parade. Picnic following. The Salute to Israel Parade’s After Party, co-sponsored by ACCESS, with Pharaoh’s Daughter, Soulfarm and The Sarah Aroeste Band. 7:30 pm at Sullivan Hall.
May 25	COMMEMORATE – Memorial Service with Council of Young Presidents. Park Avenue Synagogue at 50 East 87th Street (corner of Madison Ave). We will be joined by Congressman Steve Israel and several high-ranking military officers.
May 21	INFORM – Durban Review Conference Debrief. Major victory or massive defeat? What are the implications of the UN Durban Review conference – for the Jewish community, Israel’s place in the world, the fight for human rights, and the standing of the UN itself? ACCESS NY delegates recount their experiences at the conference and debate how to move forward post-Durban.
May 17	INFORM – Jews and the Language of Terrorism, with Professor Shuki Cohen, John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Part of the ACCESS "ISMs" Sunday brunch series looking at relevant history and philosophy. Followed by a reading of the controversial play "7 Jewish Children” and a discussion of whether it crosses the language line into antisemitism. Hosted at a private residence.
May 11	INFORM – Sustainability under the new Administration and the role ACCESS can play. Join ACCESS members from around the country for a conference call with Michele Weingarden, Director of Greenprint Denver, the City of Denver's Office of Sustainability, to understand new Administration legislation on "going green" and how ACCESS can play a crucial role.
May 6-8	ACCESS @ AJC Annual Meeting Washington D.C
April 30	ACCESS Steering Committee Doors open 6 pm; 6:30-7:30 pm; AJC. Interested? email access@ajc.org
April 28	ENGAGE -- Yom Haatzmaut event: AJC joins Israel's independance day celebration at The Intrepid, West 46th Street and 12th Avenue. CLICK HERE for more information
April 23	NETWORK -- Meet with John Paulson, one of the leading hedge fund managers in the world today, founding principal and Chief Investment Officer at Paulson & Co. At AJC's Jacob Blaustein Building.
April 18-24	TRAVEL -- UN Durban Review Conference Geneva, Switzerland -- The ACCESS Delegation to the UN Durban Review Conference will be part of a worldwide effort dedicated to ensure that the 2009 Review Conference remains true to the cause of combating racism and racial discrimination; and that it does not turn into an anti-Semitic and anti-Israel forum. CLICK HERE for our Action Plan
April 19	STUDY-- Antisemitism and the Brain, part of the ACCESS "ISMs" Sunday brunch series looking at Jewish history and philosophy. With NYU Professor David Amodio talking about the scientific research related to prejudice and stereotyping, and how antisemitism, might be reduced. Followed by a discussion about the controversial play "7 Jewish Children." Hosted at a private residence, Upper West Side.
April 7	EDUCATE -- Outlook and Obstacles: Discussion with AJC Executive Director David Harris on Israel, the Arab world, and the Jewish community worldwide in the next decade. At NYU's Bronfman Center for Jewish Student Life.
April 6	ENGAGE -- Dinner with German model UN group that will be playing the role of "Israel". Pot luck at ACCESS member's house in Williamsburg.
April 2	ENGAGE -- German-Jewish Cooperation in the 21st Century: Creating a Forward-Looking Agenda. Private, off-the-record drinks and discussion with Karsten Voigt, Coordinator for German-American Cooperation at Germany's Foreign Ministry and Visiting Scholar at NYU's Deutsches Haus. Joined by German guests at the invitation of the German Consulate General. The event is following the ACCESS Board Meeting
March 30	EDUCATE -- Durban Debates. Panel with Felice Gaer, director of AJC'S Jacob Blaustein Institute for the Advancement of Human Rights, Joelle Fiss, author of the Durban Diaries, Belgium and Israeli diplomats, Nicolas Nihon and Toby Frankenstein.
March 26	ENGAGE --"7 Jewish Children" ACCESS has a unique opportunity to attend the reading of the highly controversial play "7 Jewish Children" by Caryl Churchill and to engage in a critical discussion about the content.
March 29	ENGAGE -- Helping NY: Community engagement service. Deliver pre-holiday packages to elderly New Yorkers with DOROT and with ACCESS diplomatic and dialogue friends.
March 25	ENGAGE --- Briefing by Deputy Consul General of Israel in New York, hosted by NY Chapter on "Israel and Europe: An insider's assessment of challenges and opportunities". Marking 50 years of Israel's relations with the European Community.
March 24	ENGAGE-- Russia today: Meeting with new generation Russian diplomatic leaders (Vladimir Safronkov, Chief of Political Affairs, Ruslan Bakhtin, Chief of Press, Information and Public Relations).
March 18	ENGAGE -- French-American relations in a new era? An open discussion with French Consul General, Ambassador Guy Yelda.
March 12	ACCESS Steering Committee meeting.
March 9	EDUCATE -- ACCESS Monthly Conference Call A New Generation Jewish Identity?Conversation with Shawn Landres, CEO & Director of Research of Jewish Jumpstart. Moderator: Adam Weiss, ACCESS LA.
March 8	EDUCATE -- Jews and Communism, part of the ACCESS "ISMs" Sunday brunch series looking at key moments in history and philosophy. With Princeton U. Professor and noted author and Polish history expert Jan Gross.
February 24	EDUCATE -- Reaching out to the Indian Community - a workshop. A training session on how to effectively engage with India and the Indian American community - an ACCESS International priority.
February 18	EDUCATE -- Preventing Genocide: Commemorating the 15th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide and what we can do about it. With Jacqueline Murekatete. Cosponsored with AJC's Jacob Blaustein Institute for the Advancement of Human Rights and AJC's Africa Institute.
February 16	ACCESS conference call with Dr. Eran Lerman, director of AJC's Israel/Middle East office, to analyze Israeli election results and implications
February 15	EDUCATE -- The first in a new ACCESS "ISMs" Sunday brunch series -- Is there a Jewish Capitalism? A look at history and philosophy. With Columbia U. Professor and ACCESS member Jeremy Dauber.
February 12	VISION -- United States Visioning Session - Impact the national ACCESS agenda. ACCESS Board Meeting
February 9	EDUCATE -- The Israeli Election 2009: A vote that impacts the world A frank conversation with Israeli Consul General Asaf Shariv on prospects of war, peace and the larger vision of Israel's international relationships. At NYU's King Juan Carlos Center, Washington Square South. Cosponsored by the AJC NYU Society, Taub Center for Israeli Studies, Sharp Lectures.
January 27	EDUCATE/ENGAGE -- AJC recommends UN memorial ceremony commemorating the Holocaust, joined by diplomats.
Jan 20	ACCESS Steering Committee
Jan 19	ENGAGE -- ACCESS community service project at two 'Women In Need' shelters in Brooklyn as part of President-Elect Barack Obama's national service initiative -- a nation-wide project. We help beautify their shelters, meet with their coordinators and families who live there, and do something meaningful together to mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Jan 12	EDUCATE --"Depression Drinks & Networking: Judaism and New Financial Ethics in the Wake of the Financial Crisis and the Madoff Scandal" with the Bronfman Youth Fellowships - Discussion with Rabbi Andy Bachman
Dec 22, 2008	ACCESS Steering Committee call
December 15, 2008	ENGAGE -- ACCESS Annual pre-Chanukah Party with international friends. Polish Consulate.
December 14, 2008	EDUCATE -- Exodus in Context, Jews and the Ancient Near East; Sarah Rindner Home of AJC member, Upper West Side; Brunch
December 11, 2008	Pizza and planning: ACCESS board member Matias Ringel invites folks interested in a new era of Black-Jewish relations to his home to discuss the agenda for AJC’s upcoming conference at historically black college, Xavier University, in New Orleans over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend (nolaconference.blogspot.com).
December 8, 2008	Private briefing by UN Watch executive director Hillel Neuer on the UN Durban Review Conference.
November 19, 2008	ACCESS Board meeting
November 16, 2008	EDUCATE -- The Myth of a Golden Age? Jews in Muslim lands: Texts by Maimonides; Dr. Steven Bayme (doors open at 11 am, program from 11:30 am to 1 pm); Museum of Jewish Heritage, Brunch.
November 9, 2008	ENGAGE -- Post Election Community Engagement Program: ACCESS’s dialogue with the NY Urban League Young Professionals takes on a new dimension through a hands-on community service project in Washington Heights organized through the NY Restoration Project. This rebuilding project also marks the 70^th anniversary of Kristallnacht – a meaningful time for us to reflect on the past and future.
November 4, 2008	Join ACCESS members and international diplomats to watch elections results at Jake's Saloon downtown.
October 19, 2008	EDUCATE -- Text study on Combustible Relations: Jews in Germany, Germany in Jews with Prof. Jeremy Dauber of Columbia University, Rebecca Neuwirth and Lena Altman. Doors open 11 am, 11:30 am -1 pm).
October 16, 2008	EDUCATE -- Politically Incorrect: Race, Religion and Politics. The crucial Jewish vote in a historic presidential election. With analyst Thomas B. Edsall, political editor of the Huffington Post; activist Mik Moore, co-founder, Jewish Council for Education & Research, Jewsvote.org and The Great Shlep. At NYU. Moderated by Tally Zingher, attorney at Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton LLP, Harvard Kennedy School ('06) Harvard Law School ('06).
October 7, 2008	ENGAGE -- Senior delegation of German Staff Officers from Germany's top military leadership academy: Lunch discussion with David Harris.
September 29, 2008	ENGAGE -- German Information Officers -- official liaisons with German high schools: Lunch discussion with Rabbi Noam Marans.
September 28, 2008	ENGAGE -- Inferfaith Iftar Dinner with Taieb Fassi Fihri, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Morocco, and Mohamed Yassine Mansouri, National Intelligence Chief, at the private home of a senior AJC leader.
September 23, 2008	ENGAGE -- AJC is hosting a bilateral meeting with Ambassador Mark Otte, EU Special Representative to the Middle-East Peace Process, in the context of our "diplomatic marathon" that takes place annually during the opening of the UN General Assembly.
September 22, 2008	Stand up to Ahmadinejad with AJC staff and lay leaders and over 100 Canadian students who are making a special trip. Meet at AJC to march to the national demonstration against Iran’s hateful anti-Semitic and anti-Israel rhetoric and its support of Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations. Elie Wiesel, the head of the Knesset, and others will be speaking.
September 21, 2008	EDUCATE -- Diplomatic tour of Lower East Side, followed by Rosh Hashanah discussion over lunch at 12:30 pm: Dual Identity or Dual Loyalty? The Unique Experience of American Jews; Lower East Side, Brunch 7 pm Ramadan break-fast with Muslim-Jewish dialogue project; afternoon and evening.
September 19, 2008	ENGAGE -- Attend Friday night services with ACCESS and African American partners and friends. Members of the NY Urban League Young Professionals group will be meeting us at 7:15 pm in front of B'nai Jeshurun, West 88th between Broadway and West End Avenue. Please let us know if you are especially interested in other opportunities for a meaningful, relevant black-Jewish dialogue.
September 7, 2008	EDUCATE -- Advocacy training followed by ACCESS board meeting and musical performance at Central Synagogue by Sarah Aroeste Silverman.
September 4, 2008	SC call
August 11, 2008	ENGAGE -- Meet HBO co-President Richard Plepler for private cocktails and discussion. doors open at 6pm; program begins promptly at 6:30pm. At HBO headquarters, 1100 Avenue of the Americas.
July 22, 2008	EDUCATE -- We Are All One - A Conversation on Jewish Identity Adam McKinney and Daniel Banks, Ph.D ,7 pm doors open, 7:30-9:00 pm program at Society for Advancement of Judaism 15 West 86th Street (between Central Park West and Columbus Avenues. B or C train to 86th Street)
July 16, 2008	EDUCATE -- Is Latin American Democracy under Siege? Views from a European Leftist. Join ACCESS and Judios Latinos for a discussion with activist, writer and former member of the Spanish Parliament, Pilar Rahola. 7 pm doors open, 7:30 pm program; AJC 6:30-7:30 ACCESS board meets (incl new members);
July 14, 2008	Rescheduled conference call with Hillel Neuer, director of UN Watch, on preparations for the Durban "anti-racism" conference Part II, which will take place in Geneva in April 2009 (an ACCESS trip will join). MEMBERS ONLY. Noon.
July 7, 2008	Conference call with Hillel Neuer, director of UN Watch, on preparations for the Durban "anti-racism" conference Part II, which will take place in Geneva in April 2009 (an ACCESS trip will join). MEMBERS ONLY. Noon.
June 29, 2008	ACCESS Steering Committee and Board retreat. Location TBA.

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