By Steve Feldman

That the United States and Israel are boththe homes of the brave could not have beenmade more clear at the ZionistOrganization of America’s annual JusticeLouis Brandeis Dinner on Dec. 12 inManhattan.

From a senator from America’s heartland toa frontier mayor from Israel; from a colum-nist not afraid to point out uncomfortable

facts, to a Jewish resident of the Gaza Stripwho presses on despite the murder of hiswife and four daughters, it was an eveningfilled with passionate speeches about sup-porting Israel and our nations’ commonvalues and common enemies.

More than 850 Zionists crowded into theMarriott Marquis Hotel ballroom for theblack-tie gala that coincided with the sixthnight of Chanukah. The miracle that wecommemorate during the holiday was a fre-quent reference point during many of thespeeches.

During the event Israeli statesman Dr. UziLandau received the Judah MaccabeeAward; keynote speaker Sen. SamBrownback (R-Kan.) received the Defenderof Israel Award; Dr. Daniel Pipes receivedthe Ben Hecht Award for OutstandingJournalism on the Middle East; and MartinGross and Michael Orbach each receivedthe Justice Louis D. Brandeis Award.

Those at the dinner also heard from MayorDaniella Weiss of Kedumim in Samaria andDavid Hatuel, whose pregnant wife Tali andfour young daughters were murdered in2004 by Palestinian-Arab gunmen.

Dr. Alan Mazurek, chairman of ZOA’sNational Executive Committee, was mas-

REPORT

A PUBLICATION OF THE ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA

A PUBLICATION OF THE ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA

SPRING 2005

Over 850 Attend National DinnerWith Sen. Brownback and Uzi Landau

Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.)

(Continued on page 10)

Morton A. Klein was re-electednational president of the ZionistOrganization of America by accla-mation during our NationalConvention.

During his tenure as president, Kleinhas established ZOA’s CampusActivism Network, its Center forLaw and Justice and WashingtonCapitol Hill office. Under Mort’stenure, ZOA’s budget has increasedfive-fold. Among the ZOA’s majordonors are six people listed inForbes magazine’s 400 wealthiestAmericans.

Morton Klein is an economist whoserved in the Nixon, Ford and Carteradministrations and was a biostatis-tician at the UCLA School of PublicHealth and the Linus PaulingInstitute of Science and Medicine.

The Forward newspaper named himone of the top five Jewish leaders inthe U.S. today.

He has had hundreds of articles andcolumns published throughout theworld and has been the subject ofmore than 30 feature articles.

In addition, Klein has deliveredmore than 400 lectures throughoutthe world, including at Harvard,Yale, Princeton, Stanford, UC-Berkeley, MIT and HebrewUniversity of Jerusalem. He wasalso featured as part of the U.S.Department of State’s DistinguishedLecture Series.

A Victory for ZOA:Koby Mandell Act Becomes LawThe Koby Mandell Act, key legislation developed by the Zionist Organization of Americaintended to bring dozens of Palestinian-Arab murderers of Americans to justice, has beenenacted by Congress and signed into law by President George W. Bush.

ZOA pushed hard to get the bill introduced, and then lobbied vigorously for its passage toend the State Department’s feeble effort and complete failure to bring these killers to jus-tice by placing this responsibility instead with the Department of Justice.

Under the new law, the department will establish the Office of Justice for Victims ofOverseas Terrorism.

Since September 1993, when the Oslo Accords were signed at the White House, Palestinian-Arab terrorists have murdered 52 Americans in Israel, the Gaza Strip and Judea and

(Continued on page 4)

Morton KleinRe-elected byAcclamation

Manhattan RegionZOA initiated and helped facilitate a land-mark conference at Columbia Universityco-sponsored by students and facultythrough Scholars For Peace in the MiddleEast. Speakers included Alan Dershowitz,Israeli Minister for Diaspora Affairs NatanSharansky, ZOA National PresidentMorton A. Klein, ZOA Center for Law andJustice director Susan Tuchman and femi-nist Phyllis Chesler. This event is inresponse to the bias, intimidation andindoctrination at Columbia and on othercampuses against Jewish students andIsrael. … In mid-October we initiated,coordinated and co-sponsored a bipartisanelectoral forum at Lincoln SquareSynagogue on the Upper West Side. Morethan 200 people attended on a rainy night.Democratic U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler andRepublican Jay Lefkowitz debated whichpresidential candidate would be better forIsrael. … We plan to leaflet regularly at theUnited Nations against UNWRA and itspro-Palestinian policies. As large groups ofstudents and tourists come to the UN to beindoctrinated, N.Y. ZOA believes this is animportant venue and opportunity to presentZOA’s views.

Philadelphia Region“The ZOA Middle East Report” radio showkeeps expanding its prominent roster ofguests. Author Bat Ye’or, analyst Michael

Rubin and investigative journalist LeeKaplan were among those recently fea-tured. … Our Friday pro-Israel rally in frontof the Israeli Consulate continues and hasbecome quite a fixture. New signs keep upwith the latest developments in Israel andthe Middle East.…President LoriLowenthal Marcus, other officers and theexecutive director have been published inthe last few months in The Evening Bulletinas well as the city’s Anglo-Jewish weekly.We have also commented on nationallysyndicated talk-radio programs.

Los Angeles Region

The first Board of Directors has beeninstalled. Ed Ames is board president.Board members include: Newton Becker,Chuck Chriss, Dudley S. Danoff M.D.,Irving Gasmer, Morris Gasmer, JonaGoldrich, Mordechai Gur, Marsha N.Levine, Joe Murez, Michael Naim, Robert

Gore Rifkind, Samuel J. Heller, DonaldSalem DDS and Stanley Black.

Michigan RegionSome 1,200 people attended our Balfour

Concert fundraising event on Oct. 24, 2004at the Millennium Theatre. Dr. Leora Bar-Levav and Dr. Gary Edelson received theJustice Louis D. Brandeis Award. The con-cert featured “Forbidden Broadway”singer/songwriter/composer MichaelHarPaz. … “The Zionist Information NewsService” is the name of our new newsletter.We have published two four-page issues sofar. Joseph Savin is chair of the newslettercommittee and Dr. Jerome Kaufman is edi-tor. … We co-sponsored the Jewish BookFair in November. … We held our annualelection meeting. Officers and board mem-bers for 2005-06 are: Saul Waldman, presi-dent: Beverly Baker, executive vice presi-dent; Leora-Bar-Levav, Ruben Isaacs,Rayna Kogan, Dr. Henry Krystal andSheldon L. Miller, vice presidents;Seymour Rabotnick, treasurer and CPA;Diane Savin, secretary; and Joseph Savin,chair of the executive committee. … Wehave established a ZOA student chapter atthe University of Michigan. It is led byKimberly Worly.

Pittsburgh RegionOn Nov. 14, Pittsburgh ZOA held its 59thAnnual American Zionist Fund Banquet.Honorees were Pittsburgh Friends-American Red Magen David for Israel(ARMDI); Thomas Kaplan- Chairman andthe Jewish Association on Aging; andWoody Ostrow-Chairman JewishAssociation on Aging. Among the speakerswas Susan Tuchman, director of ZOA’sCenter for Law and Justice. … PittsburghFriends accepted the ZOA’s Israel ServiceAward for its work in support of RedMagen David in Israel. … The JewishAssociation on Aging received PittsburghDistrict ZOA’s Community Service Award.Dr. Harold Rhode, advisor on IslamicAffairs in the office of the Secretary ofDefense-Net Assessment, was the guestspeaker. … Nationally accredited forensicscientist Dr. Cyril Wecht was guest speakeron Dec. 5, 2004. Wecht commented onmany high-profile murder cases. … ThePittsburgh District-ZOA supports the edu-cation of our youth via the ZOA IsraelScholarship Program. It includes contestsand scholarships for area Jewish youths.For 2005, more than $15,000 has been bud-geted to provide financial assistance to stu-dents traveling abroad. … We continue tooffer tours of the U.S. Holocaust MemorialMuseum in Washington, D.C. for highschool students. Twenty-five buses willtake nearly 1,000 students and their teach-ers to the museum. … Look for us on theWeb at: http://home.att.net/~zoa/.

2

ZOA’s Activities Around the U.S.

Please Mark Your Calendar – June 21-22, 2005

Washington, D.C

.

JOIN US ON THE ZOA ANNUAL ADVOCACYMISSION TO CAPITOL HILL, WASHINGTON D.C.

• Attend Private Meetings with your U.S. Senators and Representatives

• High-Ranking Government Officials have been invited to address us

• Have Lunch with Senators and House Members as they brief us on U.S.-IsraelRelations and legislative matters affecting Israel

• Lunch, Dinner and Continental Breakfast will be provided

• Round trip transportation is available from select locations

• Registration, including meals - $195 (airfare and hotel not included). Register by March 31st and save $25.

• Hotel arrangements are available at the ZOA special rate of $99, single ordouble occupancy at the Holiday Inn Downtown. Call (202) 737-1200.

• Special Student Discount Available

• Yigal Carmon, President of MEMRI, will address us on what the Arab leaders are really saying in Arabic to their people

• Dietary Laws Strictly Observed

Founded 1897

ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA

For more information, contact Felice Capustinat the Zionist Organization of America at (212) 481-1500 ext. 229 or email felice@zoa.org

(L. to R.) Dudley S. Danoff, Mort A. Klein,renowned entertainer Ed Ames, Jeannie Amesand Effrem Harkham.

Morton A. Klein has been active-ly speaking out in favor of a safeand secure Jewish state of Israeland exposing the continued incite-ment and anti-Israel activities bythe Palestinian Authority. Amonghis recent appearances has been:speaking at a conference in Israelsponsored by Israel NationalRadio; meeting with top leadersin Bulgaria, Romania and Israelas part of the Conference ofPresidents of Major AmericanJewish Organizations’ delegation;and giving addresses at theUniversity of California-Irvine,Yeshiva University and theCollege of Judea and Samaria inAriel, Israel.

He also spoke at synagogues inLos Angeles and San Francisco,addressed the ZOA Los AngelesRegion Board and was inter-viewed on television and radio inLos Angeles.

While in Eastern Europe, inresponse to Klein’s question, theprime ministers of Bulgaria andRomania agreed to speak outagainst the Palestinian-Arab so-called refugees moving to Israel.

In Israel, then-IDF chief of staffMoshe Ya’alon told Klein in a pri-vate meeting: “Leaving Gaza willblow up in our faces.”

Also, during a program with VicePremier Shimon Peres, Kleinasked Peres whether he did call200,000 Israeli demonstrators“schlemazel.” Peres responded:“Are you saying you disagree withthat description.”

In addition to his speeches, Mortcontinues his prolific writing onbehalf of Israel.

In recent months he has had op-edarticles published in theJerusalem Post, Ha’aretz, theNew York Jewish Week, LosAngeles Jewish Journal, the NewYork Sun and Philadelphia’sJewish Exponent.

In addition, his letters appeared inCommentary magazine and theNew York Sun.

3

ZOA in Action Around the World

This full page ad was placed in 15 newspapers and magazines throughout the U.S.

ter-of-ceremonies for the dinner. RabbiMoshe Tendler, former dean of YeshivaUniversity’s rabbinical school, professor ofTalmud and chairman of YeshivaUniversity’s Biology Department, deliveredthe invocation.

As always, ZOA President Morton Kleingalvanized the crowd and crystallized theissues with another stirring speech.

Klein noted that Israel has made more con-cessions over the past 11 years than everbefore in its history, and yet terror and mur-der of Jews has increased. The lesson, hesaid, is, “Appeasement and one-sided con-cessions simply don’t work.

“Giving up land will not work anyway, asmost of us in this room know. The Arab waragainst Israel is no more a territorial con-flict than is al-Qaeda’s strike againstAmerica.”

Klein was incredulous that the Bush admin-istration is not only accepting MahmoudAbbas – Yasser Arafat’s long-time deputy –as his successor, but that it also considershim a moderate.

“Would the United States of America sup-port having Saddam Hussein’s deputy for40 years to take over the new Iraq? Ofcourse not. This is absurd.”

Klein said that all vestiges of terror must beremoved from the Palestinian Authoritybefore there can be peace.

“I am so sick and tired of the world saying[to Israel]: ‘We’re so sorry about a suicidebombing attack. We’re so sorry about a ter-rorist attack’ … and then saying, ‘But ofcourse, you’ve got to go back to the [nego-tiating] table; you have to make those con-cessions.’ “Imagine,” Klein continued, “if,instead of these types of statements aboutnegotiations and concessions, imagine ifthe United States and the world said: ‘Untilyou transform your society – your text-books, your newspapers, your TV, yourspeeches, your sermons; until you arrestterrorists – we accept and support Israelhaving nothing to do with you and usingany military means they determine to

destroy this regime.’ But the appeasement,ladies and gentleman, continues.”

Now, Klein said, “We are told that Israelmust give away the Jewish section of Gaza.It is really shocking that we would rewardthis terrorist regime at this point in time andgive away this land. This is Jewish landaccording to our Torah.”

Uzi Landau warned that the so-called “dis-engagement” could be a tragic mistake, buthe cautioned against maligning IsraeliPrime Minister Ariel Sharon’s intentions.

A staunch foe of Sharon’s plan, Landausaid: “Let me make it clear … with what-ever difference we might have, I highlyrespect Mr. Sharon – at least [what] theunderlying assumption of this disengage-ment plan was … .

This plan “will highly damage Israel’s secu-rity and more than that, it will damageIsrael’s chances for peace in the near future.Because the chances of peace are condi-tioned on prevailing over terror.”

Landau continued, “this disengagementplan is a prescription for more terror, more

Katyusha rockets, more suicide bombingand I should add: that this Israeli disen-gagement plan – which is coordinated withthe United States – is also perceived in that[Arab] area as an American move. And inthe eyes of the Hamas-Palestinian extrem-ists, this principle of relentless war againstterror has been broken.”

Landau noted that “Israel these days is atarget of international terror, but not theprime target. The prime target is the UnitedStates and Western Civilization.”

4

(Continued from page 1)Over 850 Attend Dinner

ZOA REPORTis published by the

Zionist Organization of America4 East 34th Street, New York, NY 10016

Phone (212) 481-1500 / Fax (212) 481-1515Email: email@zoa.org Website: www.zoa.org

Steve Feldman, Editor

Morton A. Klein, National PresidentDr. Michael Goldblatt, Chairman of the BoardDr. Alan Mazurek, Chairman,National Executive CommitteeHenry Schwartz, Treasurer

Congressman Anthony Wiener (D-NY)addressing the audience.

Mort Klein embraces David Hatuel, whosepregnant wife and four young daughters weremurdered by Palestinian-Arab terrorists.

Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS)and Israeli MK Uzi Landauexchange greetings.

Sen. Sam Brownback listens closely to points made by Mayorof Kedumim Daniella Weiss and

Mort Klein.

Israel is seen by Hezbollah, al-Qaeda andthe regimes in Iran and Syria “as a labora-tory, as a testing ground [for] how to bringto its knees a democracy by the use of sui-cide bombing.”

Dr. Daniel Pipes, renowned director of theMiddle East Forum, internationally pub-lished columnist, author and lecturer, notedindeed that those who perpetrate the terror-ism – namely radical Islamists – must besoundly defeated.

“Conflicts only end when one side loses.You have to choose your side. I think it’s

pretty clear which side every one in thisroom wants to lose. Better get about doingit and getting the United States governmentto understand that, no less the Israeli gov-ernment.”

Sen. Sam Brownback, in accepting hisaward, said the United States understands.“We are going to win this war with terror-ism. We are going to conduct it to its fullestand we are going to win it,” he pledged.“We dare not rest until we are safe andsecure and until Israel is safe and secure.You and all of us must act and speak withcourage. Never dare again to be the Jews ofsilence or the world of appeasement.”

Brownback reminded the audience thatIsrael “has the right to do whatever is nec-essary to protect its own people, whereverthey may be, from terrorists.

“This is a country, Israel, that was justlyfounded and that since its conception hasbeen continuously attacked. No othernation and no other people have shared the

history that you’ve lived through. Israel hassurvived. The Jewish people have survived.Thus, we stand with Israel.”

Brownback said it is time for “for Americato move our Embassy to Jerusalem and torecognize by this act that Jerusalem – undi-vided – is the capital of Israel, now and for-ever.”

Brownback said he supports many of ZOA’sinitiatives because “I’m drawn to the moralclarity with which you speak.” His Kansasconstituents, he added, “support Israel andthe people support in and believe in thecause. This is the place that I come from.”

Two distinguished Jewish leaders, MichaelOrbach, a businessman and past chairmanof the ZOA national board, and MartinGross Esq., president of SandalwoodSecurities and a member of the nationalZOA board, each received the Justice LouisD. Brandeis Award, ZOA’s highest honor. Intheir remarks they graciously spoke ofZOA’s important work and the leadership ofMorton Klein.

David Hatuel, whose pregnant wife Tali andtheir four daughters were gunned down atpoint-blank range in the Gaza Strip byPalestinian-Arab terrorists, bravelydeclared that he will not leave.

Hatuel said, “The way I decided to contin-ue my life symbolizes the way the residentsof Gush Katif are standing bravely in frontof the terror. I stand alone but I decided tostay in Gush Katif and to continue to livethere forever.” There was not a dry eye inthe ballroom.

Daniella Weiss, mayor of Kedumim inSamaria, said that there was some goodnews: “This year, 95 new young couplesjoined our community.”

Weiss said, “We are doing our utmost” toderail Sharon’s plan,” and “not just for the

sake of the communities themselves, butbecause it endangers part of the whole stateof Israel.”

“We are ready to sacrifice our lives for thefuture of Israel. May I be sincere with you:What I dream of most of all is to see you allin Israel.”

5

Hon. Uzi Landau (center) receivesthe Judah Maccabee Award from Robert Guzzardi, Dinner Co-Chaiman as Dr. Alan Mazurek,Chairman, ZOA National Board of Directors looks on.

Martin Gross's acceptanceof the Justice Louis D.

Brandeis Award.

Dr. Daniel Pipes accepting the Ben Hecht award for outstanding

journalism on the Mideast.

Dr. Alan Mazurek looks on as Dr. Ben Chouake,member of ZOA’s National Board, presents awardto Sen. Sam Brownback.

Michael Orbach's acceptanceof the Justice Louis D.

Brandeis Award.

“Appeasement and one-sidedconcessions simply

don’t work”

______________________

ZOA President, Morton A. Klein

6

Serving as bookends to the spectacularannual dinner were the opening and closingsections of the Zionist Organization ofAmerica’s Biennial Convention.

These two sessions featured deep insightsabout some of the dangers for Israel and theJewish people that is lurking in the UnitedNations and American university campuses;revelations about the so-called “disengage-ment plan;” and examples of how to be activeon behalf of Israel in local communities.

Featured speakers included attorney andcolumnist Debbie Schlussel and Dr.Charles Jacobs, founder and president ofThe David Project.

Knesset Member Uzi Landau provided an“off-the record” behind-the scenes look atPrime Minister Sharon’s “disengagement”plan.

President Morton A. Klein discussed thestate of the ZOA and our accomplishmentsduring 2004 including ZOA’s increasingpresence on college campuses, increasedactivism on the part of our Law and JusticeCenter, and increased relationships withkey members of the House and Senate.

Dr. Michael Goldblatt was elected chair-man of the national board while IrwinHochberg and Dr. Michael Franzblau wereelected vice chairman of the board.Associate chairwoman of the Board ofDirectors is Sylvia Freyer.

Dr. Alan Mazurek was elected chairman ofthe National Executive Committee. RobertGuzzardi and Michael Orbach were electedvice chairman of the NEC. AssociateChairman of the NEC is David Schoen.

Other officers are: Henry Schwartz, treas-urer; Bart Blatstein, associate treasurer;Joseph Loshinsky, chairman, FinanceCommittee; Harry Taubenfeld, associatechair, Finance Committee; Dr. JeromeKaufman, national secretary; and HonoraryPresident Jacques Torczyner.

Debbie Schlussel, offered an exposé ofUNRWA – the United Nations Relief andWorks Agency’s facilitation of anti-Israelterrorism in Palestinian-Arab “refugeecamps.”

Schlussel noted that the U.S. pays morethan $100 million to UNRWA each year.

She also offered a window into incitementof terrorism and the activities and growthof American Muslim groups.

Jacobs screened his compelling andgroundbreaking documentary, “Columbia

Unbecoming.” Thefilm offers examplesof the intimidation andbias pro-Israel studentsface from someColumbia Universityprofessors and anti-Israel events on cam-pus.

Murray Tenenbaum,director of government relations for ZOA in Washington, previewed the new sessionof Congress. Susan Tuchman, directorof ZOA’s Center for Law and Justiceprovided an update as did Dror Elner,associate director of ZOA’s CampusActivism Division.

There was also a workshop on localpro-Israel activism by Steve Feldman,executive director of the GreaterPhila. District

Conventional Wisdom:Elections and Insight

Gary Broom of AmericanExpress addresses ZOAon Planned Giving.

Dr. Charles Jacobs of theDavid Project exposing

anti-Israel lies on campus.

Dr. Michael Franzblau,ZOA Board ViceChairman, addresses convention.

Debbie Schlussel, attorney,Israel activist, and regular

guest on TV and radioexposing UN bias

against Israel.

Irwin Hochberg, ZOA’sVice-Chairman of theBoard, former Chairmanof NY-UJA, formerNational Chairman ofIsrael Bonds.

Dr. Jerome Kaufman, secretaryof ZOA, and Morton Kleinreviewing ZOA resolutionsbefore meeting.

Dr. Jonathan Gold,member of ZOA’sNational Board,

addressing convention.

Dr. Michael Goldblatt, distinguishedpsychologist and incomingChairman of ZOA’s National Board.

7

While every Zionist is deeply upset eachtime we learn a fellow Jew is hurt or mur-dered in Eretz Israel, no one seems to takeit more personally than Dr. Alan Mazurek.

Each time a terrorist incident that claimedthe life or even injured a Jew is recountedin his presence, the expression on his hand-some face turns from happiness to angerand disgust as if is was a family member orclose friend who fell victim.

Mazurek is chairman of the ZionistOrganization of America’s NationalExecutive Committee and a self-described“Torah Jew.” What that means — amongother things, he says, is: “I believe all of usmust defend Israel.”

To that end, Mazurek, who is 49, bought anapartment in Jerusalem and dreams of liv-ing there full time. “I have wanted to makealiyah for the last 15 years,” he says.

For now, though, he and his family live inGreat Neck, N.Y. where he has a successfulneurology practice. He is a graduate ofYeshiva University and earned his medicaldegree at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine.

It’s only natural that the gooddoctor is a leader with ZOAboth in his local region andnationally. His mother, henotes, was one of the secre-taries in ZOA’s Queens/LongIsland Region.

Mazurek first got involved inZOA in 1994. The fact thatIsrael’s capital is Jerusalem,yet the U.S. Embassy is in TelAviv, disturbed him. He and afriend formed a group to getthe Embassy moved, and theyenlisted then-Sen. Al D’Amatoto help. He also asked Mort Klein to getbehind the campaign, and of course, Mortagreed. Together, they got the “U.S.Embassy Relocation Act” passed byCongress. However, presidents Clinton andnow Bush have chosen not to implementthe measure.

Mazurek’s goal is to not only move a build-ing, but also the attitudes of AmericanJews. Motivation, he notes, is “a big prob-lem. You have to make it personal; attach a

human face. [Introducethem to] people who havesuffered, people who havesucceeded. You have tomake it more sociallyacceptable to be a nation-alist and a Zionist.”

It may also take some tin-kering with ZOA toaccomplish this, he says.“ZOA has to … become atruly national dynamicgroup like it was in the40’s and 50’s.”

For now, “Jews in the U.S.don’t even have Israel on their radarscreens.”

Why not? Do we have some neurosis?“Apparently,” says this neurologist.

Mazurek quotes Rabbi Meir Kahane:“‘Jews need a national couch.’”Elaborating, Mazurek observes that mostJews “feel guilty about defending our-selves.” Yet another project for this healer.

PROFILES: A look at ZOA leaders and members

Our Doctor in the House

In 1987, Al and Edie Grossberg were inIsrael for three months teaching English tolittle kids. In the evenings when they wouldtalk to friends or family back in the States,those in the U.S. would tell the couple all ofthe terrible things about Israel that theywere reading in the papers or seeing on theTV news.

But because they were there on the ground,the Grossbergs knew that what the mediawere telling their friends and family was apack of lies. When the couple returnedhome they contacted established Jewishorganizations to do something about thelies and distortions; they were met with achilly reception, they recall.

So they created “The Middle EastNetwork” in South Florida to deal with thisissue and others in the interest of support-ing Israel.

Not long ago, the Grossbergs’ Middle EastNetwork merged into the ZionistOrganization of America, but for about adozen years they and their cadre of activistsgrew into a small army on behalf of Israelin the lower part of the Sunshine State.

“When we got back, Edie and I contacted

every Jewish organization in SouthFlorida,” notes Al Grossberg, 89. “Weasked if they would get involved to coun-teract” what was in the media. “They saidit’s not their agenda.”

Other groups that showed an interest “werenot really aggressive.” So the Grossbergstook the bull by the horns. They invitedcommunity leaders to their home in theFort Lauderdale area and, noted EdieGrossberg, “It grew from there.”

Al Grossberg said the group “created amomentum of its own” and in a short timeexpanded to 800 members. The group grewfrom a parlor meeting they hosted to onewhich drew thousands to pro-Israel eventswith nationally known speakers such asnational security expert Frank Gaffney andZOA National President Mort Klein.

The group had a quarterly newsletter,placed pro-Israel ads in area papers andsponsored many meetings and events.Some drew as many as 4,000 people, notesAl Grossberg.

“We induced many people who were well-off to help us with ads and meetings,” hecontinues.

The Grossbergs, who migrated south fromBrooklyn, obviously brought some of thatNew York moxie with them.

“As long as we put out that newsletter,” saysEdie Grossberg, the group did well. Buttheir group, which was mostly comprised ofretirees, got older, as did the Grossbergs.

“Our job was a 24-hour commitment,” AlGrossberg says. He adds, “Young peopleare not into this kind of thing” — meaninghelping Israel.

Four years ago, when the organizationbecame “too big a responsibility,” he says,they began giving money from their organ-ization to ZOA.

Says Edie Grossberg: “We knew Mort wasthe guy!”

It Takes Two

Dr. Alan Mazurek

Al and Edie Grossberg

8

ACTION: Center for Law and Justice

CLJ’s Efforts Spark U.S. Probe of Anti-Semitism

The U.S. Department of Education’s Officefor Civil Rights is investigating allegationsof harassment, intimidation and discrimina-tion against Jewish students at theUniversity of California at Irvine (UCI).

The investigation began after ZOA’s Centerfor Law and Justice director SusanTuchman filed a comprehensive 11-pagecivil rights complaint against UCI lastOctober.

The complaint alleged that Jewish studentsat UCI have been subjected to a pattern ofbias and intimidation, and that they haverepeatedly notified the university adminis-trators, who have failed to address it.

ZOA contends that the university violatedTitle VI of the federal Civil Rights Act of1964, which requires UCI, as a recipient offederal funds, to provide an educational

environment free from harassment, intimi-dation and discrimination on the basis of,among other things, religion and ethnicity.

After reviewing the complaint’s allegations,the OCR decided that an investigation waswarranted. Current and former Jewish stu-dents at UCI have come forward to describeto authorities the hatred and hostility rou-tinely expressed toward Jews and towardIsrael on campus, causing them to feelintimidated and afraid. Students say theyhave been threatened and physicallyattacked. Some are afraid even to wear any-thing that would identify them as Jewish, orhave been reluctant to affiliate with Jewishor pro-Israel groups on campus. Our legaleffort will hopefully force UCI to stopremaining silent when Jews, Zionism andthe State of Israel are vilified on campusand send a message to other schools thatsuch practices are unacceptable.

CLJ Challenging Divestment/Boycott Bids

The ZOA-CLJ is also continuing to take onthe nationwide divestment/boycott cam-paign against Israel. We are working withlegislators to force a federal probe of thecampaign, which we allege is being con-ducted in violation of the federal anti-boy-cott laws.

We are also working to change the positiontaken by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)last summer, which called for the Church todivest from holdings in corporations that dobusiness with Israel, compared Israel to theapartheid regime in South Africa, andendorsed a claimed right of so-called Arab“refugees” to settle in Israel. Thesedestructive actions should be rescindedsince they not only hurt the State of Israel,but also promote anti-Semitism and anti-Israel

ZOA Campus Activism Network

Tomorrow’s Jewish leaders are students atAmerica’s university campuses today. TheZOA is dedicated to making sure they areexposed to pro-Israel information andviewpoints. Here is a digest of some of ourrecent activities under the direction of JulieSager, Campus Activism Network director,and Dror Elner, associate director:

Columbia UniversityZOA and Netzach Yisrael (the student Israelclub at Columbia University) hosted a panelpresentation at Columbia on the Gaza with-drawal/evacuation plan. Students viewed apresentation by IDF Col. Shmulik Moyal onthe details of the plan and heard ZOA’sHoward Schaerf discuss the legal aspects ofthe Jewish presence in Gaza. Dror Elnerscreened a video about Gaza, and KenSachs, who served in the Israel DefenseForces and was wounded in Gaza, told stu-dents about his experiences and why keep-ing Gaza is critical. The well-attended pres-entation was followed by a discussion peri-od. Many students reported that they did notunderstand the dangers of the Gaza with-drawal plan until hearing this discussion.

University of MarylandDror Elner spent a Shabbat with hundredsof Jewish students at the University ofMaryland’s College Park campus promot-

ing the love of Israel and Jewish identity,while exposing the dangers Israel faces.That weekend, Hillel hosted Birthrightalumni for Shabbat dinner, and Dror metwith students who recently had their firstIsrael experience. The students were intro-duced to the ZOA by Dror and invited tojoin the active ZOA chapter on campus.Dror also led a group discussion on Natan Sharansky’s book The Case forDemocracy: The Power of Freedom to over-come Tyranny and Terror.

On February 1, the ZOA chapter at theUniversity of Maryland hosted a discus-sion, lead by Ken Sachs, an Israeli soldierwho immigrated to Israel from the U.S. Kenwas wounded at his base by Palestinian-Arab terrorists who dressed as Israeli sol-diers to gain access to the base. Over 40students attended.

Also at Maryland, the ZOA chapter there,in conjunction with Maryland Hillel, isdoing a fundraiser for the Koby MandelFoundation, which helps terror victims andtheir families. Thanks to Harris Cohen,President of the University of MarylandZOA, for organizing this great fundraiser.

Queens CollegeOn February 10, Dror Elner began hisseries of lectures about human rights in

Israel vs. the human rights abuses in theArab world, focusing on women’s rights.He addressed college students from severalcampuses at a private home in Queens. Theprogram was organized by ZOA studentleader Ruthie Israeli, who provided dinnerfor the students from campuses includingBarnard College, Yeshiva UniversityEinstein Medical School, Queens College,Stern College, and Touro College. AfterDror’s presentation, students engaged in agroup discussion on the rights of womenliving under the Palestinian Authority.

Pace UniversityZOA arranged for Ken Sachs, a member ofthe IDF, to speak to Jewish studentsthrough the Hillel at Pace University

University of ChicagoZOA speakers Diana Campuzano, a victimof Arab terrorism, and Dr. MalvinaHalberstam, Professor of International Lawat the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Lawat Yeshiva University, spoke on a paneltitled: “Terrorism: Legal, Moral andPersonal Perspectives.”

University of North CarolinaDror Elner debated a refusenik soldier atthe Chapel Hill campus. Separately, Drorlectured on Israel’s record on protectinghuman rights.

9

Come Visit Israel With the ZOAThe Zionist Organization of America and Americans For a Safe Israel

are co-sponsoring a joint Chizuk Mission to Israel from May 29 through June 7.

We hope to begin our trip with a two-day stay in Gush Katif/Gaza in order to show our strongopposition to the expulsion plan. We will also visit the northern Shomron communities slated forwithdrawal, the holy city of Hebron and its surrounding communities, as well as Gush Etzion.

In Jerusalem, where we will enjoy a beautiful Shabbat, we will concentrate on the growingJewish communities in Jewish eastern Jerusalem.

As always, a host of distinguished speakers will be included in the program.

The cost of the trip, including flight and hotels, all breakfasts, most dinners and some lunches,will be under $2000 per person, double occupancy, plus airport taxes (about $80) depending onEl-Al’s air fares.

For more information, call Helen Freedman at 212-828-2424.

The Zionist Organization of Americahelped initiate and facilitate a landmarkacademic conference at ColumbiaUniversity entitled “The Middle East andAcademic Integrity on the AmericanCampus.”

The ZOA worked with the ColumbiaUniversity Chapter of Scholars for Peace inthe Middle East (SPME) on the conference.

Nearly 1,000 attended the conference,while others had to be turned away due tospace limitations.

The conference served to galvanize thoseopposed to anti-Israel activity at Columbiaand to speak out against Israel-bashing andin favor of balance, fairness, truth anddiversity in courses on the Arab-Israeli con-flict. In addition, this conference wanted tosend a message that the intimidation of pro-Israel students on campus must stop.

Among the distinguished speakers whotook part were Israel Minister of DiasporaAffairs Natan Sharansky, HarvardUniversity Professor Alan Dershowitz,,King’s College Professor Ephraim Karsh,Martin Kramer of the Washington Institutefor Near East Policy, journalist NatHentoff, David Project founder Dr. CharlesJacobs, Rachel Ehrenfeld of the theAmerican Center for Democracy andcolumnist Debbie Schlussel, Cong.

Anthony Wiener (D-NY) and several NewYork City Council members.

In addition, ZOA President Morton A.Klein spoke and the ZOA’s Martin Grossread a speech prepared by Susan Tuchmanof ZOA’s Center for Law and Justice.

The motivating force for the New Yorkchapter of ZOA to call for a mobilization ofZOA members and others to put together a

conference was the mounting evidence thatColumbia and other universities tolerateanti-Israel distortions, omissions and out-right falsehoods by faculty members whoteach about the Arab-Israeli conflict.

In addition, students who challenge suchbiased faculty are regularly demeaned, intim-idated, or dismissed as pro-Israel extremists.

This has created an atmosphere at Columbiaand on other campuses that creates fear andconfusion among students. It also promotesanti-Jewish sentiment and delegitimizesZionism as the national liberation move-ment of the Jewish people, and the con-

comitant delegitimization of the existenceof the sovereign Jewish State of Israel.

“Allowing Middle East professors to lieabout Israel is the same as allowing aphysics professor to teach that E=MC3.Neither should be tolerated.”

The group from the New York chapter ofthe ZOA who helped conceive and workedon this project included: Dr. MarvinBelsky, Liora Brosh, Jeff Daube, RobertFriedman, Janet Lehr, Rodger Parsons,Barbara Sommers and Jeanette Morrison.

The Columbia University faculty leaders ofthis conference included: professors AwiFedergruen of the Business School and Dr.Judith Jacobson of the School of PublicHealth.

ZOA president Morton A. Klein noted: “Weapplaud the ZOA activists and the SPMEfor working tirelessly to put this sympo-sium together. We applaud SPME for call-ing for a fair and balanced presentation ofthe Mideast issues. The teaching of thisimportant and emotional issue must be freeof bigotry, extreme bias and certainly out-right falsehoods.

“Any professor who promotes falsehoodsabout his/her field should not be allowed tohide behind the banner of “academic free-dom.” The university should not be a wel-come place for such professors.”

ZOA Helps Initiate and Facilitate Major Conference at Columbia University on ‘Middle East and Academic Integrity’

“Any professor who promotesfalsehoods about his/her fieldshould not be allowed to hide

behind the banner of “academic freedom.”

Samaria, and injured some 70 others. All told, 107 Americans havebeen killed and hundreds more injured by Palestinian-Arabs since1968. Yet the State Department’s efforts to bring any of these killersto justice has been weak at best.

Meanwhile, the State Department has vigorously sought the captureof non-Palestinian-Arab killers of Americans via well-funded pub-licity programs and by offering rewards for their capture. This newmandated Justice Department office will take over the Rewards forJustice Program and its website, which has been controlled by theState Department.

It will also provide other related services including sending U.S.officials to funerals of American victims of terrorism overseas;determine if terrorists who have harmed American citizens overseasare serving in their local police or security forces, and if so, alertU.S. agencies involved in providing assistance to those forces, andrequest that all such assistance be halted; and assess the pattern ofAmerican indictments and prosecution of terrorists who haveharmed American citizens overseas, in order to determine the rea-sons for the absence of indictments of terrorists residing in someregions, such as the territories controlled by the PalestinianAuthority.

In addition, the new office will monitor whether foreign govern-ments honor murderers of Americans through actions such as nam-ing schools, streets or public institutions in honor of the killers.

Until now, Palestinian-Arabs who murdered Americans were not asfervently pursued as other foreign nationals who murderedAmericans overseas, despite the fact that the whereabouts of manyof these suspects was known. Some, in fact, were openly shieldedby the Palestinian Authority and have served in the P.A. policeforce.

The Zionist Organization of America was determined to end thisimbalance.

“We wish to express our strong appreciation to the House and theSenate sponsors of this legislation for passing a critical anti-terror-ism bill providing an important boost in the efforts to capture allforeign nationals who have murdered or harmed Americans over-seas, including Palestinian Arabs,” said ZOA President Morton A.Klein.

Klein noted, “The ZOA led a three-year effort on behalf of this billwhich included full page ads in The New York Times and in newspa-pers around the country, organizing House and Senate press confer-ences on Capitol Hill, publishing op-eds and letters in newspapers,delivering speeches around the country, discussing the bill on bothTV and radio and distributing a powerful booklet entitled ‘TheForgotten Victims: American Citizens Murdered by PalestinianArab Terrorists.’ The booklet includes biographical entries onAmericans murdered by Palestinian Arab terrorists and a ‘Killers atLarge’ section revealing the names – and, in some cases, the photos– of Palestinian Arab killers of Americans who are being shelteredby the P.A.”

The bill was named in memory of American-born Koby Mandell,13. He and his friend Yosef Ishran, were killed May 8, 2001, byPalestinian-Arabs while hiking in a cave in Tekoa, Israel.

Sherry Mandell, Koby’s mother, said, “We want to thank the ZionistOrganization of America and Congress for initiating this fight forjustice. We feel that this helps in the healing process for us. We nowknow that people care and that Koby and the other Americans killedby Palestinian-Arabs won’t be forgotten. Even as a young boy, Koby

really cared about justice - he would have deeply appreciated thisfight for justice by the ZOA and the U.S. Congress.”

Stephen Flatow, father of Alisa Flatow – another victim ofPalestinian-Arab murderers – said, “We want to thank the ZionistOrganization of America for being the only organization to havemade this bill and this fight a priority and being relentless in theirpursuit of justice. We also want to thank the House and Senate fortheir great work in this important step against anti-American terror-ism.”

Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR) was the lead sponsor of the measure inthe Senate. Other key co-sponsors included Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) and Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA).

In the House, U.S. Rep. Rob Andrews (D-N.J.) was the chief spon-sor. Other co-sponsors included U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and U.S. Rep. Jim Saxton (R-N.J.).

10

Koby Mandell Act Becomes Law(Continued from page 1)

Sen. Gordon Smith(R-OR)

Sen. Rick Santorum(R-PA)

Sen. Arlen Specter(R-PA)

Cong. Rob Andrews(D-NJ)

Cong. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL)

Cong. Jim Saxton(R-NJ)

Did You Know …Did you know that the Zionist Organization ofAmerica helped sponsor and arrange for Bus #19,which was hit by a suicide bomber and is now acharred shell, to be brought to the United Statesfrom Israel?

Bus #19 was the centerpiece for pro-Israel ralliesorganized recently by Jewish and Christian Zionistsin three California cities.

Bus #19 implies a Jerusalem route. On January 29,2004, it was attacked by a Palestinian-Arab police-man. The blast killed 11 Israeli civilians and wound-ed over 50 others.

The ZOA, in cooperation with the United States Commission onSecurity and Cooperation in Europe, sponsored a Capitol Hill lec-ture and Q&A with author and internationally renowned Islamicspecialist Bat Ye’or on February 28. The event took place in theRayburn House Office Building.

Bat Ye’or (a nom de plume) spoke to congressional staff from theHouse Committee on InternationalRelations and others on the concepts andconsequences of what she has termed“Eurabia,” her word for the Arabizationof Europe in both culture and politics,and the effect this will have on U.S.-European relations.

Eurabia: The Euro-Arab Axis is the nameof Bat Ye’or’s latest book. In addition toexplaining the transformation of Europeinto an Arab-centric and Islamic-leaning

continent, it also reveals the 30-year conspiracy between nations ofthe European Union and the Arab League to advance the cause ofPalestinian-Arabs and undercut Israel, threatening the Jewish state’svery existence.

“The Europeans have done this,” Bat Ye’or writes, “to ensure theircontinued oil supply and to undermine the United States.”

In her remarks, Bat Ye’or detailed the long history of Europeanblindness to the true jihadist agenda.

“Europe is now unwilling to see jihadists as an enemy or even adestructive force in the world,” she noted.

“Much of the European population sees the Palestinian jihad not asterrorism or the murder of innocents, but as a heroic ‘struggle forliberty,’” said Bat Ye’or. “Zionism or America is seen as the evilforce, not Islamism or even terrorism. Europe is unwilling or unableto see jihadists as an enemy or even a destructive force in theworld.”

Second, substantial Muslim immigration has provided a mechanismfor the growth of radical Islam in Europe. According to Bat Ye’or,radical ideologies have found fertile ground among the 20 millionMuslims now living among the nations of Europe.

“The Muslim populations of Europe are not assimilating or adapt-ing to Western ideals of democracy and religious plurality.” Said BatYe’or, “Such concepts are largely rejected. Moreover, European stu-

dents are not taught the real history of the Islamic world or its his-toric oppression of Christians and Jews. Muslim students protestsuch lessons and the courses are altered to avoid negative picturesof Islam or Islamic history.”

Lastly, as a major contributing factor to the growth of the Musliminfluence, Bat Ye’or cites the European penchant for appeasement.

Her new book is a must-read for those who seek to understandEurope’s prevailing anti-Israel and pro-Arab positions both in thegovernment and the media.

11

ZOA Brings World Renowned Expert on Islam to Capitol Hill

Realize UnexpectedWealth for Yourself,

Your Family and ZOAThere is a quickly growing trend in the

marketplace to convert one’s insurability into an immensely valuable commodity.

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ZOA would be pleased to educate youregarding this simple process.

For further information, please call Sheldon Fliegelman,

Vice President of Planning & Development, at (212) 481-1509.

Thank you kindly for keeping ZOA in mindalong with your legacy for the future.

SAVE THE DATEFOR THE ANNUAL

SALUTE TO ISRAEL DAY PARADESUNDAY, JUNE 5, 2005

March Proudly With The ZOA!

For details or to reserve your spot in the march,

contact Dror Elner at 212-481-1500, x225

or e-mail him at delner@zoa.org

Zionist Organization of America4 East 34th StreetNew York, NY 10016

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDHicksville, NY

Permit No. 116

Is the ZOA in your will?Many people list some of their favorite charitablecauses and organizations in their wills. The ZOAleadership is planning for a future of activism,commitment and devotion to Zionist ideals. Byremembering the ZOA in your list of bequests, youcan help plan for that future. For more informationon the procedure for including the ZOA in your will,call the ZOA Department of Planned Giving andEndowments at 212-481-1500.

This issue of ZOA Report is dedicated in honor of

Robert Guzzardi, Esq.A ZOA officer, distinguished businessman,

relentless advocate for Israel, clear-thinking

and tireless leader in the Jewish community.

✓Dear Mort,I support the ZOA’s effort to help Israel in this time ofcrisis. Please continue speaking out. I am proud tohelp the ZOA continue its work with the following gift:

■■ $1,800 PILLARS■■ $1,000 GUARDIANS■■ $360 DOUBLE CHAI

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