Week in Review 11/3/2017

Yesterday marked the 100th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration. That watershed moment gave birth to the Jewish homeland and turned a dream into a reality for Jews everywhere.

Israel certainly didn't have an easy start and throughout the years its strength and fortitude has been tested with violence and bloodshed. Its neighbors seek Israel's destruction. World opinion is often not on Israel's side.

However, through tough odds and difficult times, Israel has not only made the desert bloom, but the world as well. Its numerous contributions to technology, medicine, agriculture, business and the arts have changed the way we live.

The Intel Pentium processor chips in our computers are from Israel. The Waze app that keeps us from getting lost was developed in Israel, along with texting and the first mobile phones. Many of the drugs we take are developed and manufactured at Teva Pharmaceuticals, the world largest generic drug company. This week a company in Israel released the first of it kind - an electric car that folds and shrinks to fit motorbike parking. 

Besides products, Israel takes it responsibility of Tikun Olam, repairing the world, seriously. Sometimes this means helping civilians injured in a country like Syria, which considers Israel a sworn enemy, or aiding a country devastated by an earthquake.

Despite all of this, anti-Semitism continues to rise here and across the world. We have seen Jews targeted for simply being Jews in Europe and the U.S. Jewish students on campus routinely face anti-Semitism.

Through JAC's hard work, we have elected Members of Congress who support a strong and secure Israel and who support efforts to combat anti-Semitism. Foreign aid to Israel has enabled Israel to defend itself.

We cannot, however, afford to become complacent when it comes to Congressional support for Israel. The Balfour Declaration was the beginning. Now it's up to us to ensure that Israel continues to thrive.

WHAT YOU CAN DO?

Support JAC candidates who will work to strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship.

Urge your Members of Congress to support anti-BDS legislation.

Encourage your friends and family to join JAC.