AJC seeks court reversal of decision against anti-BDS law
The American Jewish Committee (AJC) in an amicus brief, is asking the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit to reverse a lower court’s decision blocking implementation of an Arizona law barring the state from contracting with participants in a boycott of Israel.
“Arizona lawmakers, like state officials across the country, recognize that the BDS campaign aims to single out Israel for punitive action and does not offer a path to achieve Israeli-Palestinian peace,” said AJC General Counsel Marc Stern. “In fact, BDS movement leadership seeks and has actively promoted the elimination of Israel as a Jewish state.” Arizona, he continued, is entitled to make sure that it does not participate in that boycott through its contracting for goods and services.
Earlier this year, a federal district court ruled in favor of Mikkel Jordahl, who claimed that the law, HB 2617, constrained him and his law firm from expressing support for the BDS movement and participating in boycotts of Israel.
AJC, however, points out in its brief that HB 2617 “does not prevent individuals from participating in boycotts in their personal capacities, nor does it prevent individuals from expressing their personal views regarding boycotts or association with others who share their views.”
What the Arizona law requires, AJC states, is that “a government contractor, in its capacity as a contractor, certify that it is not currently engaged in a boycott that impairs the State’s commerce with Israel.”
The district court’s decision, if allowed to stand, would allow contractors to deprive Arizona of normal market access to Israeli prescription drugs, electronics and construction equipment, and other goods and services, AJC argues.
Moreover, AJC’s brief notes that the district court ruling “stands as erroneous and adverse precedent with respect to the law of twenty-three other States adopting legislation or executive orders toward the same end.” — From American Jewish Committee
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Republican Jewish Coalition applauds Medal of Freedom awarded Miriam Adelson
The Republican Jewish Coalition has congratulated Dr. Miriam Adelson on receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.
RJC National Chairman Sen. Norm Coleman said: “Our warmest congratulations go to Dr. Miriam Adelson on receiving this very special recognition. Dr. Adelson is the heart and the hand behind all of the incredible charitable work of the Adelson family. A deeply committed physician and a warm Jewish mother, Dr. Adelson’s work has benefited hospitals and universities. The clinics she founded and supports have given life and hope to individuals addicted to drugs. The Adelson Medical Research Foundation conducts research into disabling and life-threatening diseases, including cancers. She has dedicated so much of her time, herself, and yes, her material blessings, to helping others with kindness, dignity, and love. Miriam Adelson has changed lives for the better in America and around the world. She is well-deserving of this honor.
Executive Director Matt Brooks said: “Dr. Miriam Adelson has a heart of gold and the indomitable will to bring her ideas to fruition. She has helped create, build, grow, support, and maintain institutions and organizations that have touched the lives of so many in the Jewish community and beyond. The Adelsons helped grow the local Las Vegas Jewish day school into an educational powerhouse with a student body of over 500 children aged 18 months to 18 years. Dr. Adelson helps create a passion for Israel in Jewish young adults through her support of Birthright. And her generous participation in Friends of the IDF provides support for the young men and women defending Israel every day. Dr. Adelson is an immigrant, an accomplished doctor, a wife and mother, a community activist, a champion of education, and a fighter for freedom and security. She embodies the American dream and the Jewish ideal of tzedakah (taking care of others in need). We congratulate her on being honored by President Trump in this most fitting way. ” – From Republican Jewish Coalition
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Photo exhibit at UC San Diego portrays the horror of the Ponar massacre in Lithuania
Paneriai is the Lithuanian name for Ponar (Ponary in Polish), the site of one of the worst massacres of Jews during World War II. For Barbara Michelman Panieriai is a landscape of loss and silence – a silence exemplified by her father who was born there.
Though he escaped the slaughter, he was nevertheless broken by its haunting dimensions. In her solo-exhibition “Past is Prologue,” a series of photo montages with text, Michelman takes a journey of discovery into her family’s Lithuanian past. The result is a fascinating palimpsest of images echoing with the voices of the vanished. The exhibit is on display in Geisel Library West, 2nd (main) Floor on the UC San Diego campus until December 13, 2018.
Space is limited. To reserve your spot on the exhibit tour, contact Susanne Hillman at shillman@ucsd.edu. The tour starts at the Geisel Information Desk. — From UC San Diego