The Birmiingham Jewish Federation's Jewish Community Relations Coalition and the Birmingham Chapter of Hadassah will be hosting Birmingham City Council member Jay Roberson at 7 pm tonight in the Levite Jewish Community Center Senior Adult Lounge.

Councilor Roberson visited Israel last January as part of a delegation coordinated by the American Israel Education Foundation (AIEF) and since his return has taken a leadership role in support of Israel.

In March 2012 he was part of the Alabama delegation that attended the American Israel Public Affairs Committee's Policy Conference in Washington, DC, and Councilor Roberson recently presented a resolution to the Birmingham City Council in support of a strong American- Israel relationship. The resolution passed unanimously.

We encourage everyone to come out and welcome Councilor Roberson, hear about his experience and thank him for his support of Israel. The evening will include the installation of Hadassah's new officers and is open to the entire community.

Above photo is of Councilor Roberson in Israel.

Support for Israel in the US Congress remains strong.

"The US House of Representatives on Wednesday overwhelmingly passed bipartisan legislation that reaffirms and enhances US policy commitments to Israel's security," Jewish Telegraphic Agency reported in a story featured today on the Jerusalem Post's website. "The United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012, which was sponsored by House Majority Leader Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.) and House Minority Whip Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), passed by a vote of 411-2."

"In addition to expanding military cooperation between the two countries, the legislation states that it will be US policy to provide Israel with essential military capabilities to preserve its qualitative military edge in the region," the story added, noting, "Some provisions appear aimed at assisting Israel particularly in any possible confrontation with Iran." The Senate is considering similar legislation.

The overwhelming bipartisan passage of this bill is one more illustration that support for Israel is an "American issue" that cuts across party lines. In Alabama, we are especially fortunate to have Congressmen and Senators who support Israel and who are committed to maintaining a strong relationship between the US and Israel recognizing that it is in the best interests of both countries.

Jewish Telegraphic Agency, a worldwide Jewish news service, is one of 32 agencies and programs funded by the Birmingham Jewish Federation Annual Campaign.

Operation Grassroots is an unprecedented Birmingham Jewish Federation fundraising effort to raise 1000 new gifts or increases of at least $100 to receive a $100,000 challenge gift.

Pictured here is Adison Berger at a recent celebration of Israel Independence Day co-sponsored by The BJF and Levite Jewish Community Center. Adison, who attends the N.E. Miles Jewish Day School, is proudly wearing her BJF shirt and PIN after making her donation to the BJF Operation Grassroots effort.

We are asking all of those who have already graciously donated to Operation Grassroots to wear their PINs to encourage others to Pledge It Now! If you haven't yet received your PIN, please call The BJF at 879-0416.

Adison's gift is much appreciated as we continue our current Operation Grassroots Passover to Shavuot surge. This intensified effort, launched on Passover, will continue until the Jewish holiday of Shavuot which begins the evening of Saturday, May 26.

Mark you calendars for Saturday, May 19, 2012!

The Levite Jewish Community Center invites you to THE MAIN EVENT, a fundraiser presented by Books-A-Million to benefit the LJCC, the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association.

The action packed evening begins at 7:30 pm at 3205 2nd Avenue South. The event will have heavy hor d'oeuvres, drinks -- with a special "Knock Out Punch" -- music and dancing. Then the competition begins with a silent auction throughout the night and of course, THE MAIN EVENT which will feature exhibition performances by Juarez Boxing's best fighters. They will take to the ring to 'KNOCK OUT' heart disease and stroke.

The LJCC is one of the 32 agencies and programs funded by The BJF Campaign. The LJCC offers a state-of-the-art fitness facility and features fitness and health programs such as Juarez Boxing.

This fun event is black tie optional and ladies are asked to wear red in support of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association. Tickets are $75 for an individual, and $125 for a couple.

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