Many organizations have abandoned the notion of membership. However, at Ameinu we think it is important that people stand up and identify with an organization that represents their views and acts upon them. We thank those of you who have already paid their 2018 dues as part of this membership campaign.
With this in mind, let me ask you a few questions, in sincere hope that you will renew your Ameinu membership this year.
Do you want a progressive Zionist voice at the Jewish communal table?
Since Ameinu is a long-time member of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, I recently attended their mission to Abu Dhabi, Jordan and Israel. As the only representative of a progressive Jewish organization that participated on the entire mission, I was regularly at the microphone during Q &A, asking questions and, when necessary, challenging speakers.
Do you want to leverage our position internationally to advance key advocacy positions?
Ameinu has been an active member of an American Jewish coalition opposing the Israeli government’s plan to deport thousands of African asylum seekers. Last month, utilizing my role as the senior progressive Zionist representative on the Jewish Agency for Israel Board of Governors, I proposed a resolution expressing concern about the government’s policies and establishing a JAFI task force to develop proposals to bring to the government, utilizing the Agency’s experience and expertise. While there was vocal opposition, it passed overwhelmingly. We have been successful in impacting Prime Minister Netanyahu as last week he announced an agreement with the U.N. to resettle some of the refugees in Western countries. He has since backtracked and we will keep up the pressure on him through multiple channels.
Despite the current political environment, do you want to be part of ongoing efforts on the ground that support Israeli-Palestinian peace?
Ameinu has taken on the establishment of Project Rozana USA, which builds bridges of understanding between Israelis and Palestinians through healthcare. Earlier this year we organized a seven city, twelve day North American speaking tour of Israeli and Palestinian doctors, raising funds to expand treatment of Palestinians in Israeli hospitals and build healthcare capacity on the West Bank and in Gaza.
Studies point to growing detachment of young liberal Jews from Israel. Do you want to support efforts to address this challenge?
Ameinu operates the Kibbutz Program Center, offering challenging Israel experiences to 18-30 year olds. We are currently developing two new programs, one for the LGBTQ community and another focused on social justice activism in cooperation with the Urban Kibbutz movement, expanding our work in this critical area.
We are sure your response to these questions is yes and hope that you will express your support on these issues by renewing your membership in Ameinu. You can make your payment online at https://ameinu.wpengine.com/join-us/become-a-member-of-ameinu/ and pay your dues of $50 (individual membership), $80 (couple membership) or $150 (sustaining membership) there, or send a check to Ameinu, 25 Broadway 9th Floor, New York, NY 10004.
B’shalom,
Kenneth Bob, President
P.S. Renewing you Ameinu dues today is vote for an active progressive Zionist voice and on the ground programmatic initiatives.
