JCRC Introduces Step Up For Israel

The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) embarked on a major grassroots Israel education campaign in 2012 designed to create broad awareness of the growing anti-Israel and anti-Semitic movement on college campuses and elsewhere. This is a continuation of a project launched in 2011 aimed at counteracting the BDS (boycott, divestment and sanctions against Israel) movement, which was promoted by Palestinian groups and their allies.

To combat the movement, JCRC is distributing a special five video series produced by Jerusalem Online University called Step Up for Israel to synagogues, Jewish organizations and clubs. Each video presents a different topic and relevant discussion. Topics include:

• “Crossing the Line”: The introductory video for the series focuses on growing anti-Israel sentiments currently present on college campuses.
• The second video presents Israel as a country that values the qualities of freedom, education, family and responsibility. The piece also showcases Israel’s many contributions to the world through technology, media and other accomplishments.
• The third video presents Israel as a democratic nation that epitomizes Western values.
• The final two videos both examine the events that led to the establishment of the State of Israel in the War of Independence (1948) and teach effective tools for speaking on Israel’s behalf and countering adverse claims made against Israel.

Local establishments, including Temple Israel, Temple Beth El, the Jewish Community Center of the Greater Palm Beaches, Temple Beth David, Palm Beach Orthodox, Temple Emanu-El, Hadassah and The Valencia Isles community have all signed up for the program. The “Step Up for Israel” series will also be shown to the Jewish Teen Initiative as well as to Hillel Students here in Palm Beach County. Finally, JCRC is planning a major luncheon to screen part of the program to local non-Jewish leaders. More organizations and groups are expected to join. The program is at no cost to the synagogues or organizations.

Learn more about Step Up For Israel here. Contact 561 242-6671 or JCRC@JewishPalmBeach.org for additional information.