On March 29th, Harold Goldfard gave the sermon about AIPAC and some of his notes from the most recent AIPAC convention. He and Sandra are passionate supporters of the organization, in hopes of furthering Israel-US relations. His comments:
AIPAC is the single most important organization ensuring strong US-Israel
relationship. My feeling for AIPAC is visceral. My grandparents and parents
were Zionists, back to the 1930’s. I remember the tragic plight of European
Jews, before and during WW II, when almost no country would accept those
desperately trying to flee Hitler’s Germany. Immediately post WW II, there
was desperation of Holocaust survivors trying to enter Palestine, being
blocked by Britain, as Israel was not yet independent. And the elation we
all felt, on May 15, 1948, the day that Israel was born, an extra special
day for me, as it was also my Bar Mitzvah day! So, my love for, and
devotion to, Israel is beschert!
AIPAC is a “leverage” organization, with a huge multiplier effect, of what
we pay in dues. With AIPAC’s regular briefings to Congress and the military,
being a source of credible information, plus AIPAC-guided trips to Israel
for Congress and military leaders, bonds are created, resulting in aid to
Israel, many times the amount of our dues. No other organization leverages
our donations so effectively.
Since my first trip to Israel in 1961, only 13 years after its founding, we
have made 16 more trips, including many Federation Missions. All our 6
children have visited, and been inspired by their visits to Israel, and some
have taken their own children. So, it is incumbent upon us to step up to the
plate, and to try to inspire our family and friends. We are proud that some
of our children (and their teen children) have attended AIPAC meetings with
us, and, being inspired, have become returnees.
A strong, financially secure AIPAC is the best way to ensure a continued
firm bond between the United States and Israel.
Harold and Sandra Goldfarb
Allentown, Pennsylvania>
From AIPAC:
I hope you’ll join us on Monday, April 22nd as the Lehigh Valley community participates in the Annual Greater Philadelphia AIPAC Event, featuring Howard Kohr, AIPAC CEO, and Revered Dr. Deedee Coleman, AIPAC National Council Member and Pastor of the Russell Street Baptist Ministry. For more information visit www.aipac.org/phillyevent or call 215-587-4104.
Join the largest-ever Lehigh Valley delegation for the AIPAC Policy Conference in Washington D.C., Marc 2-4,2014. These are the three most important days for the American pro-Israel community. There are a limited number of discounted seats for first-time delegates – that’s $200 off the full price. To learn more about the Policy Conference please visit www.aipac.org/pc, and for information about the discounted seats please contact Mark Goldstein at the Lehigh Valley Federation at markg@jflv.org or 610-821-5500.
Finally, please join AIPAC. For information about how to join us as AIPAC Club members, or to make an investment at any level, please visit www.aipac.org/donate, or contact our local AIPAC office at 215-587-4104.