Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By admin on May 30, 2024

May is Jewish American Heritage Month, a time to highlight and celebrate Jewish identity and reflections of what it means to be Jewish.

Southern Nevada has a diverse Jewish community, including 12-year-old Arianna Shaprow, whose heritage has helped her confirm her Jewish faith.

Shaprow tells me she decided this May, being Jewish American Heritage Month, was the perfect time to confirm and celebrate her faith with a bat mitzvah.

The United States and Israel make up the majority of the world's Jewish population. More and more people these days are finding their Jewish roots and relatives through DNA testing.

Shaprow herself has done extensive research on her Midwestern Jewish roots and told me about some of the ways her Jewish relatives left their mark in the community.

KTNV

"So my great-great grandfather, Jack Shapiro, founded a school in Ashdod, Israel, and he was also the president of a synagogue in Flint, Michigan called Congregation Beth Israel," Shaprow told me. "And then my great-great grandmother, Gladys, was the president of Hadassah in Michigan."

Through the years, her family has passed down important Jewish symbols, like a Menorah from Jerusalem.

Her pride in her heritage has led to concerns about rising antisemitism and recent anti-Israel protests on college campuses across the U.S. Shaprow tells me that inspired her to write a poem titled "Your Hate" that's now on display at museums, including the Children's Discovery Museum in Las Vegas and Phoenix.

"Rhetoric creates tensions, divisions, incisions through our souls," Shaprow writes. "We must fight back against your hate and your attempts to discriminate."

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Jewish American Heritage Month: Las Vegas 12-year-old has poem 'Your Hate' displayed in museums - KTNV 13 Action News Las Vegas

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Posted By admin on May 30, 2024

(May 26, 2024 / JNS)

In 2006, then-President George W. Bush proclaimed May as Jewish American Heritage Month. The idea was to discover, explore and celebrate our Jewish-American heritage.

There is a certain amount of irony in celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month at this time. We have much to be thankful for and much to be concerned about.

Unfortunately, this year is not a normal year. We cannot act as normal, or ignore the elephant in the room. That elephant is the fight that our beloved State of Israel is facing at this moment; a fight for its very existence on at least six fronts.

Now is not the time to talk about Abraham Heschel, latkes, gefilte fish or the hora.

We need to talk openly and bluntly about what we can and should be doing while our Israeli friends, relatives and people are fighting for their lives.

Ever since we were children, we learned about the silence of the American Jewish community in the lead-up to and during the Holocaust.

We all played theoretical games of fancy about what we would have done in their place at that moment.

While in no way comparable to the Holocaust, a similar moment is upon us.

The Jewish state is facing multiple genocidal enemies and what we have learned or should have learned from history is that when a genocidal enemy says they seek to kill the Jews, we should believe them.

For the Jewish people in the U.S. and friends of Israel, I say that this is our moment.

We must stand up and be counted. We have no time for politics or being concerned about dual loyalty.

We do not do this as Israelis but as proud American Jews.

We do it because we know that Israel is a faithful and strong ally of the U.S.

As President Biden has said on multiple occasions, if Israel did not exist, we would have to create it.

Israel is an indispensable friend of the U.S. The American people in poll after poll have shown that they understand this and back the Jewish state.

Unfortunately, a tiny minority of extremists is hijacking elements of American foreign policy, whether on university campuses, voting non-committed in primaries or even in the heart of the foreign policy and political establishment here in Washington, D.C.

It is these voices that enabled unprecedented damage to relations between the U.S. and Israel at such a crucial point, when the worldfriend and foe alikeis looking on.

It is these voices that have promoted the unacceptable, dangerous and foolish policy of conditioning military aid during a time of war.

It is these voices that allowed the U.S. not to veto a United Nations Security Council resolution that was closer to the Hamas point of view than Israels.

It is these voices that have prevented the U.S. from being far more forceful in ensuring the ICJ and the ICC were not politicized and hijacked into becoming weapons used against the one Jewish state.

We have seen in the past that when the U.S. takes a strong stance against these multilateral bodies, they invariably back down.

We see the lack of pressure and resources exerted very clearly. We now see the results: Our greatest ally in the Middle East is subjected to ICJ claims of genocide and ICC arrest warrants against democratically elected leaders for the first time.

It is long past time for us to raise our voices because tomorrow might be too late.

The attacks on the State of Israel from land, sea and air; from The Hague; from university campuses, sections of the media, online and on our streets are becoming more emboldened by the day.

This is the time for the Biden administration and Congress to hear our demands.

The U.S. must immediately snap back and even deepen sanctions on the Islamic Republic of Iran. The regime in Iran is at the source of all the unrest, violence and bloodshed in the Middle East and beyond. It is weakened at home but emboldened by Western reticence to put pressure on the mullahs financially, diplomatically and militarily.

The U.S. should use all financial and diplomatic pressure on the U.N. and its constituent bodies, as well as the ICJ and the ICC, to force them to cease their attacks and farcical proceedings against Israel.

These are all test cases because if they succeed against Israel, the U.S. is next on the list. They have tried investigating Americans in the past and they will try in the future should they be successful against Israel.

The administration should end its meddling in the politics of Israel. The U.S. should only ever seek regime change amongst bad actors in problematic nations, not within our democratic ally.

Those who say that there are extremists in the Israeli government should understand that they are doing the bidding of extremists in our government.

The U.S. has to have Israels back, fully and unequivocally, defensively and offensively. It should be giving the Jewish state everything it needs to defeat Hamas fully and achieve total victory, push Hezbollah back from Israels northern border and end the threat from Iran.

Our regional allies are watching the U.S. start to turn its back on its ally and are asking themselves whether they can rely on such leadership with China and Russia waiting in the wings.

Ultimately, these are some of the things American Jews need to see. They are good for Israel, yes, but they are also good for the U.S.

The world is watching.

We American Jews are watching but we will no longer be waiting.

We will no longer sit on the sidelines and be taken for granted. We will use our power, resources and voting power to protect American interests.

We will no longer be silent.

This is how we celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month.

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Posted By admin on May 30, 2024

May is Jewish American Heritage Month and Scott Kalb, who has been involved with tennis and the Maccabiah Games for a great portion of his life, is proud of his Jewish heritage and is encouraging others to try out for the games!

Scott has been playing tennis his entire life, with one of his early memories coming in the New York City Public School Athletic League, where he was a champion at age 13. He played through college and became a champ in the Ohio Athletic Conference singles champion. Scott is also a Maccabiah Games veteran, competing for over 16 years, and as Co-Captain of the USA Masters and Grand Masters Tennis Team, he wants to see others get involved this year.

Often referred to as the Jewish Olympics, the Maccabiah Games are the worlds third-largest international sporting event and has featured participants from over 100 countries competing in a wide range of sports. The 2025 Maccabiah Games are just over a year away, taking place in Israel, and brings together Jewish athletes from around the globe for a prestigious sporting event.

I tried out for the USA Masters tennis team for the 2009 Maccabiah in Israel and qualified for the team, but I took a job overseas in South Korea and moved away for a few years with my family and was unable to join the Games, Scott recalled. Four years later, we moved back. I tried out again, made it, and played in the 2013 Maccabiah Games winning a gold medal in singles.

Maccabiahs mission to build Jewish pride through sports and promote support for Israel, Zionism and Jewish continuity through athletic, educational, and cultural experiences for participants of all ages, is well represented in the athletes and competition.

Marching into that stadium behind the US flag in the opening ceremonies is a thrill like no other. I love meeting new people and getting together with old friends, he said. I have been competing in the Maccabiah Games for over ten years and it is like an extended family. We all look forward to seeing each other and to playing together.

The competition is set to take place July 8 through July 22, 2025, but there is a golden opportunity for Jewish Tennis athletes, thats right around the corner.

Maccabi USA is hosting tryouts for the Masters Tennis Team, and you can try to make the team and play in thegames! Tryouts are taking place October 6 through October 8 at the PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens. Maccabi USA is looking for players to compete in the 35 & Over age group all the way up to 80 & Over, with 5-year increments. You must be a 3.5 & above rated player to tryout.

I have now played for the USA in five Maccabiah Games, three Maccabiah in Israel (2013, 2017, 2022), one European Games (Budapest 2019), and one Pan American Games (2023 in Argentina), he said. I have won eight medals; two golds and a silver in Singles, and three golds and two bronze medals in Mens Doubles.

Meeting Jewish athletes from around the world, forming friendships for life, you cant beat it, Scott said. If we can play together, and compete in sports together, we can learn to live in harmony and respect, and communicate openly with each other.

For more information on trying out for a tennis team, contact Shane Carr or visit maccabiusa.com.

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Tryout for the Maccabiah Games and Celebrate Jewish Heritage Month with Scott Kalb - USTA Florida

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Posted By admin on May 30, 2024

If you walk into Lawton Elementary School in Ann Arbor, you will find two large glass displays showcasing influential Jewish figures, Judaica such as shofars and a Torah plushie, and the American and Israeli flags.

The displays represent a grassroots effort by three Jewish families in the school. One of the displays designers, with two children in the school, said she wanted the cases to mirror her own feelings about being Jewish: Bursting with pride. (She requested to remain anonymous.)

Jewish families across Washtenaw County public schools have taken similar initiatives to recognize Jewish American Heritage Month in their childrens schools, as they find few school-sponsored events. In the absence of such events, Jewish families reached out to their childrens teachers, read books on Jewish themes, presented in classrooms and erected displays.

Digital Choice Board in Saline Area Schools 4th and 5th grades.

Hagit Barry-Naab read the book Pizza Mitzvah in her daughters first-grade class at Thurston Elementary, and Jenny Kirsch Van Beck, who has a first-grader at Bryant Elementary, presented on mitzvot, or good deeds. She brought in a big poster titled: Everyday Mitzvahs! and read a book called Can Sophie Change the World?

According to AAPS Interim Superintendent Jazz Parks, Jewish Americans are highlighted in lessons and reading selections with our students across classrooms in AAPS school and digital libraries. In the arts, students explore, study and perform the works of great Jewish American artists, lyricists, dancers, composers and many other extraordinary individuals who have had a positive impact on our society.

Parks recognized Jewish American Heritage month in a May 3 update via the districts website and in a May 8 update to the Board of Education,

However, this announcement did not list any specific events or provide resources for schools information that was provided for many other heritage months, such as Black History Month, National Asian, Pacific Islander & South Asian American Heritage Month and Arab American Heritage Month.

Two large glass displays show items, books and information on Jewish themes.

AAPS Director of Communications Andrew Cluley provided a list of efforts within Ann Arbor schools, including library displays showcasing books about Jewish figures at three schools, and a district-wide digital library collection. Some school-wide efforts were reported by Jewish families, such as announcements at Clague Middle School about famous Jewish Americans. Cluley said that Huron High School plans to buy Jewish heritage books with grant funds.

Some Jewish parents with children in Ann Arbor Public Schools expressed frustration at the lack of school-wide and district-wide recognition of JAHM. Part of the challenge might be in the delay of recognition of a Jewish Parent Advisory group, which applied to be approved Oct. 24, 2023. Cluley said that the Board of Education is still reviewing the groups application.

Other advisory groups help to plan and contribute to district-wide resources and events. For example, National Asian, Pacific Islander & South Asian American Heritage Month, which is also in May, features three virtual author talks available to AAPS teachers and students.

Dexter and Saline

In two other Washtenaw County school districts, JAHM celebrations vary. Dexter Community Schools is currently making a comprehensive list of cultural recognitions and will include Jewish American Heritage Month starting next year, according to Hope Vestergaard, director of communications of Dexter Community Schools.

Cultural recognition activities have traditionally been teacher- or building-driven, Vestergaard said. She noted that there were no district-wide events or announcements about Jewish American Heritage Month.

In contrast, in Saline Area Schools, a May 1 social media post included a graphic that read, We celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month, which was displayed on digital display boards in buildings. The district provided resources and a reading list in the post.

Within each of our seven school buildings, staff volunteers comprise equity teams that work to compile resources for classroom teachers around the planned observances, executive director of communications and community relations, Saline Area Schools Jackie Martin wrote in an email.

She provided an example at the fourth- and fifth-grade levels, where a Digital Choice Boardincludes links to videos about Jewish holidays, famous Jewish American and history about Jewish American immigration.

Elementary schools in the district feature famous Jewish Americans through bulletin boards, author and artist spotlights, Martin wrote. Several sixth-grade classrooms are currently reading Refugee by Alan Gratz. One teacher invited a parent to join their student as classroom guest speakers to present on Jewish heritage and the Holocaust as part of their unit of study.

This was in response to a request from a student, she noted.

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Jewish American Heritage Celebrated by Families in Washtenaw Schools - The Jewish News

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Posted By admin on May 30, 2024

(May 24, 2024 / JNS)

The pace has picked up for municipalities and states embracing a time each year to recognize the contributions of American Jews to the countrys history.

According to figures released on May 21 by the Combat Antisemitism (CAM) movement, 37 states and 172 cities have chosen to recognize Jewish American Heritage Month in May.

Those numbers saw significant growth: CAM told JNS that in the last year, 34 states and 130 cities began commemorating the month.

States joining in 2024 include Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming.

Were heartened this year to see dozens of more American municipalities and several states recognize JAHM for the first time, in addition to all those who renewed their annual commitment to doing so, Arthur Maserjian, chief of staff at CAM, told JNS.

As antisemitism increases at a rate unprecedented in American history, Maserjian said the need to educate Americans of all backgrounds about Jewish American heritage has never been more important.

Maserjian told JNS that CAM, which has assisted in implementing Jewish American Heritage Month throughout the country, expressed gratitude to the mayors, governors and other state, local and federal elected officials who have recognized this and supported this celebratory cause.

CAMs CEO Sacha Roytman-Dratwa said the groups efforts embraced bipartisanship because antisemitism is not a partisan issue, and we are committed to securing as much support as we can with elected officials at all levels throughout the country.

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Posted By admin on May 30, 2024

By Edward Henderson, California Black Media

Amid escalating tensions stemming from clashing and entrenched opinions about the conflict in Gaza and the ongoing chaos on college campuses nationwide Jewish American Californians paused to celebrate Jewish American Heritage month this May.

On college campus and in neighborhoods across California, many Jewish Americans from different backgrounds representing various perspectives about the conflict in the Middle East reported fearing for their lives and safety.

Despite making up only about 3% of the Californias population, the Jewish community has faced a disproportionate share of religiously motivated hate crimes, with a surge in antisemitic attacks in recent years. According to the Anti-Defamation League Central Pacific Region, antisemitism has spiked in the U.S by about 140% and by a staggering 202% in Northern California Alone.

Its been a challenging time for our community. Its been a dark and difficult seven months, said Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, Vice President Kamala Harris husband, referring to the period of time since Oct. 7,2023, when Hamas terrorists attacked Israel and killed nearly 1,200 people.

Since that attack, more than 30,000 Palestinians have died in Israeli retaliative attacks.

Emhoff, a former entertainment industry lawyer based in Los Angeles before moving to Washington DC, was speaking at the White House on

May 20 at a Rose Garden ceremony organized to celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month.

I know a lot of us are feeling alone, afraid, and in pain, Emhoff continued. There is an epidemic of hate, including a crisis of antisemitism, in our country and around the world. We see it on our streets, our college campuses, and our places of worship.

Earlier in May, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation declaring it Jewish American Heritage Month.

California is home to the second largest Jewish population in the U.S., with thriving communities in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and other parts of the state, Newsom said in a statement.

This month, we recognize the enduring faith, perseverance, and resilience of the Jewish people and lift up the many ways that Jewish Americans enrich our culture, politics, civil society, and countless other areas.

Amid brazen displays of antisemitic hate, California is taking action to protect our communities and ensure that future generations never forget the lessons of the past, including the deliberate murder of approximately six million European Jews during the Holocaust, Newsom continued.

The California Legislative Jewish Caucus (CLJC) is advancing legislation its members authored to help combat the increase in antisemitic sentiments and violence.

Members of the CLJC recently announced their priority legislation for the 2024 legislative season.

Those bills, according to the CLJC, seek to protect Jewish students on campus, better educate young people about the Holocaust and modern forms of antisemitism, and address the rise in hate crimes. The Jewish Caucus is also working to implement key strategies outlined in the recently released Golden State Plan to Counter Antisemitism.

Additionally, the state has launched the CA vs. Hate online resource, a platform that allows victims and witnesses of hate acts to anonymously report them.

I am proud that the Jewish Caucus is laser-focused on legislation that prioritizes combatting this hate and making our state a safer, more compassionate, and more understanding place for all people, said Sen. Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park), Vice Chair of the CLJC.

The Jewish Caucus stands united and fully committed to working with other communities to advance our legislative package and ensure that the California Dream is achievable for all of us, Becker said.

The following bills are included in the Jewish Caucuss priority package:

AB 2925: Including Antisemitism in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Author: Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Glendale)

AB 2925 requires that any campus that chooses to provide DEI training must include training about discrimination against the groups most likely to be targets of hate, including the Jewish community.

AB 3024: Stop Hate Littering Act

Author: Assemblymember Chris Ward (D-San Diego)

AB 3024 seeks to prevent the distribution of hateful flyers, posters, or symbols that are intended to terrorize vulnerable communities.

SB 1277: Teachers Collaborative for Holocaust and Genocide Education

Author: Sen. Henry Stern (D-Malibu)

SB 1277 will enshrine the California Teachers Collaborative for Holocaust and Genocide Education as a statewide professional development program for teachers under the Department of Education. The Collaborative will focus on the Holocaust and other genocides, as well as identifying and confronting hate and antisemitism in modern society.

SB 1287: Protecting Free Speech at Institutions of Higher Education

Author: Sen. Steve Glazer (D-Orinda)

SB 1287 will require colleges and universities to update and enforce student codes of conduct to better prevent violence, harassment, intimidation, and discrimination that is intended to interfere with free speech and other constitutionally protected rights.

Jewish leaders are on the frontlines fighting antisemitism through education, advocacy, and building bridges with other communities. Its because of your leadership that we will dismantle prejudice and ensure Jewish safety, Emhoff said.

This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by theCalifornia State Libraryin partnership with theCalifornia Department of Social Servicesand the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairsas part of theStop the Hateprogram. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.

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Posted By admin on May 30, 2024

Dozens of people joined a rally in Seattle, Washington, on 19 May to raise awareness for the plight of Ukrainian soldiers still held in Russian captivity. May marked the second anniversary of the defense of Mariupol, where thousands of Ukrainian soldiers were taken prisoner after the siege of the city ended on 20 May 2022.

The rally in Seattle was part of a wider chain of protests organized around the US which were intended to raise awareness for the 1,900 soldiers still in Russian captivity.

The soldiers who fought till the end in Mariupol were hailed as heroes by the Ukrainian government. Drawing Russian forces into a prolonged siege of the city and later the Azovstal steelworks, forced Russia to expend more resources and manpower, preventing them from deploying those soldiers and resources to other areas of the front.

Ukraines General Staff of the Armed Forces stated, “We gained critically needed time to build up our reserves, regroup our forces and get help from our partners.”

The Ukrainian soldiers who led the defense of Mariupol ended up changing the trajectory of the war. As a result, the soldiers from Azov were subjected to the most brutal torture endured by Ukrainian prisoners of war. Norman, a drone unit commander from the 109th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade, commented on the captivity of Azovstal soldiers: This is the scariest and worst scenario, to end up being captured. The fate of those who are there and those who wait for them is very hard.

The Seattle rally was organized by two local activists, Lina Ngo and Anton Yefremov. Lina is a Ukrainian refugee of Vietnamese descent, and Anton Yefremov is a Ukrainian-American and is the Vice President of Ukraine Defense Support. Both have said they have friends who are fighting on the frontlines and rally supporters of Ukraine through Ukraine Defense Support to raise funds to buy supplies such as drones and night vision equipment for the soldiers.

Speaking about the motivation of organizing the rally, Lina said The support from activists and local organizations remains strong, but we still need more constant involvement from people. The longer the war goes on, the louder and more actively we need to speak out about it.

She further commented, While some people remain active, overall engagement has decreased because the war has entered a new stage, and media coverage has lessened. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky himself previously stated, Attention equals help. No attention will mean no help. We fight for every bit of attention.

Anton said that he stays motivated to continue the fight and continue organizing rallies because the Ukrainian diaspora is the backbone of support for the Ukrainian soldiers abroad. We stay involved because it’s not a choice – it’s a responsibility that we must carry, he noted. The official account of the Association of Families of Azovstal Defenders also reposted a social media post about the rally in Seattle.

Andrij Dobriansky, communications director for the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, also commented on the Seattle protest: Since the War against Ukraine began in 2014, Ukrainians outside of Ukraine have communicated regularly with family and local community members serving in Ukraines Armed Forces. These personal connections remain the backbone of support between diaspora organizations and those manning the frontlines.

The rally in Seattle began with the organizers gathering individuals at the Space Needle, Seattles prominent city icon. The group built a makeshift cage out of cardboard to illustrate to the public how the Mariupol defenders are still being held prisoners. There were also flyers printed that provided details of the defenders and the need to raise awareness for their plight.

Following the gathering at the Space Needle, the group moved to the Seattle Center, holding banners with messages in support of the Azovstal defenders. The organizers provided information flyers for other rally attendees to hand out to passersby.

Lina then began shouting chants such as free Avozstal defenders, arm Ukraine and Russia is a terrorist state with the group repeating these chants to gain the attention of people nearby. Some cars drove by honking, others waved at the protestors. Lina, with a never-ending amount of energy, traversed back and forth along the street leading the chants.

Valeria Biletska, whose son fought at Azovstal and is still in Russian captivity, attended the rally. The Bilsetska family is originally from Kherson and Valeria immigrated to the Seattle area shortly after Russias full-scale invasion. Once Lina told the group that Valeria was in attendance at the rally and that her son was still in captivity, Valeria couldnt hold back her tears. Members of the rally quickly gathered around her to offer their sympathies and exchange hugs to offer support.

Valeria is also an artist and has donated numerous pieces of her art (Petrykivka) for auctions to buy equipment for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.Valeria mentioned that she had shared pictures from the rally with other families waiting for their loved ones to be released from Russian captivity.

The group marched from the city center to the waterfront, where they continued their chants. Passersby occasionally stopped to take photos of the people holding banners. Eddie Priymak, a local Ukrainian-American from Washington state who marched with the group said, The main reason I attended the rally was to spread awareness of Russian war crimes.

Eddie also noted that the treatment of Ukrainian POWs has been horrific and the US public must be made aware of it. Similarly, by spreading awareness we can potentially influence our government authorities to pressure Russian authorities to release the Azovstal defenders, he remarked.

Oleksiy Tymofeev, a drone unit commander from the 108th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade fighting in Zaporizhzhia Oblast commented on the protest that was held in Seattle: We also had a car rally in Zaporizhzhia in support of the guys from Azovstal. I have a friend who still hasn’t returned from there.

Oleksiy gave thanks to everyone who attended the Seattle protest and for those remembering the soldiers from Azovstal who are in captivity. Unfortunately, this fundamental issue can only be resolved when the Armed Forces of Ukraine stand at the ruined walls of the Kremlin, he said.

Speaking of the continued engagement of the Ukrainian diaspora in Washington, Lina said in general, people seem to be losing interest as fewer and fewer people are coming to the rallies. However, dedicated members of the Ukrainian diaspora like Lina and Anton, remain resolute in their fight for Ukraine and the Ukrainians abroad.

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Ukrainian diaspora in the US rally to voice support for Azovstal defenders - Euromaidan Press

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Posted By admin on May 30, 2024

The Jamaica Customs Agency has implemented a special duty exemption for persons bringing tools and goods into the country for Diaspora Day of Service projects on Thursday, June 20.

State Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Alando Terrelonge, made the disclosure at a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank, where he provided details about the Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, slated for June 16 to 19, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James.

The Diaspora Day of Service marks the conclusion of the Conference, allowing attendees to take part in pre-arranged projects in communities across the island.

Terrelonge informed that several Diaspora organisations have already submitted their project proposals.

He said the initiatives range from the refurbishing of former schools by painting or assisting with computer laboratories, to conducting outreach programmes and enhancing community parks.

He noted that there is a heavy interest on education and health, based on the registration of the community projects.

Terrelonge is urging individuals, who have not yet registered their projects, to

get in touch with the Diaspora Secretariat at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade to facilitate arrangements with Customs to benefit from the duty exemptions.

Persons can also visit the Ministry's website, via diasporaconferenceja.eventbrite.com to complete the Day of Service registration form with details of their planned project or to confirm their interest in being a volunteer.

Meanwhile, Conference Chair and President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the VM Group, Courtney Campbell, said Jamaicans will have the opportunity to volunteer their time and service at the community projects organised by the Diaspora groups.

He informed that the Conference Secretariat will be releasing a list of projects to enable individuals to take part in initiatives that align with their interests.

We are creating numerous opportunities because the people in the Diaspora want to get involved in various areas in the Jamaican society and we will be publishing a list, ...ahead of time, so persons can select the projects they want to participate in, he said.

- JIS News

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.

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Posted By admin on May 30, 2024

In Poland, Danaker has expanded its membership, created new partnerships, and diversified its activities. Fifty women have participated in career advice seminars and another thirty in the pilot mentorship program, while more than 1,000 women joined the workshops on social life and integration, benefiting from counseling, webinars, training sessions, book club meetings, and cultural events.

Building on these successes, Danaker has been awarded an Erasmus+ grant of 60,000 EUR to support the implementation of "DigiMentor," which aims to develop the mentorship competencies of guidance staff who work with migrant women. Partners from Estonia, Belgium, and Norway will collaborate on this project.

In just one year since its foundation, Danaker has grown exponentially thanks to the pioneering spirit of its founder, Aitolgon. By seizing opportunities to participate in EU-funded dialogues, competitions, and projects, Aitolgon and Danaker have created numerous opportunities for Kyrgyz women in Poland and beyond. This success story has even inspired other diaspora groups from Central Asia, leading to new associations for diaspora groups from Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. If one young woman can have such an impact on her community, we can only imagine the transformative contributions that more associations led by young women will bring to society.

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Empowering many: A young Kyrgyz woman in the diaspora creates opportunities - European Union

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Posted By admin on May 30, 2024

The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) leadership participated in The Role of Diaspora Institutions in Attracting Investments for the Rebuilding of Ukraine Forum, an expert meeting organized by the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

UWC President Paul Grod addressed the attendees with a speech, emphasizing that the rebuilding of Ukraine is one of the three main priorities of the Ukrainian World Congress. Our focus is on the rebuilding of Ukraines energy infrastructure, which is currently destroyed by Russian bombs, and on strengthening it through our global platform, Energize Ukraine, said Grod.

UWC President emphasized that continuing to build and strengthen the diaspora is critical for Ukraines future success. I want to acknowledge and underscore the title of this conference, particularly the recognition of the diaspora as an institution. Effective institutions have ensured a patriotic, organized, and effective diaspora that has created a strong coalition of allies for Ukraine, added Grod.

Another key focus of the UWCs efforts is the development, quantity, and effectiveness of Ukrainian professional and business associations and chambers of commerce worldwide. We are building a strong foundation of capable and dedicated Ukrainians and friends of Ukraine to begin rebuilding today. We approach this systematically with a long-term horizon, said Paul Grod.

Dmitrii Lecartev, President of the National Congress of Ukrainians in Moldova, and Alexandru Greceniuc, President of SKUMO (World Congress of Ukrainian Youth Organizations), attended the Forum in Kyiv.

Participating remotely were Bohdan Rajinec, President of the European Congress of Ukrainians; Zenon Potoczny, UWC Vice President for Operations; Miroslav Hoak, UWC Vice President for South Eastern Europe; and Mykhaylo Petrunyak Kmetyuk, President of the Federation of Associations of Ukrainians in Spain.

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Diaspora's role in rebuilding Ukraine: UWC leadership joins Forum in Kyiv - Ukrainian World Congress

Category: Diaspora | Comments Off on Diaspora’s role in rebuilding Ukraine: UWC leadership joins Forum in Kyiv – Ukrainian World Congress
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