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December 15, 2000/Kislev 18, 5761, Vol. 53, No.12
UJC kicks off with unity call
BARRY COHEN
Community Editor
Responsibility to past, present and future generations was the principal theme of the evening as the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix launched its annual fund-raising campaign Dec. 6.
"We are judged by our grandchildren because that's when you see come to fruition the decisions you make and the actions you undertake," said guest speaker Malcolm Hoenlein, executive vice chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations.
"Just as we judge the generation of 60 years ago, our grandchildren are going to judge us."
Hoenlein stressed the importance of unity, despite existing differences, to respond to the challenges of the day, such as the rise of extremists in Europe, the "show trial" of Jews in Iran and the deterioration of the peace process in the Middle East.
"Each one of us has to evaluate what our responsibility is to our grandparents and to our grandchildren," he said.
In addition to giving money to the federation campaign, he said, people can volunteer to help in the local community, write letters to congressmen, visit Israel and help organize solidarity missions.
The theme of the annual United Jewish Communities campaign is "There are no limits to what we can do if you're with us."
We are not alone, and we are one people, said Howard Cabot, co-chairman of the 2001 campaign with his wife, Vicki. "Those words carry a profound truth that goes beyond geography. It goes beyond tradition. It goes beyond language."
"Unfortunately, the Jewish media and the general media focus on the differences (existing between Jews)," said Hoenlein. "I've been all across the country, and I have seen how Jews are united. ... You don't see the fights over some of the issues they've been discussing before because all of a sudden, they are put in perspective."
He added Jews are first building the foundation of being one people and only afterwards discussing issues of principal - such as Jewish identity and intermarriage - in a more constructive light.
About 160 people attended the kick-off event, at Temple Beth Israel in Scottsdale.
"I wanted to be here to show solidarity with the community, and as it turned out, to be really inspired by what (Hoenlein) said," remarked Susan Miller of Scottsdale. "(But) I was frankly disappointed that there weren't more people."
"I think one of the things that keeps young people from coming to an event, or any age group, is the belief that it is happening 'over there' (and) it doesn't effect me," said Andy Fine, 24. He stressed the need for Jews to be involved and to do what they can in the spirit of mutual support.
The 2000 campaign, which officially ends Dec. 31, has raised $4.9 million.
The 2001 campaign, which began Dec. 1, has raised an initial $680,000, said Art Paikowsky, federation executive vice president. This represents an 11 percent card-for-card increase, meaning the contributors increased their contributions 11 percent over last year, Paikowsky said.
"This is another statement for support of Israel and a positive response to what is going on in the local community," he said.
Money raised supports programs and services of local, national and international Jewish agencies, with 65 percent directed to local agencies and organizations and 35 percent to national and international agencies.
While the 2001 campaign will extend 13 months, the "pledge corridor period" is Jan. 1 - March 30, when federation constituent agencies refrain from other fundraising events, Paikowsky said.
"Super Sunday"- the day campaign volunteers canvass the Jewish community with fund-raising phone calls - is March 25, culminating the campaign.
Also during the Dec. 6 event, the federation publicized a "blue ribbon campaign," a nationwide effort to express solidarity with lost and kidnapped Israeli soldiers and their families.
"There are still soldiers missing from the last 20-30 years," said Tami Schultz, director of federation's Jewish Community Relations Council.
The goal is to wear blue ribbons to express solidarity and to contact members of the U.S. Congress, President Bill Clinton, Secretary of State Madeline Albright and United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, asking them to take action to improve the Israelis' plight.
UJC kickoff chairmen were David Sherman and Judy Laufer.
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