Philadelphia-based Quaker Organization Banned from Israel
The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) is among 20 organizations whose leaders will be prevented from entering Israel because of their support for the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement, Haaretz reported.
Israel’s Interior Ministry is implementing a blacklist compiled by the nation’s Strategic Affairs Ministry.
The AFSC website says it “supports the use of boycott and divestment campaigns targeting only companies that support the occupation, settlements, militarism, or any other violations of international humanitarian or human rights law.”
Ironically, AFSC won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1947 for assisting and rescuing Nazi victims.
American Jews and Music the Theme of May’s Jewish American Heritage Month
The theme of Jewish American History Month (JAHM) will be American Jews and Music “to recognize the many American Jews who have helped create the nation’s soundtrack, from patriotic anthems and classical compositions to Broadway scores and rock ’n’ roll,” according to a news release.
“This year’s theme demonstrates, once again, that American Jews have been active participants in the cultural efflorescence of our nation,” said Gary P. Zola, executive director of The Jacob Rader Marcus Center of the American Jewish Archives. “America’s national uniqueness derives from the cultural gifts it has imbibed from its remarkably diverse citizenry, and American Jews have always been enthusiastic participants in this endeavor.”
The National Museum of American Jewish History (NMAJH) is a lead sponsor of JAHM.
Jewish Show Wins Two Golden Globes
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel won Golden Globes awards on Jan. 7 for best television series, comedy and also for best actress award for a television comedy, JTA reported.
Jewish series creator Amy Sherman-Palladino accepted the award for the best show, while non-Jew Rachel Brosnahan, who plays the title character in the Amazon Studios show about a late 1950s New York City Jewish housewife, took home the best actress award.
In addition, fellow Jew James Franco’s portrayal of director Tommy Wiseau in The Disaster Artist won a best actor in a feature comedy award.
Primary Dates in Massachusetts, Rhode Island Changed to Avoid High Holidays
Massachusetts moved up its primary election to Sept. 4 to avoid a conflict with the High Holidays, while Rhode Island moved its primary back a day to Sept. 12, JTA reported. Sept. 11 is the second day of Rosh Hashanah.
Massachusetts usually holds its primary seven weeks ahead of the November general election, but that day is Sept. 18, with Yom Kippur starting at sundown. State law normally calls for elections to be moved up a week when there is a religious conflict, but Sept. 11 also proved problematic, forcing the two-week move.
NMAJH Receives $50,000 Grant
The Covenant Foundation has given the National Museum of American Jewish History (NMAJH) a $50,000 grant for the development of a national curriculum on the American Jewish experience, the museum announced.
The grant also will go toward professional development opportunities for educators teaching American Jewish history.
