Aaron Goldmeier, Jason Hoffman, Virginia Senator Frank Wagner, Beth Gerstein, and Betty Ann Levin at Virginia Jewish Advocacy Day, 2011.
The annual Community Relations Council’s delegation to Richmond for Jewish Advocacy Day is always a great event, and this year will be no exception. One of the strengths of Tidewater’s community is that so many people reading this article speak up when it comes to issues impacting Israel or Jews locally and abroad. As such, all members of Tidewater’s Jewish community should consider joining the CRC to meet with local senators and delegates in Richmond for Virginia Jewish Advocacy Day.
While part of the discussion might concern legislation that could be negative for the community, Date With the State is an opportunity to be pro-active and build relationships with legislators today to help counter negative issues in the future.
Although the particular legislation that will be discussed on Jewish Advocacy Day is still being determined, some past issues will certainly be worth revisiting, such as Jewish Americans being vocal about the constitutional right to have public schools free from unnecessary laws that blur the separation of church and state. Support for local agencies is always on the agenda as well as a thank you to legislators for their continued budgetary support for the Virginia Israel Advisory Board (VIAB).
Given the events unfolding each day in Israel and certain negative international/ media responses, it is important to ensure that VIAB does not lose funding in the future and continues to do the great work of bringing Israeli businesses to Virginia, therefore creating jobs and tax revenue for the state.
The CRC’s goal is to see the biggest Tidewater delegation ever, as it unites with more than 150 members of the statewide Jewish community to meet with elected officials and speak out on important issues. Help show Tidewater’s representatives that the Jewish community cares and need their help in protecting key Jewish community issues.
$36 helps defray the cost of bus transportation, kosher lunch and materials. A check mailed to UJFT, 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462, att: CRC—Date With the State, confirms a seat on the bus. For more information, or to reserve a seat by Jan. 28, visit www.JewishVA.org/CRCDateWithTheState.
The CRC’s Insiders’ Briefing on Thursday, Jan. 28, will provide all registered attendees with detailed talking points and lobbying tips for their “Date with the State.” It takes place at the Sandler Family Campus at 6:30 pm. This pre-meeting is strongly suggested for anyone planning to attend Date With the State. To RSVP for this dinner meeting, email CRC@ujft.org.