AJC, Jenner & Block Defend Religious Liberty in Oklahoma
10th Circuit Strikes down anti-Islam Constitutional Amendment
Seeking to protect religious freedom across America, AJC, together with Chicago Law Firm Jenner & Block LLP, contested an anti-Shariah law in Oklahoma by submitting a friend of the court brief to the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Last week, the 10th Circuit agreed with AJC and blocked the law’s implementation.
Jenner & Block Partner Craig C. Martin, a recent recipient of AJC Chicago’s esteemed Judge Learned Hand Award, authored the brief. In a Chicago Daily Law Bulletin article, he stated, "When you have a provision that singles out a single religion – that goes against everything in the First Amendment in the Constitution."
Click here to read the article.
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February First Thursday: The Story of an Iranian Baha'i
Join AJC Chicago for breakfast on Thursday, February 2 to hear from Dr. Jena Khodadad, an Iranian Baha'i. Dr. Khodadad will share her story as a member of a religious minority concerned about the human rights of minorities living under one of the most repressive regimes in the world. The breakfast starts at 8 a.m. at AJC Chicago's office, 55 E. Monroe St., Suite 2930. Click here to register online for only $10.
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Big News, Briefly
In a move trumpeted by the U.S. and its allies, Japan announced plans to reduce its consumption of oil from Iran. The new Japanese sanctions show that the international community is becoming increasingly intolerant of Iran’s burgeoning nuclear weapons program.
The Local Angle: Last week, AJC Chicago leaders met with U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky, left, and Bob Dold, right, to thank them for their support on Iran sanction measures. AJC Chicago also pressed the legislators to ensure that that the sanctions are fully implemented.
Yesterday, Israel and Bulgaria announced the signing of two agreements to bolster cooperation and security between the two nations. At the signing ceremony in Tel Aviv,
Bulgarian Defense Minister Anyu Angelov said the two agreements, in addition to their economic and defense benefits, also “bring a political message – Bulgaria and Israel are a step closer towards stronger cooperation and a strategic dialogue.”
The Local Angle: AJC Chicago welcomed the news of the agreements. In recent months, AJC Chicago has met with Bulgarian Consul General Simeon Stoilov, pictured at right with AJC Chicago Board Member Lynne Reich, to speak about regional and international security concerns, including the threat posed by a nuclear Iran.
What’s Jewish about Immigration Reform? Find out at Limmud Chicago!
Want to know "What's Jewish about Immigration Reform?" Then join AJC Chicago Assistant Director Jane Charney and Bridging America Project Coordinator Ellen Carmell for a text study and panel discussion about Jews' role in the immigration debate at Limmud Chicago Feb. 19 at UIC. Limmud Chicago is the third annual local incarnation of the world-wide marketplace of Jewish ideas, arts and culture. Young Professionals get a special discount for the entire conference, which will feature dozens of other workshops on everything from Jewish law to philosophy, dance, music, and art.
AJC in the Community
AJC Chicago Director Dan Elbaum gave a report to Chicago's Jewish Community Relations Council last week on AJC Chicago's mission to Greece this past fall. The meeting focused on Greek-Israeli relations. Ioanna Efthymiadou, Consul General of Greece, and Orli Gil, Consul General of Israel, spoke about cooperation between the two nations; Charles Mouratides, executive director of CHI - Cirlce for Hellas & Israel, talked about local connections between Jews and Greeks; and Skip Schrayer, Chairman of JUF/JF, recounted JUF’s trip Greece. To read more about AJC Chicago's mission to Greece, click here.
AJC Chicago Director Dan Elbaum also spoke to Congregation Beth Shalom's Hazak group last week about the challenge posed by a nuclear Iran. To inquire about an AJC speaker at your next event, email Jon Schweitzer at schweitzerj@ajc.org.
FROM INSIGHT TO ACTION: AJC's 2012 GLOBAL FORUM May 2-4 in Washington, DC
Register now and save $150! Click here to register.
INSIGHT: Experience the Great Debates
ACTION: Dine with Diplomats
INSIGHT: Hear from World Leaders
