The Big Story

Diplomats from 15 nations learn from AJC about Chicago's religious community

Consuls General and other diplomats from nations ranging from Germany to India to Jordan learned the demographics and details of Chicago’s rich and varied religious communities at an AJC Chicago seminar. Representatives from four of Chicago’s largest faith communities, Jewish, Catholic, Muslim and Protestant spoke about the make-up of their respective communities and answered questions from the diplomats. The sessions were introduced by AJC Board members Michael Rosenbaum and Naomi Gitlin who noted that this was a unique service that AJC provides for Chicago's diplomatic community. Click here to see photos from the event.

Protecting Illinoisans' Civil Rights

AJC Chicago opposes proposed legislation in Springfield

AJC Chicago joined with the JCRC and ADL in opposing legislation that would allow certain employers like religious organizations to discriminate against Illinoisans on the basis of religion, gender identity or sexual orientation.  The bill’s hearing, originally scheduled for this week, has been postponed. We will continue to keep you updated on this issue.  Click here to find and contact your state senators and express your concerns about this bill.

Big News, Briefly

-Late last week the U.N. voted for a further investigation of last year’s war in Gaza. Despite the fact that Israel had already completed an investigation, the resolution passed by a vote of 98 to 7, with 31 abstentions and 50 nations absent. The U.S. voted against the resolution. To see how each country voted, click here.

The local angle: AJC Chicago sent letters and faxes to all consulates whose countries voted against or abstained on the first vote to approve the Goldstone report, asking them to continue to not support the flawed report. AJC Chicago is also scheduling follow up meetings with countries that had voted differently on the previous Goldstone U.N. vote. Click here to see the AJC letter.

Keeping Tabs, Locally

In a column titled “Eliminating a Terrorist is what Really Matters,” the Chicago Sun-Times’ Steve Huntley cut through the controversy surrounding the death of Mahmoud al-

Mabhouh, a Hamas arms smuggler, saying “Al-Mabhouh was a legitimate target in this often subterranean war the civilized world finds itself fighting. He could travel with no fear of arrest. He was on a mission of death. If the Mossad got him, good for the Israelis. Let's hope the CIA could act with similar efficiency should it ever find Osama bin Laden in a luxury hotel-cum-safe house.”  Click here to read the article.

Lending a Hand in Chile

AJC is partnering with Chile’s Jewish community to bring aid and comfort to the victims of the earthquake that struck Chile last weekend. Click here to donate to AJC’s Chile Earthquake Relief Fund. AJC Chicago has been in contact with the Chilean Consulate in Chicago to offer assistance.

Make an Impact

We welcome your feedback about how we can best keep you informed.  Please e-mail Jon Schweitzer at schweitzerj@ajc.org

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Past newsletters

2/26/10 Newsletter