JCRC holds Middle East Institute conference on Feb. 13

Every year, the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Southern New Jersey holds its Middle East Institute, an annual conference designed to educate the community and foster understanding about current topics relevant to Israel and the Middle East through experts with varying perspectives and backgrounds.

 The 53rd Annual Middle East Institute will be held Sunday, February 13, 2022 at 11 a.m. at Congregation Beth El Synagogue in Voorhees, New Jersey in person and virtually for all who wish to participate.  This event is the main fundraiser for the JCRC of Southern New Jersey, which is the voice of the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey on issues of pro-Israel advocacy, public policy, social advocacy, and community outreach. The JCRC focuses on fostering constructive relationships within the Jewish community and among people of all faiths and cultures regarding Jewish and Israel oriented issues, sponsoring programs dealing with the security of Israel, combating antisemitism, Holocaust remembrance and education, and policies of importance to Jewish and non-Jewish residents of Southern New Jersey.

This year’s keynote speaker will be David Friedman, former United States Ambassador to Israel. Under his leadership, the United States made unprecedented diplomatic advances. Friedman was instrumental in creating the historic Abraham Accords thus brokering peace deals between Israel and five Muslim nations. For his efforts, Friedman was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize and received the National Security Medal.

Friedman’s newest book, Sledgehammer; How Breaking with the Past Brought Peace to the Middle East, will be included with admission for all ticket holders, both virtual and in-person.

During the event, the JCRC will proudly present this year’s Israel Advocacy Award to recipient, Joachim Rudoler, a long-serving member of the Jewish community in South Jersey and nationally. Rudoler was the President of the Jewish Geriatric Home in Cherry Hill, where he conceived and implemented the concept of the Jewish Federation’s Lions Gate community. He served on the Board of Directors and was the Chairman of the Youth Commission for Congregation Beth El.  He has been an active member of the Jewish National Fund (JNF), serving as President of the South Jersey Board and received the “Tree of Life” award from the JNF and established the JNF’s Herzl Society in 2001, becoming its first president.

Also honored at the event is Rebecca Raush, recipient of the Young Adult Israel Advocacy Award.  This annual award is presented to young adults who have demonstrated exemplary strides to increase education and awareness of Israel in their communities. Roush attends Rutgers University in New Brunswick NJ as an English major, minoring in International and Global Studies. She is the co-founder of Peace Is Possible, a Pro-Israel Pro-Peace club on campus with the goal of educating and creating nuanced dialogues on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Ticket and sponsorship information may be found by visiting www.jcrcsnj.org/mei22. Generous sponsors for this year’s event include, but are not limited to, Eva and Marvin Schlanger, M&T Bank, Gerrie and Joachim Rudoler, Gigi and Brad Schwartz, Anne E. Koons, M. Rosenblatt Roofing, Herzberg, Sandler & Rudoler Families.  Thank you to everyone for your ongoing support! For any questions, contact Sabrina Spector, JCRC Associate Director, at sspector@jfedsnj.org or call 856-673-2511

In-person attendees will be requested to present proof of vaccination for entry into Congregation Beth El Synagogue and masks are always required while inside the facility.