ADL supporters gathered at The Club at Morningside Rancho for an Insiders’ Briefing and Donor Reception hosted by ADL Desert Chai members Robert and Rosemary Goldstine. The event was made possible through the generosity of the Helene and Mel Berman Lecture Series.
ADL Regional Director Amanda Susskind updated guests about ADL’s many activities in the Coachella Valley including the League’s anti-bias and anti-bullying training in the Coachella, which is partially supported through the partnership and generosity of the Jewish Federation of the Desert, and our continuing work with UC Riverside and Hillel to provide tools and trainings to confront anti-Semitism and hate on campus.
National Deputy Director Ken Jacobson spoke about “New Challenges of Anti-Semitism in Our Time.” According to Jacobson, there was a sense of shame following the horrific atrocities committed against Jews during the Holocaust. As decade pass, that sense of shame is eroding. People don’t remember the Holocaust and many were not alive at the time. Additionally, with the internet, people can connect with like-minded anti-Semites like they never have before. The perceived barrage of anti-Israel activity on campus has also contributed to anxiety among many in the Jewish community.
After Jacobsen’s remarks, ADL Desert Chai member and co-chair Sherry Schor spoke about the importance of making an annual gift to ADL at the Chai ($1800) level. ADL NEC member Harvey Prince gave an impassioned plea for people to make planned gifts, as he and his wife Susanne have done in honor of their late grandson Michael LaPrade.
A lively question and answer session with Susskind and Jacobson rounded out the formal part of the program.
The event included a special reception for Desert Chai Benefactors (of at least $1,800 annually) and Second Century donors of at least $10,000 (in their estate plans).
For more information about joining Desert Chai and supporting ADL, please contact Francine Lis, Director of Planned Giving, Legacy and Endowments at flis@adl.org or 310.446.4268.