By Judith Antonelli

Dear friends and partners,

2007 is coming to a close.  As we stand at the threshold of 2008, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a happy New Year, a year of health, tranquility and security. 

Being Jewish as well as citizens of the world, we have the privilege of sending each other New Year's greetings twice - for the Jewish New Year and the secular one.

 This statement underlines an issue that we constantly have to deal with: the question of our identity as Israelis and Jews and your identity as Jews living across the ocean, our brothers who are physically remote but are very close to our hearts, with who we share our history and heritage.

I believe that this is one of the issues that we as a Partnership should address: how to preserve the spark of Judaism, so it is not extinguished.

How to utilize the bonds we have created to enhance the connection and the bridge between our communities, so that the younger generation will understand the significance of our belonging to one People, the importance of our country along with the existence of vibrant Jewish communities across the ocean and across the world.

Last week we had the pleasure of hosting Rob Adler, SNEC President and my Co-Chair.  Rob met with our steering committee at the Afula/Gilboa Women For Women Center, for what was an informative, productive and enjoyable dialogue.  The meeting began with a presentation on the establishment of the center as well as an update on current activities of the Rape Crisis Center.  We also discussed the empowerment activities that had already taken place and our plans for the future.  Needless to say, all these activities would not take place without the generous support of SNEC. 

In the dialogue that ensued, we discussed with Rob the meaning of our Partnership, and raised many ideas to move it forward.

I hope that during our upcoming visit in SNEC in January we will have an opportunity to discuss these ideas to further enhance a true and meaningful partnership between us.

With friendship and love,
Judith Antonelli