ADVOCACY OF CORE ISSUES
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Reproductive choice and women's health
Reproductive choice and women's health •Separation of church and state
Separation of church and state •Equal rights and opportunities for women
Equal rights and opportunities for women •Support and funding for childcare and education
Support and funding for childcare and education •Opposition to prayer in school
Opposition to prayer in school • Opposition to school vouchers
• Opposition to harassment, violence, and abuse
ACTION ALERT NETWORK
National, State and Local Updates are activated through our Action Alert Network.
Our National Office sends Action Alerts directly to individual members. They explain the issue needing attention, and are set up for you to send a letter directly to the appropriate elected or appointed official.
GET INVOLVED! Sign up to the ACTION LINE and speak your mind. E-mail: Action@NCJW.org or call N.Y. Office 212-645-4048.
ADVOCACY
As you all know by now, there is a strong movement, not only in Florida, but around the country to reverse Roe v. Wade. In Florida, Rep. Charles Van Zant (R-21) has introduced HB 1097, legislation that would ban abortion in Florida, even in cases of rape and incest. The only exception would be if the health of the mother is in
danger. Although this bill did not receive a senate companion, the senate could file what is called a "shell bill" or PCB (proposed committee bill) which would allow this proposed legislation to be heard on the floor of the legislature. It is a back door effort to gain momentum on this issue.
In addition to this attack on women's reproductive rights, Rep. Weinstein has offered HB 1383 which would assign a special guardian ad litem to all foster girls who will monitor any need for pregnancy support. This bill is being backed by anti-abortion groups, as well.
The Ben Nelson anti-abortion legislation is still part of the U.S. Senate's health care reform initiative. He is unwavering in his commitment to this piece of legislation
and will not back down.
Finally, the "Personhood" movement is gaining momentum as well and, by the time you read this article, its members will have spent several days in the Palm Beaches preaching that a fetus is a "person" upon conception. Along with this comes another piece of legislation that will make both the woman who has an abortion and the doctor performing the abortion guilty of homicide.
As women, we have had the personal freedom to make our own reproductive decisions for 37 years. Please note that NOT ONE FEMALE LEGISLATOR has introduced legislation regarding abortion reform. Where are their voices?
Please stay abreast of these frightening bills that are before our state legislature and our U.S. Congress and, if you feel strongly about any of these issues, call or write
your congressman or congresswoman and voice your opinion. If we do nothing, our daughters and their daughters will suffer the consequences.
Helene Askinazi, VP Advocacy
THE JEWS OF CUBA
Since Fidel Castro’s Communist Revolution 50 years ago, life for the country’s Jewish population has changed as dramatically as its numbers. The overwhelming majority of the once 20,000 member Jewish community has left the island for various global destinations. Most have been allowed to
leave while others have fled without benefit of regime approval. That number has dwindled down to the present day estimate of between 1500 and 1700 vibrant, courageous and determined souls, who against all odds, have maintained their institutions and the continuity of Jewish life. It makes for fascinating retelling.
In June, Rona Goldstein, Miles Cooley, Franklin and Carolyn Silbey traveled to Cuba as part of a 25-member mission, sponsored by Temple Israel of West Palm Beach.
The group’s goal was to engage the remaining Cuban Jewish community and deliver much needed medical supplies. Rona, Miles and Franklin will be discussing their impressions of the trip as well as the ongoing needs of Cuba’s Jewish community.
They will describe their trip to what amounts to another world governed by another ideology, and how the remaining Jews are sustaining themselves. They will relate fascinating and unique experiences you have never heard described before.
Participants are asked to bring supplies for the Jewish-run pharmacies serving the needs of Jewish and non Jewish residents.
Call Arlene Mosberg at 304-1343 to arrange drop off at her home.
NEEDED PRODUCTS
• UNEXPIRED prescription drugs (used or partial)
• Antibiotic creams, ointments
• First Aid creams, ointments
• Cortisone cream
• Hemorrhoid remedies
• Lice removal products
• Bandages, Band-Aids
• Baby, Children’s & Prenatal vitamins
• Eye care products
NOT NEEDED
• Aspirin or other pain relief products
• Adult vitamins
advocacy from april-june bulletin
