In July, the Association filed an amicus curiae brief in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in the case of Zivotofsky v. Clinton, supporting the claim of the Jerusalem-born Petitioner to have Israel listed as his country of birth on his U.S. passport.
During Operation Pillar of Defense, Israels recent military operation in the Gaza Strip, the AAJLJ conducted two telephone briefing sessions for our members together with a representative from the Israeli Embassy who provided updates on the situation.
And we have more programs planned:
Next year will bring additional GEMS for Justice lectures in various US cities; a wine tasting event at the Israeli Embassy, a round-table discussion on the legal justification for military action against Iran; a mission trip to take a group of Law School Deans to Israel (coordinated together with Scholars for Peace in the Middle East (SPME)); and the launch of the AAJLJs Facebook page.
These special activities, and the regular ongoing activities of the AAJLJ such as local chapter educational and networking events with thought leaders on topics of interest to the Jewish and legal communities, newsletters, new member solicitation and member relations, responding to numerous requests for legal referrals, maintaining and updating the website, writing amicus briefs and so forth, depend on the financial support of the AAJLJs members.
Therefore, my urgent request to you is to renew your membership for 2013 as soon as possible, and to consider increasing your dues contribution level.
The AAJLJ is a voluntary organization in that we rely almost totally on the voluntary services of the Board and other members. I thank all those who give of their time that is vitally important to the functioning and success of the Association. But we also need everyones financial support. Your contribution is deeply appreciated and will enable the AAJLJ to continue to provide its programs and services.
Attached is your 2013 Membership form. Please review and update your contact information as needed, including your e-mail address, and return the form with your check as soon as possible.
You can now make membership payments online, saving us significant printing and mailing costs. Go to www.jewishlawyers.org and click on the "Pay your membership dues online" button on the home page. Even if you pay online, please review and update the attached form. Please send any updates you may have to our email address info@jewishlawyers.org.
The AAJLJ strives to pursue justice, especially through the legal community. We need your concrete assistance to continue to do so. Thank you for your consideration and your generosity.
With best wishes for a healthy and happy 2013.
Sincerely,
Alyza D. Lewin