Bob Seltzer Federation recently sponsored two lectures from Professor Eyal Zisser, executive director of the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies of Tel Aviv University. His perspective on current events in Israel and the Middle East was not what I expected. He pointed out that the existential threats to Israel in years past are very insignificant today. Egypt, once an arch enemy to Israel, is at peace with Israel. So, too, is Jordan. Israel's borders with Syria and Lebanon are relatively quiet. And there are diplomatic overtures, even hints of peace talks with these northern, unfriendly neighbors.

So what is Israel's #1 threat today? Iran. More specifically, a nuclear Iran.

And, as Dr. Zisser said, "And since Israel cannot survive a single nuclear strike, it will do everything possible to prevent it."

Good.

We should do everything possible to prevent it, too. On September 10, in Washington, D.C., supporters of Israel and advocates for an Iran without the capability of destroying Israel will converge in our Capitol to advocate for a nuclear-free Iran. Our region needs to be adequately represented that day. Information will soon be posted on our website at www.jewishbytheshore.org.

"But doesn't AIPAC do that?" "AJC does that, don't they?"

"JNF is much more than blue boxes, right?"

Regardless of whose initials you rely on to keep Israel safe, it would be accurate to say that we need to employ every strategy, and touch every pressurepoint to maintain our vigilance in protecting that tiny sliver of democracy - Israel. It's all hands on deck.

The Jewish Federation faithfully supports Israel. Your pledge and payment enables us to maintain effective advocacy both in Washington and Jerusalem.

So when you get a phone call from a volunteer on Sunday, September 13, our community's Super Sunday, think Israel. And stand up and be counted as a "boneh Yisrael," a builder of Israel.

Ring. Ring. (It tolls for thee.)