On October 18, 2007, the ZOA-YLD hosted its inaugural event, A Night for Israel, which was held in Forum, the popular lower Manhattan pub. The event attracted approximately three hundred people seeking to meet other pro-Israel young professionals as well as to learn more about the ZOA and its already thriving new division of young leaders. Israeli music, provided by the well-known DJ Star, was enjoyed by all. Throughout the evening, a slide presentation about Israel was displayed on a screen in the center of Forum. This presentation featured slides that expressed many of Israel’s accomplishments, as well as the military threats and propaganda war that Israel currently faces. Attendees were also excited and honored by guest speakers US Congressman Anthony Weiner (D-NY) and Mr. Morton Klein, National President of the ZOA.

Congressman Weiner delivered an impassioned speech about the ZOA’s crucial role as a leading Israel advocacy organization, which has been right all along, and conveyed his respect for the organization and for Mr. Klein. Following the Congressman’s address, Mr. Klein welcomed attendees into the fold of the ZOA and described what distinguishes the ZOA from other Israel advocacy organizations, citing examples explaining that the ZOA promotes what is best for Israel and the Jewish people, and not necessarily what is best for any particular prime minister. Attendees applauded Mr. Klein’s remarks regarding the false impression of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas as a moderate and the misguided notion that the Palestinian Authority is currently a genuine partner for peace.

The next ZOA-YLD event will be Krav Maga for Dummies: A lesson in Israeli Self-Defense, which will take place on November 28, 2007. For more information about ZOA-YLD, please contact Dalia, (212) 481-1500, ext. 230 or [email protected].