Advocates for Israel was created by a few dedicated American Zionists in Ashland, Oregon. We decided we needed to respond: to horrible hate letters in the newspapers, to other media bias, and, worst of all, to a complacent Jewish community that was uncommitted to Israel.

We accomplished much in the last two years and turned an ugly situation into one in which Jews are proudly affiliated with Israel. Dedicated equally to addressing the general community, we've also responded to activities such as anti-Israel demonstrations, blogs, dialogues, and movies.

You are witnessing—and, we hope, soon will participate in—the natural evolution of a successful local effort that blossoms into an international campaign linking many local chapters in a united message of pro-Israel advocacy. We encourage you to participate in the process of this creation.

Consider recreating or joining a chapter in your city. What we have and are accomplishing in Southern Oregon is available for all.

Our concept is simple yet extremely important: we will all learn from each other’s actions.

About Us is about you and what you want to create in your community.


Founders

Gerry Mandel
Advocates for Israel began as an Israel discussion group at Temple Emek Shalom, a congregation affiliated with the Reform Movement in Ashland, Oregon. The impetus was provided during a discussion following a congregational dinner and talk by our during the peak of the second intifada.

A young member of the congregation spoke passionately, essentially on behalf of the Palestinians—seen by her as victims of Israeli aggression and occupation. Other people expressed similar views. I was the last person to speak and said the following: Israel is under siege and we need to choose sides; we need to become advocates for Israel.

My goal was to gather as many locals as possible into a big tent that could accommodate the widest possible range of political views. As effective advocacy requires knowledge, that’s what we set out to acquire. Our primary text was Mitchell Bard’s Myths and Facts. Alan Dershowitz’s The Case for Israel also became required reading.

In short order, the passive Israel Discussion Group became the active Advocates for Israel. Members soon compartmentalized into distinct groups, each with its own leader ("a champion") and with overlapping membership: The Media Watch Team responded to all local anti-Israel comments; Mitzvah Travel organized a trip to Israel; and Community Outreach brought expert speakers/educators to the community. Honest Reporting’s movie "Relentless" was widely distributed and shown on public television. A successful campaign enrolled almost 100 southern Oregonians in AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.

In June 2005, my wife Carolyn and I made aliyah. Now, Gary Acheatel is taking Advocates For Israel to a national audience.

Gary Acheatel
My first Israel advocacy involvement in Oregon began when Gerry Mandel urged me to attend a Palestinian event in Ashland. During the event's Q & A, I countered the speaker's contentious Israel bashing. I've built on that experience. After a year and a half, it became clear that what we were doing in Ashland was necessary on a national level. It is now evident to me that our work provides the missing link for Israel advocacy in the Western world. We aim to be not only reactive but also proactive in facilitating pro-Israel advocacy.

The Advocates for Israel goal is to make the case for Israel to both the Jewish and non-Jewish communities, just as AIPAC makes the case to the U.S. elected leadership. To read a detailed justification for my involvement, please click HERE.

Stan Shulster
I chose to stop worrying about worldwide anti-Semitism and Israel bashing. Instead, I vowed to light that small candle against the darkness. I could not live in a world without an Israel or one in which Jews are third-class citizens. As a refugee from Hitler, I proclaim: NEVER AGAIN! AFI fights ignorance and hatred. Together, we are fulfilling our duties as Jews . . . tikkun olam . . . repair the world.
 
Rabbi David Zaslow
I love the bumper sticker that says, “Think Globally, Act Locally.” This is a perfect description of why I care for Advocates For Israel so much. For several years now, we have been able to take on issues of global importance on behalf of Israel by trying to make a difference locally. As we move forward to our next stage of organizational development, we are finding new ways to respond locally and participate in the global dialogue in order to safeguard Zionism.