The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Southern New Jersey will honor Yoseph Haddad, an outspoken Arab-Israeli advocate, during its annual Israel Advocacy Event on March 15, 2024. This year, the event’s location will remain undisclosed until registration is complete, a change reflecting heightened security concerns in today’s environment.
Sabrina Spector, the JCRC’s director, emphasized the need for this precaution, stating, “The way we are in the world today, it’s pretty common across the board at this point.” She noted that social media has changed the landscape significantly, necessitating a more cautious approach.
Haddad, who is not Jewish, was chosen as the keynote speaker to highlight the importance of allyship and understanding among communities. “Thank God, the war is over; we’re looking forward to rebuilding Israel,” Spector added, underscoring the significance of Haddad’s role in advocating for peace and cooperation between Arabs and Jews in Israel.
Born in Haifa, the 40-year-old Haddad joined the Israel Defense Forces in 2003 and was injured while serving during the Second Lebanon War in 2006. Since then, he has worked to improve relations between the Arab community and Israeli society, founding the organization Vouch for Each Other in 2018. This initiative aims to foster closer ties and mutual understanding among diverse communities in Israel.
According to Spector, the JCRC has a tradition of featuring influential speakers at this event, including diplomats and cultural figures. Haddad’s advocacy work aligns with the council’s mission. “Having Yoseph Haddad speak at our annual JCRC Israel Advocacy Event is both an honor and a privilege,” said Jennifer Gotliv, chair of the Israel Advocacy Event. She praised Haddad’s commitment to truth and meaningful dialogue.
The event will also recognize significant contributions to the community. The Community Israel Advocacy Award will be presented to Mark Kramer, who has volunteered in Israel and is actively involved with organizations including the Jewish National Fund and Leket, Israel’s National Food Bank. Kramer serves as the JCRC’s vice president and has held leadership roles in various local Jewish organizations.
Additionally, the newly established Community Award will go to Rinat Morad, who has dedicated efforts to provide support for Israeli families through her work on the JCRC board.
In a forward-looking initiative, the JCRC will award the Next Gen Israel Advocacy Award to Josh Resnick, a senior at Cherry Hill High School East. Resnick has led the school’s Jewish Student Union and organized advocacy missions to Washington to address rising antisemitism.
Spector noted a marked increase in community engagement since the events of October 7, emphasizing the importance of reliable information and resources. “We really want the community to be engaged,” she said. The JCRC aims to facilitate discussions that dispel misinformation about Israel and promote understanding among various groups.
Registration for the event is open until March 9, with various sponsorship options available. Notably, the JCRC has waived fees for high school and college students to encourage their participation. “We think it’s really important for them to be educated on the issues surrounding Israel,” Spector remarked, highlighting the organization’s commitment to fostering informed dialogue among younger generations.
This event promises to be a significant gathering for advocates of Israel, focusing on unity and collaboration in challenging times.
