On Sunday, August 7, 2016, more than 340 people joined together to take part in the first Annual Community Wide Israel Today Symposium at Temple Shalom.  Attendees selected from over 20 different breakout lectures and panel discussions, led by knowledgeable speakers from across the country. Topics included the history of the Arab-Israel conflict, history of U.S./Israeli relations, Israeli missile defense, cybersecurity, energy exploration in Israel, fighting anti-Israel BDS activity, Israel Food Delicacies, and many others.  Charles Pulman, Pro-Israel Advocate and founder of Why Israel Matters, was the initial keynote speaker and set the tone of the symposium by emphasizing, among other factors, why America is good for Israel and why Israel is good for America. After a fantastic morning session, the luncheon keynote speaker, Lillian Pinkus, National President of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), spoke about the importance of Israel and inspired guests to take what they have learned and turn it into action in support of the Jewish democratic homeland.

"The Israel Today Symposium”, designed to increase the awareness by the community of the issues affecting Israel, achieved that goal with attendees of different faiths, cultures and religions. “Everyone seemed to enjoy the sessions they attended and the rooms were filled," exclaimed Temple Shalom Rabbi Ariel Boxman.  The topics were relevant and important, and as Rabbi Boxman stated in her short blessing after lunch, "being there and working as a community to support Israel felt like holy work."  The community is already looking forward to the next Israel Symposium in Dallas! Thank you to Symposium Chair, Ken Glaser, Symposium Executive Administrative Assistant, Anita Weinstein Warner, sub-chairs Ken Parker, David & Ruth Gordon, Perry Zidow, Steve Weintraub, and Mark & Laurel Fisher,  and the countless volunteers who worked together to organize and take an ownership interest in  this educational and motivating event.