Author: Alfredo Casuso

Report from European Jewish Association Annual Conference in Amsterdam, June 2024

On the 3rd-4th of June, we at the EJA gathered over a hundred and fifty Jewish Leaders for our Annual Conference in Amsterdam – ‘Fighting back for our future’ – which became an emergency summit on the antisemitism crisis that has blighted the continent, and our communities since October 7th.

We were intent on finding practical solutions. And we did.

At a concluding plenary session before the close of the conference, having taken the many important ideas from the Jewish leaders throughout the summit, we passed a resolution of action for governments to take. It is attached, for your convenience, in 5 Languages (EN, FR, D, SP, I).

In it, we asked for the immediate establishment of an online reporting mechanism for the ongoing harassment of Jews and antisemitic threats suffered, and that this reporting mechanism be directly linked to law enforcement agencies for rapid response.

We also called for comprehensive police officer training in identifying antisemitism, dealing with antisemtism and arresting those that perpetrate antisemtic acts.

We urged each European public prosecutor office to appoint a dedicated proffesional to deal with antisemitic complaints, with a view to adopting much tougher responses to antisemitic incidents.

We reiterated our call for the IHRA definition of antisemitism to have legal “teeth” or in other words to be integrated into the country’s legal system, in order to ensure that breaches are punishable.

Finally, we delivered a criticism of EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell for his anti-Israel bias that has been a significant contributory factor to the rise of antisemitism.

The conference was widely reported in the media, and contributed to the fact that Borrell’s spokesperson had to participate in an extremely uncomfortable press conference questioning at the European Commission.

Now, we have the responsibility to ensure that the resolution is turned from words into concrete action.

We shall be advocating at the highest political and diplomatic levels on your behalf, to ensure that this happens.

Above all, the aforementioned summit and similar such activities exist for you, European Jewish Leaders, to unite in a common purpose, to share and propose solutions and to increase our impact, via our united strength.

We were also delighted to welcome new Jewish communities who have joined our Association in the past months, communities from Spain, the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Moldova. The EJA is growing and hence- your voice is growing louder.

If you could not make it this year, we invite you to join us in Madrid on the 26-27 May, 2025, coinciding with Jerusalem Day, for our next Annual Conference. We shall be delighted to welcome you and other Jewish communities that you may wish to introduce to us, that share our values.

Meanwhile, we invite you to share the attached resolution widely and to click on the link below, to see the many pictures from our event.

Website: https://ejassociation.eu/eja/the-european-jewish-association-annual-conference-in-amsterdam-has-officially-concluded

Pictures:http://gofile.me/62Q7y/UcqXtkts6

Yours respectfully,

Rabbi Menachem Margolin
Chairman

European Jewish Association
www.ejassociation.eu

media contact: DP&A, Inc / David Perry / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

On Friday, June 28 “Suit Up” For Good!

Macy’s and the Union Square Alliance 
Presents the Third Annual “Suit Up” Fashion Show and Makeover featuring 14 young men and women from the Bayview Neighborhood.

20 June 2024 — San Francisco, CA: Call it fashion forward paying it forward. On Friday, June 28, the annual “SuitUp!” fashion show and training program provides 14 young men and women from San Francisco’s Bayview with personalized outfits selected by Macy’s stylist team to better prepare them for the work-a-day world. Alongside advice and mentoring, the program focuses on building self-esteem and life skills for professional development. Sponsored by Macy’s in collaboration with Black Men Enhanced, Operation Genesis, the SF Police Department, the SF District Attorney’s Office, and the Union Square Foundation, SuitUp culminates with a fashion show(June 28, 3pm – 4:30pm, 6^th Floor of Macy’s at 251 Geary Street) where participants model their new outfits, followed by a celebratory luncheon at The Historic John’s Grill.

“These young people are truly inspirational, and their dedication to their goals inspires us all,” said Marisa Rodriguez, CEO of Union Square Alliance. “Having worked for many years in the San Francisco District Attorney’s office, I know how important initiatives like ‘SuitUp’ are to breaking the cycle of violence. I want young people of our city to experience Union Square as a place for them to celebrate life’s greatest moments. This program defines a smart and compassionate partnership between business, law enforcement, and the community. I applaud all of the organizations involved with a special thank you to Macy’s.” 

The inaugural 2022 cohort of Suit Up!, which included young African American men from Bayview’s Alice Griffith Community, participated in a year-long mentorship program focused on empowering and supporting young men during a crucial age. Last year, the second cohort of fifteen young African American women, aged 13-20 from SF’s Ladies in Powerprogram, participated in a six-week intensive program focusing on self-esteem and confidence building, addressing unrealistic beauty standards and social media pressures. This year’s group of young men comes from Operation Genesis. The women’s contingent is drawn from interns and others working in the District Attorney’s Office.

Upon completion of this year’s program, the young people will have the opportunity to meet with a Macy’s stylist and purchase their first work suit and accessories courtesy of Macy’s. They will also participate in the Macy’s Runway Show on June 28, showcasing their new suits and celebrating their growth and transformation. 

The idea for “SuitUp” came in 2021 through Robert Newt, a Supervisor at the Street Violence Intervention Program. Determined to see the young people he works with succeed, Newt started a mentoring program with a year-long curriculum focused on self-esteem and positive transformations. 

“My vision for this mentoring program was to collaborate with community partners and teach young people about the power of self-esteem,” said Newt. “I strongly believe that if we can get these young people to love themselves and see how powerful they are, we can help set them up to be strong leaders in our communities.” 

The San Francisco Street Violence Intervention Program is an outreach and crisis response program hosted in the Department of Public Health. Created in 2013 to reduce and intervene in youth-related street violence for the City and County of San Francisco. The “SuitUp” pilot project has gained enthusiastic support from its community partners, including the SFPD and District Attorney’s Office.

“Congratulations to the young people participating in Suit Up,” said San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins.  “They are exceptional young people with bright futures ahead who have demonstrated their commitment to improving themselves and our community.” 

“We are so proud to support 15 young people in this third year of the program,” said San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott.  “The ‘Suit Up’ initiative is about helping young people build confidence to learn to help themselves and their communities.” 

For more information on this Violence Intervention Program, please contact Chief Tiffany Sutton, SFDA’s Chief of Collaborative Justice, at tiffany.sutton@sfgov.org

About the Union Square Alliance: 
The Union Square Alliance serves members and creates a high-quality visitor experience by managing and activating public spaces, attracting new investment, and advocating for the District’s future success. Union Square is the vibrant heart of San Francisco and an international destination where visitors enjoy exceptional retail experiences, luxury hotels, world-class cultural institutions, and excellent public spaces found only in the City by the Bay. A lively 27-block community surrounding Union Square Park in the heart of San Francisco makes up the Union Square Alliance. It is bordered to the north by Bush Street, to the east by Kearny Street, to the south by Market Street, and on west Taylor Street. For more information on the Alliance, go to www.visitunionsquaresf.com  

Media contact: David Perry / (415) 676-7007 /news@davidperry.com

Legendary Transgender Ladies of AsiaSF to Shine in Special Pride Month Performance at Feinstein’s at the Nikko

Ronnie Reddick Presents “I’m Every Woman” AsiaSF 2.0
Friday, June 28: 6pm and 9pm shows

20 June 2024 – San Francisco, CA: You can’t keep a good woman down – or off the runway.  In a dazzling tribute to Pride Month, the beloved Ladies of AsiaSFwill make a spectacular return with “I’m Every Woman” a dazzling new cabaret show at the intimate and chic Feinstein’s at the Hotel Nikko (222 Mason Street, San Francisco) on Friday, June 28, with two shows: 6pm and 9pm. These special pop-up performances promise an unforgettable evening of glamour, talent, and celebration, marking a new chapter for AsiaSF following the closure of their iconic San Francisco location in April of this year. Featured performers for “I’m Every Woman” are Gia Banks, Blair Bonier, Jahnell Chanel, Kataluna Enrique, Fatima Halafihi, Tita Ida, Jackie Juarez, Epiphany Kali, Naomi Moore, Melissa Prime, Domanique Shappelle, and Shanelle Vanity. Tickets are available online at https://www.feinsteinssf.com/

“Don’t call it a comeback because we never left,” said Ronnie Reddick, longtime Show Director and Choreographer at AsiaSF. “This pop-up event allows us to continue our tradition of celebrating diversity and love in the heart of San Francisco, especially during such a significant time as Pride Month. I want the ‘I’m Every Woman’ cabaret experience to leave the audience with an emotional connection and wanting more,” said Reddick. “It’s more than just entertainment, it’s a moment to remember.”

Larry Hashbarger, Co-Founder of AsiaSF, added, “The spirit of AsiaSF has always been about inclusivity, celebration, and excellence in entertainment. These performances at Feinstein’s provides a new stage to share the magic of our incredible performers, even though our original home has closed its doors.”

These pop-up performances, created and curated by Reddick, will feature a blend of the one and only Ladies of AsiaSF from San Francisco and Palm Springs.  This brings together the best of both worlds in a reimagined experience. Expect an evening filled with show-stopping numbers, extraordinary costumes, and the signature charisma that has made AsiaSF a cultural icon.

Feinstein’s, located inside the famous Nikko Hotel, known for its intimate setting and stellar acoustics, offers the perfect venue for this spectacular event. Situated in the heart of San Francisco, the location provides an elegant backdrop for a night of unparalleled entertainment.

The closure of AsiaSF’s brick-and-mortar venue earlier this year has left audiences craving for more. This special initial event embodies the resilience and creativity that AsiaSF is known for, ensuring that the legendary Ladies of AsiaSF continue to enchant audiences.

Aaron Nelson, AsiaSF’s President & COO, says,“Both our new and returning guests will be thrilled to hear we have much planned for the future.  There’s only one AsiaSF – wait till you see what’s coming next!”

Under the continued direction of Show Director and Choreographer, Ronnie Reddick, just as at the original iconic venue, guests at Feinstein’s will delightin choreographed dance routines and lip sync numbers with beautiful costumes, state of the art sound and lights, which electrified a generation of celebrants onAsiaSF’s dramatic runway stage. “I’m Every Woman” at Feinstein’s will be featuring original celebrity favorite costume creations by Julian Mendez Coutureand Prime Kreations of Los Angeles who havedesigned for Beyoncé, Kendall Jenner and Megan Thee Stallion.

Voted “One of the Top 100 Hottest Restaurants in America” and “Best Ambiance” by OpentableDiners, during its 26 year run, AsiaSF hosted well over 1 million patrons since it opened its doors in 1998. 

“One of our missions of AsiaSF has always been to create a trans-positive environment that educates and raises awareness about living your truth and being your authentic self,” Hashbarger says, “this is just the beginning of more to come. It makes me very proud to see this vision continue.”