ZOA Condemns France/Macron’s Recognition Of A Non-Existent, Illegal Palestinian Terror State By ZOA Aug 15, 2025 Zionist Organization Of America (ZOA) National President Morton A. Klein Released The Following Statement: The ZOA condemns French President Emmanuel Macron’s “recognition” this past Thursday of a non-existent, illegal Palestinian terror state. Macron’s “recognition” of a State of Palestine rewards the Hamas and PLO/PA (Palestinian Authority) terror regimes; incites and promotes Arab/Islamic terrorism by sending a message that massacring 1,200 Jewish men, women, children and babies pays; violates Israeli sovereign rights and international law which guarantees under the San Remo agreement, UN Charter Article 80 and many more international agreements, the right of the Jewish people the areas that such a state may include and forbids the UN to transfer any part of Palestine to a non-Jewish entity; endangers Israel; tramples over the will of the Israeli people and its democratically elected officials and Knesset (all of which overwhelmingly oppose a Palestinian state); will incite further attacks on France’s beleaguered Jewish community; and could encourage other nations to follow Macron’s despicable example. It is sickening that while Hamas is still torturing and holding innocent Israelis hostage in the bowels of Hamas’ terror tunnels, and while the Palestinian Authority is still inciting and paying Arab terrorists hundreds of thousands of dollars per year to murder innocent Jews (“pay to slay”), that Macron is rewarding the Hamas and PA/PLO terror regimes. Apparently, France’s large Muslim population (estimated at ten percent of the population) and his 19% dismal approval rating has resulted in Macron losing any sense of decency, morality or respect for international law. And under Law a state cannot be established unless it has stability of institutions, democratic policies, rule of law, respect for human rights and protects minorities. Hamas in Gaza and the Palestinian Authority fulfill none of these requirements for statehood recognition. In fact, France’s own EU would forbid such an entity to join even the EU, let alone the UN. Furthermore, it would be a beggar state as Gaza/PA only survives due to the largesse of Iran and other countries. Notably, today, Palestinian Media Watch reported that PA President Mahmoud Abbas’ (whose Fatah Charter calls for the destruction of Israel) senior adviser on Religious Affairs and Islamic Relations Mahmoud Al-Habbash stated that “everyone” (every Palestinian) “cheered and praised” the October 7 massacre of 1,200 innocent Israelis and wounding of another 5,000 Israelis and hostage-taking. This is clearly not a population that would live in peace with Israel. Macron is seeking to strengthen the very same people who are cheering the most terrible genocidal atrocities against Jews. ZOA is encouraged that top U.S. and Israeli government officials and independent experts condemned Macron’s “recognition” of a PA state. Here are some of their important statements: Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s tweet: “The United States strongly rejects @EmmanuelMacron’s plan to recognize a Palestinian state at the @UN general assembly. This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace. It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th.” President Trump statement to press: “What he [Macron] says doesn’t matter. . . . that statement doesn’t carry weight.” Sen. Lindsay Graham, R-S.C. tweet: “The French government’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state is curious and disturbing on multiple levels. I am certain this will embolden Hamas and make a ceasefire more difficult. In addition, here are some questions that come to mind. Who’s in charge? What are the borders and boundaries? What is the governance structure? Does Hamas stay involved politically or militarily? Is the West Bank and Gaza part of a single state? Are they allowed to have an army? Does the education system change? Other than these few missing details, it seems like a foolproof plan!” Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark. Cotton tweet: “This [Macron’s recognition announcement] is a shameful endorsement of terrorists. The best way for this conflict to end is to back Israel in its righteous mission of rescuing the hostages and defeating Hamas.” Richard Kemp tweet: @COLRICHARDKEMP “Macron planning to recognize a Palestinian state, rewarding the thousands of terrorists who invaded Israel, murdering, raping, torturing, kidnapping & burning. He [Macron] is incentivizing and encouraging jihadists everywhere, including in France.” Richard L. Cravatts tweet: @rcravatts “Macron–and the other international leaders who have done this–are “recognizing” nothing, a fiction. What are the borders of this state? Who is its leader? What type of government will it have? Who are the citizens? What social, economic, and cultural cohesion will it have?” PM Netanyahu tweet: “We strongly condemn President Macron’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state next to Tel Aviv in the wake of the October 7 massacre. Such a move rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became. A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel — not to live in peace beside it. Let’s be clear: the Palestinians do not seek a state alongside Israel; they seek a state instead of Israel.” Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Yariv Levin: Called the move “a black stain on France’s history and a direct boost to terrorism.” He added: “The Land of Israel belongs to the people of Israel, and even President Macron’s declaration will not change that.” Levin called for Israel to apply sovereignty over Judea and Samaria and the Jordan Valley, calling it “a just and historic response to the shameful decision by the President of France.” U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee statement (on June 1, after Macron previously promoted the idea of “recognizing” a ‘State of Palestine”): “It’s incredibly inappropriate in the midst of a war that Israel is dealing with to go out and present something that I think increasingly Israelis are steadfast against. Oct. 7 changed a lot of things. If France is really so determined to see a Palestinian state, I have a suggestion for them—carve out a piece of the French Riviera and create a Palestinian state. They are welcome to do that, but they are not welcome to impose that kind of pressure on a sovereign nation. And I find it revolting that they think they have the right to do such a thing.” U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee latest tweet: (July 25) “Macron’s unilateral ‘declaration’ of a ‘Palestinian’ state didn’t say WHERE it would be,” Huckabee wrote in a post on X. “I can now exclusively disclose that France will offer the French Riviera & the new nation will be called ‘Franc-en-Stine.'” Pierre Griselin (French ex-marine and ex-mayor) tweet: “The vast majority of French people disapprove of this announcement by #Macron Thank you for distinguishing between Hamas collaborators and French people who are friends of the Jewish people.” Previous Next

“Holocaust Museum For Hope & Humanity” In Orlando Plans To Break Ground Later This Year Jewish Connection News May 19, 2026 Holocaust Museum For Hope & Humanity Plans To Break Ground And Kickoff Construction Later This Year The Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center Of Florida (Holocaust Center) Today Announced It Has Secured Gifts And Pledges Equaling 70 Percent Of Its Funding Goal–Approximately $44 Million Of Its Updated $63 Million Budget–To Build, Operate And Endow The Transformative “Holocaust Museum For Hope & Humanity” In Orlando. The Organization Anticipates A Groundbreaking Ceremony In The Fourth Quarter Of This Year To Kickoff Construction. “Our community’s sustained interest in our mission and expanded slate of programming afforded opportunities to explore different sites and facilities over the past decade,” said Holocaust Center Board Chair Ronald Schirtzer. “We are proud to have landed on a right-sized concept that strengthens our vision. The design we’ve arrived at centers the Holocaust Center in the heart of downtown Orlando, dramatically expands our ability to deliver programs within and beyond the museum's walls, and establishes the financial foundation to sustain this mission for generations. We look forward to breaking ground later this year.” The 25,345 Square Foot Museum, 3.5 times larger than its current space, will be built at an architecturally significant, centrally located site provided by the City of Orlando in downtown Orlando at a value of $10 Million. It is designed around a nontraditional approach to Holocaust education that meets younger generations where they are, helping them understand how injustice, othering, and un-belonging take shape in their own communities through the lessons of the Holocaust. Through immersive learning environments, first-person testimony of local survivors, and innovative technology, the museum reinforces that it is a space for ongoing conversations about personal and collective responsibility and action in the face of injustice. “The Holocaust Museum for Hope & Humanity will be an important addition to downtown Orlando. More than just a destination, the museum will help residents and visitors learn from the past as we work to ensure that our city remains welcoming to all people today and tomorrow. I am grateful for our community's collective support of the Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center of Florida as they work to bring this vision to reality,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. Designed by Orlando firm HuntonBrady Architects, the new plans will invest in an extensive remodel and reimagining of the property’s existing building, formerly home to the Orlando Chamber of Commerce with adjoining new construction to house the museum’s core exhibit. This path allows for the full expression of the museum’s vision while reclaiming the community focus the Holocaust Center has been known for. MDSX, an Orlando-based award-winning experience design, media production, and creative management agency will spearhead exhibit design. “MDSX will be bringing the experience to life, leading the creative vision, infusing the project with our renowned storytelling and interactive media production expertise. Our team also includes Kellen Nixon, of Nixon & Co., who works closely with us to bridge the gap between the community and the museum, and Luna Lux for dynamic lighting design, among others. This collective of top-tier partners will deliver a transformative, multi-sensory destination that sets a new benchmark for immersive cultural experiences,” said MDSX Owner and Chief Experience Officer Dan Picard. “Our core exhibit design centers the lived experiences of those who endured the Holocaust, grounding the space in our guiding values of empathy, dignity, resilience, and responsibility. Instead of a traditional, perpetrator-focused chronology, the exhibition invites visitors to move alongside local Florida survivors and encounter events as they were experienced and understood in real time, revealing how injustice, othering, and unbelonging took hold and the role we each play in confronting them today," said Holocaust Center Senior Director of Museum Experiences Suzanne Grimmer. “As educators, we are entrusted not only with preserving memory, but with shaping conscience. By guiding visitors through the lived experiences of survivors using immersive environments and interactive testimony, we move beyond information to formation. We cultivate empathy, deepen perspective, and strengthen moral courage so that learning extends beyond our walls into resilient, responsible action within our community,” said Holocaust Center Senior Director of Education & Community Engagement Stephen Poynor. The museum will support local educational efforts and add to Orlando’s rich collection of cultural attractions, which draw tens of millions of visitors and has made the city the United States’ most visited tourist destination. The Museum is the recipient of a $10 Million allocation from Orange County’s Tourist Development Tax funds. “Orange County prides itself on its unique cultural attractions, and the Holocaust Museum for Hope & Humanity is especially meaningful for our community and the millions who visit Central Florida,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings. The State of Florida has contributed $5 Million to the museum, on a funding request forwarded by (former) State Senator Linda Stewart and State Representative David Smith. The new museum has also received significant gifts and pledges from a range of private donors and foundations. About the Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center of Florida Founded in 1980 as a lecture series on the Holocaust, the Holocaust Center was established in 1982 and opened its museum in 1986 through the vision and leadership of Holocaust survivor and local philanthropist Tess Wise. Located just outside Orlando, the Center welcomes visitors from around the world. Its mission is to use the history and lessons of the Holocaust to build a just and caring community free of antisemitism and all forms of prejudice and bigotry. Visit: www.hmrec.org to stay connected with their latest events, workshops, and opportunities to engage. Spanning over 25,000 square feet, the museum will utilize state-of-the-art technology and provide immersive, interactive experiences. (Credit - Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center of Florida) Spanning over 25,000 square feet, the museum will utilize state-of-the-art technology and provide immersive, interactive experiences. (Credit - Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center of Florida) Spanning over 25,000 square feet, the museum will utilize state-of-the-art technology and provide immersive, interactive experiences. (Credit - Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center of Florida) Spanning over 25,000 square feet, the museum will utilize state-of-the-art technology and provide immersive, interactive experiences. (Credit - Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center of Florida) Previous Next

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History, Culture, Music And Reflection Intertwine: "Jerusalem Of The Rhine & The 80th Anniversary Of The Liberation Of Dachau" River Cruise Feb 18, 2025 Pictured: “The Gentleman” - Courtesy of Transcend Cruises South Florida Symphony Orchestra and participating South Florida synagogues are proud to announce a once-in-a-lifetime journey, "Jerusalem of the Rhine & The 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Dachau." This exclusive and highly immersive voyage takes place Tuesday, June 24th, 2025 - Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025. “This incredible travel experience promises world-class service, fine cuisine, award-winning guest speakers illuminating Jewish history and local culture, and incredible music along the scenic Rhine River,” said Jacqueline Lorber, President and CEO of South Florida Symphony Orchestra. Guests will be joined by Joan Nathan, award-winning Jewish cookbook author and James Beard Award winner, Dr. Alexandra Richie, author, historian, and presidential scholar for The National WWII Museum, Michael Gans, Holocaust expert and Dr. Andrew Gottlieb, professor of politics of the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) and Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU board member. Guests will begin their journey with two nights at Le Meridien Munich, then set sail for six nights aboard the newly launched and refined river ship, The Gentleman. The boutique floating hotel will traverse the picturesque cities of Bavaria with its historic Jewish sites and medieval landmarks along the Rhine River, ending in cosmopolitan Dusseldorf. A special visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp during the 80th anniversary year of the camp’s liberation en route to Nuremberg and a specially curated private symphony performance will take place that afternoon. “Together, amidst the beauty, we will visit Dachau and pay homage to those who stood before us,” said Rabbi Cheryl and Rabbi Andrew Jacobs of Ramat Shalom Beth Israel. “We cannot think of anything more powerful than standing shoulder to shoulder as a blended community, both remembering those who were lost while celebrating the resilience that defines our tradition.” This unique journey will explore regions once known as Ashkenaz, the cradle of early Jewish settlement and influence – home to the joy of Yiddish, the inspired intellect of Rashi, and Jewish Halakhic jurisprudence - including Speyer, Worms, and Mainz, collectively referred to as "The Jerusalem of the Rhine." The region also inspired the most significant German poets, Goethe and Heine, as well as composers like Mozart, Liszt, Schumann, Beethoven, and Wagner. "This cruise is a profound opportunity to connect with the beauty, resilience, and history of Jewish culture," said Rabbi Mark Goldman of Temple Kol Ami Emanu-El. "As we sail through the heart of Germany, we honor the legacy of our ancestors while embracing the transformative power of music and art." This experience will be further illuminated through specially arranged visits and talks from Renowned Scholar Dr. Alexandra Richie, award-winning Author, Historian, and Presidential Scholar, The National WWII Museum, Michael Gans, Clinical Social Worker/Therapist, MSW, MS, MA, LCSW, Author, Scholar, and Holocaust Expert and Dr. Andrew Gottlieb, Professor of Politics of the MENA, Middle East and North Africa and Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU Board Member. Travelers will also enjoy a curated dining experience with Culinary Personality Joan Nathan, a multiple award-winning Jewish Cookbook Author, The New York Times Food Writer, and TV Host, and an enriching Shabbat experience with South Florida’s most beloved Rabbis and Cantors aboard The Gentleman. This is all accented by beautifully arranged private orchestral performances by featured guest performers curated by the South Florida Symphony Orchestra. "Everything about this journey promises to be significant and notable. I am especially thrilled that the incomparable South Florida Symphony Orchestra, along with local musicians, will weave gorgeous music throughout our experience, making it even more memorable and meaningful,” said Cantor Jodi Rozental of Ramat Shalom Beth Israel. “We all know that music transcends words in any language, speaking directly to our hearts and souls, and these moments will certainly be a highlight." The historic cruise starts at $3,999 per person. For more information or to reserve a cabin for the "Jerusalem of the Rhine & The 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Dachau," please call Transcend Cruises at: (773) 351-4004. Email: sales@transcend.cruises . Or visit one of the co-sponsoring organization’s websites: South Florida Symphony Orchestra : https://transcend-cruises.com/SFSO2/ Temple Kol-Ami Emanu-El : https://transcend-cruises.com/TKA/ Temple Ramat Shalom Beth Israel : https://transcend-cruises.com/RSBI/ Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU : https://transcend-cruises.com/JewishMuseum About South Florida Symphony Orchestra Founded in 1997 in Key West by Music Director Maestra Sebrina María Alfonso, the now Fort Lauderdale-based South Florida Symphony Orchestra (SFSO) is celebrating its 27th Season. SFSO is dedicated to enriching cultural music experiences for residents and visitors in Monroe, Miami-Dade, and Broward Counties. Guided by the belief that music is pivotal to thriving communities, SFSO brings vibrancy and engagement with the arts via innovative programming and transformative educational initiatives. A pioneer in its commitment to symphonic music for underserved communities, its Symphony in the Schools program has touched the lives of over 125,000 students since its inception in 1997. SFSO was recently named the first Partner in the Arts for The Parker by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and has been recognized by the Broward County Cultural Division as a “Major Cultural Institution,” one of only a handful of organizations to be so honored. For a performance schedule and season tickets, visit: https://southfloridasymphony.org - Call: (954) 522-8445. Or email: info@southfloridasymphony.org . Culinary personality Joan Nathan, Holocaust expert Michael Gans, MENA politics professor Dr. Andrew Gottlieb, and WWII historian Dr. Alexandra Richie. Previous Next

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Jewish Family Home Care And David Posnack Jewish Community Center To Host Senior Health And Wellness Expo Jewish Connection News Jan 15, 2026 Jewish Family Home Care (JFHC), In Partnership With David Posnack Jewish Community Center’s (DPJCC) Special Services Team, Will Host A Senior Health And Wellness Expo On Friday, February 6th, 2026, From 10:00 a.m. To 12 p.m. at DPJCC’s Orlove Auditorium. Jewish Family Home Care Is A Not-For-Profit Agency Providing Multi-Reach, Non-Medical Quality Home Care For Broward County, Florida Seniors From All Reaches Of Life And Any Faith. DPJCC Is Dedicated To Making A Positive Impact Every Day By Connecting People Through Programs, Services, And Amenities That Enrich Community, Culture, Education And Wellness. The free event – designed to support older adults, caregivers and families – will build community awareness around senior safety, independence and quality of life and provide an engaging space for seniors to explore local resources and connect with trusted, local health and wellness providers. The Senior Health and Wellness Expo will feature senior-focused resources and services, health and wellness lectures and demonstrations, interactive activities such as chair yoga, balance demos and brain games, community partner booths, free giveaways and raffles, and flyers and resource packets with services relevant to seniors in Broward County. Those in attendance will hear from JFHC’s educated staff about its home care and caregiver support offerings. JFHC is one of the largest providers of home health care, providing assistance to Holocaust survivors and anyone in Broward County needing in-home care. Providing service to more than 400 clients, including over 300 Holocaust survivors, Jewish Family Home Care offers services such as home health aides, companions, housekeepers and certified nursing assistants. It delivers tailor-made home health care plans, with special consideration to patients’ physical and emotional needs, as well as their family’s budget. DPJCC will showcase its senior lunch program, community resources, and provide valuable health, wellness, and safety information for seniors. DPJCC is dedicated to making a difference in people's lives daily. From infant to senior, year-round, DPJCC is a place that offers endless possibilities for families to grow. DPJCC offers a variety of programs, services and amenities that will enhance one’s sense of community, culture, education, enrichment, fitness, and so much more. When: Friday, February 6th, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Where: David Posnack Jewish Community Center Orlove Auditorium 5850 South Pine Island Road Davie, Florida 33328 Cost: The event is free to attend. How: For more information about the event, please contact: (954) 908-5677. Or Business Development and Community Outreach Associate, Rebecca Kosoy at: (954) 937-3320. Or: rkosoy@jfcares.org . About Jewish Family Home Care, Inc.: Jewish Family Home Care (JFHC) is a Not-For-Profit Agency providing quality home care for Broward County seniors from all walks of life, enabling them to continue living at home and have the best level of wellness, dignity and independence throughout life. Such services are often a welcomed alternative to moving to a nursing home or assisted living facility. JFHC is dedicated to empowering individuals, strengthening older adults and families, and protecting the vulnerable and frail by providing direct home care and personal care services guided by Jewish values, social responsibility, compassion and respect. JFHC is an affiliated agency of Goodman Jewish Family Services of Broward. JFHC is located at 5890 South Pine Island Road, Suite#: 200, Davie, Florida 33328. For more information, visit JFHC at: www.jfcares.org . Contact: (954) 908-5677. Or visit: Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn. JFHC received three 2024 and 2025 Best of Home Care Awards® from Activated Insights, formerly Home Care Pulse, the leading firm in experience management for post-acute care, including the Leader in Experience, Provider of Choice and Employer of Choice awards. JFHC received both the Best of Home Care® – Provider of Choice and Employer of Choice Awards from HCP in 2023. Jewish Family Home Care (JFHC) CEO Robin Miller Previous Next

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