ZOA AROUND THE COUNTRY 37 Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL), and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL). All three pledged their support for bills calling for increased sanctions on Iran, and we thanked them for this. We would have liked Wasserman Schultz and Frankel to pledge their support for the three other serious bills we discussed: the Taylor Force Act, aimed at cutting U.S. funding to the Palestinian Authority so long as incitement continues and pensions are being paid to terrorists and their families; the Recognition of Jerusalem as the Capital of the State of Israel Act, which would remove the presidential security waiver; and a series of bills aimed at reforming the UN’s anti-Israel bias by withholding funding to the UN. At the time of writing, we still hope for their support of these vital bills. ZOA CONDEMNS ROGER WATERS National ZOA issued a press release condemning musician Roger Waters and the performance arenas and concert facilities that are giving him a platform. The ZOA stated in the press release that stadiums hosting Waters’ concerts “are tarnishing their reputations by allowing their names to be associated with a vicious anti-Semite who promotes lies about Israel and the Jewish people.” Miami’s American Airlines Arena was among the venues that ZOA urged to “reject and condemn Waters and his hateful attacks against Jews” and Israel. The community also spoke up. The Greater Miami Jewish Federation issued a statement entitled “Anti-Semitism and Hatred Are Not Welcome in Miami.” In addition, Miami- Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez urged residents to “reject anti-Semitism in all its forms, not only because it will offend our Jewish residents, but because it would offend all Miamians.” If you would like to learn about upcoming ZOA Florida events and opportunities or get more involved, please contact florida@zoa.org. ZOA GREATER PHILADELPHIA ANNUAL PHILADELPHIA GALA GETS UNDERWAY As this report goes to press, the ZOA’s Greater Philadelphia chapter is gearing up for its annual Gala—the region’s biggest pro-Israel social event—on September 12. Honorees this year include Allen Rothenberg, who will receive the Pillar of the Community Award; Jonathan Tobin, the Ben Hecht Award for Outstanding Journalism; Rabbi Yaacov Orimland, Guardian of Israel Award; and Jim and Diane Showers, Friends of Zion Award. In addition to recognizing the work and dedication of our honorees, we also spend the evening celebrating America and Israel, and the relationship between the two nations. It is a night filled with patriotism and Zionism. We expect some 300 guests. Greater Philadelphia ZOA Gala invitation, highlighting ZOA’s 120th anniversary “Reject anti- Semitism in all its forms, not only because it will offend our Jewish residents, but because it would offend all Miamians.” —Mayor Carlos Gimenez
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