For anyone who has ever felt on the defensive or felt they didn't have all the answers or didn't know how to word the answers, join other community members on Sunday, Feb. 13 from 11 AM to 4 PM.

For those community members who have the knowledge but need additional skills, this training day is crucial.

The JCRC will host Tal Ben Shahar, an international management consultant, for a special advocacy training seminar at the Weinstein JCC.

"Our goal is to insure that Israel's side of the story is accurately told, through powerful, fact-based materials, alerts, speakers, and programs," said JCRC CHairman Mark Sisisky.

"This seminar will give you the basic tools needed to speak and advocate for Israel.  Many of us hold a bond with the people of Israel, their quest for peace, and the beauty of their democratic values.  Some of us are passionate about the issues and Israel's situation but lack the knowledge or the skills to discuss the Middle East, Israel's situation and the Palestinian conflict," Sisisky noted.

Ben Shahar is a veteran of the Israeli army, and U.S. intercollegiate squash champion.  He is an expert on Israeli history and debating the conflict in the Middle East.

The author of three books, most recently A Clash of Values: The Struggle for Universal Freedom, Ben Shahar calls for liberal reform in the Middle East.  Emphasizing principles and philosophy.

Ben Shahar leads courses on how to understand the Middle East conflict, how to defend Israel in debates, and how to advance peace and justice in the Middle East by spreading civil society to a region that needs it.

Sisisky added, "Tal's one-day intensive seminar will help our community work, speak and act smarter in Israeli advocacy."  The training seminar is open and free to all interested community members.  RSVP's are required!

Contact Anna Avital for more information at 545-8626 or aavital@jewishrichmond.org