SaddleBrooke Israel Friendship Club to meet February 20

The SaddleBrooke Israel Friendship Club (SIFC) will hold its second meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the HOA 2 DesertView Mariposa Room on February 20. Guest speaker will be David L. Graizbord, Associate Professor of Judaic Studies at the University of Arizona. His topic will be The Arab-Israeli Conflict: A Historical and Thematic Overview. He will offer a detailed and balanced overview of the subject, designed to inform and stimulate Jews and non-Jews alike.

Dr. Graizbord is a sought-after speaker, writer, researcher and teacher. His presentation will survey the history of the conflict between the Jewish Zionist movement and its local and regional counterparts in the religiously diverse Middle East. It will cover the period from Israel’s pre-statehood to the present. This will be a rare opportunity to hear a non-polemic outline of what is one of the world’s most emotionally-charged topics today. There is no charge to attend.

On March 6, also at 7:00 p.m. in the MountainView Ballroom, Professor Sharon Megdal, Director of the University of Arizona Water Resources Research Center, will discuss Arizona’s water shortage and its connection to innovations in Israel. Dr. Megdal’s work focuses on water policy and management both locally and internationally. This promises to be a fascinating and informative presentation.

SIFC is an education and advocacy group open to SaddleBrooke residents of all faiths and political orientations. Our first meeting, held on January 9, was a resounding success. Guest presenter Oshrat Barel, Director of Tucson’s Weintraub Israel Center, along with Green Valley artist Marcia Winer and two Israeli students, Bar and Leah, spoke about the Center’s recent excursion to Israel and its plans for an upcoming Israel trip (October 2018) designed specifically for SaddleBrooke residents. They received an enthusiastic reception and garnered strong interest among the religiously-diverse group in attendance.

Mark your calendars now so you don’t miss the SIFC’s exciting upcoming  programs!