“In today’s world, too often the focus is on division and difference and that’s what is constantly highlighted in the media. As a diplomat, I always try to look for common ground and to focus on the future and not dwell on the past. In an increasingly complex world

www.arimittleman.com

Ari Mittleman-“Paths of the Righteous”, Inspirational stories of heroism, Humanity and hope in lieu of the deadly rise of antisemitism, school shootings and racism motivated shootings.

“Paths of the Righteous comes at a time when the Jewish people are under attack for daring to still be here after thousands of years of being hated, assimilated, or both. Read here how Olga Washington refuses to let uninformed anti-Semites decry Israel as apartheid, how Father Desbois repudiates those who would deny the Holocaust with his painstaking work, how Chloe Valdary combats unthinking bias through empathy and an unyielding determination to connect with people rather than make them feel scorned. These and their colleagues are the heroes we need in the 21st century, and I’m grateful to Ari Mittleman for telling their story.” –Elisha Wiesel, son of Nobel Peace Prize recipient Elie Wiesel

After the worst shooting at a Jewish sanctuary in America’s history took place in Pittsburgh three years ago, one man set out to write a book to highlight the good that others do to help uplift a community. Ari Mittleman, who grew up in Pennsylvania, the same state where The Tree of Life tragedy took place, penned an inspiring book, Paths of the Righteous (Gefen Publishing), about eight non-Jews who have gone above and beyond for the Jewish people during a turbulent time.

“Throughout history, Jewish leaders have shown our community and humanity what it means to be a light unto the nations,” says Mittleman. “But do you know the stories of non-Jewish luminaries that uplift our community while inspiring their own?”

Largely unheralded and not in the headlines, their stories can inspire us. They each demonstrate unique attributes. No matter how hidden it may seem during an uncertain journey and challenging times, collectively they teach us what it means to pursue a righteous path in the 21st century.

Please let me know if you would be interested in having Ari on your program

Thanks!
Adrienne

Ari is available to explore the following:
● The challenges facing Jews and Israel in a time of greatly increased antisemitism.
● How we can come together during this climate of hate and bigotry.
● Why his book identifies what some non-Jews have done for Israel and the Jewish people during turbulent and difficult times.
● How the stories featured in his book give hope, optimism, and inspiration to humanity.
● Where historically strong Black-Jewish civil rights activism and support stands now.
● What it means to be a righteous person today.
● What we can learn from a South African Black woman discussing apartheid, a male Croatian doctor who helps his country come to terms with its WWII past, a Jamaican-American who volunteers to fight wildfires while transcending language barriers on the Gaza border, and a deeply spiritual Latina who convinced the Guatemalan government to open an embassy in Jerusalem.

Mittleman, a columnist for the Times in Israel who has worked with diplomats and government officials from across the world, hopes his book will spur a dialogue that brings people together. Paths of The Righteous features moving stories from four men and four women, a mixture of people with diverse backgrounds – Latino, Black, and White from Africa, Europe, and North America. Together, they remind us how we all must stand up to help one another, even, perhaps especially, when it is to help others beyond our tribe.

“Ari Mittleman reveals eight of those non-Jews who are righteous. Read Paths of the Righteous to be inspired. I survived because of a Catholic woman who risked her life in Poland to save me during the Shoah. Especially in these times, this book is a dose of optimism.’ –Abraham Foxman, Past President of Anti-Defamation League

“A master storyteller…” – The Jerusalem Post

Mittleman’s book strikes an optimistic tone with a creative and unique perspective.” -Israeli Ambassador Ishmael Khaldi

The post Ari Mittleman-“Paths of the Righteous” appeared first on Good News!.

Monday February 3, 2014
6:00 – 9:00 pm
United Nations Centre, 777 United Nations Plaza, 7th Floor
Corner of 44th Street and First Avenue in Manhattan

Register online at: https://elementsforpeace.eventbrite.com

Admission is $10 (online); $12 at the door. Seating is limited. Prior registration is encouraged.

Featured Speakers Include

Dr. Ricardo de Sena, Moderator
Ricardo de Sena is the Director of UN Latin Affairs Office, UPF International

Rev. Brian Ellis-Gibbs
Rev. Brian Ellis-Gibbs is the Pastor of Queens Baptist Church, New York; associate faculty with the University of Phoenix in New Jersey; and adjunct professor in the New York Theological Seminary. Rev. Ellis-Gibbs serves on the Board of Directors for Faith in New York, an interfaith organization that works for social justice, freedom and equality. 

Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry
Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry was born in Pakistan and raised in Pennsylvania where he attended college and afterwards went for graduate studies at Harvard. He then attended Stony Brook Medical School and currently is in private practice as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. He has served the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community on several levels including being a member of the National Board of the Youth branch and the General Secretary for the New York Chapter.

Mr. Kris Ram

Dr. Frank Kaufman
Dr. Frank Kaufmann is founder and President of Filial Projects, Director of the Inter-Religious Federation for World Peace (IRFWP), editor-in-chief of Dialogue and Alliance (1999 – 2009), and editor-in-chief of The New World Encyclopedia. He has worked in over 70 countries, including in conflict-ridden and violent environments, and engaged 500 international scholars for the development of New World Encyclopedia. Frank was nominated for the Guru Nanak Interfaith Award, along with the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu. Dr. Kaufmann is an expert on interfaith dialogue and cooperation.

Rick Ulfik
Rick Ulfik is Founder of We, The World and the WE Campaign at WE.net, Co-Founder and Principal Organizer of 11 Days of Global Unity – 11 Ways To Change The World, UN Representative for the Communications Coordination Committee for the United Nations,, Nonviolent Communication Workshop Facilitator, Co-Producer of the Visual Voices TV Series, and he is a award-winning composer and keyboard player.

On the occasion of World Interfaith Harmony Week, you are cordially invited to attend this International Leadership Seminar on “Necessity of Interfaith Harmony and Global Cooperation in Addressing Social Issues”. The seminar will provide the opportunity for representatives of various religious communities, faith-based organizations, followers of wisdom traditions and indigenous peoples, to share their insights on necessary elements for world peace, and insights and sharing of expertise in addressing global issues.

This interactive seminar will provide the opportunity for representatives of various religious communities, faith-based organizations, followers of wisdom traditions and indigenous peoples, to share their insights and expertise on the necessary elements for world peace, as well as addressing other global issues. There will be time for meeting, greeting and making new friends and partnerships for peace.

Engaging Religions

in the Prevention of Atrocity Crimes

In observance of World Interfaith Harmony Week

 Wednesday, 5 February 2014
1:15 – 2:45 p.m. United Nations, Conference Room 2

Please RSVP here: http://bit.ly/1dXokIg
Admission is Free

Mr. Adama Dieng
Special Adviser of the United Nations Secretary-General
on the Prevention of Genocide

H.E. Mr. Kairat Abdrakhmanov 
Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan
to the United Nations

Ms. Consolee Nishimwe
Genocide survivor and author of “Tested to the Limit:
A Genocide Survivor’s Story of Pain, Resilience and Hope”

Dr. Carol Rittner, RSM
Distinguished Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies,
The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey; and
author of “Genocide in Rwanda: Complicity of the Churches?”

Rabbi Roger Ross
Chair of the Board and CFO of the International Seminary for Interfaith Studies,
United Religions Initiative UN Representative

Moderated by Dr. Hanifa Mezoui
Senior Advisor, Office of the UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations

The post 2 NYC Events for Interfaith Harmony Week: Feb 3rd and Feb 5th appeared first on Good News!.

Set in one of the author’s most beloved locations, the mist-shrouded coast of Maine, HERON’S COVE offers a gripping story of a priceless collection Russian jewelry that’s about to be stolen … again. For millions of readers, the popular New England author’s books mean edge-of-their-seats suspense, complex plotting, multi-faceted characters and romantic tension. HERON’S COVE, which hits stores August 2012, is no exception.

In the gripping novel, FBI agent and art crimes expert Emma Sharpe and her new love, FBI undercover agent Colin Donovan, fight to uncover the connection between an illegal arms operation and a collection of Russian Art Nouveau jewelry. When Russian billionaire Dmitri Rusakov docks his yacht in Heron’s Cove, he claims he is there to recover a priceless collection of jewelry that was stole four years earlier. Colin suspects he’s there for another reason altogether – and he wonders how much Emma knows about the Russian’s mission. To get to the bottom of the mystery, Emma and Colin must reveal their secrets and trust each other’s expertise to outwit their ruthless enemies.

Carla’s careful research and attention to detail always come into play when she creates the mysterious plots for her characters. “Art has been an ever-present influence in my life,” Carla says. “My mom was very visual, an inspired quilter. One of my uncles, who was captured by the Nazis during World War II, was an avid painter, and my roommates in college were artists. I’m fascinated by high-stakes international art theft and the motivations behind it.”

The post Carla Neggers appeared first on Good News!.