The resurgence of the Zionist Organization of America

"Raise your hand if you are a Zionist. This is your chance to get out!" These now infamous words shouted on a packed New York Subway car on Oct. 10, 2024, sent chills down the spines of Jews across America. Anti-Israel protests have wracked cities and college campuses and violence against Jews has increased dramatically all over the United States.

Headlines like, "FBI Director Warns Antisemitism in US Reaching Historic Level." "A New Wave of Antisemitism threatens to Rock an Already Unstable World," "Antisemitism and Safety Fears Surge Among U.S. Jews, Study Says." to name a few.

Allison Zur is the Florida, regional director of the Zionist Organization of America and has been on the job for a little over a year. Not long after taking on the position, she and her husband Ron, an Israeli, and their two young children, Paz and Noam, were on vacation in Israel when Hamas attacked on Oct. 7. "It was terrifying knowing that every time a rocket siren warning went off, terrorists were trying to kill you and your children."

Zur was able to get her and her family connected with Project Dynamo, a nonprofit organization who were arranging flights to rescue stranded Americans, flying them from Israel back to the States. "We were able to get home after we landed in Tampa." Zur said.

Project Dynamo CEO and Founder Bryan Stern praised Governor Ron DeSantis for getting behind the effort and having the state help fund the lifesaving operation.

"Since the breakout of the war between Israel and Hamas, the mission of the Zionist Organization of America is more important today than as it was in 1897 when it was founded in New York. "Many Jews have been watching what has been going on with the protests/violence against our Jewish students on our college campuses and many of us are asking what we can do to help stop this madness?"

Jews are being attacked on many levels including a never-ending I-nternet and media bias that helps to fuel the hate. There is a feeling of frustration that permeates when we can't do anything but sit, watch and become targets.

"Organizations like the ZOA are poised to fight against the rising antisemitism that we are now experiencing in our country," Zur said. "We need Jews of all ages to get involved and to get proactive if we are going to be able to defeat this evil that rises once again."

Zur is a Zionist on a mission. "There isn't just one way to counterattack those who wish to destroy Israel and the Jewish people. We are in a multi-front battle to combat antisemitism and those forces that want to destroy us.

Our mission is to protect the Jewish people and to protect the State of Israel. We will fulfil this mission by concentrating our efforts and resources in three major areas.

Fighting antisemitism in Florida

The fight to combat antisemitism comes from many different arenas on the battlefield. The targets are ever changing and the ZOA is poised to adjust and shift their efforts where and when the need arises.

ZOA Florida has been instrumental in getting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism adopted in at least 20municipalities around the state. The IHRA definition in summary - "Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities."

Education is extremely important in getting the truth out. ZOA speaks all over Florida, in private homes, synagogues, churches, community centers, wherever and whenever we can, to educate others about what's really happening in Israel. These events around the state are intended to break down misconceptions people may have due to the media bias that is so prevalent today.

ZOA's Law and Justice Center

ZOA's Law and Justice Center is dedicated to assisting any person who has been physically attacked and/or has experienced any discrimination in housing, on campus and/or in the workplace. If any Jew has had issues, contact Allison Zur at azur@zoa.org and she will assist you in getting the help you'll need.

College campus programs

With the uptick in campus anti-Israel and antisemitic movements, campus activism is extremely important. ZOA is presently on nearly 100 campuses across the United States. "We recently hired a campus coordinator in Florida who is working closely with students to ensure they have the tools and resources they need to be confident advocates. We connect them with speakers, funding the events, and we are there to protect them in case they are faced with any discrimination for being a Zionist," Zur said. Anyone who can help bring these programs to campuses around the state and or who have any ideas on creative ways that can benefit our students, please contact Zur.

Allison Zur and the Zionist Organization of America are on the front lines in the fight against antisemitism and the growing anti-Israel rhetoric. Today more than ever, Jews of all ages need to get involved. Come meet Allison at the events by ZOA-Florida on Sunday, Aug. 11.

Dan Pollak, chief Washington lobbyist for the ZOA will be speaking on the topic

"Is the Rift Between the U.S. and Israeli Government Fixable?" at 1:30 p.m. at the Southwest Orlando Jewish Congregation located at 11200 S Apopka-Vineland Rd, Orland.

At 4 p.m. Pollak will address the topic, "Now is Not the Time to Talk about a Palestinian State," at Congregation Ohev Shalon at 613 Concourse Parkway S, in Maitland.

Pre-register at azur@zoa.org. See you there.