AYIN L’TZION NEWS   Important Dates for Beth Sholom and Israel   May 7 (Yom Hazikaron) Erev Yom Ha’atzmaut  7:30 PM – Celebrate at Beth Sholom!   May 8 – (Yom Ha’atzamut !!) Shaharit with Hallel at Beth Sholom   Major Gala Event at Bergen PAC, 7:30 PM Performers include Noa, Pharaoh's Daughter and Joshua Nelson & the Kosher Gospel Singers. Sponsored by the UJA Federation of Northern New Jersey. For more information contact Francine Koszer at 201-488-6800 x216 or francinek@ujannj.org   May 21 NORPAC Mission For more information, see this month’s article by Dr. Robert Goodman and visit www.norpac.net   June 1  Israel Day Parade   Masorti reminder -- If you have not had a chance to send in your High Holiday Masorti pledge, please do so now. They are still counting on you!   An important message from Dr. Robert R. Goodman about the upcoming NORPAC Misson   I firmly believe that the U.S. relationship with Israel is critical to the continued existence of the Jewish State. My experience in recent in years has convinced me that US citizens can have a great impact on our elected legislative officials. NORPAC is a Political Action Committee solely devoted to promoting a strong US-Israel relationship.  As a PAC, its activities include lobbying/educating our legislature and directly supporting candidates with campaign (financial) contributions.  It is the largest USA PAC  supporting US-Israel relations (AIPAC is a lobby, not a PAC).  NORPAC’s  largest event is an annual mission to Washington. D.C., where members meet with over 90% of our members of congress.  These interactions, as well as other efforts that occur throughout the year, are a very important  part of the reason why a strong US-Israel relationship is supported by over 90% of our Congress.  However, there is no guarantee that this strong support will continue in the future.  I believe that it is critical that we maintain our efforts to encourage our members of Congress to support the US-Israel relationship.  The upcoming NORPAC  Mission, on May 21, will be an opportunity for you to join in these  efforts.  This is a one day mission (there is round-trip bus transportation to D.C.), during which you will meet with at least three members of Congress (or  their staff), as part of a small group of NORPAC members, to ask for support of specific pieces of pending legislation (legislation that we  can all agree is in the interest of Israel).  This mission is a great way for old and young citizens to see firsthand how our political process works and to have a meaningful impact on the survival of the Jewish Homeland.   Please join me on May 21, 2008.