Richard Friedman

Jewish Federation director, Journalist

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Jul 22, 2018, 3:55 PM

I am 100% right. You are 100% wrong

Not too long ago, two of our Birmingham Jewish Federation staff members, one of our long-time volunteer leaders and I, in my role as our Federation Executive Director, were discussing a disturbing trend we’ve seen evolve over the past...

May 2, 2018, 7:59 PM

‘Never Again’ Unites Jews and African-Americans

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA —Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA) posted an interesting piece recently connecting the new museum in Montgomery, Alabama focusing on American racism and lynchings to the ways the Holocaust has been remembered. The story, written by reporter Ben Sales, was...

Mar 30, 2018, 3:01 AM

Maverick Alabama Congressman Went To Bat For Sharansky

Many Alabama folks well remember former US Rep. John Buchanan, who represented Birmingham’s Sixth District from 1965-1981. Most of Birmingham's Jewish community lived in Buchanan’s district at that time and he was widely admired by many members of our...

Aug 5, 2017, 9:47 AM

Israeli Maccabi Teens Touch Hearts In Alabama

The JCC Maccabi Games, which brought 900 Jewish teens to our city this past week, was a magical experience. Every family in Birmingham, Alabama who hosted Maccabi athletes has a story to tell. Staying with us were four wonderful young...

Apr 9, 2017, 7:02 AM

Here in Alabama, Christians Rally to Our Cause

BIRMINGHAM, AL -- There's been widespread publicity in Birmingham and beyond about evangelical Christian leaders rallying to help our Jewish community enhance security at our local Jewish institutions. More than $100,000 has been raised by high profile Christians and...

Feb 17, 2017, 6:51 AM

Coffee in Jerusalem without Donald Trump

JERUSALEM -- It was a beautiful Friday morning as I lingered in a downtown cafe, drinking coffee, lost in thought and watching the Israelis strolling about, enjoying their day readying themselves for Shabbat which would begin at sundown. My wife Sally,...

Dec 11, 2016, 3:12 AM

I failed when it came to fake news

Democracy can't function when falsehood is promulgated as truth

Sep 24, 2016, 12:51 AM

“Freaked Out” Saudi Arabian Friend Turns to Jewish Federation for Help

It wasn’t your typical email. The subject line said, “I need your help please.” It was from a young Saudi Arabian doctor who I got to know a few months ago as we sat next to each other on...

Aug 23, 2016, 11:24 PM

My new Saudi friend

A long delay on the tarmac opened the floodgates of unlikely cross-cultural dialogue between airplane seatmates

Aug 22, 2016, 10:50 PM

Born In New Jersey, Living In Alabama: Anti-BDS Measures Make Me Proud

There are two states that I am very attached to and interested in -- New Jersey, my home state, and Alabama, my adopted state. And having lived a substantial part of my life in each state, I can tell...

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About Me

Richard Friedman is Executive Director of the Birmingham Jewish Federation in Alabama. He also is a well-known Alabama journalist.

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