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Francine M. Gordon
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Francine M. Gordon
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Francine M. Gordon
Proud Partner in the Modern Jewish Democracy Movement
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Open Letter to Nir Barkat

Dear Nir,

I write this letter to you in the spirit of the Partnership that brought us together over 20 years ago. To refresh your memory, I was part of the leadership from the Jewish Federation of Cleveland that was deeply involved in improving the quality of life for the residents of Beit Shean and the surrounding region, then known as Emek Beit Shean now known as Emek HaMayanot. You had started the Israel Venture Network and saw the same needs in Beit Shean as we did. Your commitment to bettering the education system in that particular development town mirrored our commitment to making Beit Shean a better place for those who lived there. Back then Nir, you and I acted on our SHARED VALUES, knowing that education was a key component of a healthy, vibrant Modern Jewish Democracy.

Today, you are sitting in a position of great power within the Likud Party. I am no longer a part of the leadership team in Cleveland, having moved to New York City where I have been able to act upon my Zionist values with the remarkable UJA-Federation of New York. I am sure you have seen the thoughtful letters our CEO Eric Goldstein has written to the community here in New York. While I respect my professional and lay leaders in my hometown of Cleveland, where I proudly chaired the Cleveland-Beit Shean Partnership 2000 committee, following in the footsteps of leaders like Bobby Goldberg and Art Naparstek, “zl, I feel fortunate to be a part of a Federation that is not afraid to be critical of Israel when She needs it.

I write this to you after listening to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing which is my source for fact and opinion. Please Nir, in the spirit of Partnership 2000 which is now called Partnership Together, tell Bibi to halt this legislative process before grave damage is done to our Modern Miracle in the Making. You have the power to do this Nir. I know you do. I encourage you to speak Truth to Power, i.e. your friend Bibi.

Your Partner in the Zionist Enterprise,

Francine M. Gordon

(You knew me as Fran Immerman)

About the Author
Francine M. Gordon is an artist/activist, originally from Northeast Ohio, now based in New York City with deep roots in Jerusalem and throughout Israel. From November 2010 through November 2016, through The Sacred Rights, Sacred Song Project, she produced over 10 Concerts of Concern in the US and Israel. In light of current events, she is once again raising her voice in Concern, using spoken work and song to express love, support and concern for the modern Jewish democratic State of Israel. Since moving to New York City, Ms. Gordon has become part of the UJA-Federation of New York circle of Israel activists. Fulfilling her lifelong dream, she has become a proud member of the Zamir Chorale which allows her to express her Zionism through song. As a member of Congregation Ansche Chesed on the UWS, she lives as a loud and proud Masorti/Conservative Jew immersed in soul, service and song. Finally, Fran has just completed her first year as a mezzo soprano in the Shireinu Choir of Long Island - the loudest and proudest Jewish community chorus in the land!
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