A few weeks back, Nancy – a friend from camp and college, contacted me. She asked “hey Eric, do you know any rabbis I can talk to?” At first, of course, I thought this was pretty funny (being a rabbi myself, you know). “Sure,” I responded, “what’s up?” What great satisfaction it was as Nancy proceeded to tell me about a new political action cause that was about to be launched (my friend had been a leading campus activist during our college days at American U. in DC). This effort, called No Nukes for Iran (www.nonukesforiran.org) is promoting education and advocacy against proliferation, specifically regarding the potential threat of a nuclear-armed Iran – perhaps the greatest threat to peace and stability in our world, a monumental issue to be sure!
Even more exciting, this effort was initiated by a group of concerned teenagers (Nancy’s daughter among them). For me – this worthy cause is two-fold: one, addressing the issue itself – preventing a nuclear Iran; two, it is a relevant exercise engaging young people in using political activism as a tool of social justice. I learned from our initial conversation that the teens had already designed a logo (to be used on promotional materials, posters, banners, pins, magnets, etc.); had lobbied with legislators in their home state (NJ); had presented at the Jewish Federation’s “Super Sunday”; and even had the chance to meet with Michael Oren, Israel’s Ambassador to the U.S. As we spoke, I went to the group’s blog (which you can access via the website). In addition to great pictures, the mission statement from its website struck me:
NO NUKES FOR IRAN is a Teen Advocacy Program that is dedicated to raising awareness about the possibility of a nuclear Iran. We believe that a nuclear Iran poses an imminent threat for the United States and the World. We believe that by educating our peers, adults, and world leaders that we can successfully deter Iran from having nuclear capability.
I was hooked – blurting out “what can I do to be involved?!?” Nancy asked if I’d like to acquire some of their materials, hoping to use them to distribute at a nominal fee. I suggested that the cause is so great, and the effort so profound, that I’d rather buy a few banners and a bunch of magnets outright – and give them away to start spreading the message of No Nukes for Iran with enthusiasm (we now have a banner hanging just inside the entrance of the Temple, one ready to be displayed at our local Federation building, and magnets have been affixed to bumpers, starting to spread the word through our community).
I was flattered when a few moments later, she asked “could we promote your congregation among the first to support our cause?” What a great joy to know we are helping to work for justice in the world, raise a next generation that is dedicated to meaningful acts of tikkun olam (repairing the world), and connecting more deeply with a dear friend along the way.
So what can you do? First, contact No Nukes for Iran, and chime in with your support. Next, see how a similar like-minded group of young people in your community – youth groupers, college/university students, Hillel, political activists – can also be engaged to pick up the banner (literally) of this vital cause. Be willing to speak up and speak out – contact your legislators and representatives – making sure they know YOU oppose a nuclear Iran.
And if you know of other similar efforts, or have additional suggestions for action, PLEASE SHARE THEM HERE!
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