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Program for Friday November 29, 2002

After Turkey Recovery Day
No Meeting!

Door Duty: Mark Howe and Tom Schneider get a bye

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Program for Friday December 6, 2002

Sebastian Ilzig
Rotary Youth Exchange Student

Door Duty: Dick King and Ken Leverich

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Program of November 22, 2002

Consul General Israel
"Yossi Amrani"

Glimpse of Life Today in Israel

Israel is a country of 6.7 million people. 87% of the population is Jewish and the remainder are Palestinian Arabs. Israel has been fighting for the right to exist on this land since 1948. However the Palestinian community led by Yasser Arafat does not recognize Israel's right to exist. And so a stalemate exists which has led to the violence we have been witnessing for most of our adult lives.

Mr. Amrani, of course, believes that the Jews have a right to exist on this land. He says Jews have lived in this region since 17AD. Israel will fight for its right to exist and will not reward terrorism by recognizing it as a legitimate means of negotiation. In addition Israelis will not acknowledge terrorism by altering their daily routines.

The solution to this dilemma will not be like a sports event where it is determined on the playing field. It will be an economic, military, and political solution if one is found. But as long as the Arabs do not recognize Israel the war will continue. And he adds that as long as Arafat is the leader of the Palestinians there is little chance that Israel will be recognized.

Commenting on the delicate subject of settlements in the West Bank and Gaza, Mr. Amrani says that Israel is willing to return to pre 1967 borders and return the occupied territories if Arafat would just recognize Israel's right to exist. Israel also agrees that the Palestinians also deserve their own homeland. He explains further that there are no new settlements allowed in the occupied territories, but a "natural growth is unavoidable.

Demonstrating his passion for the homeland he states that his grandfather was in the military, he was in the military and his children will be in the military.

Responding to questions from America about how to live one's life under the constant threat of terrorism he says "don't expect a quick end to the war on terrorism it will drag on indefinitely". The world has been living under an illusion for the last ten years that has just been exposed. North Korea, Iraq and Iran on the surface had been complying with all laws but in reality had been developing weapons of mass destruction all along. The world is becoming a very dangerous place he adds.

America needs to condition the aid they give to Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Syria demanding that these countries teach acceptance instead of radical Islamic fundamentalism that leads to terrorism.

And finally he said that he thanks god George Bush is president because the Bush administration fundamentally understands the war on terrorism is about freedom of all people.

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Last Meeting:
PRESIDENT DAVID BROWN rang the bell. DAVID BROWN'S thought for the day was: "We can help make the world safe for diversity. For in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children's future. And we are all mortal." JFK 6/10/63

Visiting Rotarians:
Mike K.: Past Director, Bill Hill: Past Governor, Mike Skinner: Albany President, Barbara D'Anneo: Asst. Governor, Mollie Hazen: Berkeley Secretary, Jack Freethy: El Cerrito President, Mark Hoetzendorf: District Governor. Don Farquharson, El Cerrito Past President.

Guests:
Barbara D. introduced her husband Tom, Bob and Levon Niccolls were visiting from there new home in Idaho where he has not been able to find a Rotary Club like Richmond's. Joanne Blum also brought her husband.

Announcements
Dan E., Joanne B., Judy K., David B., Werner, Josh, and Russ Schultz all attended the Peres School bedtime reading activity. At the end of the evening a computer was donated to a lucky family. There were prizes for the rest of the kids.

E- Mail Jim Beaver @ Jetbeaver@Yahoo.com your donation for the upcoming Christmas auction. If you don't he will be a callin on ya.
Mark Hoetzendorf had on the tables applications for sequential ($75) or personalized ($115) Rotary embossed license plates. All but $40 of the amount paid goes back to local clubs. Also on the tables were District Conference sign up sheets as well as sign up sheets for the Crazy Kahuna Classic golf tournament - remember his shirt?
Ads for the WC Times inserts are almost sold get to David B. if you want to advertise.

The District Governors invite you to attend:
The Rotary International Presidential Dinner
Jan 3,2003 in Monterrey, Ca

The RI Convention for 2003 will be held in Brisbane Australia
Registrants from our District are eligible for the Visa known as Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) provided they hold a US Passport. They can apply online or through a travel agent. To apply online have them visit: http://www.eta.immi.gov.au/index.html.
Both a Passport and Visa are required, and you don't want to be "stopped at the gate" because a Visa has not been ordered early enough for travel to Australia.

Coming Speakers
12/20/02 Ghana Experience, Ted Abreu and Judy Kafka
12/27/02 Round Table
01/03/02 Michael Hingson, Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Recognitions

Happy/Sad $$
Josh Genser reluctantly admitted that Cal was heavily favored to win the big gamed. But added when you consider the history of the Big Game history Stanford was a shoe-in.
Earl donated a happy $20 to announce that the Red Oak Victory has received a $1,000,000 federal grant. And of course he will be rooting for the Bears this Saturday.
Joanne Blum donated a happy $5 to tell us about the sincere appreciation the family at Peres school felt for Rotary at receiving the new computer.
Jim Young had a happy to acknowledge CAL Poly San Luis not the better know variety.
Docter Herb Cole had a happy $5 for his Alma Mater USC.
Joey Bags had a happy $5 for his Chicago Bears.
Jan H. had a happy $5 because the Cal band always wins.

Dates to Remember
12/13/02 Holiday Auction - Bring Lots of Money
12/13/02 Christmas Party Joe Greens house, Community Center at Brickyard Cove @5:30PM till we are thrown out by the management or Joe.
12/13/02 Elections of officers, look in your E- Mail for nominees.
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Raffle:
Hasta Luego Viernes
Mark R. Howe