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“I have a great sense of Jewish pride,” says attorney Jay Bernstein. “And so much of that relates to the fact that we are blessed with the miracle of the State of Israel. But it’s a tenuous situation and we need to be constantly vigilant to make sure Israel continues to thrive and succeed.”
Bernstein’s pride and advocacy on behalf of Israel have not gone unnoticed locally. Next Thursday night, May 31, the Baltimore Zionist District will honor him with the 2012 Sobeloff Award at a reception and Israeli wine-tasting event at the Quarry Lake Clubhouse.
Bernstein is chair of the BZD’s advocacy committee, and he works on many levels on behalf of Israel. Among his activities have been reaching out to Baltimore City to give honorary citizenship to Gilad Shalit, the Israeli soldier released last October after being held captive for five years by Hamas, to lobbying alongside the groups United Against Nuclear Iran and the Baltimore Jewish Council for passage of the Iran Legislative Act in Maryland. The act calls for operations seeking business with the state to show that they are not engaged in investment activities in Iran and that the Board of Public Works must create a public list of companies or people that are engaged in such business dealings.
In addition, Bernstein persuaded the Baltimore-based McCormick Spice Co. to stop conducting business with Iran. Bernstein says people can disagree on the best ways to respond to a situation, but the bottom line is that Iran’s intentions are clear and “to blind yourself to what that regime is all about is pretty frustrating.”
People think advocacy is making signs and holding rallies, but Bernstein said his most effective tools are letters and phone calls. “People respond,” he said.
Bernstein and his wife, Ina, have three children and live in Pikesville. Besides for his activism in the local Jewish community, he is well known as the longtime co-host of the “Shalom USA” radio show.
How does he keep up with all the issues? “Thank God, there is an Internet,” Bernstein chuckled, saying that every day he checks out multiple websites of all different points of view.
Bernstein emphasized that it is important to be “constantly vigilant” in order to help Israel thrive and succeed.
“That’s what motivates me to play some small role speaking out for Israel,” he said.
It’s more than a small role, noted Fran Sonnenschein, the BZD’ s executive director, who said Bernstein has “shown the community the importance of his voice. …We’re honoring him for what he does for BZD, for the power that we have to make changes.”
In particular, Bernstein said he is committed to countering misinformation about the Jewish state.
“I think it’s important to distinguish between legitimate criticism of Israel and demonization of Israel,” he said. “Yes, the issues are complex, but that should not deprive us of our responsibility to distinguish between right and wrong. … It’s still the homeland of the Jewish people.”
Bernstein expressed some frustration with apathy over Israel and said he wishes local Jewish schools would emphasize Israel’s history and everything positive about the country.
“There’s so much more that needs to be done internally to keep the focus on Israel, particularly the schools,” he said.
Bernstein said he tries to visit Israel every year or so. He loves the history and beauty of the land and is always moved when he sees young Israeli soldiers celebrating Shabbat at the Western Wall.
The Baltimore Zionist District’s “A Taste Of Israel” event will feature wines from DeWine Spirits and a toast to Jay Bernstein, recipient of the 2012 Sobeloff Award. The event will be held next Thursday, May 31, at 7 p.m. at the Quarry Lake Clubhouse, 2525 Quarry Lake Drive.
Reservations are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. For information, visit bzdisrael.org or call 410-484-4510.
Amy Landsman is a local freelance writer.