Published 00:00 01.08.08
Latest update 00:00 01.08.08

Rank and File

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EVERYBODY'S TALKING Ironically, perhaps, Israel's Anglo communications professionals had no way of communicating among themselves before last week, when Neal Fullman set up aimPRO, an online social network for English-speaking Israelis working in the fields of public relations, marketing and information. Fullman, who immigrated to Israel from the U.K. with his wife and two children exactly one year ago today, works at a local high-tech company. "The job is great, but what I've been missing since leaving London is the social interaction and community aspect of belonging to a particular profession - especially with virtually zero Hebrew," the 39-year-old international communications director told Anglo File. "I figured there must be others in my position who would benefit from hooking up with each other." The site, bearing a distinct Facebook look, has 30-odd members who can leave each other messages, open topical discussions and form groups. (www.aimpro.ning.com) (Cnaan Liphshiz)

THE PAPER TRAIL In recent years it has become increasingly complicated to attain U.S. citizenship for children and grandchildren born abroad, says attorney Michele Coven Wolgel, an expert in American immigration and naturalization law. Parents need to bring more and more documents to assert their claim, according to the native-born New Yorker, who will offer an informative discussion about relevant points of the law next Thursday at the Tel Aviv branch of the Association of Americans and Canadians in Israel. "It used to be sufficient to bring a Report of Birth Abroad and maybe a college diploma or some other kind of proof of residence. Now it has become much more intricate and I will discuss how to overcome these obstacles," Coven Wolgel told AngloFile. To register for the event call (03) 696-0389. (Raphael Ahren)

IN GOOD COMPANY The founder and director of the Interreligious Coordinating Council in Israel, the New York-born Dr. Ron Kronish, recently received the prestigious Interfaith Gold Medallion "Peace Through Dialogue" for his 17 years of working toward tolerance and reconciliation. "One of the highlights of my career was when Pope John Paul II came to Israel in March 2000 and I helped explain the visit's meaning to the Israeli public," the long-time resident of Jerusalem told AngloFile. Previous recipients of the medallion include Queen Elizabeth II and the former president of Germany, Johannes Rau. (Raphael Ahren)

EVERYBODY NEEDS SOMEBODY SOMETIME Many of the 13,000 Ethiopian immigrants who live in Netanya are struggling to acclimatize in Israel. That's why 10 years ago a group of local Anglos founded the Forgotten People Fund, which was honored yesterday with an award for "outstanding volunteer service" by the Netanya municipality. The fund assists needy former Ethiopians with food vouchers, school fees, English classes and dozens of other projects. "We're a hands-on organization," said chairwoman Anne Silver, who was born in Wales. "Whatever is needed, we try to be there and help." Another charity group founded by Anglos in Netanya Willing Hands, also received the award for its 30 years of service to the city's needy, said chairwoman Rochelle Baker, who is originally from Manchester, England. (Raphael Ahren)