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AMEPA Expert weighs in on Amsterdam attacks

Dear Colleagues: in light of last night’s anti-semitic attacks in Amsterdam, we are able to provide expert analysis and opinion from a variety of experts. Specifically today, we are making available Richard Priem, Chief Executive Officer, of Community Leadership Service.

best,

David Perry / (415) 676-7007/ news@davidperry.com

https://thecss.org/about/leadership

Richard is the interim Chief Executive Officer of CSS after spending four years as its COO and Deputy National Director where he was responsible for building out all security operations and programs around the country.

After completing his military service in a paratrooper reconnaissance unit of the Israel Defense Forces, Richard’s two-decade career includes leading roles in counter-terrorism and Jewish security in the United States and around the world. In the Netherlands, Richard held a leading role in the official security organization of the Jewish community, working closely with counterparts across Europe to raise the level of security around Jewish institutions in the face of rising antisemitism and terrorist threats.

Richard subsequently worked for the United Nations Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate and Department of Peacekeeping Operations’ Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions. In these roles, he assessed national security frameworks and trained intelligence and law enforcement agencies in more than a dozen countries. He was stationed in Southeast Asia for two years to research transnational organized crime and terrorist groups for the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.

Before joining CSS, Richard served as the New York Director for International Affairs at the Anti-Defamation League. After the attacks on the Chabad of Poway, he developed a protocol for the ADL’s regional offices on responding to terrorist attacks against the Jewish community. This was implemented after the 2019 attacks on Jews in Jersey City and Monsey, NY where he was directly involved in liaising between Jewish organizations and law enforcement. Richard earned a Master of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University and a Bachelor’s in History and Arabic from the University of Amsterdam.

Palm Springs Sister Cities Welcomes Delegation from San Miguel de Allende for a Cultural and Culinary Exchange

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 6, 2024

Media contact: David Perry Associates, Inc / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

Palm Springs Sister Cities Welcomes Delegation from San Miguel de Allende for a Cultural and Culinary Exchange

Palm Springs, CA – Palm Springs Sister Cities is thrilled to announce the arrival of a delegation from our Sister City, San Miguel de Allende,  Mexico from November 7-10, 2024. The visit coincides with the Palm Springs Food & Wine Festival and features a lineup of initiatives designed to deepen cross-cultural ties and mutual economic benefits.

Key highlights include Palm Springs Passport (PSP) a cocktail exchange program, where participating Palm Springs restaurants and bars will serve cocktails curated by San Miguel’s top mixologists. With each cocktail purchased, one dollar will be donated to support Palm Springs Sister Cities’ projects. This unique initiative aims to delight patrons while contributing to meaningful cultural programs.

“Palm Springs and San Miguel de Allende share a vibrant spirit of creativity and hospitality,” said Palm Springs Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein. “When we come together in moments like these, we celebrate our shared cultural heritage and lay the foundation for lasting connections that enrich both communities.”

An educational component is also central to the visit. Fourth-grade students from Vista Del Monte Elementary in Palm Springs are collaborating on an art exchange with students from Newland School in San Miguel, creating a platform for young learners to appreciate the beauty of diverse artistic traditions.

“Our partnership with San Miguel de Allende is a testament to the power of cultural diplomacy,” said Palm Springs Sister Cities President Andrea Davis. “Through food, art, and thoughtful conversation, we’re building bridges that will support our cities for generations to come.”

The delegation will also actively participate in VillageFest, participate in a boutique hotel tour, and hold strategic discussions with city stakeholders on cultural tourism, examining how both cities can enhance visitor experiences and boost economic development. 

Participants for the economic discussion on cultural tourism include Wayne Olson, Chief Economic Development Officer for Palm Springs, Steven Biller, Editorial Director, Palm Springs Life Magazine, Gary Armstrong, Chair, Palm Springs Public Arts Commission, as well as tourism executives and hotel/ restaurant owners from San Miguel.

Wayne Olson expressed enthusiasm about the potential impact: “Palm Springs Passport, the cocktail exchange effort, is a creative way to drive more foot traffic to downtown establishments, enriching our city’s culinary scene and drawing visitors to experience everything Palm Springs has to offer.”

With shared experiences and innovative initiatives on the horizon, this cultural and culinary collaboration is set to leave a lasting mark on both communities.

For more information on the Sister Cities initiatives, please visit sistercitiesps.org.

Palm Springs Passport Cocktail Exchange Debuts November 8, Uniting Palm Springs and Sister City San Miguel de Allende in Celebration of Culture and Community

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 6, 2024

Media contact: David Perry Associates, Inc / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

Palm Springs Passport Cocktail Exchange Debuts November 8, Uniting Palm Springs and Sister City San Miguel de Allende in Celebration of Culture and Community

The Palm Springs Sister Cities organization is thrilled to announce its latest cultural initiative with San Miguel de Allende,  Mexico, ”Palm Springs Passport,” a cross-border cocktail exchange program designed to highlight the distinct flavors and traditions of each city. Launching with a media mixer at Eight4nine Restaurant & Lounge from 6:30 to 8:30 PM on November 8, this month-long program will feature signature cocktails crafted by talented mixologists from San Miguel de Allende, showcased in participating Palm Springs restaurants.

For every cocktail sold, a dollar will go directly toward funding future Palm Springs Sister Cities (PSSC) initiatives, enhancing cultural exchange and deepening community ties. The program will run through the end of November, inviting locals and visitors to explore these unique drinks while supporting cross-cultural engagement. Additionally, attendees at the media mixer will have the chance to bid on specially curated items donated by San Miguel de Allende in a live auction, with proceeds further benefiting PSSC’s ongoing cultural exchange efforts.

Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein praised the initiative, noting, “Programs like Palm Springs Passport are powerful reminders of our shared cultural heritage and our unique opportunity to bridge communities. By bringing the artistry of San Miguel de Allende’s mixology to our local venues, we celebrate not only the vibrant flavors of each city but also the friendships we continue to cultivate with our Sister City partners.”

Chief Economic Development Officer Wayne Olson echoed the enthusiasm, saying, “Palm Springs Passport is a win-win. It draws more visitors downtown, where they’ll experience these exceptional cocktails while enjoying our unique holiday shopping scene. This initiative boosts foot traffic for local businesses, especially as we enter the bustling holiday season.”

The Palm Springs Passport program underscores PSSC’s mission to foster cultural, educational, and economic exchanges between Palm Springs and San Miguel de Allende. Palm Springs Sister Cities invites everyone to raise a glass to this exciting venture, celebrating the spirit of collaboration and the shared enjoyment of creative mixology.

For more information on the Sister Cities initiatives, please visit sistercitiesps.org.

Moxie Art in a Box Cultural Exchange: Elementary Art Collaboration between Palm Springs and Sister City San Miguel de Allende

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 6, 2024

Media contact: David Perry Associates, Inc / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

Moxie Art in a Box Cultural Exchange: Elementary Art Collaboration between Palm Springs and Sister City San Miguel de Allende

Palm Springs Sister Cities, The Foundation for Palm Springs Unified School District and the City of Palm Springs are thrilled to announce an exciting cross-cultural art project between Vista Del Monte Elementary in Palm Springs and Newland School in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. The “Moxie Art in a Box” Cultural Exchange brings together 4th graders from Palm Springs and 3rd and 4th graders from San Miguel de Allende to explore art, symbolism, and cultural elements that bind their cities.

“This collaboration with San Miguel de Allende exemplifies the spirit of cultural connection that makes Palm Springs a truly global city,” said Jeffrey Bernstein, the Mayor of Palm Springs. “Through art, our students not only learn about another culture but also strengthen the bonds that unite our communities across borders.”

“As a district with a large population of students of Hispanic heritage, this project is an invaluable opportunity for our students to connect with their cultural roots while broadening their global perspective,” said Tony Signoret, Superintendent of Palm Springs Unified School District. “The Art in a Box exchange fosters pride, creativity, and a deeper appreciation for the diverse traditions that enrich our community.”

“This initiative is a powerful way to inspire our young students, nurturing their creativity while connecting them to their cultural heritage,” said Mauricio Trejo, Mayor of San Miguel de Allende. “By engaging in this cross-cultural exchange, we are shaping the next generation of leaders who will build on these shared values and carry forward the strong ties between our cities.”

The project will run for one week and includes four engaging 20-minute classroom sessions, culminating in a joint Zoom celebration on November 8th with mayors from both cities, school board members, educators, and students.

This collaboration will showcase a vibrant exchange of ideas, symbols, and traditions through the art of Hojalata (tin art), where students will create unique, meaningful artwork inspired by cultural components from their personal lives and their respective cities. Each session will deepen their understanding of their own culture while exploring the richness of the other. The exchange will culminate in a final session where the students from both cities come together via Zoom to present their creations and celebrate the shared experience.

Key Event:

  • Date: Friday, November 8, 2024
  • Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
  • Location: Vista Del Monte Elementary School, Palm Springs, CA
  • Photo Opportunities: The mayors of San Miguel de Allende and Palm Springs, along with the students, and the Palm Springs Unified School Board will be available for photographs during this special event. Don’t miss this chance to capture the heartwarming collaboration between the students as they present their unique artworks.

In addition to the in-person celebration, classrooms in both cities will connect virtually throughout the project. Classes will be conducted in both English and Spanish, allowing students to learn from each other and foster an even greater cultural bond. Students will explore symbolism, carve, decorate, and apply finishing touches to their Hojalata art pieces, guided by expert educators from both cities.

Palm Springs Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein and San Miguel de Allende Mayor Mauricio Trejo will join the Zoom celebration, recognizing the students’ efforts and highlighting the importance of this cultural bridge. Both mayors, along with other dignitaries, will witness the students explain their artwork and share how this cross-cultural collaboration has inspired them.

This initiative reflects the ongoing commitment of Palm Springs and its Sister City, San Miguel de Allende, to foster meaningful cultural exchanges, expand students’ world views, and strengthen the relationship between the two cities.

For more information on the Sister Cities initiatives, please visit sistercitiesps.org.

Virtual Briefing: What happens next in the Middle East and how will results from the US election impact what happens?

Virtual Briefing: What happens next in the Middle East and how will results from the US election impact what happens?

When: Thursday November 7

Time: 10am Pacific (1pm Eastern)

Click Here to Register

The American Middle East Press Association invites you to a virtual press briefing Thursday November 7 at 1pm ET/10am ET with Ruth Wasserman Lande, former Member of the Knesset, diplomat, CEO of a strategic consultancy and an expert commentator on Israel and the Middle East.

Wasserman Lande will give her unique and expert perspective on  the following issues:

* What happens next in the Middle East?

* How will results from the US election impact what happens next?

* What are some potential surprises?

Join us for an intimate virtual gathering to discuss these issues and more. Click here to register or email info@amepress.com with any questions.