Shalom Klein’s Blog

An invitation to see the changes at JCFS!

Posted on by Shalom Klein
image001Friends and Colleagues:

As we have shared on multiple occasions, Jewish Child and Family Services and the JUF / Jewish Federation has been investing in West Rogers Park with the construction and operation of the new Abe and Ida Cooper Center on Pratt and Kedzie. The new building is beautiful and joins the Joy Faith Knapp Children’s Center as a demonstration of the JUF / JCFS commitment to our neighborhood.

The leadership of JCFS, led by CEO Howard Sitron, have also been active participants in many of the Jewish Community Council of West Rogers Park conversations on important advocacy initiatives and other community priorities.

Recently, JCFS completed another major change in West Rogers Park. Their tremendously important JCFS / JVS Access, Response Center and JVS Pharmacy Technician Programs have now been moved to a new home at 3033 W Touhy – right next to the Bernard Horwich JCC. I had the opportunity to tour the remodeled space, meet the leadership and see their programs and was very impressed.

There will be an open house at the brand-new location 3033 W. Touhy Ave., Chicago, IL –  on Wednesday, February 22nd from 3:30 p – 5:30 p (extended time for Response only until 6:30 p). Kosher snacks will be provided and I would encourage the community to come out to learn about the services provided and wish JCFS mazel tov and thank them for their commitment to West Rogers Park.

Shabbat Shalom,

Shalom Klein
on behalf of the Jewish Community Council of West Rogers Park

Jewish Federation calls for a safe, rational and coordinated national refugee policy

Posted on by Shalom Klein

Refugees-1996Since 1975, the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago has been the administrator of the Illinois Refugee Social Service Consortium.* Under every Democratic and Republican state administration, the Federation has been directly responsible for the successful resettlement of refugees, including Soviet Jews, Vietnamese, Hmong, Cubans, Iraqis, Darfurians, Ethiopians, Bosnians and Syrians of various faiths, among others. During those four decades, the Federation has helped more than 125,000 people build new, more secure lives with the blessings of America’s freedoms.

The Federation has encountered–and overcome–policy, budget, and other obstacles over the decades but has never wavered in its commitment to fulfill this sacred Jewish and American task. On behalf of the Jewish community, the Federation is proud of this accomplishment, and pledges to continue this important work.

The Federation welcomes America’s refugees who have passed the most thorough vetting process of any group of foreigners seeking to come to our country, and applauds the statements from many Jewish and non-Jewish groups that are now speaking out on this issue.

Every public policy should be reviewed and strengthened, especially when it involves our security. However, the administration’s sweeping, sudden, and uncoordinated executive order undermines the noble ideal of our nation serving as a safe harbor for those fleeing persecution, and directly imperils the Federation’s work on their behalf. The Federation opposes policies that bar or privilege certain groups of refugees solely because of their religion or country of origin. It is the well-founded fear of persecution by any country against any minority that has long inspired America to provide refuge.

The Federation is engaging with its Illinois Refugee Social Service Consortium partners on how best to work through the current situation and to help ensure a safe, rational and coordinated national refugee policy.

The Federation will apprise the community as developments unfold.

* The Illinois Refugee Social Service Consortium is composed of Catholic Charities of Archdiocese of Chicago, Catholic Charities of Rockford, Ethiopian Community Association of Chicago, Heartland Alliance, Iraqi Mutual Aid Association, JCFS- HIAS Chicago, RefugeeOne, Pan African Association, Rock Valley College, and World Relief.

Mazel Tov to my friends Moshe and Devora Isenberg as they are honored for their many years of dedication to Midwest NCSY

Posted on by Shalom Klein

Please join us as we honor Moshe and Devora Isenberg for their many years of dedication to Midwest NCSY.

Tuesday, February 7, 2017  at the Bryn Mawr Country Club

6600 N. Crawford Avenue, Lincolnwood, Illinois

6 p.m. Hors d’oeuvres, 7 p.m. Dinner

Dessert Reception to FollowSave-the-Date-Annual-Banquet-Banner-1024x336

Skokie Science Park Sold to Local Firm, Willis Tower Owners

Posted on by Shalom Klein

Aerial view of ISTP smaller cropped for vision_0

SKOKIE, IL – American Landmark Properties, the owners of Chicago’s Willis Tower, completed its purchase of the the Illinois Science + Technology Park last week. The Skokie-based company paid $77 million to acquire the 23-acre campus along Niles Avenue and Searle Parkway from Forest City Enterprises, based in Cleveland, which purchased the park from Pfizer in 2005. There are about 25 firms currently leasing at the park, providing an estimated 1,500 jobs to the area, according to the village.

“The Illinois Science + Technology Park represented a rare opportunity to acquire one of Chicago’s premier life science and technology campuses,” said John Roeser, Executive Vice President, American Landmark Properties. “The three existing fully renovated lab and office buildings are currently 86 percent leased to leading domestic and multi-national life science, energy, and nanotech companies.” The campus also is home to the the Oakton Community College Nanotechnogy Education, Employment and Economic Development Initiative and the Skokie Innovation Labs business incubator. Other major tenants include NorthShore University HealthSystem, Astellas Pharma, LanzaTech, Vetter Development Services USA and the German health care company Fresenius Kabi.

“The Village of Skokie is pleased that American Landmark Properties, a world-class developer from our very own community, now owns the Illinois Science + Technology Park,” said Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen, who also thanked Forest City for its stewardship of the property. “The Illinois Science + Technology Park is a significant contributor to Skokie’s employment base and economic growth,” said Van Dusen. “I expect that the park will continue to grow and contribute to Skokie’s economy while also providing economic stimulus for the state and Midwest region.”

Plans for the property could include up to 1.3 million square feet of new lab and office space and a 500,000-square-foot, retail and residential development on Oakton Street in downtown Skokie, according to American Landmark. Filings from the Securities and Exchange Commission showed Forest City accumulated nearly $44 million in losses on the ISTP before looking to sell the property, Crain’s Chicago Business reported in 2015.

You are invited – book signing and mingle with former White House official Moe Vela

Posted on by Shalom Klein

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Avi Goldfeder and Shalom Klein invite you toattend:
Book Signing – Little Secret Big Dreams
Pharmore Drugs
Monday, January 30, 2017
5:00 PM-6:00 PM
3412 W. Touhy Avenue
Skokie IL  60076
 
Come join us at a reception and book signing in honor of Moe Vela, author ofLittle Secret Big Dreams! Moe Vela is a former White House official, Hispanic leader, best-selling author, motivational speaker, business speaker, LGBT leader, and attorney.
 
Light refreshments will be served.  Feel free to bring a friend, neighbor, or co-worker.
 
WHEN
Monday, January 30, 2017
5:00 PM-6:00 PM
 
WHERE
Pharmore Drugs
3412 W. Touhy Avenue
Skokie IL  60076
 
Hope to see you there!