We had the honor of hosting the distinguished Israeli Consul General Anat Sultan-Dadon on Wednesday, July 24th, at the JF&CS campus in Dunwoody.
Board Chair Jon Amsler and CEO Terri Bonoff introduce Anat Sultan-Dadon.
“We were honored to have Consul General Anat Sultan-Dadon share remarks with some of our staff, Board Members, and several Holocaust Survivors,” said CEO Terri Bonoff.
Anat began by giving thanks to JF&CS and highlighting the partnership between the agency and the Israeli Consulate of Atlanta. “I feel that being at JF&CS is really being with family,” she said. “I’ve appreciated you since I arrived in Atlanta five years ago, but even more so since October 7th; not only because you continue to stand strong and provide the incredible services you provide for the community, but you’ve also kindly extended your services to the consulate family and team as well.”
Sultan-Dadon, left, with CEO Terri Bonoff, right.
Anat took questions from the audience, answering delicate questions with “clarity and moral purpose,” said Terri. At one point, an attendee expressed her growing fear of antisemitism, comparing the events of October 7th through present day to the Holocaust. “I am scared,” the woman said. “It doesn’t matter how many people talk and express their opinions; what we need is action.”
Anat paused thoughtfully before answering. “We are at an extraordinary point in time,” she began. “We must be vigilant, and we are not hearing enough (in the media) about how dangerous this (antisemitic) climate is. Words are not actions, true, but public discourse can lead to policy. I think a lot can and will be done if public discourse is strong enough and conveys the urgency and the severity of the situation that we are in.”
Attendees thanked Sultan-Dadon for her visit.
“However,” Anat continued, “there is room for optimism, because that is always the story of the Jewish people who have seen the depths and horrors that are unimaginable in history, but also in these last few months. But we know that we are stronger than that and we know that we have risen—and that is what we continue to do now despite the hardship. We have so, so many reasons to be proud.”
“I continue to be inspired by Anat’s valiant service and her ability to speak powerfully,” concluded Terri. “I appreciated the open forum and the opportunity for those present to share questions and thoughts.”