Chuck and Bonnie Berk's Rosh Hashanah Message for 2022

As Bonnie and I look ahead to the New Year, we are encouraged by some recent events.

It was my honor to help lead in May a phenomenal Israel Bonds Footsteps of the Abraham Accords delegation to the UAE, Bahrain and Israel. Twelve Atlantans were part of this unforgettable journey, and together, we witnessed history and experienced memories that will last a lifetime.

Having been there and talked with high-level government officials and prominent local businesspeople, we can enthusiastically say that these accords are changing the architecture of the Middle East. It’s way more than tolerance … it’s enthusiasm to build the political, social and economic relationship with Israel. The spirit of cooperation, warmth and sincerity we experienced was almost unbelievable. Just three years ago, it would have been impossible to fathom a delegation from Israel Bonds being warmly welcomed in these locations.

Looking ahead, we are also encouraged for the New Year by a recent local event. The Sandy Springs City Council approved plans for a terrific Anne Frank Exhibit and Holocaust Education Center to be housed in a new building constructed in “downtown” Sandy Springs, close to City Springs, funded by private donations.

We are inspired and feel fortunate to be living at a time when the Abraham Accords have brought new hope for peace for Israel in the New Year and that Georgians are willing to stand up against hate, racism and antisemitism by supporting the Anne Frank Exhibit and Holocaust Education Center.

Chuck Berk is local co-chair of the Republican Jewish Coalition with his wife Bonnie.