More than $550,000 was raised from Monmouth County donors at the 2007 Major Gifts Event of the Jewish Federation of Greater Monmouth County.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Daniel Kurtzer keynoted the Sept. 9 event, which also marked the kick-off of the 2008 federation campaign.

The event took place at the Locust home of Eunice and Andy Melnick. Of the total of 125 guests attending the event, 100 were Monmouth County residents, according to Monmouth federation executive director Howard Gases. The occasion marked the second time Monmouth and the Jewish Federation of Ocean County joined forces for the major gifts event.

"We're here to kick off the 2008 annual federation campaign," Gases said. "The people here have shown a strong commitment throughout the years, and they are among our most generous donors. Tonight is a way to thank them for their support and ensure their involvement in our 2008 campaign."

The funds raised by the Monmouth federation will continue to support the many services that the organization provides, such as disaster relief in Israel, resettlement to Israel of Jews from the former Soviet Union and Ethiopia, and medical and food provisions for the elderly.

"Israel's needs are very great, as are the needs of Jews throughout the world, including many of those who live in Monmouth County," Gases said. "They are going to need the money we raise tonight and throughout the year."

Support for Israel and the show of solidarity must continue, added Eunice Melnick.

"The anti-Semitism in the Middle East and Europe is very troubling," she said. "It's time to come together and do as much as we can to help our fellow Jews."

Chris and Todd Katz of Wayside, who, along with Judy and Lou Premselaar of Manalapan, were the committee chairs, noted the appearance of some younger adults at this year's event.

"This is the first time there's been a young leadership contingent at this event," Chris Katz said. "It's interesting to see a new generation here. The older donors will see the younger ones begin to step up to the plate, and they will know that the federation will endure."

Kurtzer, U.S. ambassador to Israel from 2001 to 2005, currently occupies a chair in Middle East Studies at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs in Princeton. He also served this summer as the commissioner of the new Israel Baseball League.

"Any time the Jewish community gets together to express support for Jewish causes is a very important event," Kurtzer told NJ Jewish News. "Israel has serious issues that are beyond its capacity. Israel and the worldwide Jewish community need the assistance of organizations like the Monmouth County federation.

"Providing educational opportunities and support of the growing elderly population are critical issues," he continued. "Communities and organizations that help in these areas are really doing their jobs the right way."

But there is promising news in Israel, he added. During the first six months of 2007, their economy grew by 6.6 percent and unemployment figures dropped during that time.

"The Israeli economy is doing very well, and that's good news," Kurtzer said. "It's also a boost to Israeli society. The story of Israel is a story of success."

And efforts to promote that success must continue, he told the audience.

"I've spent my professional life working in areas where I have seen the results of your campaigns," he said. "I've seen the immigrants from Ethiopia and the former Soviet Union whom you've helped make their way to Israel. They have become productive members of Israeli society. Your commitment year after year has certainly been demonstrated, and it's something to be proud of. Together, we can all make a difference."

But the threats to Israeli security and existence have not diminished, Kurtzer said. Terrorist activity and the possibility of nuclear weapons developed by Iran loom large, and a pathway to peace between Israel and its neighbors is the only way to reduce and prevent hostilities, he said.

"President Bush has another year to try and implement a road map," said Kurtzer. "Does he have enough time to try and bring peace to this region?"

A proposed peace conference that Bush mentioned in July may help, he said. However, the conference, which Bush said may take place in November in the Middle East, would present a challenge to the politically charged region.

"Will the Palestinian Authority make the concessions that will be required to achieve peace?" Kurtzer asked. "Where does Hamas stand? Their political strength has not diminished and there are the beginnings of organized opposition. They are the spoilers in this diplomatic game."

If and when the conference takes place, several objectives could be achieved, he said.

"They should set a horizon for the end of the Israel-Palestine conflict, and both of those societies need to be a part of this process," said Kurtzer. "The conference should also establish core principles that will lead to that horizon. And there must be a timetable for all of this, and that may be the hardest thing to achieve."

The world is watching the developments between Israel and its neighbors, he added.

"We can only hope that the diplomatic process will lead to peace in the Middle East," Kurtzer said. "All who work toward this goal are part of something greater than themselves."