It took me a couple of seconds to realize that this was neither a joke, nor the latest satirical "Borowitz Report.” The invitation to the Hanukkah celebration of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations joyfully noted that the party will be co-sponsored by the Republic of Azerbaijan, will be celebrating religious freedom and diversity, and will be held at the Trump International Hotel. REALLY???

When I realized that it was neither a joke nor a hoax, I wrote a letter, together with my friends Jim Klutznick and Marty Bresler, the current Chair and the immediate past Chair of APN'S Board of Directors, explaining to the leaders of the Presidents’ Conference why they should count us out unless they change their choice of partner and venue. And, after sending the letter to the Conference’s Stephen Greenberg and Malcolm Hoenlein, we made it public.

Americans for Peace Now has been a member of the Presidents’ Conference for over twenty years. We often take issue with internal procedures and with controversial positions that the leaders of this umbrella organization take. Together with other liberal member organizations, we sometimes agitate. We try to influence from within, and we occasionally succeed.

This time around, the choice of partner and the choice of venue seemed so wrong, so absurd, that we had to react publicly.

Please read our letter to Greenberg and Hoenlein below, and please help us continue to agitate. We can only do it with your support.

Please make a generous donation today, and have a meaningful, happy and wholesome holiday season.

Debra DeLee, President and CEO,

Americans for Peace Now