REPORT FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, 2009

This has been  a year of various  achievements, even though there has been less  foreign travelling  than previously, for a variety of reasons, mainly because  projects   and many visitors  to us, concerning the future of Casa Shalom  made it imperative that  more time was spent here, but hopefully in 2010 this will be rectified as we regard lecturing out of Israel as a most important facet of our work .

We  have taken much pride and  pleasure  in welcoming  delegations  from numerous  overseas universities  and educational organizations , including  the American Sephardi Federation, The Universities of Wyoming , Los Angles and Miami ,  etc.  In addition  to attending a number of conferences and giving papers, shortly due for publication, we  have been working closer than ever before with Universities in Israel  and the UK.  And  giving  evidence before the Rabbinical  and Israel’s Supreme  Court. All the above organizations are  anxious that the future  work  of Casa Shalom is assured.

Our  main  overseas trip was to the  region of Cork in the Irish Republic, where much useful Data was acquired regarding the origins  of 18th Century  immigrant families to the area, who we have good  reason to believe,  amongst other matters especially taking into account their family names ,  were Secret Jews  but  had arrived under the guise of being Huguenots. 

We request our members  take particular notice of our special  announcements  in this  edition of the Journal, regarding these matters and how  many of  our Members can  help  further this  and other important research  regarding certain Jewish birthmarks found amongst Annusim –Marrano families. 

Such is the  rapidly increasing size  of our important Library  that  much reorganizing has been  necessary. This ardous task has mainly been done by Jodene Vasquez, who joined us first  a volunteer and  now works in a most enthusiatic capacity for  the Institute.  Thanks to these endeavours, it is now possible to get more details of our holdings through our web site at www.casa-shalom.com.

Once more we are much indebted  to Eli Napchan in London to all the time and trouble he goes through, to regularly update the site.

Our  band of  keen  helpers  are ALL  very  willing to do all possible to further  the work of  Casa Shalom, but we are only as strong as  the support our members  and sponsors give us. Enclosed is a reminder to pay your subscription. Please do it today!  Your continued  support is WHAT SAFEGUARDS  OUR FUTURE WORK  AND THE EXPERTISE CAN GIVE OUR FELLOW JEWS WHO NEED US  NOW!  If we do not receive your financial backing, it may cost us the return  of  potential Jews who are seeking to  conduct  a  full Jewish life. The Library is only one of the tools which we have to accomplish this. 

REMEMBER! It is the day to day work done here, mostly on a voluntary basis, utilizing  our facilities to the utmost,, that actually aids these Jews in regaining  their heritage. Show in the most positive way that you can by  telling others about our work and maintaining your VITAL membership.