Republicans in Bel-Air By VICTORIA TALBOT

May 12, 2008

On April 10, the Bel-Air Republican Women, Federated (BARWF) hosted a gala event at the Beverly Hills Country Club, featuring Aryeh Green, director of Media Central in Jerusalem. Every month, BARWF hosts events with speakers that educate the public and address major issues on a wide range of topics.

Green, a native Californian currently living with his family in Israel, has served as a senior advisor for Israeli politician Natan Sharansky for the last decade, promoting Israel’s public diplomacy and battling anti-Semitism.

As the director of Media Central, Green offers support to foreign journalists arriving in Israel. The company’s purpose is to provide background information on events in Israel, services (such as photographers, translators and transportation) and access to primary sources that enable journalists to better understand and report on events.

For years, Palestinians have been providing such services to the world press, which has enabled them to generate pro-Palestinian press. Now, when an event occurs, journalists can count on Media Central to transport them to a site and to provide translators, cameramen and the electronic infrastructure journalists need. It also provides social opportunities such as wine and cheese gatherings, and speakers from all persuasions, promoting more balanced reporting.

Like Media Central, BARWF has provided educational opportunities since its founding in 1960. “Israel is one of many subjects covered,” said BARWF President Leona Hiley. Other topics include taxes, ballot measures and electing judges.

Hiley has been with the federation since 1992. BARWF has about 100 members. “We usually have luncheons and meet every fourth Monday at the Luxe Hotel. This year, we have two evening meetings planned. This was the first. Members focus in on speakers, issues and voter registration,” she said. “We have people come to educate us on the issues.” It’s not the usual social club. Though members are involved in other organizations for social and charitable purposes, this club is political.

BARWR’s focus is on education. Their affiliation with the National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW) gives members access to nationally recognized campaign schools that prepare candidates and campaign managers. In addition, the federation is affiliated with the GOP on the local, state and national level.

BARWF is part of the Los Angeles County Federation of Republican Women and the California State Federation of Republican Women and, in turn, part of the NFRW. The NFRW is the largest and most influential all-volunteer women’s political organization in the country. There are over 100,000 members nationwide and almost 2,000 unit clubs.