Natan Sharansky is Coming to Cal!

Natan Sharansky Speaks at Cal!

Hosted by Tikvah: Students for Israel, Jewish National Fund, Caravan for Democracy, and Media Watch International

Tuesday May 5, 2009 at 7pm in 155 Dwinelle (Doors open at 6:30)

To reserve a seat, please visit:

http://support.jnf.org/site/Survey?ACTION_REQUIRED=URI_ACTION_USER_REQUESTS&SURVEY_ID=7004

When Natan Sharansky was denied the right to an Israel exit visa in 1973, he joined other Soviet Jews in their fight for freedom, as well as the Soviet Union's human rights movement. He soon became an unofficial spokesperson for both causes and was accused of conspiracy with the US government in 1977. After serving 9 of the 13 years he was sentenced to prison, he was released with the help of his wife's international campaign, and he emigrated to Israel on the very same day.

Sharansky has since been an integral part of increasing Jewish emigration to Israel, specifically from Russia - he founded the political party "Yisrael B'Aliya" in 1996. Sharansky also co-founded Peace Watch in 1994 and has served as Minister and Deputy Prime Minister in 4 Israeli governments. He was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 1986 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2006.

Sharansky has written 3 books. His first, "Fear No Evil," is autobiographical and details his years in prison. "The Case for Democracy" is a New York Times bestseller arguing his views on freedom. His most recent book, "Defending Identity," was just released last June.

For more info: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=81262590867