Dear Alpha Omega Members and Friends,
As we get ready to celebrate the Festival of Purim, commemorating Mordecai and Esther saving the Jewish People from Haman, an Official of the Persian Emperor Xerxes, who wanted to exterminate all the Jews, we cannot help but look forward and hope the worst of COVID- 19 is behind us. It will be some time yet before the vaccine and mitigations have helped us get this virus under control, and “normal” life can begin again. Still, the curves are on the downswing, and hospitalizations are at their lowest in many months. Linda and I hope all your families are staying safe and healthy during this precarious time.
As we look back on the lessons of Purim, we must stay vigilant as the hatred of the past has NOT dissipated against Jews and many other minorities. Threats remain from both the far left and far right targeting our People, as we have seen an alarming rise in hate crimes in the past few years. Alpha Omega stands ready to combat these threats, as we always have. Our Holocaust Survivor Program continues to help those families impacted so hideously by the Holocaust. We have put together programming for Continuing Education, chapter participation, and social events to keep us connected. We have many programs upcoming, and we hope you will take advantage of as many as possible. These varied programs are archived on our website AO.org, and can be accessed by members to enjoy, learn from, and use for virtual chapter events. This is just one of the benefits of membership.
In the spirit of hope and our desire to connect with our AO family, we are moving forward with our Convention in St. Petersburg, Florida, December 27 - January 1, where we will install our next International President, Gail Schupak. Alpha Omega is looking forward to the day we can once again embrace each other and further our bonds of Friendship and Fraternalism. Our mission can only be accomplished with the support of our membership. Alpha Omega derives its revenue from the dues paid by our members. I understand it may be difficult for some to “justify” paying dues when the Pandemic has handcuffed the organization, but this is when we need our members most !! Many organizations have shut their doors or are in deep financial trouble due to the loss of membership during this trying time, but we are determined NOT to allow this to be the fate of our beloved Alpha Omega! For those who have not yet sent in your dues, please help us get through this time of adversity so AO can remain a shining beacon for the Jewish Dentist and the Jewish People.
Stay healthy and vigilant.
Fraternally,
Alan Moltz, DDS, FAGD
2020 International President
