Published by Ronn Torossian & 5WPR Speakers
Ronn Torossian, CEO of 5WPR, explains how while some offices take days
off and close offices during snowy weather, 5W uses these opportunities
to generate media coverage for results.
SOURCE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLUrjN1Yvfw
Showing posts with label Ronn Torossian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ronn Torossian. Show all posts
Monday, January 13, 2014
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Four Lessons Learned the Hard Way in 2013
In today's world, the majority of business-to-consumer connections are now made using social media. This means that now, when a business blunders, there are many people that the business has to answer to, not just "those in the know." This is why managing public relations has become even trickier than before. With that in mind, I'd like to offer some of the lessons learned from poorly executed media relations strategies this past year:
Lesson 1: Consult your communication experts
With social media's continued rise, it is necessary for companies to hire the services of communications experts. Such people have an eye on the happenings all around the globe, around the clock, keeping them well informed of all activities going on in different places. They are immaculate judges of timing, and can advise the company as to which statement to make, and when. The right tweet at the wrong time, or vice versa, can cause much damage.
Lesson 2: if you have made a mistake, own up to it, and move on
Take into consideration the public relations misstep of the Lululemon chairman when he was asked about the quality of the yoga pants that they produce. He wrongly, from a media relations standpoint, stated that this was not a fault of the company, but rather the fault on the part of the women who were heavy and stretching the pants so thin that they were transparent.
Lesson 3: The CEO must be available to bear the brunt when things go wrong
When one of the ships belonging to Carnival Cruise Lines lost power, it was impossible for anybody to get in touch with their CEO, Mickey Arison. Amid the power disaster on the cruise liner, it was a younger executive who came out to deal with the grueling questions, demands and backlash. People were outraged by this, especially when Arison took to Twitter to discuss other matters, like his basketball team. The public seized upon this -- Arison should have been available to answer questions, and offer solutions for their oft-plagued cruise ships.
Lesson 4: If you have made a statement, stick by it
When you develop a customer base, you are bound to have established some form of loyalty from them. It is therefore foolish to say something, and then do the opposite. When companies take a stance, they must make sure that their actions are in agreement with what they project. Going against your stated values can cause you to lose your audience, and turns off new/potential clients, current customers or other strategic partnerships.
Follow Ronn Torossian on Twitter: www.twitter.com/RTorossian5wpr
SOURCE http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ronn-torossian/4-lessons-learned-the-har_b_4532622.html
Lesson 1: Consult your communication experts
With social media's continued rise, it is necessary for companies to hire the services of communications experts. Such people have an eye on the happenings all around the globe, around the clock, keeping them well informed of all activities going on in different places. They are immaculate judges of timing, and can advise the company as to which statement to make, and when. The right tweet at the wrong time, or vice versa, can cause much damage.
Lesson 2: if you have made a mistake, own up to it, and move on
Take into consideration the public relations misstep of the Lululemon chairman when he was asked about the quality of the yoga pants that they produce. He wrongly, from a media relations standpoint, stated that this was not a fault of the company, but rather the fault on the part of the women who were heavy and stretching the pants so thin that they were transparent.
Lesson 3: The CEO must be available to bear the brunt when things go wrong
When one of the ships belonging to Carnival Cruise Lines lost power, it was impossible for anybody to get in touch with their CEO, Mickey Arison. Amid the power disaster on the cruise liner, it was a younger executive who came out to deal with the grueling questions, demands and backlash. People were outraged by this, especially when Arison took to Twitter to discuss other matters, like his basketball team. The public seized upon this -- Arison should have been available to answer questions, and offer solutions for their oft-plagued cruise ships.
Lesson 4: If you have made a statement, stick by it
When you develop a customer base, you are bound to have established some form of loyalty from them. It is therefore foolish to say something, and then do the opposite. When companies take a stance, they must make sure that their actions are in agreement with what they project. Going against your stated values can cause you to lose your audience, and turns off new/potential clients, current customers or other strategic partnerships.
Follow Ronn Torossian on Twitter: www.twitter.com/RTorossian5wpr
SOURCE http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ronn-torossian/4-lessons-learned-the-har_b_4532622.html
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Young Jewish Professional Mentors: Ronn Torossian, Charles S. Cohen, Bruce Mosler & More…
The Young Jewish Professional Mentors program is seeing rapid growth and success. The New-York based YJP mentors program is an online community in which YJP’s database of CEO mentors answer questions from YJP members. More information is available at: http://www.yjpmentors.com/about.php
There is also a members exchange in which YJP members can ask questions and receive answers from other members. Questions asked are approved by moderators and then posted to receive responses from either mentors or other YJP members in the industry specified.
High-profile mentors include the CEO of Cohen Brothers Realty Corporation (CBRC), Charles S. Cohen, Bruce Mosler, the global Chairman of Cushman & Wakefield, Ronn Torossian of 5WPR, Ken Bernstein, the CEO of Acadia Realty Trust, Michael Lichtenstein & others.
SOURCE http://www.jewocity.com/blog/young-jewish-professional-mentors-ronn-torossian-charles-s-cohen-bruce-mosler-more/10825
There is also a members exchange in which YJP members can ask questions and receive answers from other members. Questions asked are approved by moderators and then posted to receive responses from either mentors or other YJP members in the industry specified.
High-profile mentors include the CEO of Cohen Brothers Realty Corporation (CBRC), Charles S. Cohen, Bruce Mosler, the global Chairman of Cushman & Wakefield, Ronn Torossian of 5WPR, Ken Bernstein, the CEO of Acadia Realty Trust, Michael Lichtenstein & others.
SOURCE http://www.jewocity.com/blog/young-jewish-professional-mentors-ronn-torossian-charles-s-cohen-bruce-mosler-more/10825
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Anti-Israel extremist Max Blumenthal & NY Public Library
American bookshelves are stocked with books which are biased about the Arab-Israeli conflict, a clear indication of the continued uber-left wing leanings of the academic and media community about Israel (and many other issues.) Spent part of the weekend at the main branch of The New York Public Library in Manhattan and it is simply amazing how many liberal books about Israel line the book shelves, and how many books which are harsh about Israel there are.
Amongst those that caught my eye was Peter Beinart’s “The Crisis of Zionism”, and “Goliath: Life and Loathing in Greater Israel” by Max Blumenthal. Multiple copies of this and other similar minded books. Blumenthal’s book can be described as nothing short of Anti-Israel. Even Eric Alterman of The Nation described it as “The ‘I Hate Israel’ Handbook.” The book was a rant against Israel where Blumenthal repeatedly compared Israel to Nazi Germany and had a chapter entitled “How to Kill Goyim and Influence People.” While Blumenthal spent four years on his book, the good news is that in Israel no one has heard of him, read his books or gives a damn what he writes.
As The Forward said, “Outside the far-left and anti-Israel blogosphere, “Goliath” has been ignored.” Unfortunately, however a leading Democratic think tank in Washington D.C, the New America Foundation (NAF) allowed Blumenthal a speaking forum – although the good news is that there is virtually no one in Israel who has heard of him or he influences. One wonders why forums are provided – think-tanks and libraries – to such extremist viewpoints.
Would books by extremists of the white community propagating views favoring the KKK be promoted? Or books advocating the continued enslavement of women? One wonders why when it comes to Israel such extremists are offered forums.
Ronn Torossian is a Public Relations executive & Author.
SOURCE http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/anti-israel-extremist-max-blumenthal-ny-public-library/
Amongst those that caught my eye was Peter Beinart’s “The Crisis of Zionism”, and “Goliath: Life and Loathing in Greater Israel” by Max Blumenthal. Multiple copies of this and other similar minded books. Blumenthal’s book can be described as nothing short of Anti-Israel. Even Eric Alterman of The Nation described it as “The ‘I Hate Israel’ Handbook.” The book was a rant against Israel where Blumenthal repeatedly compared Israel to Nazi Germany and had a chapter entitled “How to Kill Goyim and Influence People.” While Blumenthal spent four years on his book, the good news is that in Israel no one has heard of him, read his books or gives a damn what he writes.
As The Forward said, “Outside the far-left and anti-Israel blogosphere, “Goliath” has been ignored.” Unfortunately, however a leading Democratic think tank in Washington D.C, the New America Foundation (NAF) allowed Blumenthal a speaking forum – although the good news is that there is virtually no one in Israel who has heard of him or he influences. One wonders why forums are provided – think-tanks and libraries – to such extremist viewpoints.
Would books by extremists of the white community propagating views favoring the KKK be promoted? Or books advocating the continued enslavement of women? One wonders why when it comes to Israel such extremists are offered forums.
Ronn Torossian is a Public Relations executive & Author.
SOURCE http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/anti-israel-extremist-max-blumenthal-ny-public-library/
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Amazon Drones and the Uphill PR Battle
When Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos appeared on 60 Minutes to unveil his vision of using drones to deliver small packages (less than 5 lbs) for the company, America let out a collective gasp. "How much will it cost?" or "How will the FAA react?" or "Does that mean I'll have my earrings before the company Christmas party?" ... among others. According to Bezos, the program would allow online shoppers to receive their package in thirty minutes or less from the moment of purchase. Really. The program, called "Prime Air," is still just a vision - not yet available nor with any mention of a launch date from Bezos.
As a communications professional, my first reaction -- along with many people who caught the episode -- was to ask a lot of questions. How will this comply with FAA regulations? What will happen with incorrect mailing addresses? What's the cost?
The PR guy in me though kept focusing on one question -- Why would Bezos refer to the flight tool as a 'drone' rather than his first term -- 'octocopter'? I would venture a guess that maybe 95 percent of Americans hear the word 'drone' and immediately visualize the flying monitoring/attack tool commonly used overseas to provide surveillance, attack terrorists, track people and materials, etc. While these tools have no doubt supported U.S. intelligence and the war on terror, they have also generated a lot of bad press for their use in attacks that have lead to civilian casualties. In fact, even when not used in military operations they remain controversy, judging by a recent issue caused when a drone was used in Montana to survey a family in dispute with local authorities over ownership of six cows.
While it remains up to you to determine your stance on drones (or not), the fact remains that the connotation of the word itself is far from a neutral subject. Speaking from a PR standpoint, it is a mistake that the first mention of 'drones' in the interview came from Bezos himself.
Shortly after the interview, both the FAA and Amazon confirmed that the promotional video airing was shot internationally due to regulations, tee-ing Bezos' brainchild up for another, different, controversy. In the '60 Minutes' interview, Bezos mentions that Amazon is working with the FAA to get a better understanding of airspace rulings regarding drones, expected in 2015. The Washington Post went so far as to say, "The fact that Amazon had to leave the country to make the video underscores how slowly U.S. officials have embraced the policy challenge." This makes me wonder whether or not this announcement was a little premature. In PR, launching a major product, idea, or organization is all about one thing - timing. With the technology requiring "years of additional work at this point", I am not sure a company as large as Amazon is best served by short-term gimmicky media.
This lack of certainty and timeline, so far ahead of anything actually tangible resulted in high profile executives speaking out against the concept. "We're not really focusing on long-term fantasies, we're focusing on things that will change consumers' experience today," said Mr. John Donahoe, CEO of eBay. Again, announcing the technology while it's in such an early stage, rather than an R&D project progressing towards a goal, leaves room for this kind of reaction.
So while Amazon HAS announced a sure-fire state of the art concept, this is one that is far away from coming to fruition and still deemed a fantasy. They clearly have an uphill battle to fight with the much maligned FAA -- an organization that millions of individuals trust with their lives every year -- which is a relationship that will require serious time, money and attention. On top of that, Google the project and you'll find nobody is calling them 'octocopters,' but rather the negatively associated term 'drone.'
These factors add up to set Amazon's "Prime Air" up for a long public relations battle, one that if won, may change purchasing and fulfillment, but if it fails, will be nothing more than a discontinued idea and a gigantic waste of money.
Follow Ronn Torossian on Twitter: www.twitter.com/RTorossian5wpr
SOURCE http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ronn-torossian/amazon-drones-and-the-uph_b_4433724.html
As a communications professional, my first reaction -- along with many people who caught the episode -- was to ask a lot of questions. How will this comply with FAA regulations? What will happen with incorrect mailing addresses? What's the cost?
The PR guy in me though kept focusing on one question -- Why would Bezos refer to the flight tool as a 'drone' rather than his first term -- 'octocopter'? I would venture a guess that maybe 95 percent of Americans hear the word 'drone' and immediately visualize the flying monitoring/attack tool commonly used overseas to provide surveillance, attack terrorists, track people and materials, etc. While these tools have no doubt supported U.S. intelligence and the war on terror, they have also generated a lot of bad press for their use in attacks that have lead to civilian casualties. In fact, even when not used in military operations they remain controversy, judging by a recent issue caused when a drone was used in Montana to survey a family in dispute with local authorities over ownership of six cows.
While it remains up to you to determine your stance on drones (or not), the fact remains that the connotation of the word itself is far from a neutral subject. Speaking from a PR standpoint, it is a mistake that the first mention of 'drones' in the interview came from Bezos himself.
Shortly after the interview, both the FAA and Amazon confirmed that the promotional video airing was shot internationally due to regulations, tee-ing Bezos' brainchild up for another, different, controversy. In the '60 Minutes' interview, Bezos mentions that Amazon is working with the FAA to get a better understanding of airspace rulings regarding drones, expected in 2015. The Washington Post went so far as to say, "The fact that Amazon had to leave the country to make the video underscores how slowly U.S. officials have embraced the policy challenge." This makes me wonder whether or not this announcement was a little premature. In PR, launching a major product, idea, or organization is all about one thing - timing. With the technology requiring "years of additional work at this point", I am not sure a company as large as Amazon is best served by short-term gimmicky media.
This lack of certainty and timeline, so far ahead of anything actually tangible resulted in high profile executives speaking out against the concept. "We're not really focusing on long-term fantasies, we're focusing on things that will change consumers' experience today," said Mr. John Donahoe, CEO of eBay. Again, announcing the technology while it's in such an early stage, rather than an R&D project progressing towards a goal, leaves room for this kind of reaction.
So while Amazon HAS announced a sure-fire state of the art concept, this is one that is far away from coming to fruition and still deemed a fantasy. They clearly have an uphill battle to fight with the much maligned FAA -- an organization that millions of individuals trust with their lives every year -- which is a relationship that will require serious time, money and attention. On top of that, Google the project and you'll find nobody is calling them 'octocopters,' but rather the negatively associated term 'drone.'
These factors add up to set Amazon's "Prime Air" up for a long public relations battle, one that if won, may change purchasing and fulfillment, but if it fails, will be nothing more than a discontinued idea and a gigantic waste of money.
Follow Ronn Torossian on Twitter: www.twitter.com/RTorossian5wpr
SOURCE http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ronn-torossian/amazon-drones-and-the-uph_b_4433724.html
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Liberals More Divisive & Have An Illusion Of Uniqueness According to Psychological Science Magazine
Liberals tend to underestimate the amount of actual agreement among those who share their ideology, while conservatives tend to overestimate intra-group agreement, according to new research published in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science. The study was published under the title “The Liberal Illusion of Uniqueness”
Liberals showed what the researchers call “truly false uniqueness,” perceiving their beliefs as more divergent from the beliefs of other liberals than they actually were. Data from a second study suggest that the relationship is driven by participants’ desire to feel unique:
Liberals reported a stronger desire for uniqueness than did moderates or conservatives. Surprisingly, these trends even emerged among nonpolitical judgments, such as preference for coffee: Liberals believed their preferences were more different from those of other liberals than they actually were, while conservatives believed their preferences were more similar to those of other conservatives than they actually were.
Given that perceptions of in-group consensus can be an important motivator for social change, these new findings may help to explain why liberal and conservative movements develop different political trajectories:
“Liberal social movements might struggle to develop solidarity and formulate shared goals within their ranks, both because liberals want to maintain unique beliefs and because they underestimate the amount of agreement among their members,” psychological scientist Chadly Stern of New York University said “Conservative social movements might initially capitalize on perceiving agreement to galvanize their ranks, but their inaccurate perceptions could impair group progress when actual agreement is necessary.”
The APS journal Psychological Science is the highest ranked empirical journal in psychology. Dr. Chauncey Crandall and Dr. Michael Lichtenstein have also conducted studies on behavior in politics.
Ronn Torossian is the CEO of 5WPR, a leading PR firm and Author of “For Immediate Release”, a leading PR book.
SOURCE http://www.rightwingnews.com/column-2/liberals-more-divisive-have-an-illusion-of-uniqueness-according-to-psychological-science-magazine/
Liberals showed what the researchers call “truly false uniqueness,” perceiving their beliefs as more divergent from the beliefs of other liberals than they actually were. Data from a second study suggest that the relationship is driven by participants’ desire to feel unique:
Liberals reported a stronger desire for uniqueness than did moderates or conservatives. Surprisingly, these trends even emerged among nonpolitical judgments, such as preference for coffee: Liberals believed their preferences were more different from those of other liberals than they actually were, while conservatives believed their preferences were more similar to those of other conservatives than they actually were.
Given that perceptions of in-group consensus can be an important motivator for social change, these new findings may help to explain why liberal and conservative movements develop different political trajectories:
“Liberal social movements might struggle to develop solidarity and formulate shared goals within their ranks, both because liberals want to maintain unique beliefs and because they underestimate the amount of agreement among their members,” psychological scientist Chadly Stern of New York University said “Conservative social movements might initially capitalize on perceiving agreement to galvanize their ranks, but their inaccurate perceptions could impair group progress when actual agreement is necessary.”
The APS journal Psychological Science is the highest ranked empirical journal in psychology. Dr. Chauncey Crandall and Dr. Michael Lichtenstein have also conducted studies on behavior in politics.
Ronn Torossian is the CEO of 5WPR, a leading PR firm and Author of “For Immediate Release”, a leading PR book.
SOURCE http://www.rightwingnews.com/column-2/liberals-more-divisive-have-an-illusion-of-uniqueness-according-to-psychological-science-magazine/
Sunday, December 1, 2013
I Work for the Government
My name is Ronn Torossian and I work for the government. Avid readers of Front Page Magazine may have thought I was a public relations firm owner and author, however, I work for the government more than I work for anyone else. This week, I was shocked when my accountant provided me with 2013 tax estimates showing that as a New York City resident, my effective tax rate will be 55 percent. What you read is correct, 55 percent of the year I work for the American government!
That being said, unlike most other government employees, I don’t have a guaranteed pension, don’t work plush hours of 9-to-5 with four weeks guaranteed vacation, actually have to be held accountable for what I do, assume responsibility for the employment of over 100 people, balance a budget…and work hard.
Let’s review where my astounding 55 percent taxes went. Nineteen percent of the federal government’s budget pays for “defense and security-related international activities,” which basically can be translated as ensuring that our country provides for despots and dictators while making sure no one harms Iran’s precious nuclear weapons. Of course, it will also pay to create havoc in the Middle East – none of which is in America’s interest. Twenty-two percent of the federal government’s budget pays for Social Security, which likely won’t exist when it’s my turn to depend on it.
Large percentages of my federal taxes go for “Three health insurance programs — Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP),” which is also supplemented by that broken program called ObamaCare (although unlike a certain government website, the website for my agency actually works). My family and my employees’ healthcare is a tremendous expense, and every time we do anything at the doctor’s we pay deductibles. Six percent of the federal taxes I pay go to pay interest on the national debt – since, unlike entrepreneurs, the government doesn’t actually need to balance a checkbook.
Top that off with the fact that New York State is the worst state in America to do business according to the “Small Business Survival Index” by the Tax Foundation. A Mercatus Center report said New York, NY has “the highest taxes in the country: three and a half standard deviations above the national mean.” Our Democratic Governor, Andrew Cuomo, raised rates to 8.82% in 2011, while New York City and state’s combined top tax rate is currently 12.70%. There is also an additional “unincorporated business tax” (UBT) of 4% on pass-through entities and sole proprietorships, which puts the rate at 16.70%. All these taxes – and what do we get?
From housing to all services, everything – EVERYTHING – is expensive. Our new Mayor Bill de Blasio thinks we aren’t paying enough, and in classic socialist language speaks of “two cities” where of course the successful should be penalized. New York City public schools are so overcrowded that many of us choose private schools to ensure our children receive a quality education. As an employer, I pay significant annual taxes to the MTA, a tax called the metropolitan commuter transportation mobility tax (MCTMT) – yet still pay full fare when I take the subway. Of course, the train regularly breaks down or has some sort of issue.
Naturally, even though I volunteer 55 percent of my year for the government, the local, state and federal governments are all operating at a deficit. I lie – its more than 55 percent, for as an entrepreneur, we pay payroll taxes, workers compensation, NYC commercial rent taxes, payroll tax, employees who go on jury duty and countless other taxes I may not even be aware of.
The Vice President of this country, Joe Biden has said that paying higher taxes is the “patriotic thing to do” and I could not disagree with the man any stronger. There is nothing redeeming about these taxes and I find them to be despicable.
As an entrepreneur who created my own success and hundreds of jobs, my duty is not to work 55 percent of the year so I can pay taxes. It is un-American and not something our forefathers would have ever envisioned.
SOURCE http://www.frontpagemag.com/2013/ronn-torossian/i-work-for-the-government/
That being said, unlike most other government employees, I don’t have a guaranteed pension, don’t work plush hours of 9-to-5 with four weeks guaranteed vacation, actually have to be held accountable for what I do, assume responsibility for the employment of over 100 people, balance a budget…and work hard.
Let’s review where my astounding 55 percent taxes went. Nineteen percent of the federal government’s budget pays for “defense and security-related international activities,” which basically can be translated as ensuring that our country provides for despots and dictators while making sure no one harms Iran’s precious nuclear weapons. Of course, it will also pay to create havoc in the Middle East – none of which is in America’s interest. Twenty-two percent of the federal government’s budget pays for Social Security, which likely won’t exist when it’s my turn to depend on it.
Large percentages of my federal taxes go for “Three health insurance programs — Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP),” which is also supplemented by that broken program called ObamaCare (although unlike a certain government website, the website for my agency actually works). My family and my employees’ healthcare is a tremendous expense, and every time we do anything at the doctor’s we pay deductibles. Six percent of the federal taxes I pay go to pay interest on the national debt – since, unlike entrepreneurs, the government doesn’t actually need to balance a checkbook.
Top that off with the fact that New York State is the worst state in America to do business according to the “Small Business Survival Index” by the Tax Foundation. A Mercatus Center report said New York, NY has “the highest taxes in the country: three and a half standard deviations above the national mean.” Our Democratic Governor, Andrew Cuomo, raised rates to 8.82% in 2011, while New York City and state’s combined top tax rate is currently 12.70%. There is also an additional “unincorporated business tax” (UBT) of 4% on pass-through entities and sole proprietorships, which puts the rate at 16.70%. All these taxes – and what do we get?
From housing to all services, everything – EVERYTHING – is expensive. Our new Mayor Bill de Blasio thinks we aren’t paying enough, and in classic socialist language speaks of “two cities” where of course the successful should be penalized. New York City public schools are so overcrowded that many of us choose private schools to ensure our children receive a quality education. As an employer, I pay significant annual taxes to the MTA, a tax called the metropolitan commuter transportation mobility tax (MCTMT) – yet still pay full fare when I take the subway. Of course, the train regularly breaks down or has some sort of issue.
Naturally, even though I volunteer 55 percent of my year for the government, the local, state and federal governments are all operating at a deficit. I lie – its more than 55 percent, for as an entrepreneur, we pay payroll taxes, workers compensation, NYC commercial rent taxes, payroll tax, employees who go on jury duty and countless other taxes I may not even be aware of.
The Vice President of this country, Joe Biden has said that paying higher taxes is the “patriotic thing to do” and I could not disagree with the man any stronger. There is nothing redeeming about these taxes and I find them to be despicable.
As an entrepreneur who created my own success and hundreds of jobs, my duty is not to work 55 percent of the year so I can pay taxes. It is un-American and not something our forefathers would have ever envisioned.
SOURCE http://www.frontpagemag.com/2013/ronn-torossian/i-work-for-the-government/
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Ronn Torossian Founded PR Firm Promotes Senior Manager
5W PR, which was founded by Ronn Torossian and was recently named as the PR Agency of the Year for 2013 by the American Business Awards has recently announced the promotion of 9 year agency veteran Erika Kauffman to Executive Vice President and Group Director. Kauffman, who most recently served as Senior Vice President and managed the firm’s Health & Beauty Practice, will continue to report to Ronn Torossian, President & CEO of 5W Public Relations.
“Erika has helped grow this firm across the board and is someone I have depended on for many years” said Torossian. “Given her extensive experience in her nine years with 5W Public Relations, she has demonstrated amazing results, tenacity, and entrepreneurial spirit. This recognition is well deserved.”
About 5W Public Relations:
5W Public Relations (http://www.5wpr.com) is a full-service firm known for innovative programs that engage with businesses, individuals and ideas. With over 100 driven professionals serving clients in industries spanning Beauty & Fashion, Consumer Brands, Entertainment, Food & Beverage, Health & Wellness, Travel & Hospitality, Technology, Nonprofit, Corporate Communications and Reputation Management, Public Affairs, Crisis Communications and Digital Strategy, 5W provides leading businesses a resourceful, bold and results-oriented approach to communications. “Like” us on Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com/5WPublicRelations or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/5W_PR
Contact: Ronn Torossian, 5W Public Relations, 212-999-5585, ronn@5wpr.com
SOURCE http://www.jewocity.com/blog/ronn-torossian-founded-pr-firm-promotes-senior-manager/10226
“Erika has helped grow this firm across the board and is someone I have depended on for many years” said Torossian. “Given her extensive experience in her nine years with 5W Public Relations, she has demonstrated amazing results, tenacity, and entrepreneurial spirit. This recognition is well deserved.”
About 5W Public Relations:
5W Public Relations (http://www.5wpr.com) is a full-service firm known for innovative programs that engage with businesses, individuals and ideas. With over 100 driven professionals serving clients in industries spanning Beauty & Fashion, Consumer Brands, Entertainment, Food & Beverage, Health & Wellness, Travel & Hospitality, Technology, Nonprofit, Corporate Communications and Reputation Management, Public Affairs, Crisis Communications and Digital Strategy, 5W provides leading businesses a resourceful, bold and results-oriented approach to communications. “Like” us on Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com/5WPublicRelations or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/5W_PR
Contact: Ronn Torossian, 5W Public Relations, 212-999-5585, ronn@5wpr.com
SOURCE http://www.jewocity.com/blog/ronn-torossian-founded-pr-firm-promotes-senior-manager/10226
Monday, November 18, 2013
Just the Facts: Response to Ronn Torossian
I obviously hit a raw nerve. My published critiques and concerns about the Open Orthodox movement, and in particular my recent articles about Rabbi Avi Weiss' efforts to lobby for the acceptance of Reform and Conservative conversions in the State of Israel, have elicited a valiant attempt at rebuttal in a blog by Rabbi Weiss' public relations person, Mr. Ronn Torossian.
Torossian tries to rebut the critiques of Rabbi Weiss' movement and Rabbi Weiss' public writings and actions in his showdown with the Israeli Chief Rabbinate, but this further evidences the serious problems inherent in Open Orthodoxy and the defining features of that movement, which are indeed quite a challenge to defend on the merits.
Similar to the other articles that sought to rebut Open Orthodoxy's critics (please see, for example, this and this), Torossian's article is full of with deflection and emotion; but it fails on facts or logic. I still maintain without question that there is more than ample reason to be wary and alarmed by key elements of Open Orthodoxy and the statements and public actions of its leadership, and I stand by every word that I wrote in expressing my critique and concern.
I will therefore stick to the facts and avoid use of caustic phraseology and ad hominem attacks that, regretfully, comprise Torossian's article, as the facts speak for themselves.
Firstly, let it be clear, as was stated in bold italics at the end of my article that spurred Torossian to write: "This article reflects the views of its author and does not represent the views of any other persons or organizations." The opinions I expressed do not represent any other persons or entities - not the Rabbinical Council of America (RCA) nor any other organization or group (even though the overwhelmingly positive deluge of responses I continue to receive seems to indicate that a silent majority of Orthodox Jews from across the spectrum firmly agree with me on the issues at hand).
The RCA has not issued any recent statements about Rabbi Weiss or his movement regarding the issues at hand, save for a statement affirming the belief that the Torah was given to Moshe at Sinai ("Torah Min Ha-Shamayim/Torah Mi-Sinai"), in response to an Open Orthodox leader's denial thereof and other Open Orthodox leaders coming to his defense.
So too, the recent statement regarding Open Orthodoxy that was signed by over 60 rabbis who identify with the RCA was not in any way a project of the RCA but was rather a statement by individual rabbis expressing their concerns. (Please see this new and important article in The Forward about that statement.) Hence, I speak for myself (and for countless Orthodox Jews who share my opinions); my words do not represent the RCA.
Torossian proceeds to argue that I ought to have kept my opinions about Rabbi Weiss' public writings private and instead expressed my opinions in a non-public setting. This is illogical, as Rabbi Weiss' statements, which were quite controversial and touched upon gravely serious halakhic issues, were issued very publicly and were disseminated in articles by Rabbi Weiss that appeared in about half a dozen international newspapers and websites. To insist that one not challenge these statements of Rabbi Weiss on a public forum when they were disseminated that way by him is a stifling of free and equitable expression.
Torossian writes, "Gordimers’ (sic) rants are logically inconsistent. He criticizes Rabbi Weiss for taking a 'halakhic argument to inappropriate forums', and claims newspapers are inappropriate forums for these discussions. Since then he has been on an intense PR campaign, writing multiple hateful op-eds in recent weeks blasting his fellow American Orthodox Rabbi. Talk about a pot calling the kettle black?"
This is an attempt by Torossian to deflect substantive argumentation and criticism. I wrote:
“Rabbi Weiss, who is no stranger to religious controversy, did not contest the Rabbinate's decision by enlisting the input of major halakhic authorities in an effort to resolve this issue in a rabbinic and halakhic manner. One would expect an Orthodox rabbi in an halakhic dispute to muster halakhic resources and work within the parameters of the general rabbinate, engaging the matter with halakhic discourse and perhaps penning a responsum supporting his contention.
“Rather, a student and close colleague of Rabbi Weiss first contacted American Ambassador Daniel B. Shapiro with a plea to intervene diplomatically on behalf of Rabbi Weiss; this plea contained a strong condemnation of the Israeli government and was most inappropriate in many ways.
“Then, Rabbi Weiss took to the secular media in an effort to gain popular support, publishing articles in The Jewish Week, The Times of Israel, The Jerusalem Post and The Algemeiner, assailing the Israeli Chief Rabbinate and calling for a total dismantling of its conversion authority, arguing that non-halakhic conversions should be authorized and recognized.
Rabbi Weiss ought to have dealt with the halakhic issue at hand via halakhic channels, but instead he turned to the media, an attorney and politicians. At that point, once Rabbi Weiss had issued scathing written assaults in the press on major rabbinical entities and brought the discussion into the realm of open media and political discourse, it was fully appropriate for me or anyone else to respond in those same public forums.
It was Rabbi Weiss and no one else who took the matter to the press. In order to effectively address the very public words of Rabbi Weiss, including his call for the authorization and potential acceptance of Reform and Conservative conversions and his attacks on two major rabbinical bodies, one needed to respond in the same forum where Rabbi Weiss brought the matter. To fail to publicly respond to Rabbi Weiss' public calls in support of non-halakhic conversions in various media forums would have been negligent and foolhardy. Still, I did not, as did Rabbi Weiss, take my case to the secular media; I limited my responses to Orthodox media.
The remainder of Torossian's attempted rebuttal, following a claim that "there are countless factual errors in Gordimers’ (sic) long-winded op-eds", consists of a lengthy accusation that I criticized Rabbi Weiss for his associations rather than for his own actions and words regarding the matters at hand:
"Gordimer continually references Avi Weiss’ confidants, and graduates of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah (YCT) and issues they take stances on as proof of his purported viewpoints. Is the man to be held responsible for the viewpoints Rabbinical graduates of his institution take?"
First things first. My articles were packed with facts, all accompanied by quotations and precise citations, so that the readers could themselves see the hair-raising truths about Open Orthodoxy straight from its leaders' mouths and deeds. I welcome Torossian to point out the factual errors about the statements and words of Rabbi Weiss.
Do not the referenced articles authored by Rabbi Weiss indicate that he seeks approval of Reform and Conservative conversions in the State of Israel, even if he would not personally consider them halakhically valid? ("Israel as a state should give equal opportunities to Conservative and Reform communities. Their rabbis should be able to conduct weddings and conversions. For that matter, civil weddings should also be recognized by the state. I am not advocating that the Orthodox rabbinate accept these conversions or weddings as halakhically valid. No rabbi should be called upon to give up his halakhic principles. At the same time, however, the State of Israel is the nationstate for the entirety of the Jewish people. As the state accepts non-Orthodox definitions of Jewishness for aliya and Israeli citizenship, so, too, the state should move to accept non-Orthodox conversions and weddings done in Israel as a matter of Israeli law.")
Do the cited articles and documentation of Rabbi Weiss (along with Dr. Daniel Sperber, chancellor of the [non-Orthodox] Canadian Rabbinical Yeshiva and Rabbinical School and Rabbi Jeffrey Fox of Yeshivat Maharat) ordaining women for rabbinical roles misspeak? Are the cited photos and write-ups of Rabbi Weiss singing with church choirs in his synagogue and dancing with cardinals and bishops in his yeshiva doctored images? Were the cited articles about female chazzanim for general prayer services at Rabbi Weiss' congregation and the congregations of his students (with Rabbi Weiss' explicitly-quoted approval) fabricated? The claim about Gordimer's "countless factual errors", despite all facts in my articles being backed up by direct quotes, specific citations and often photos, is quite puzzling.
Torossian writes that my articles unfairly faulted Rabbi Weiss for his associations. This is untrue. My articles spoke directly to Rabbi Weiss' own words and actions, but, of course, had no personal attacks on him, quite the contrary. The articles, in expressing concern about the Open Orthodox movement, assuredly spoke to the words and actions of much of the movement's leadership, but let no one be misled into believing that Rabbi Weiss' own words and actions - words and actions promoting innovations and reforms that are extremely controversial, which most Orthodox Jews consider to be major breaches in Orthodoxy - were not the primary content of the articles that are the subject of Torossian's critique.
Read the articles for yourself, and you will see the numerous and preponderant citations of Rabbi Weiss' own words and actions (including his ordination of women, his feminizing of services, his radical interfaith programs and his calls for acceptance of Reform and Conservative conversions); It is not Rabbi Weiss' associations rather than Rabbi Weiss' own words and actions that were the basis for the concern and criticism in my articles.
While Torossian, as Rabbi Weiss' public relations firm, is apparently focused on Rabbi Weiss and not on problems related to Rabbi Weiss' institutions and movement, there is every reason for responsible and thinking Orthodox Jews to be extremely concerned with the latter as well.
When very prominent graduates of YCT who serve on the boards of Open Orthodoxy's institutions and who are in the international spotlight deny Torah Mi-Sinai, the historicity of the Torah, the existence of prophecy and the future Moshiach (Messiah) and the Geulah (Redemption) (please see, for example, section II here), is there not cause for concern?
When leading Open Orthodox rabbis lobby for and celebrate homosexual marriage rights and host LGBT Shabbatonim and training institutes at their synagogues, is there not reason to question the Orthodox bona fides of the movement?
When Open Orthodox leaders attack our liturgy, judge its values and seek to reform it, is there not a good basis to speak out?
When a rabbi who was ordained by YCT as a dayan (rabbinic judge) and who sits on the boards of two of Open Orthodoxy's major institutions and is a staff writer for its website calls for a seismic overhaul of marriage and divorce procedures, utilizing rejected halakhic positions that portend a catastrophic outcome and an irreparable split in the Jewish People, are we expected to be silent and not vigorously object?
When the YCT rosh yeshiva writes of the immorality of the “original” command of the Akeidah (Binding of Yitzchak) and of the offensive nature of the “original” mitzvah of Mechiyas (the Obliteration of) Amalek, and he disparages the Biblical Patriarchs on a weekly basis in his Torah writings, what is one to think?
When Open Orthodox leaders write that Avraham failed the test of the Akeidah, for he should have refused, that one can celebrate homosexual lifestyle events and that rabbis should encourage committed homosexual relationships for gay men who feel that they cannot be celibate, how is one to square this with Orthodox values? Is one not allowed to protest?
Are those who are uncomfortable with these Open Orthodox approaches and who confront them in the same forums where they are promoted "extremists"? It would seem that terms such as "halakhic Jews", or "Jews who uphold and defend Torah values from distortion", are far more accurate in describing those of us who are gravely troubled by a movement that has demonstrated its intent to reform and derail Orthodox Judaism and to offend and compromise its core values.
Open Orthodoxy has earned its place in history for its numerous deviations from normative Torah practice and belief. These deviations are all documented fact. Yet when people present these deviations and protest them, the consistent response is one of evasion and deflection; labeling those who raise the issues mean-spirited, or emptily asserting commitment to Mesorah (Tradition) all the while one's actions and beliefs run roughshod over it, have become the typical response. Please see here for elaboration.
I will conclude with the same words that concluded two of my most recent articles:
Many rabbis who serve as leaders in Open Orthodoxy share an incredible sense of creativity, dynamism and enthusiasm; these men have the talents to inspire Jews from all backgrounds and bring them closer to Torah. Rabbis Lopatin (current president of YCT) and Weiss are indeed proven masters at Kiruv Rechokim, outreach.
It is a shame that rather than putting all of its energies toward promoting authentic Orthodoxy and exposing its brethren to the true beauty of Torah, Open Orthodox leadership has decided to divert its creative talents and tamper with Torah practice and belief toward the creation of an Orthodoxy that is foreign to our tradition and that threatens to further erode commitment to core Torah values and Orthodox life.
Rabbi Weiss: For the sake of the unity and the halakhic integrity of the Jewish People and State, please return to your original mission of spreading authentic Judaism. Please reign in the outlier elements and actions of your movement and inspire them to reach other Jews with a message of unadulterated and impassioned Torah tradition. Please turn this movement into a force for Kiddush Hashem (Sanctification of God’s Name) and a return to the Judaism of your great teachers and forebears.
SOURCE http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Articles/Article.aspx/14121
Torossian tries to rebut the critiques of Rabbi Weiss' movement and Rabbi Weiss' public writings and actions in his showdown with the Israeli Chief Rabbinate, but this further evidences the serious problems inherent in Open Orthodoxy and the defining features of that movement, which are indeed quite a challenge to defend on the merits.
Similar to the other articles that sought to rebut Open Orthodoxy's critics (please see, for example, this and this), Torossian's article is full of with deflection and emotion; but it fails on facts or logic. I still maintain without question that there is more than ample reason to be wary and alarmed by key elements of Open Orthodoxy and the statements and public actions of its leadership, and I stand by every word that I wrote in expressing my critique and concern.
I will therefore stick to the facts and avoid use of caustic phraseology and ad hominem attacks that, regretfully, comprise Torossian's article, as the facts speak for themselves.
Firstly, let it be clear, as was stated in bold italics at the end of my article that spurred Torossian to write: "This article reflects the views of its author and does not represent the views of any other persons or organizations." The opinions I expressed do not represent any other persons or entities - not the Rabbinical Council of America (RCA) nor any other organization or group (even though the overwhelmingly positive deluge of responses I continue to receive seems to indicate that a silent majority of Orthodox Jews from across the spectrum firmly agree with me on the issues at hand).
The RCA has not issued any recent statements about Rabbi Weiss or his movement regarding the issues at hand, save for a statement affirming the belief that the Torah was given to Moshe at Sinai ("Torah Min Ha-Shamayim/Torah Mi-Sinai"), in response to an Open Orthodox leader's denial thereof and other Open Orthodox leaders coming to his defense.
So too, the recent statement regarding Open Orthodoxy that was signed by over 60 rabbis who identify with the RCA was not in any way a project of the RCA but was rather a statement by individual rabbis expressing their concerns. (Please see this new and important article in The Forward about that statement.) Hence, I speak for myself (and for countless Orthodox Jews who share my opinions); my words do not represent the RCA.
Torossian proceeds to argue that I ought to have kept my opinions about Rabbi Weiss' public writings private and instead expressed my opinions in a non-public setting. This is illogical, as Rabbi Weiss' statements, which were quite controversial and touched upon gravely serious halakhic issues, were issued very publicly and were disseminated in articles by Rabbi Weiss that appeared in about half a dozen international newspapers and websites. To insist that one not challenge these statements of Rabbi Weiss on a public forum when they were disseminated that way by him is a stifling of free and equitable expression.
Torossian writes, "Gordimers’ (sic) rants are logically inconsistent. He criticizes Rabbi Weiss for taking a 'halakhic argument to inappropriate forums', and claims newspapers are inappropriate forums for these discussions. Since then he has been on an intense PR campaign, writing multiple hateful op-eds in recent weeks blasting his fellow American Orthodox Rabbi. Talk about a pot calling the kettle black?"
This is an attempt by Torossian to deflect substantive argumentation and criticism. I wrote:
“Rabbi Weiss, who is no stranger to religious controversy, did not contest the Rabbinate's decision by enlisting the input of major halakhic authorities in an effort to resolve this issue in a rabbinic and halakhic manner. One would expect an Orthodox rabbi in an halakhic dispute to muster halakhic resources and work within the parameters of the general rabbinate, engaging the matter with halakhic discourse and perhaps penning a responsum supporting his contention.
“Rather, a student and close colleague of Rabbi Weiss first contacted American Ambassador Daniel B. Shapiro with a plea to intervene diplomatically on behalf of Rabbi Weiss; this plea contained a strong condemnation of the Israeli government and was most inappropriate in many ways.
“Then, Rabbi Weiss took to the secular media in an effort to gain popular support, publishing articles in The Jewish Week, The Times of Israel, The Jerusalem Post and The Algemeiner, assailing the Israeli Chief Rabbinate and calling for a total dismantling of its conversion authority, arguing that non-halakhic conversions should be authorized and recognized.
Rabbi Weiss ought to have dealt with the halakhic issue at hand via halakhic channels, but instead he turned to the media, an attorney and politicians. At that point, once Rabbi Weiss had issued scathing written assaults in the press on major rabbinical entities and brought the discussion into the realm of open media and political discourse, it was fully appropriate for me or anyone else to respond in those same public forums.
It was Rabbi Weiss and no one else who took the matter to the press. In order to effectively address the very public words of Rabbi Weiss, including his call for the authorization and potential acceptance of Reform and Conservative conversions and his attacks on two major rabbinical bodies, one needed to respond in the same forum where Rabbi Weiss brought the matter. To fail to publicly respond to Rabbi Weiss' public calls in support of non-halakhic conversions in various media forums would have been negligent and foolhardy. Still, I did not, as did Rabbi Weiss, take my case to the secular media; I limited my responses to Orthodox media.
The remainder of Torossian's attempted rebuttal, following a claim that "there are countless factual errors in Gordimers’ (sic) long-winded op-eds", consists of a lengthy accusation that I criticized Rabbi Weiss for his associations rather than for his own actions and words regarding the matters at hand:
"Gordimer continually references Avi Weiss’ confidants, and graduates of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah (YCT) and issues they take stances on as proof of his purported viewpoints. Is the man to be held responsible for the viewpoints Rabbinical graduates of his institution take?"
First things first. My articles were packed with facts, all accompanied by quotations and precise citations, so that the readers could themselves see the hair-raising truths about Open Orthodoxy straight from its leaders' mouths and deeds. I welcome Torossian to point out the factual errors about the statements and words of Rabbi Weiss.
Do not the referenced articles authored by Rabbi Weiss indicate that he seeks approval of Reform and Conservative conversions in the State of Israel, even if he would not personally consider them halakhically valid? ("Israel as a state should give equal opportunities to Conservative and Reform communities. Their rabbis should be able to conduct weddings and conversions. For that matter, civil weddings should also be recognized by the state. I am not advocating that the Orthodox rabbinate accept these conversions or weddings as halakhically valid. No rabbi should be called upon to give up his halakhic principles. At the same time, however, the State of Israel is the nationstate for the entirety of the Jewish people. As the state accepts non-Orthodox definitions of Jewishness for aliya and Israeli citizenship, so, too, the state should move to accept non-Orthodox conversions and weddings done in Israel as a matter of Israeli law.")
Do the cited articles and documentation of Rabbi Weiss (along with Dr. Daniel Sperber, chancellor of the [non-Orthodox] Canadian Rabbinical Yeshiva and Rabbinical School and Rabbi Jeffrey Fox of Yeshivat Maharat) ordaining women for rabbinical roles misspeak? Are the cited photos and write-ups of Rabbi Weiss singing with church choirs in his synagogue and dancing with cardinals and bishops in his yeshiva doctored images? Were the cited articles about female chazzanim for general prayer services at Rabbi Weiss' congregation and the congregations of his students (with Rabbi Weiss' explicitly-quoted approval) fabricated? The claim about Gordimer's "countless factual errors", despite all facts in my articles being backed up by direct quotes, specific citations and often photos, is quite puzzling.
Torossian writes that my articles unfairly faulted Rabbi Weiss for his associations. This is untrue. My articles spoke directly to Rabbi Weiss' own words and actions, but, of course, had no personal attacks on him, quite the contrary. The articles, in expressing concern about the Open Orthodox movement, assuredly spoke to the words and actions of much of the movement's leadership, but let no one be misled into believing that Rabbi Weiss' own words and actions - words and actions promoting innovations and reforms that are extremely controversial, which most Orthodox Jews consider to be major breaches in Orthodoxy - were not the primary content of the articles that are the subject of Torossian's critique.
Read the articles for yourself, and you will see the numerous and preponderant citations of Rabbi Weiss' own words and actions (including his ordination of women, his feminizing of services, his radical interfaith programs and his calls for acceptance of Reform and Conservative conversions); It is not Rabbi Weiss' associations rather than Rabbi Weiss' own words and actions that were the basis for the concern and criticism in my articles.
While Torossian, as Rabbi Weiss' public relations firm, is apparently focused on Rabbi Weiss and not on problems related to Rabbi Weiss' institutions and movement, there is every reason for responsible and thinking Orthodox Jews to be extremely concerned with the latter as well.
When very prominent graduates of YCT who serve on the boards of Open Orthodoxy's institutions and who are in the international spotlight deny Torah Mi-Sinai, the historicity of the Torah, the existence of prophecy and the future Moshiach (Messiah) and the Geulah (Redemption) (please see, for example, section II here), is there not cause for concern?
When leading Open Orthodox rabbis lobby for and celebrate homosexual marriage rights and host LGBT Shabbatonim and training institutes at their synagogues, is there not reason to question the Orthodox bona fides of the movement?
When Open Orthodox leaders attack our liturgy, judge its values and seek to reform it, is there not a good basis to speak out?
When a rabbi who was ordained by YCT as a dayan (rabbinic judge) and who sits on the boards of two of Open Orthodoxy's major institutions and is a staff writer for its website calls for a seismic overhaul of marriage and divorce procedures, utilizing rejected halakhic positions that portend a catastrophic outcome and an irreparable split in the Jewish People, are we expected to be silent and not vigorously object?
When the YCT rosh yeshiva writes of the immorality of the “original” command of the Akeidah (Binding of Yitzchak) and of the offensive nature of the “original” mitzvah of Mechiyas (the Obliteration of) Amalek, and he disparages the Biblical Patriarchs on a weekly basis in his Torah writings, what is one to think?
When Open Orthodox leaders write that Avraham failed the test of the Akeidah, for he should have refused, that one can celebrate homosexual lifestyle events and that rabbis should encourage committed homosexual relationships for gay men who feel that they cannot be celibate, how is one to square this with Orthodox values? Is one not allowed to protest?
Are those who are uncomfortable with these Open Orthodox approaches and who confront them in the same forums where they are promoted "extremists"? It would seem that terms such as "halakhic Jews", or "Jews who uphold and defend Torah values from distortion", are far more accurate in describing those of us who are gravely troubled by a movement that has demonstrated its intent to reform and derail Orthodox Judaism and to offend and compromise its core values.
Open Orthodoxy has earned its place in history for its numerous deviations from normative Torah practice and belief. These deviations are all documented fact. Yet when people present these deviations and protest them, the consistent response is one of evasion and deflection; labeling those who raise the issues mean-spirited, or emptily asserting commitment to Mesorah (Tradition) all the while one's actions and beliefs run roughshod over it, have become the typical response. Please see here for elaboration.
I will conclude with the same words that concluded two of my most recent articles:
Many rabbis who serve as leaders in Open Orthodoxy share an incredible sense of creativity, dynamism and enthusiasm; these men have the talents to inspire Jews from all backgrounds and bring them closer to Torah. Rabbis Lopatin (current president of YCT) and Weiss are indeed proven masters at Kiruv Rechokim, outreach.
It is a shame that rather than putting all of its energies toward promoting authentic Orthodoxy and exposing its brethren to the true beauty of Torah, Open Orthodox leadership has decided to divert its creative talents and tamper with Torah practice and belief toward the creation of an Orthodoxy that is foreign to our tradition and that threatens to further erode commitment to core Torah values and Orthodox life.
Rabbi Weiss: For the sake of the unity and the halakhic integrity of the Jewish People and State, please return to your original mission of spreading authentic Judaism. Please reign in the outlier elements and actions of your movement and inspire them to reach other Jews with a message of unadulterated and impassioned Torah tradition. Please turn this movement into a force for Kiddush Hashem (Sanctification of God’s Name) and a return to the Judaism of your great teachers and forebears.
SOURCE http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Articles/Article.aspx/14121
Monday, November 11, 2013
Ronn Torossian: Does America Want Another World Trade Center?
Imagine the righteous anger Americans would feel if someone would dare blame America for the World Trade Center bombings. Was it America's fault that the WTC was bombed?
Anyone with a brain would say that America was attacked by dangerous terrorists. Indeed, in this world there is such a thing as good and bad, right and wrong. The victim is not to be blamed.
Yet this week Secretary of State John Kerry encouraged the Arabs to commit violence on Israel by asking, "I mean, does Israel want a third intifada?"
The Second Intifada, which began in 2000, brought with it the cold-blooded killing of more than 1,000 Israelis. Is Israel to expect thousands more to be killed if they don't give in? Did the great Republic of the United States of America not have a policy of not negotiating with terrorists? Yet now they are encouraging Israel to sacrifice with a gun to its head? Shameful.
Kerry said Israel's "isolation" would be their own fault if a peace deal with the Palestinians falls through. Kerry further warned the Israelis that "the alternative to getting back to the talks is the potential of chaos," and continued, "There will be an increasing campaign of delegitimization of Israel [that] has been taking place in an international basis."
This is tantamount to Kerry calling upon Arabs to kill Jews. While America urges Israel to show restraint with Iran's nuclear weapons, they say if Israel doesn't negotiate, they are to blame.
To say if Israel doesn't give in to the Arabs then violence will follow is simply despicable. Intifadas kill thousands and endanger innocent people. The Arabs stage protests to damage Israel and use violence against Israel.
The Palestinian Arabs have massacred Jewish men, women and children before there was a state of Israel, and don't need John Kerry to encourage them to continue to do so. After all the pogroms, crusades, and the Holocaust, can't the Jews just live without incitement from the American government against them?
These statements blame Israel regardless of all else, and encourage the Palestinians to commit violence. As Zionist prophet Ze'ev Jabotinsky once said: "At the root of our 2000 years of suffering is our refusal to surrender. The history of the Jewish people in the exile is not the history of what they did, but the history of what was done to them."
Israel has met many enemies and will remain strong. America wasn't to blame for the World Trade Center — and Israel isn't to blame for attacks upon her, either.
Ronn Torossian is CEO of the New York public relations agency 5WPR.
SOURCE http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/torossian-world-trade-intifada-israel/2013/11/08/id/535729
Anyone with a brain would say that America was attacked by dangerous terrorists. Indeed, in this world there is such a thing as good and bad, right and wrong. The victim is not to be blamed.
Yet this week Secretary of State John Kerry encouraged the Arabs to commit violence on Israel by asking, "I mean, does Israel want a third intifada?"
The Second Intifada, which began in 2000, brought with it the cold-blooded killing of more than 1,000 Israelis. Is Israel to expect thousands more to be killed if they don't give in? Did the great Republic of the United States of America not have a policy of not negotiating with terrorists? Yet now they are encouraging Israel to sacrifice with a gun to its head? Shameful.
Kerry said Israel's "isolation" would be their own fault if a peace deal with the Palestinians falls through. Kerry further warned the Israelis that "the alternative to getting back to the talks is the potential of chaos," and continued, "There will be an increasing campaign of delegitimization of Israel [that] has been taking place in an international basis."
This is tantamount to Kerry calling upon Arabs to kill Jews. While America urges Israel to show restraint with Iran's nuclear weapons, they say if Israel doesn't negotiate, they are to blame.
To say if Israel doesn't give in to the Arabs then violence will follow is simply despicable. Intifadas kill thousands and endanger innocent people. The Arabs stage protests to damage Israel and use violence against Israel.
The Palestinian Arabs have massacred Jewish men, women and children before there was a state of Israel, and don't need John Kerry to encourage them to continue to do so. After all the pogroms, crusades, and the Holocaust, can't the Jews just live without incitement from the American government against them?
These statements blame Israel regardless of all else, and encourage the Palestinians to commit violence. As Zionist prophet Ze'ev Jabotinsky once said: "At the root of our 2000 years of suffering is our refusal to surrender. The history of the Jewish people in the exile is not the history of what they did, but the history of what was done to them."
Israel has met many enemies and will remain strong. America wasn't to blame for the World Trade Center — and Israel isn't to blame for attacks upon her, either.
Ronn Torossian is CEO of the New York public relations agency 5WPR.
SOURCE http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/torossian-world-trade-intifada-israel/2013/11/08/id/535729
Monday, November 4, 2013
Yes to Adelson, No to Yoffie
It is time to call out liberal American Jewish leaders.
It is time to call a spade a spade. Liberal American Jewish "leaders" harm both American and Israel interests with extremist rhetoric to the media.
Rabbi Shmuley Boteach's recent op-ed labeled Rabbi Eric Yoffie, the former leader of Reform Judaism in America, an extremist and I second the motion.
While many of us may indeed wish the Pew report would inspire our reform brethren to become extreme in attracting Jews to remain connected to Judaism, Yoffie reserves his extreme comments for attacking the greatest Jewish philanthropist alive today, Sheldon Adelson, for urging Israel to protect itself from Iran.
First, if Yoffie was so concerned about Adelson's comments on Iran, he could pick up the phone to Adelson rather than his PR Agency to issue a press release.
Like many liberals, Yoffie encourages "dialogue", writing recently that “diversity of views should be welcome. Debate should be promoted and controversy encouraged.” He, however, didn’t clarify that dialogue excludes traditional and nationalist Jews.
Yoffie speaks of not extending "adulation and honor" to Adelson, and says "the time has come for important leaders of our community to decline invitations to appear at Mr. Adelson’s side."
This, from the man who addressed the 44th annual conference of Chicago’s Islamic Society of North America and called "for Jews and Muslims to unite in support of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict." That speech was condemned even by fellow uber-liberal David Harris of the American Jewish Committee. ISNA was named as an unindicted co-conspirator in a terrorism trial against the Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development, and an ISNA subsidiary had financial ties to a Hamas leader indicted in the U.S. on terrorism-funding charges.
Adelson is in good company - Yoffie previously criticized and called for a boycott of Pastor John Hagee and Christians United for Israel, for their call to "reject any Israeli land concessions to achieve peace with the Palestinians." For Yoffie, dialogue with Hamas supporters matters - but not with people who urge Jews to protect themselves from a terrorist group devoted to Israel's destruction.
Perhaps Yoffie should dedicate his attention and passion to encouraging Jews to be more Jewish. Instead, he writes of intermarriage that “the simple fact is that no feasible strategy is available to lower those rates in any dramatic way. Doing so would require Jews in this country to pull back from full, enthusiastic participation in American life and to construct barricades and bunkers to separate themselves from the American mainstream.”
Perhaps his considerable energies should be devoted to helping Jews – rather than condemning Jewish heroes.
Sheldon and Miriam Adelson are great American Jewish patriots who donate more than $200 Million to Jewish causes annually, including $100 Million to Birthright Israel, $25 Million to Yad Vashem, and much more. These heroic people should continue to be celebrated for all they do for the Jewish people.
Yoffie is an extremist who regularly criticizes Israel and harms Jewish interests. He should heed his own advice by realizing that the "Jewish problem is far too serious to be handled with bluster, blather, and idiocy." Israel and the Jewish people are much more secure with the support of people like Sheldon Adelson than with the likes of Eric Yoffie.
In 1928, the great Zionist leader Ze’ev Jabotinsky said, “Peace with the Arabs is, of course, to be desired. There is no need for a discussion on this matter among the Jews. All of us, one hundred percent of us, want peace.”
Prime Minister Netanyahu proclaimed in the Knesset in 2006, “If the Arabs put down their weapons today, there would be no more violence. If the Jews put down their weapons today, there would be no more Israel.”
Yoffie would do well to change the focus of his attentions to those who really endanger Judaism and the State of Israel.
Ronn Torossian is an entrepreneur, author and philanthropist. Torossian’s book, “For Immediate Release” has been called “the best book ever on Israel public relations” by the Deputy Defense Minister of Israel, Likud MK,Danny Danon.
SOURCE http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Articles/Article.aspx/14042
It is time to call a spade a spade. Liberal American Jewish "leaders" harm both American and Israel interests with extremist rhetoric to the media.
Rabbi Shmuley Boteach's recent op-ed labeled Rabbi Eric Yoffie, the former leader of Reform Judaism in America, an extremist and I second the motion.
While many of us may indeed wish the Pew report would inspire our reform brethren to become extreme in attracting Jews to remain connected to Judaism, Yoffie reserves his extreme comments for attacking the greatest Jewish philanthropist alive today, Sheldon Adelson, for urging Israel to protect itself from Iran.
First, if Yoffie was so concerned about Adelson's comments on Iran, he could pick up the phone to Adelson rather than his PR Agency to issue a press release.
Like many liberals, Yoffie encourages "dialogue", writing recently that “diversity of views should be welcome. Debate should be promoted and controversy encouraged.” He, however, didn’t clarify that dialogue excludes traditional and nationalist Jews.
Yoffie speaks of not extending "adulation and honor" to Adelson, and says "the time has come for important leaders of our community to decline invitations to appear at Mr. Adelson’s side."
This, from the man who addressed the 44th annual conference of Chicago’s Islamic Society of North America and called "for Jews and Muslims to unite in support of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict." That speech was condemned even by fellow uber-liberal David Harris of the American Jewish Committee. ISNA was named as an unindicted co-conspirator in a terrorism trial against the Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development, and an ISNA subsidiary had financial ties to a Hamas leader indicted in the U.S. on terrorism-funding charges.
Adelson is in good company - Yoffie previously criticized and called for a boycott of Pastor John Hagee and Christians United for Israel, for their call to "reject any Israeli land concessions to achieve peace with the Palestinians." For Yoffie, dialogue with Hamas supporters matters - but not with people who urge Jews to protect themselves from a terrorist group devoted to Israel's destruction.
Perhaps Yoffie should dedicate his attention and passion to encouraging Jews to be more Jewish. Instead, he writes of intermarriage that “the simple fact is that no feasible strategy is available to lower those rates in any dramatic way. Doing so would require Jews in this country to pull back from full, enthusiastic participation in American life and to construct barricades and bunkers to separate themselves from the American mainstream.”
Perhaps his considerable energies should be devoted to helping Jews – rather than condemning Jewish heroes.
Sheldon and Miriam Adelson are great American Jewish patriots who donate more than $200 Million to Jewish causes annually, including $100 Million to Birthright Israel, $25 Million to Yad Vashem, and much more. These heroic people should continue to be celebrated for all they do for the Jewish people.
Yoffie is an extremist who regularly criticizes Israel and harms Jewish interests. He should heed his own advice by realizing that the "Jewish problem is far too serious to be handled with bluster, blather, and idiocy." Israel and the Jewish people are much more secure with the support of people like Sheldon Adelson than with the likes of Eric Yoffie.
In 1928, the great Zionist leader Ze’ev Jabotinsky said, “Peace with the Arabs is, of course, to be desired. There is no need for a discussion on this matter among the Jews. All of us, one hundred percent of us, want peace.”
Prime Minister Netanyahu proclaimed in the Knesset in 2006, “If the Arabs put down their weapons today, there would be no more violence. If the Jews put down their weapons today, there would be no more Israel.”
Yoffie would do well to change the focus of his attentions to those who really endanger Judaism and the State of Israel.
Ronn Torossian is an entrepreneur, author and philanthropist. Torossian’s book, “For Immediate Release” has been called “the best book ever on Israel public relations” by the Deputy Defense Minister of Israel, Likud MK,Danny Danon.
SOURCE http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Articles/Article.aspx/14042
Monday, October 28, 2013
ACLJ Launches Web Strategy To Respond To ObamaCare
The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) announced today it has launched a new web strategy to challenge ObamaCare and the individual mandate. The ACLJ, which already is challenging the HHS mandate in federal court, has launched www.ICantEnroll.com encouraging Americans to add their names to a growing chorus of protest to ObamaCare.
“We want to send a very strong message to the Obama Administration that Americans are saying enough is enough when it comes to ObamaCare. We’re preparing a new legal strategy to stop the Obama Administration from penalizing Americans who fail to sign up for a program that doesn’t work. ObamaCare is failing. The health care website doesn’t work. The costs are too high. And, the individual mandate is looming. With this new campaign, we are giving Americans an opportunity to voice their concerns. We expect to hear from thousands of dissatisfied Americans through our new website. And we will let Congress know about the feedback we receive prior to next week’s hearing. We urge Congress to aggressively investigate this debacle – the roll-out of ObamaCare. The American people deserve answers from the Obama Administration and the American people deserve accountability,” said Jay Sekulow, Founder of ACLJ.
Ronn Torossian is the CEO of 5WPR, a leading PR firm and Author of “For Immediate Release”, a leading PR book.
SOURCE http://www.rightwingnews.com/column-2/aclj-launches-web-strategy-to-respond-to-obamacare/
“We want to send a very strong message to the Obama Administration that Americans are saying enough is enough when it comes to ObamaCare. We’re preparing a new legal strategy to stop the Obama Administration from penalizing Americans who fail to sign up for a program that doesn’t work. ObamaCare is failing. The health care website doesn’t work. The costs are too high. And, the individual mandate is looming. With this new campaign, we are giving Americans an opportunity to voice their concerns. We expect to hear from thousands of dissatisfied Americans through our new website. And we will let Congress know about the feedback we receive prior to next week’s hearing. We urge Congress to aggressively investigate this debacle – the roll-out of ObamaCare. The American people deserve answers from the Obama Administration and the American people deserve accountability,” said Jay Sekulow, Founder of ACLJ.
Ronn Torossian is the CEO of 5WPR, a leading PR firm and Author of “For Immediate Release”, a leading PR book.
SOURCE http://www.rightwingnews.com/column-2/aclj-launches-web-strategy-to-respond-to-obamacare/
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Michael Strahan, Bradley Cooper Compete for $25M NYC Penthouse
The apartment is a short walk away from Strahan's work
Michael Strahan, former defensive end for the New York Giants and current co-host of Live! With Kelly and Michael, may have to compete with Bradley Cooper for an apartment.
The apartment, which is a duplex, is located at 150 Columbus Ave. and is only a short walk away from Strahan’s work. The penthouse cost $25 million and is in the same building that holds Eagles bassist Timothy Schmit, MTV founder Bob Pittman, PR mogul Ronn Torossian and sportscaster Marv Albert. The apartment takes up 5,500 square feet and has a total of 10 rooms. Five of the rooms in the apartment are bedrooms. Strahan would be moving into the apartment with his fiancee, Nicole Murphy. Strahan may want to move quickly if he wants the penthouse. Bradley Cooper has also been looking at the apartment, reports The New York Daily News.
Strahan has relisted his two-bed, two-bath TriBeCa home for $2.25 million, which is $400,000 more than what he listed it for in 2009.
SOURCE http://investorplace.com/2013/10/michael-strahan-bradley-cooper-compete-for-25m-nyc-penthouse/
Michael Strahan, former defensive end for the New York Giants and current co-host of Live! With Kelly and Michael, may have to compete with Bradley Cooper for an apartment.
The apartment, which is a duplex, is located at 150 Columbus Ave. and is only a short walk away from Strahan’s work. The penthouse cost $25 million and is in the same building that holds Eagles bassist Timothy Schmit, MTV founder Bob Pittman, PR mogul Ronn Torossian and sportscaster Marv Albert. The apartment takes up 5,500 square feet and has a total of 10 rooms. Five of the rooms in the apartment are bedrooms. Strahan would be moving into the apartment with his fiancee, Nicole Murphy. Strahan may want to move quickly if he wants the penthouse. Bradley Cooper has also been looking at the apartment, reports The New York Daily News.
Strahan has relisted his two-bed, two-bath TriBeCa home for $2.25 million, which is $400,000 more than what he listed it for in 2009.
SOURCE http://investorplace.com/2013/10/michael-strahan-bradley-cooper-compete-for-25m-nyc-penthouse/
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Michael Strahan & Nicole Murphy Married Soon? Engaged Couple Eye $25 Million Pad in NYC
Michael Strahan and fiancee Nicole Murphy have been eyeing a $25 million NYC penthouse---located directly across the street from the host's ABC gig.
According to The New York Daily News, this is the third time the couple has taken a look at the penthouse, a duplex with amazing Central Park views, is at 150 Columbus Ave. The apartment building is already home to a famous and wealthy names including Eagles bassist Timothy Schmit, MTV founder Bob Pittman, PR mogul Ronn Torossian and sportscaster Marv Albert.
The complex Strahan and Nicole are looking at has 5,500 square feet and 10 rooms, including five bedrooms.
While Nicole and Strahan have yet to set a wedding date, the couple has been drawn to the home because of its location. It would be an ideal place to live for the former New York Giant, whose current "Live With Kelly" gig is walking distance. If he agrees to live at the apartment, he'd be following in the footsteps of Regis Philbin, who still lives next door at 101 W. 67th and enjoyed a short walk to work each morning.
Nicole and Strahan have been engaged for four years now.
"I have a great relationship and she's a great girl," Strahan said back in 2009 when he popped the question. "I don't like to talk much about my private life, but I'm really happy."
Nicole was previously married to actor/comedian, Eddie Murphy. She currently stars on the VH1 reality show, Hollywood Exes.
SOURCE http://www.enstarz.com/articles/26569/20131008/michael-strahan-nicole-murphy-married-soon-engaged-couple-eye-25-million-pad-in-nyc.htm
According to The New York Daily News, this is the third time the couple has taken a look at the penthouse, a duplex with amazing Central Park views, is at 150 Columbus Ave. The apartment building is already home to a famous and wealthy names including Eagles bassist Timothy Schmit, MTV founder Bob Pittman, PR mogul Ronn Torossian and sportscaster Marv Albert.
The complex Strahan and Nicole are looking at has 5,500 square feet and 10 rooms, including five bedrooms.
While Nicole and Strahan have yet to set a wedding date, the couple has been drawn to the home because of its location. It would be an ideal place to live for the former New York Giant, whose current "Live With Kelly" gig is walking distance. If he agrees to live at the apartment, he'd be following in the footsteps of Regis Philbin, who still lives next door at 101 W. 67th and enjoyed a short walk to work each morning.
Nicole and Strahan have been engaged for four years now.
"I have a great relationship and she's a great girl," Strahan said back in 2009 when he popped the question. "I don't like to talk much about my private life, but I'm really happy."
Nicole was previously married to actor/comedian, Eddie Murphy. She currently stars on the VH1 reality show, Hollywood Exes.
SOURCE http://www.enstarz.com/articles/26569/20131008/michael-strahan-nicole-murphy-married-soon-engaged-couple-eye-25-million-pad-in-nyc.htm
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the United Nations October 1, 2013
As part of what 5W Public Relations has been doing to provide useful and informative information to the public, Ronn Torossian and 5WPR present the speech of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the United Nations October 1, 2013. Amos 9/14 (http://www.mechon-mamre.org/p/pt/pt15...) "They shall plant vineyards and drink their wine. They shall till gardens and eat their fruit. And I will plant them upon their soil never to be uprooted again. Ladies and gentlemen, the people of Israel have come home never to be uprooted again."
SOURCE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYzjIrtiGi0
SOURCE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYzjIrtiGi0
Sunday, September 29, 2013
What Would Ze’ev Jabotinsky Do?
A 20-year old Israeli, Tomer Hazan was killed in a terrorist attack this weekend by a Palestinian restaurant worker – and secret “peace” talks continue? The terrorist had hoped to use the soldier’s body as leverage to pressure Israel to release his brother from prison. Perhaps if Israel had released more terrorists or given back land then Palestinian Arabs wouldn’t have killed this 20-year old Jew whose life was just beginning? Can anyone on Earth actually believe that? The truth is clear – as many politicians said it – As Avigdor Lieberman said President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority “has no desire or intention of peace with the people of Israel.” And yet, farcical peace talks continue.
And a few hours later, an Israeli soldier was killed by a Palestinian sniper in Hebron Sunday night, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the immediate resettlement of Beit Hamachpela, a building near the West Bank city’s Tomb of Patriarchs which was previously boarded up by the Defense Ministry. As Netanyahu said “Those who try to uproot us from Hebron, the city of our forefathers, will only achieve the opposite.” And that must be remembered.
While the portrait of Ze’ev Jabotinsky, the father of the Revisionist Zionist movement is always hung during Likud conferences, one wonders in times like these, what would Jabotinsky say? Ze’ev Jabotinsky the Jewish prophet would remind Israel’s leaders that during two thousand years of exile, the Jewish nation lost the habit of concentrating its willpower on an all important task, lost the habit of acting in unison as a people, lost the ability to defend itself, armed in case of emergency, instead, the Jews became accustomed to weakness.
Jabotinsky’s words of many years ago are still relevant today: “We were not created in order to teach morals and manners to our enemies. Let them learn these things for themselves. We want to hit back at anybody who harms us. Whoever does not repay a blow by a blow is also incapable of repaying a good deed in kind.” “The Latin proverb says “of two evils choose the lesser.” When we are in a position where – through no fault of our own – physical force dominates, only one question can be asked: what is worse? To continue watching Jews being killed and the conviction grows that our lives our cheap, and among the whole world that we are spineless?…the blackest of all characteristics is the tradition of the cheapness of Jewish blood, on the shedding of which there is no prohibition and for which you do not pay. The Jew “is everywhere in reach; he can be pointed out at any street corner; and he can be insulted or assaulted with only the minimum of risk, or with none at all. ..one permanent assignment that is entrusted to each of us, old and young, men and women, educated and ignorant, as a group and as individuals; this assignment is the defense of our people’s honor. …”
“It is always aimed at us, and we must respond. We must end this abuse of ourselves, at all costs. And it is very easy. They spit in our faces without fear, ‘in passing’, for no reason – not because our insulters are blessed with courage and want to pick a fight with us, but because this pleasure is so cheap for them: they will spit at us and go on their way, and nothing will happen. We must accustom them to the thought that from now on this pleasure will come at a hefty cost. A new commandment must enter our hearts: that even where there is only one Jew, the word ‘Zhid’ must not be heard without response.
Wise people will come and try to dissuade us – But it is not our purpose to win in every single incident. Our objective – to create about us the belief that a slur on our national feelings is no longer what it once was, a small diversion free of cost – but will rather, with an absolute certainty and a mathematical precision, result in a sharp and unpleasant confrontation.”
Action and words matter. Revenge is a Jewish concept, and a price must be paid for the Jews who were killed. Ze’ev Jabotinsky would say “Silence is Despicable!” – let the world know Israel will not compromise on the right to live.
Ronn Torossian is a NY-based entrepreneur, author and philanthropist.
SOURCE http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/what-would-zeev-jabotinsky-do/
And a few hours later, an Israeli soldier was killed by a Palestinian sniper in Hebron Sunday night, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the immediate resettlement of Beit Hamachpela, a building near the West Bank city’s Tomb of Patriarchs which was previously boarded up by the Defense Ministry. As Netanyahu said “Those who try to uproot us from Hebron, the city of our forefathers, will only achieve the opposite.” And that must be remembered.
While the portrait of Ze’ev Jabotinsky, the father of the Revisionist Zionist movement is always hung during Likud conferences, one wonders in times like these, what would Jabotinsky say? Ze’ev Jabotinsky the Jewish prophet would remind Israel’s leaders that during two thousand years of exile, the Jewish nation lost the habit of concentrating its willpower on an all important task, lost the habit of acting in unison as a people, lost the ability to defend itself, armed in case of emergency, instead, the Jews became accustomed to weakness.
Jabotinsky’s words of many years ago are still relevant today: “We were not created in order to teach morals and manners to our enemies. Let them learn these things for themselves. We want to hit back at anybody who harms us. Whoever does not repay a blow by a blow is also incapable of repaying a good deed in kind.” “The Latin proverb says “of two evils choose the lesser.” When we are in a position where – through no fault of our own – physical force dominates, only one question can be asked: what is worse? To continue watching Jews being killed and the conviction grows that our lives our cheap, and among the whole world that we are spineless?…the blackest of all characteristics is the tradition of the cheapness of Jewish blood, on the shedding of which there is no prohibition and for which you do not pay. The Jew “is everywhere in reach; he can be pointed out at any street corner; and he can be insulted or assaulted with only the minimum of risk, or with none at all. ..one permanent assignment that is entrusted to each of us, old and young, men and women, educated and ignorant, as a group and as individuals; this assignment is the defense of our people’s honor. …”
“It is always aimed at us, and we must respond. We must end this abuse of ourselves, at all costs. And it is very easy. They spit in our faces without fear, ‘in passing’, for no reason – not because our insulters are blessed with courage and want to pick a fight with us, but because this pleasure is so cheap for them: they will spit at us and go on their way, and nothing will happen. We must accustom them to the thought that from now on this pleasure will come at a hefty cost. A new commandment must enter our hearts: that even where there is only one Jew, the word ‘Zhid’ must not be heard without response.
Wise people will come and try to dissuade us – But it is not our purpose to win in every single incident. Our objective – to create about us the belief that a slur on our national feelings is no longer what it once was, a small diversion free of cost – but will rather, with an absolute certainty and a mathematical precision, result in a sharp and unpleasant confrontation.”
Action and words matter. Revenge is a Jewish concept, and a price must be paid for the Jews who were killed. Ze’ev Jabotinsky would say “Silence is Despicable!” – let the world know Israel will not compromise on the right to live.
Ronn Torossian is a NY-based entrepreneur, author and philanthropist.
SOURCE http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/what-would-zeev-jabotinsky-do/
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Beauty PR Agency 5WPR Adds FragranceNet.com to Client Roster
5W Public Relations, one of the 25 largest independent public relations firms in the U.S. and American Business Awards' 2013 PR Agency of the Year, today announced the addition of FragranceNet.com to its diverse roster of beauty clients.
FragranceNet.com was launched in 1997 and was created to provide the public with access to the largest inventory of genuine, designer brand name fragrances, skincare, haircare, makeup, candles and aromatherapy products at the lowest possible prices. As a leading online retailer, FragranceNet.com carries over 16,000 genuine designer brand name beauty products. Their success is attributable to their vast selection of beauty products and their award winning customer service that works hard to please their customers by ensuring a secure and satisfying shopping experience.
"Over the past 16 years we have grown by concentrating on increasing our vast selection of designer beauty products at the lowest possible prices. Our number one priority is to take care of our loyal and growing customer base," said Jason Apfel, President and CEO of FragranceNet.com, Inc. "Since the website's inception, the evolution of the FragranceNet.com brand is notable," shared Apfel.
FragranceNet.com continues to be a recognized leader in the online beauty retail industry with over 15 million visitors annually and the recipient of top industry accolades including: BizRate's Circle of Excellence Award, Internet Retailer's Top 500 E-Retailers and Top 10 Most Visited Beauty Sites by Women's Wear Daily. FragranceNet.com corporate headquarters are located in Deer Park, NY and shipments are sent worldwide.
"We are honored and excited to be working with FragranceNet.com," said Ronn Torossian, Founder and CEO of 5W Public Relations. "FragranceNet.com is already a progressive leader in the e-commerce business, and we are confident that we will raise FragranceNet.com's brand visibility in the competitive U.S. beauty marketplace. We look forward to bringing this e-commerce business to the next level."
About 5W Public Relations 5W Public Relations (www.5wpr.com) is a full-service agency known for cutting-edge programs that engage with businesses, issues and ideas. With more than 100 professionals serving clients in B2C (Beauty & Fashion, Consumer Brands, Entertainment, Food & Beverage, Health & Wellness, Travel & Hospitality, Technology, Nonprofit), B2B (Corporate Communications and Reputation Management), Public Affairs, Crisis Communications and digital strategy, 5W brings leading businesses a resourceful, bold and results-driven approach to communications.
About FragranceNet.com Founded in 1997, FragranceNet.com is the leading online retailer of discounted genuine designer brand name fragrances and beauty products. With more than 16,000 items, FragranceNet.com carries fragrances, skincare, haircare, makeup, candles and aromatherapy products at discounts up to 70 percent off department store prices. Brands include: Dolce & Gabbana, Ralph Lauren, Cool Water, Obsession, Giorgio Armani, Versace, Escape, Gucci, Angel, Burberry, Eternity, Polo, and White Diamonds, among others. FragranceNet.com offers free U.S. shipping with a minimum order and a gift-wrapping service starting at $3.99.
Contact: Ronn Torossian, 5W Public Relations, 212-999-5585, ronn@5wpr.com
SOURCE 5W Public Relations
FragranceNet.com was launched in 1997 and was created to provide the public with access to the largest inventory of genuine, designer brand name fragrances, skincare, haircare, makeup, candles and aromatherapy products at the lowest possible prices. As a leading online retailer, FragranceNet.com carries over 16,000 genuine designer brand name beauty products. Their success is attributable to their vast selection of beauty products and their award winning customer service that works hard to please their customers by ensuring a secure and satisfying shopping experience.
"Over the past 16 years we have grown by concentrating on increasing our vast selection of designer beauty products at the lowest possible prices. Our number one priority is to take care of our loyal and growing customer base," said Jason Apfel, President and CEO of FragranceNet.com, Inc. "Since the website's inception, the evolution of the FragranceNet.com brand is notable," shared Apfel.
FragranceNet.com continues to be a recognized leader in the online beauty retail industry with over 15 million visitors annually and the recipient of top industry accolades including: BizRate's Circle of Excellence Award, Internet Retailer's Top 500 E-Retailers and Top 10 Most Visited Beauty Sites by Women's Wear Daily. FragranceNet.com corporate headquarters are located in Deer Park, NY and shipments are sent worldwide.
"We are honored and excited to be working with FragranceNet.com," said Ronn Torossian, Founder and CEO of 5W Public Relations. "FragranceNet.com is already a progressive leader in the e-commerce business, and we are confident that we will raise FragranceNet.com's brand visibility in the competitive U.S. beauty marketplace. We look forward to bringing this e-commerce business to the next level."
About 5W Public Relations 5W Public Relations (www.5wpr.com) is a full-service agency known for cutting-edge programs that engage with businesses, issues and ideas. With more than 100 professionals serving clients in B2C (Beauty & Fashion, Consumer Brands, Entertainment, Food & Beverage, Health & Wellness, Travel & Hospitality, Technology, Nonprofit), B2B (Corporate Communications and Reputation Management), Public Affairs, Crisis Communications and digital strategy, 5W brings leading businesses a resourceful, bold and results-driven approach to communications.
About FragranceNet.com Founded in 1997, FragranceNet.com is the leading online retailer of discounted genuine designer brand name fragrances and beauty products. With more than 16,000 items, FragranceNet.com carries fragrances, skincare, haircare, makeup, candles and aromatherapy products at discounts up to 70 percent off department store prices. Brands include: Dolce & Gabbana, Ralph Lauren, Cool Water, Obsession, Giorgio Armani, Versace, Escape, Gucci, Angel, Burberry, Eternity, Polo, and White Diamonds, among others. FragranceNet.com offers free U.S. shipping with a minimum order and a gift-wrapping service starting at $3.99.
Contact: Ronn Torossian, 5W Public Relations, 212-999-5585, ronn@5wpr.com
SOURCE 5W Public Relations
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Israel Public Relations Quotes
As one who makes a living owning a PR Agency, there are so many challenges for Israel’s PR. It can be changed – and there are many worthwhile people working to improve Brand Israel.
Some interesting and relevant quotes on the topic:
Let’s hope with the Jewish New Year that the new beginning brings more positive media to Israel.
Ronn Torossian
SOURCE http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/israel-public-relations-quotes/
Some interesting and relevant quotes on the topic:
- “Israel’s brand image does not serve its interests right now.” Ido Aharoni
- “Country positioning is mistakenly referred to sometimes as “nation branding.” Country positioning is what you do in order to improve the positioning of your place, of your country, as opposed to your competition.” Ido Aharoni
- It’s a marketing nightmare, without a single gun being fired: Consistent appearances in the public arena reinforcing an overwhelmingly negative image.” Daniella Peled
- “My objective is to sell Israel as a quality wine-producing country, a New World wine country in one of the oldest wine producing- areas on Earth.” Adam Montefiore
- Americans “find Israel to be totally irrelevant to their lives and they are tuning out…particularly 18-34 year old males, the most significant target.” David Sable
- “Israel is so much which PR doesn’t capture – the warm people, the gathering of the exiles, the great food, the home cooked mentality and so many other great things about the land of milk & honey. Now only if we can get CNN & the BBC to recognize it.” Ron Hershco
- “Rebranding a country can take 20 years or more. It involves more than just generating more positive stories about Israel. The process has to be internalized and integrated, too. Israelis must share in and believe in what we promote.” David Saranga
- “Israel decided to focus on public diplomacy, and to research the country’s values, personality and global potential. I was hired to bring it to life.” Gil Lavi
- We know misperceptions of Israel are rampant in the media; ordinary citizens across the globe see Israel cast as yet another violent nation in a region steeped in unrest and war.” DavidProject.org
Let’s hope with the Jewish New Year that the new beginning brings more positive media to Israel.
Ronn Torossian
SOURCE http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/israel-public-relations-quotes/
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
5W Public Relations Expands Health & Wellness Practice, Adding Carrington Co., LLC to Client Roster
5W Public Relations, one of the 25 largest independent public relations firms in the U.S., today announced the addition of Carrington Co., LLC to its diverse roster of health and wellness clients.
Carrington Co., LLC – a company dedicated to providing the highest quality food products to consumers in search of a healthy lifestyle – is the maker of organic, non-genetically modified Milled Flax Seeds, Hemp, Chia, Organic Coconut Oils, and Organic Teas. With over fourteen years of history in the health-foods industry, Carrington has become recognized by both health-conscious consumers and retailers alike as the brand of choice when looking for healthy foods for a healthy soul. All Carrington items are certified Organic by QAI, Star K Kosher, gluten-free, and non-GMO. From their ingredients to their earth-friendly packaging, Carrington Co.'s good for you products are acknowledged across the grocery and health-foods industry for their innovation, quality, service, and value.
Carrington Organics Teas and Carrington Farms products are available in retailers nationwide including but not limited to local supermarkets, Whole Foods, Costco, and Wal-Mart. With different varieties of Flax Seed blends, both cold-pressed and liquid coconut oils, plus organic teas with first-of-its-kind and environmentally friendly packaging, Carrington is the smart and affordable choice when looking for products that will add vitality and health to your life.
"We are excited to partner with Carrington Co., LLC and represent a brand that strives to help consumers maintain a healthy lifestyle," said Ronn Torossian, CEO of 5W Public Relations. "Not only does the company have an extensive and growing list of products, but its background in producing quality health foods is unrivaled in its industry."
ABOUT 5W PUBLIC RELATIONS 5W Public Relations (www.5wpr.com) is a full-service agency known for cutting-edge programs that engage with businesses, issues and ideas. With more than 90 professionals serving clients in B2C (Beauty & Fashion, Consumer Brands, Entertainment, Food & Beverage, Health & Wellness, Travel & Hospitality, Technology, Nonprofit), B2B (Corporate Communications and Reputation Management), Public Affairs, Crisis Communications and digital strategy, 5W brings leading businesses a resourceful, bold and results-driven approach to communications.
Ronn Torossian / 5W Public Relations Tel: (212) 999-5585 / ronn@5wpr.com
SOURCE 5W Public Relations
Carrington Co., LLC – a company dedicated to providing the highest quality food products to consumers in search of a healthy lifestyle – is the maker of organic, non-genetically modified Milled Flax Seeds, Hemp, Chia, Organic Coconut Oils, and Organic Teas. With over fourteen years of history in the health-foods industry, Carrington has become recognized by both health-conscious consumers and retailers alike as the brand of choice when looking for healthy foods for a healthy soul. All Carrington items are certified Organic by QAI, Star K Kosher, gluten-free, and non-GMO. From their ingredients to their earth-friendly packaging, Carrington Co.'s good for you products are acknowledged across the grocery and health-foods industry for their innovation, quality, service, and value.
Carrington Organics Teas and Carrington Farms products are available in retailers nationwide including but not limited to local supermarkets, Whole Foods, Costco, and Wal-Mart. With different varieties of Flax Seed blends, both cold-pressed and liquid coconut oils, plus organic teas with first-of-its-kind and environmentally friendly packaging, Carrington is the smart and affordable choice when looking for products that will add vitality and health to your life.
"We are excited to partner with Carrington Co., LLC and represent a brand that strives to help consumers maintain a healthy lifestyle," said Ronn Torossian, CEO of 5W Public Relations. "Not only does the company have an extensive and growing list of products, but its background in producing quality health foods is unrivaled in its industry."
ABOUT 5W PUBLIC RELATIONS 5W Public Relations (www.5wpr.com) is a full-service agency known for cutting-edge programs that engage with businesses, issues and ideas. With more than 90 professionals serving clients in B2C (Beauty & Fashion, Consumer Brands, Entertainment, Food & Beverage, Health & Wellness, Travel & Hospitality, Technology, Nonprofit), B2B (Corporate Communications and Reputation Management), Public Affairs, Crisis Communications and digital strategy, 5W brings leading businesses a resourceful, bold and results-driven approach to communications.
Ronn Torossian / 5W Public Relations Tel: (212) 999-5585 / ronn@5wpr.com
SOURCE 5W Public Relations
Monday, September 16, 2013
America Weaker in the Eyes of the World
I commend Russia’s PR firm, Ketchum for its brilliant New York Times op-ed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, entitled “A Plea for Caution from Russia.” As an American, but also as CEO of 5WPR, I wonder about the implications of allowing a foreign government to use our own media to influence our citizens – and our elected leaders – on sensitive political issues.
An American President who is currently in the White House largely because of his great ability to talk, who talked a big game when he boldly stated that the United States drew its “red-line” on the use of chemical weapons and then stumbled all over himself, then lied to cover up his poor judgment, has been out charmed (and out smarted) by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin used Obama’s usually loyal media allies to oppose Obama’s threat of military force.
It is not unusual for uber-liberals in the media to oppose use of the military, but to help a foreign leader – whom the liberal media tend to dislike — outmaneuver Obama like Putin just did was a bit surprising.
Our being embarrassed by Russia began a few months ago when the Putin government used the Edward Snowden affair as a way to achieve world power and attention. As a Russian political analyst then said, “What happens now doesn’t matter because public opinion in Russia has already been shaped – America is lying, dishonest and has double standard.” Unfortunately, this image has been further propagated as Obama failed yet again in showing America’s valor. Putin used Obama to make our country look foolish.
Putin’s op-ed, coming after President Obama’s prime-time televised speech in which he called for a diplomatic pause, allowed Putin to make the case that it is essential for the United States to not bypass the United Nations Security Council.
Amateur hour in the White House. Putin can protect Assad while simultaneously taking advantage of America’s freedom of the press to slam Obama. Didn’t Obama just believe he “punished” Putin by refusing to meet with him? Don’t know whether to cry or to laugh. It’s a bad joke.
While John Boehner, the top Republican in the US House of Representatives, rejected a request to meet a Russian delegation to discuss Syria, the media and White House fawn all over themselves to claim Obama is some brilliant strategist. Samantha Power, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, tweeted Thursday: “Three days ago there seemed no diplomatic way to hold Assad accountable. Threat of U.S. action finally brought Russia to the table.” If anyone believes that, I have a bridge in Brooklyn for sale. It’s a foolish, absurd claim. “Accountable”? Hardly. Assad gets a pass and he and Putin sit and laugh at America’s insignificance. America is not respected or feared.
In reality, Obama’s vote was destined to fail. Putin’s proposal gave political cover, allowing him to back away from making a decision he was unable to make. Much as Putin showed Obama up and protected Snowden, here too Putin capitalized upon Obama’s failure. In Putin’s opinion piece, he positioned America as the aggressor. He then described an “alarming” pattern of intervening in the internal conflicts of foreign countries. Absurd.
Putin won a huge diplomatic victory, and it is a terrible loss and embarrassment on the world stage for Brand America. Putin has proven himself to be a brilliant public relations tactician – at the expense of our president and his friends in the media who routinely push this president’s agenda regardless of the impact on the country. It is open season on America as Putin disrespects America because he views Obama as weak.
Sen. James Inhofe, a Republican from Oklahoma, said “Putin was lecturing to the United States, and I could hear [Ronald] Reagan turning over in his grave as this was going on.” Proud Americans should be sick at what Obama’s regime is doing to this once-great nation. Has there been a time ever before when America has been less well-respected worldwide – from the man who said he was going to make us shine among nations?
Shame on President Obama for making this great republic appear weaker than ever before.
SOURCE http://frontpagemag.com/2013/ronn-torossian/america-weaker-in-the-eyes-of-the-world/
An American President who is currently in the White House largely because of his great ability to talk, who talked a big game when he boldly stated that the United States drew its “red-line” on the use of chemical weapons and then stumbled all over himself, then lied to cover up his poor judgment, has been out charmed (and out smarted) by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin used Obama’s usually loyal media allies to oppose Obama’s threat of military force.
It is not unusual for uber-liberals in the media to oppose use of the military, but to help a foreign leader – whom the liberal media tend to dislike — outmaneuver Obama like Putin just did was a bit surprising.
Our being embarrassed by Russia began a few months ago when the Putin government used the Edward Snowden affair as a way to achieve world power and attention. As a Russian political analyst then said, “What happens now doesn’t matter because public opinion in Russia has already been shaped – America is lying, dishonest and has double standard.” Unfortunately, this image has been further propagated as Obama failed yet again in showing America’s valor. Putin used Obama to make our country look foolish.
Putin’s op-ed, coming after President Obama’s prime-time televised speech in which he called for a diplomatic pause, allowed Putin to make the case that it is essential for the United States to not bypass the United Nations Security Council.
Amateur hour in the White House. Putin can protect Assad while simultaneously taking advantage of America’s freedom of the press to slam Obama. Didn’t Obama just believe he “punished” Putin by refusing to meet with him? Don’t know whether to cry or to laugh. It’s a bad joke.
While John Boehner, the top Republican in the US House of Representatives, rejected a request to meet a Russian delegation to discuss Syria, the media and White House fawn all over themselves to claim Obama is some brilliant strategist. Samantha Power, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, tweeted Thursday: “Three days ago there seemed no diplomatic way to hold Assad accountable. Threat of U.S. action finally brought Russia to the table.” If anyone believes that, I have a bridge in Brooklyn for sale. It’s a foolish, absurd claim. “Accountable”? Hardly. Assad gets a pass and he and Putin sit and laugh at America’s insignificance. America is not respected or feared.
In reality, Obama’s vote was destined to fail. Putin’s proposal gave political cover, allowing him to back away from making a decision he was unable to make. Much as Putin showed Obama up and protected Snowden, here too Putin capitalized upon Obama’s failure. In Putin’s opinion piece, he positioned America as the aggressor. He then described an “alarming” pattern of intervening in the internal conflicts of foreign countries. Absurd.
Putin won a huge diplomatic victory, and it is a terrible loss and embarrassment on the world stage for Brand America. Putin has proven himself to be a brilliant public relations tactician – at the expense of our president and his friends in the media who routinely push this president’s agenda regardless of the impact on the country. It is open season on America as Putin disrespects America because he views Obama as weak.
Sen. James Inhofe, a Republican from Oklahoma, said “Putin was lecturing to the United States, and I could hear [Ronald] Reagan turning over in his grave as this was going on.” Proud Americans should be sick at what Obama’s regime is doing to this once-great nation. Has there been a time ever before when America has been less well-respected worldwide – from the man who said he was going to make us shine among nations?
Shame on President Obama for making this great republic appear weaker than ever before.
SOURCE http://frontpagemag.com/2013/ronn-torossian/america-weaker-in-the-eyes-of-the-world/
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