Over the last few days there’s been a flurry of activity on the ROI120 listserve (ably set up by Aryeh Goldsmith, so todah to Aryeh) about ways to support Israel, both here (I write from Jerusalem) and from abroad.
Gabriel Weitz, our ROI 120 friend in Argentina, also notes that this week marks 12 years since the bombing of the AMIA Building in Buenos Aires, Argentina, “killing 86 people and wounding several hundred more, and devastating the Jewish community. The exact circumstances of the attack remain unclear and the perpetrators and their backers are still at large.” Over a hundred Jewish leaders from around the world led by Edgar M. Bronfman, WJC President, and Israel Singer, WJC Policy Council Chairman, will gather from 16-18 July 2006 in Buenos Aires, to commemorate the 12th anniversary of the terrorist attack on the AMIA center. (From the World Jewish Congress website)
For your convenience, here are a few of the suggestions that I’ve received in my inbox, including a summary of some of the ones circulated by ROI 120 participants. Know about something that’s not here? Drop me an email or post in the comments…–Esther
What You Can Do (Treppenwitz via John Leonard)
Rallies
NYC: SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL, Rally July 17th
Speak out now in support of Israel’s right to self-defense and to assure the security of its citizens. Rally against terror and in solidarity with the Government and people of Israel. Stand with Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel, and Ambassadors Dan Gillerman and Arye Mekel. Demand the release of Gilad Shalit, Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev.
MONDAY, JULY 17TH, 2006
Across from the United Nations
First Avenue at 42nd Street
12:00 noon / Rain or Shine
*Subways: 4, 5, 6, 7 to Grand Central Station
MIAMI: Tuesday, July 18th
Join the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), Greater Miami Jewish Federation, Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center and the Rabbinical Association of Greater Miami for an Israel Solidarity Rally Tuesday, July 18th at 12 noon at the Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center, 20400 NE 30th Ave., Aventura.
Stand in solidarity with the people of Israel and South Florida’s Jewish community during this time of crisis. Join together with representatives of the Jewish community, including the Consul General of Israel, as well as South Florida legislators who will speak at the gathering. For more information, call Federation’s JCRC at 786-866-8487 or the ADL at 954-938-8188.
A wise note about rallies from Alon Cassuto that I thought was worth reposting:
With rallies, pleeeease don’t fall into the easy trap of making it about Jews getting together and feeling good about themselves, because there is so much more that can be done- actively engage the people on the street while marching or rallying- tell them exactly what made you feel the need to rally, ask them to write a message of hope for peace that you will then send to your friends and family in the north of Israel, tell them to say a quick prayer, no matter what religion they are from or in what language,
for peace for all the children in the region- make sure they feel something, don’t stay amongst your Jewish friends when you are marching, outreach and engage with the wider community… remember, most importantly of all- never ever ever get into an argument in public with someone who is trying to demonise israel- walk away and make sure everyone else does- you wont convince them, they will make you angry and waste your time- simply walk away and speak to someone who is rational and willing to listen…
News
To keep up to date on the latest news in Israel, you may wish to visit the
following websites:
www.haaretz.com
www.jpost.com
www.ynetnews.com
www.mfa.gov.il
www.jta.org where you can also subscribe for free daily briefings
Fundraising
The Friends of the IDF initiated an emergency campaign on behalf of the IDF. Over the next three weeks, their goal is to raise $2m on behalf of the IDF. When the situation only involved Gaza , FIDF was supporting 6,000 soldiers at a cost of $20,000/week, but now an additional 20,000-30,000 soldiers are being called in to Lebanon. Click on this link to learn more about the FIDF Emergency Fundraising Campaign.
Other Action
Turn to corporations and individuals (both in Israel and abroad) who might be able to donate supplies and equipment to families in Israel in order to make their extended stays in bomb shelters and protective rooms a little bit more comfortable. These can be really simple items like blankets, books or children’s toys and games. For those in Israel that want to volunteer to distribute these items to families, please contact Liron at 052-637-6790. For your knowledge, there is a website that connects individuals who are seeking assistance with those who may be able to provide – www.tzafon.co.il
1. Call 2 elected officials in your country and explain your perspective about the outbreak of violence
2. Call 2 of your Non-Jewish friends and explain your perspective about the outbreak of violence
3. Call 2 of your Jewish friends and tell them to do the same thing that you just did
Israellycool has a list of charities that urgently need funds. They’re listed in the middle of this Israellycool post.
Esther, thanks for publishing about AMIA. But I want to correct something: the World Jewish Congress are too politicaly correct! The Mossad published a couple of years ago a report with the name of the suicide bomber (a Libanese from Hizbull’ah ranks). And there is also the testimony of a guy who used to work on Iran’s Secret Service who said that the order came from the Iranian Government.
You forgot Arutz Sheva for a news source. Thanks for all the other info, I’ll be crossposting this in Live Journal.
Queen E – you’re the best! I’m going to contact every elected offical from my two States (Kansas & Missouri) as well as anyone else who will answer their phone. I will also send faxes and maybe even some messages via carrier pigeons.