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April 2002

ISRAEL

OPERATION TEHILLIM-MIVTZA TEHILLIM
By Aviva Pinchuk

This morning, I had the zechut (merit) to distribute tehillim books to the soldiers of Mivtza Chomat Magen (Operation Defensive Shield). Words cannot describe the joy with which the soldiers took these beautiful sifrei tehillim. For this project, I went with with Miriam Adani of Yesh Sechar L'peulatech, a volunteer organization serving the needs of the Kever Rachel area.

The soldiers, whether with shaven heads, and body rings, or ponytails, or with beards and kipot, all responded to receiving the tehillim with an enthusiastic"Thank you, thank you!" and many shouted "Kol Hakavod Lachem (to you!)" Observant and non-observant alike carefully tucked away their tehillim in their army shirt pockets, some asking us "how" and "when" to say tehillim. Many remarked, "I wish I had received this earlier!"

Many were fascinated to see that on the back cover was a print of tehillim chapter 67 in the shape of a menorah, a copy of the one which King David etched into his shield. King David did this so he could study its teachings before embarking in battle - and by so doing, he was victorious. On the front cover of the tehillim book given to our soldiers was the inscription:

"Chayal Yakar (dear soldier!) Be strong and of good courage in Operation Defensive Shield, for the protection and salvation of the nation which dwells in Zion. May Hashem be with you! from: the Yesh Sechar L'peulatech organization and the Jews of the Diaspora.

It was such a sight to see - soldiers with helmets in personnel carriers and tanks, leaning out with arms outstretched to take the tehillim! Others jumped out of their half-tracks or other vehicles all the time shouting "Thank you -Kol Hakavod!" So many were moved by the inscription and especially that these tehillim books were a gift of support from "Yehudei haTefuzot (Jews of the diaspora)."

These soldiers, from the standing army and the reserves, were serving in active duty in Beit Lechem, and its surrounding areas and in Kever Rachel. They hailed from all over the country. Their ages ranged from twenty to fifty-something. Some had shaven heads and body rings, others had long pony-tails, some had knitted kipot of all sizes and still others, long beards and peyot. 

They were Ashkenazim, Sephardim, Russian and Anglo-Saxon, French and South  American. Some were privates, some were high officers. Some were being transported in buses and others were in tanks, half-tracks or jeeps and others were standing guard by Kever Rachel.

Before we knew it, our supply of over 1000 books of tehillim had been completely depleted. Because we ran out, to our dismay, we had to say "no" to others who asked us if they could have a box of sixty tehillim books for their friends stationed in such and such a place, or for their brother's group, etc. We hope, b'ezrat Hashem, to raise the funds so we can send several thousand more to our soldiers all over the country.

I don't think these wonderful soldiers in their battle-worn army uniforms will ever realize how much strength and encouragement they gave US!

We fervently hope and pray that the gratitude and enthusiasm these soldiers displayed for the sifrei tehillim will help hasten the coming of the Geula!

To contribute to this effort, please note:
* Each contribution of $1.50 provides one chayal with a sefer tehillim
* Each contribution of Chai ($18) buys sifrei tehillim for 12 soldiers.
* Each contribution of $1500 purchases a case of 1000 tehillim books.

Checks should be made out to: Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills Charity Fund (memo: Kever Rachel -tehillim).

Anyone who would like to contribute to this effort can email how much they pledge to SF45678@aol.com and they will receive information about where to drop off or send their checks.

Sugarville, TX
Don't think it will get on USA national news, or be seen in Israel, but just want to let you know that in TEXAS-The Lone Star State-it's a Republic, is having our own solidarity rally on 30 Apr 02 (33rd day LagBaOmer), in Austin, Texas.
Everyone in the Jewish community along with other people who love freedom and liberty will be there, supporting Israel. Posters will also include, "TEXANS FOR ISRAEL".

Also, I want to help the soldiers in Israel-the IDF. They need things.

-Barbara Goldin
SSG, United States Army, Retired (22 yrs)
SFC, Texas State Guard, Current

Give me instructions so I can help buy equipment for the IDF.

Chalkis, Greece
Shabbat Shalom to everyone

Decatur, IL
The U.S. supports and respects the Jewish nation. 
I pray for peace in your homeland.

Gush Etzion, ISRAEL
I was very touched reading the many letters of support and sympathy submitted by readers from throughout the world. 

As you well know, in addition to the personal suffering and human tragedy Israelis have faced these last 18 months, our economy has taken a serious blow. Almost every sector of the business community has been hit. 

One way people in the Diaspora can be of help is to support Israeli businesses. That means buy "Blue and White"! In your supermarket, your department store, your florist, wherever possible, buy Israeli goods. For those of you who may be interested in going a step further, consider forming a partnership with an existing or new Israeli enterprise. I represent the Jerusalem chapter of B.N.I. (Business Network Int'l.) We are a group of Israeli business professionals from all sectors of the marketplace. I will be happy to put you in touch with a serious, committed, Israeli business professional from almost any field you can think of. Put your idealism and Zionism to work in a real and effective manner. Your contribution needn't be monetary. Just sharing your work experience or passing a referral could also be invaluable. 

It's an easy and real way to help during this trying time. For further information please e-mail me at: sunworld@bezeqint.net 

Thanks
-Mordechai Welt

Brooklyn, NY
Too much of our unwillingness to attack the terrorist countries comes out of our need of oil which is mostly in their lands. We must not let that stop us. We have oil in our country, Alaska. They have extra land that can be filled with enough oil to last us a few years. During that time period we can attack our enemies. We can either wipe them out/take them over without the threats of oil coming our way. We must act fast & contemplate all ideas of attack. 
We are in great need of action!
-never-ever@juno.com

ISRAEL

The preparations of the camp residents for the battle began several weeks before the IDF entered the Palestinian Authority territories recognizing that the IDF would be unable to combat terrorism without entering the Jenin refugee camp, which has produced the largest number of suicide bombers. The camp quickly became a fortified area, with all of the residents taking part in preparing explosive devices and booby-trapping the houses. Most of the houses in the refugee camp are plastered with posters of the "shahids" (martyrs) who committed suicide and murdered innocent civilians throughout Israel.

At this stage, the IDF began to demolish the unconquered buildings in the area by means of bulldozers and tanks, in order to avoid further booby-traps. Throughout, the terrorists were given the opportunity to surrender, but they continued to fight in an attempt to injure IDF soldiers. Early Wednesday morning, the IDF surrounded the last fighters and after extended negotiations, the terrorist leaders, many of whom were directly responsible for the deaths of civilians, decided to put down their weapons and surrender. They were arrested and interrogated. I took part in the arrests, and I can attest to the fact that had the IDF desired to eliminate them, they could have done so in a few seconds. However, in an attempt to avoid unnecessary killing, a tremendous effort, which lasted half a night, was expended and they convinced them to surrender. And indeed, they surrendered at dawn. To my amazement, immediately after the surrender, four women and a ten year old child emerged from the same house. They, of course, were permitted to leave.

All of the stories attempting to portray the battle as a massacre are an attempt to belittle the moral military victory and ethical manner in which the IDF conducted the battle against those murderers. Although, considerable damage was caused to the camp, it was a direct result of the Palestinians' decision to fight and not to surrender at any cost. The pictures emerging from the camp accompanied by the wailing of the camp residents, are a cynical attempt to transform the battle victory into a massacre.

Chicago, IL
We the Jews people have been slaves/killed/burned and other horrible stuff, because we are Jews, From all the nationalities in the world we suffer the most. In  1948 we got OUR state back, and to this days 48 Muslim countries are everyday acting to hurt us, supporting terrorist to go and blow them self up in Israel, and then they call them "FREEDOM FIGHTERS" but Israel and the Jewish people will survive for EVER!!!!!!!!!

Peace all, thanks for posting.

Deerfield, IL
I and my family are praying for everyone in Israel. We are frustrated with the bias of American media and are rallying with our fellow Jews, both in and outside of synagogue, to pray, share support and ideas and to read Tehillim. Our synagogue has about 40 members who have divided up the Tehillim, and each one of us is reading enough so that all the Tehillim are read each day. We support you wholeheartedly, and our hearts and prayers are with you. I hope you are able to find moments of normalcy during this crazy time, and that you derive hope from the support you have among many, many people in this country. 
With love and prayers for peace, 
-Julie

USA

I am sorry for all those who lost a loved one. But we are standing together to help each other. We can because we have more then evil like them we have freedom, hope and love.

-Danielle
10 years old

Austin, TX

May Hashem bless our brothers fighting for our homeland in Eretz Israel. Our prayers and thoughts are with them and their families. May Hashem give strength to his people and bring shalom to our nation Medinat Israel.

USA
It is extremely important that Jews everywhere be fully educated in the cost of obtaining statehood. 
The cost in terms of human life, the suffering is not fully understood by many of today's Jewish youth. It would be a tragedy for those who died while establishing Israel and for those who have died since. 
The struggle is never ending, increasingly complex. We must not forget Israelis fallen heroes nor the reason Israel came into existence, for where else on earth can a Jew seek asylum and be granted automatic citizenship? And last would anyone want to be a Jew after Hitler if the remnants of 4000 years of European Jewry had not risen to the occasion, having all odds against them, and established Israel? 

We must never forget!!!

Chicago, IL

Our Tefillos and hearts are with you in your time of need. May Hashem Yisborach be shomer over everyone and may the coming of Mashiach be soon. Amen

Jerusalem, ISRAEL

We Have No One To Blame But Ourselves
By Dr. Mike Cohen, Jerusalem, April 24, 2002

In the 1930’s the world stood silent. Now, in the third millennia, with an independent Jewish State to live in and to protect us, with Jewish owned media in Israel and abroad and an undefeated Jewish Army among the bravest and arguably the most humane in history, we have no one to blame for our predicament but ourselves.

As millions of Jews were tortured, robbed, maimed and killed all over Europe, the world community stood by silently. They may have known what was going in the gas chambers and crematoria ovens of Auschwitz, Bergen Belzen and Treblinka. And then again they may not have known. It really depends on who you ask. To their credit, the Allies took on the Axis and lost hundreds of thousands of lives in the process, freeing Europe from the greatest villain humanity has ever seen. Jews in America are conflicted over what they knew and when, over what could have been done and wasn’t and what is simply 20/20 hindsight.

I attended the official Yad Vashem memorial last year for the first time ever. I stood and sat in silence only three rows behind the national leadership, the president, prime minister, chief of IDF staff, chief of police, chief rabbis, justices, ministers, ambassadors and other dignitaries. The looks on the faces of the attendees told the whole story of what we were feeling inside.

As recently-elected Prime Minister Sharon spoke of the new physical might of the People of Israel, the valor of the IDF and the steadfast restraint and morality we were showing as a Nation in the face of barbaric terrorism, the eerie silence was broken only by the occasional sob, sigh or nose blow.

But then, suddenly, a different sound broke through the hills. From far over our left shoulders, an exchange of gunfire was clearly heard. To Jerusalemites it was at this point not an unfamiliar sound, as we knew it was coming from the Beit Jala – Gilo axis. Palestinian terrorists were almost daily taking over the homes of innocent Christian civilians to use them as bases for automatic fire attacks on the Southern neighborhood of Israel’s capital – Jerusalem. Israel, with no desire to destroy the homes of the local Christian civilians, who were for the most part friendly and part of the national economic infrastructure, returned fire gingerly trying to pinpoint the exact points of attack rather than destroy property or take life unnecessarily.

Jerusalemites had been hearing this nightly ritual for months and simply shifted uncomfortably in their seats, aware of the irony and contrast of the three sounds that mixed together, the PM’s powerful and proud words booming out of the speakers, the quiet sobs, sighs and nose blows, and the exchange of fire between the Palestinian terrorists and the Israeli Defense Forces.

Those who had not visited Jerusalem recently literally jumped out of their chairs – looking over their shoulder to see what was going on and where the shooting was coming from. The Jerusalemites whispered to them to calm down, as it was a nightly feature on the Jerusalem landscape and a safe distance away.

As the terror attacks continued and the numbers of casualties grew one could not help but notice that the local media was losing patience and interest. It no longer reported live from Gilo every night and soon stopped even mentioning it as news. As long as the casualties of the terror squads were claiming lives from among the “settlers” in Judea and Samaria and not settlers in Tel Aviv (a town formerly known as Jaffa and Sheich Munis), Netanya (formerly known as …) and Haifa, “our” media ignored most of the “action” and failed to report most of the events – deeming them thus, “un-newsworthy” not only to us but to the entire world.

But as the attacks began to take the lives of “legitimate” Israelis, ones who lived “correctly” and in the “media-and-politically-correct-approved” sections of Israel, “we” began to take notice, and as “we” did, so did the global media networks. For you see, the world now takes its cues from “us.” If “we” (loosely classified, branded and identified as members of the controlling elites, meaning Labor party members, “Peace Now” activists or anything further to the left of them) deemed it newsworthy and wrong, the world media followed “our” lead. If “we” found it acceptable, it was portrayed as so by the world.

The same phenomena continued to manifest itself over the course of months. The controlling elite was now growing into a smaller and smaller minority as the days went by, the terror attacks continued and the numbers of terror casualties and fatalities continued to climb.

But as “our” numbers dwindled almost into insignificance (let’s remember that “arch-enemy” Gen. Ariel Sharon “the butcher of…” won an astonishing and unparalleled 80% of the Jewish vote in the one-on-one election against the crown prince of Labor – Major Gen. Ehud Barak) “we” continued to dictate most of the public agenda, by way of the media, academia and, at least in the case of Dr. Yossi Beilin, hundreds of thousands of dollars from the European Union.

Then, on March 26, 2002, a Palestinian terrorist blew himself up in the dining hall of the Park Hotel in Netanya, taking the lives of 28 mostly elderly Jews celebrating the Pesach Seder and injuring scores more. With over 480 civilians now dead in less than 18 months and scores more injured and traumatized, Israel’s leadership could take no more. The government knew it had to bring the situation to a halt and Israel launched “Operation Defensive Shield.”

For a few hours the world looked on in horror at the “Passover Massacre,” and its aftermath attack on a home in Alon Moreh. Hundreds of senior and accomplished foreign journalists swarmed to Jerusalem from their temporary assignments in Beirut, where the world was covering the “historic” Arab summit at which the “Saudi Peace Plan” was to be adopted. The world’s eyes were on Israel – waiting to see how “we” would illuminate and elucidate the events as they unfolded.

“We” did not fail. “We” attacked our own government and our own defense forces with venom. “We” gave interviews and “insights” that though less rhetorical than those of our enemies were much more effective than them in their ability to do damage to the country and to the effort to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure.

Israelis of all ages, including grandfathers of 75 and older, rushed to their units in order to be mobilized. An astonishing 95% of the 25,000 IDF reservists presented with emergency call-ups responded immediately – most showing up before they were even called.

The Morale of Israelis, at an all time low only days before the Operation began, coming on the heals as it were of the great hope and development prior to the year 2000, rebounded. The tourism industry was still in shambles, the high-tech economy continued to follow Wall Street’s downturn, tens of thousands of low paying textile and manufacturing jobs were still being moved to Jordan and other countries as part of the “Oslo Peace Dividends” and large numbers of Jews part of the huge influx from the former Soviet Union were showing growing discontent.

Religious-secular, high income-no income, politically influential and the politically discontent were all at each other’s throats due not only to the merits of the issues but to the high pressure of living under constant terror.

Neighborhoods such as the afore-mentioned Gilo in Jerusalem were coming under constant fire, indoor and outdoor malls, restaurants and coffee shops were targets of suicide bombers and quickly becoming areas to be avoided. Purim Carnivals had been cancelled all over the country and tall children were afraid to dress up for fear of being taken as a potential terrorist.

But yet, with all this and over 450 dead, no one reacted violently. No vigilante justice appeared. No coups were discussed. The Israeli people remained loyal to their government and to their belief in democracy and justice. The government remained restrained as well, launching minor operations directly targeting “ticking bomb” suspects and occasional short term incursions to attempt to stop the Muslim terrorists from shooting on Gilo out of Christian houses in nearby Beit Jala.

But with the Passover Massacre Israel could allow the terror to reign no longer.

Most of the younger Israelis and the millions of new immigrants had never seen such a thing - over 25,000 reservists, 120% of those called, showed up ready to defend their homes and their families. The first such call-up since 1982 resulted in a sense of finality. It is hard to describe the feeling of brotherhood and unity that ensued.

The younger generation watched in awe as veterans of all of Israel’s wars scrambled to their units demanding to be mobilized. Over 30,000 men and women showed up in less than 24 hours. Men as old as 75 came prepared in full battle gear ready to defend their children, grandchildren and in some cases great-grandchildren with their experience and if need be, their own bodies.

They showed up regardless of rank and position ready to be utilized as a private or simple sentry if necessary. They showed up with their coffee kits and barbecue kits, with fruit from the kibbutz and moshav and with water bottles, cake, chocolate and extra socks for the stunned youngsters.

They sat on the grass by the dozens, at bases all over the country, playing cards and simply waiting to be called to action by the younger commanders. Some were in fact mobilized and served as an important cog in the sociological reflection of modern Israeli society that was being painted minute-by-minute.

Further still, hundreds more mobilized independently at airports all over the Western world paying top dollar to get on the next plane home to join their comrades in the defensive effort of the home front.

Families whose restaurant business’ were decimated by the terror attacks showed their support by bringing huge barbecues to forward bases (less than 10 minutes from major Israeli city centers in some cases!) grilling up hundreds of steaks, burgers, shishliks, kabobs and hotdogs for free for the “hungry” soldiers at the “front.”

Settlement communities in Judea and Samaria, who felt the impact of the terror close to home every day and whose own economy was close to ruins started baking cakes and preparing home made sandwiches and hot meals for the soldiers and delivering them by way of their teens and kids to the “front” which was in most cases right outside their doors. Teachers of school children who had just returned from an emotional Holocaust Memorial Day ceremony, put the kids back on the bus and turned it around as news came that the army was withdrawing from nearby Tulkarem. The teachers stopped the bus at the local grocery store, emptied it of all the candy and chocolate they could carry, adding dozens of car flags to the purchase and set out to meet the “returning” troops.

The little kids stood on the bus and handed the retreating soldiers candy, chocolate and national flags as they drove by waving, smiling and often crying due to the special emotion of the day and the immensity of the scene.

As Pesach waned and Holocaust Memorial Day passed with a continued eerie, absurd and surreal sense of the bizarre the country turned its focus to IDF Memorial Day and its immediate successor – The 54th Independence Day – Yom Ha’atzmauth.

Flags appeared on practically every car, out of every window, on every building and in every office. To not have a flag flying was to be “out.” Cities cancelled official events out of security concerns but the masses paid no head. They went out and partied by the tens of thousands – literally as if their was no tomorrow. The nation’s spirit was high, as high as it has been in decades – the pictures are there to prove it.

Jews around the globe rallied to Israel’s defense by the tens of thousands. From Tokyo to Kiev, from Budapest to Rome, From Sydney to Montreal, Jews and Gentiles alike rallied for Israel in public squares, at embassies and at consulates, both Israeli and Arab calling on world leaders to support Israel in its effort to survive.

In Bethlehem, three elderly Armenian monks, who had been held hostage by the Palestinian gunmen inside the Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity, managed to flee the church area via a side gate with the assistance of IDF soldiers stationed at the location. The Jerusalem Post reported that the monks carried a white cloth banner with the words "Please Help" written in red and immediately thanked the soldiers for rescuing them.

The monks told army officers that the gunmen had stolen all their gold and other property, including crucifixes and prayer books, and had caused much damage throughout the holy site.

One of the monks, Narkiss Korasian, later told reporters: "They stole everything, they opened the doors one by one and stole everything... they stole our prayer books and four crosses... they didn't leave anything. Thank you for your help, we will never forget it." The monks also reportedly said that the gunmen had begun beating and attacking the hostaged clergymen and women.

But do “we” make sure the world sees these scenes over and over again to clarify the justice of our position? No, of course not. “We” know better. “We” continue to feed the local media with our regular rhetoric. “We” continue to use our ill-gotten EU funds to undermine our own soldier’s humane efforts. “We” make sure that the stories of valor, compassion and kindness are portrayed as war crimes and crimes against humanity.

“We” continue to speak out against our own interests. “We” keep the amazing, tear-jerking and emotionally uplifting images of the tens of thousands who rallied for us around the world a tight-lipped secret, hidden from the soldiers at the “front” and the civilians in “the rear.” “We” continue to decide that discussions of shadow governments were more newsworthy than the remarkable stories of valor and the heartwarming images from around the globe. “We” continue to decide that the humanitarian aid the IDF was trying to provide is a sham.

The IDF could have ended the war forever in four hours, let alone four weeks by using the modern American doctrine of “overwhelming force” war tactics as portrayed by the U.S. in Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan among others. But Israel cannot act as a superpower does, and even if we could do it politically we would probably never be able to do it morally. We endanger our own sons and daughters, fathers and brothers, grandfathers and cousins in an effort to fight the terrorists humanely, avoiding unnecessary physical and collateral damage to property or life if we can.

We take militarily unnecessary casualties and the subsequent grief forever rather than cause unnecessary harm – and what we get in return is global condemnation. Instead of telling the world this simple truth, “we” prefer to invite the world to “investigate” our “crimes” in Jenin and other terrorist hornets nests.

Instead of showing the world the millions of dollars in counterfeit money, the thousands of tons of illegal munitions, the dozens of ready-made and prepared explosive vests, the documents providing legal and incontrovertible proof that Yasser Arafat and his gang of thieves, murderers and henchmen directly approved and financed the recent reign of terror – using the world’s humanitarian aid to do so rather than build “his people” schools, hospitals, infrastructure and economy – “we” prefer to hide this information so it won’t embarrass our “peace partner.”

And what do “we” get in return? Several Nobel Peace Prize committee members broke with a century-old tradition of never second-guessing itself in public announcements today that they are embarrassed to have given the award to Shimon Peres – and they wish it could be revoked. They aren’t embarrassed to have given it to Arafat mind you – they are only embarrassed to have given it to Peres – the man who has done and sacrificed more personally than anyone for the so-called “partnership” with the PLO and its terrorist leaders. According to the Associated Press, committee member Miss Hanna Kvanmo didn't think Arafat had forfeited his prize because, she said, he had tried to carry out the Oslo accords and couldn't be blamed for the violence since Israel had him under virtual arrest.

To add insult to injury, Arab foreign ministers “stormed out” on Peres and Deputy Minister Malchior at a high profile conference in Valencia, Spain aimed at securing billions of dollars more in economic aid for Arafat. The Israeli foreign minister and his deputy attend a conference to help convince the world that Arafat deserves another chance and more money and his cousins walk out on them? Absurd!

But will “we” learn?

Of course not. As a result, the conflict continues even as the reservists were prematurely called home. As these lines are written Arafat remains under siege in his Ramallah office, protecting over 25 wanted terrorists, including the murderers of Israeli cabinet minister Rechav’am Ze’evi (Ghandi), with his presence as “we” try to negotiate a face-saving exit to Gaza.

Some twenty-five additional wanted terrorists continue to hold the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem including some 100 other lower ranking terrorists, 50 local teens and a host of nuns, priests and other Christian clergy hungry, thirsty, dirty and hostage.

Led by “us,” the United Nations, and the local media, the world has decided that Israel, not the PLO/PA terror squads, is the guilty party. “We” have agreed that we are guilty of war crimes in this conflict and have encouraged the dispatching of investigation teams with predetermined results. “Our friend” Terje, he of the $100,000 grant from the Peres Center for Peace, will make sure of that.

So let’s stop looking at the United Nations, at President Bush, at the French or Italians, at Secretary Powell or the Chief of Berlin Police, at the EU or at CNN, BBC, NBC or the New York Times for the source of our troubles. We have to look within ourselves and accept the sad truth that we are in fact our own worst enemy.

In the 1930’s the world stood silent. In the third millennia, we have no one to blame but ourselves.

The author is a veteran IDF reservist in a special forces unit and has been staying in touch with his friends all over the world by way of these e-mails.

-Dr. Mike Cohen
MTC Analysis & Strategy Systems
Corporate & Not-for-Profit Division
+972.54.99.6453
mike@mtc.org.il

Woodmere, NY
Chaverim Yekarim,

My Dear friends, the time has come for us to return to Ha'aretz Artzenu, Our Land, Eretz Yisrael. Having gone to the Washington rally last Monday, I felt a tremendous chizzuk. However, I was sore inside, realizing that every Jew that was at the rally, on my bus, and on every other bus, was one Jew less than should be in Israel. The rallies and the T'filla rallies are all holy and serve as both a tikkun olam and a kiddush Hashem; however, they are only temporary. We must now all strive to make Aliyah. True, I preach but I am still here, in the galut; however, I am doing everything possible to be able to move as soon as I finish my law school. True, for others it is more than just finishing school, but we must all at the very least BEGIN.

As an immigrant from Ukraine, it is evident that our time in the galut is coming to an end, whether by our choice or the will of Hashem through the hateful acts of the goyim. Surely enough it will come to America also. It seems impossible, but that is the same thing my family, may Hashem avenge their blood, thought: that is impossible for the nations in which they "peacefully" lived to turn against them over night.

Quilmes, ARGENTINA
As a Jew our family pray every day for our people in Israel.
Baruch Hashem, we will survive, and stop the terror !

Belle Harbor, NY
The massive tefillah gathering in downtown Manhattan was an inspiring event. From the time I entered a Brooklyn subway station and joined throngs of men, women and children all traveling to the same Wall Street stop, to the sight of thousands moving orderly to the appointed places of davening for men and women, to the quiet tefilah that was filled with awe and kavanah and finally the trip home and hearing expressions of hope that all the tefilot would be heard and answered, it was truly a remarkable and special afternoon.

Richmond, CANADA
Our hearts and thoughts are with the people of Israel. 
The Canadian government should be more vocal in its support for Israel. 
We support you. Stay strong! 

Cleveland Heights, USA

The Nation of France
To Whom It May Concern:

As a Jew, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I would like to thank your President Jacques Chirac for saying that Israel needs to be convinced that peace is better than war. 

Never mind that peace (shalom in Hebrew) is the most common word in Jewish prayers. That it is endlessly repeated in synagogues, when greeting or taking leave, when getting up or going to bed. Never mind that shalom (peace) is mentioned 77 times in the Torah, and 275 times in the Jewish Bible (The Old Testament of Christians.) Never mind that of all the world's literature the United Nations chose to inscribe the words of Israeli Prophet Isaiah on the wall across from its building in New York. Here are these words, "and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more." Never mind that these words are said in every synagogue at nearly every assembly, and that peace is called "God's greatest gift." Therefore, the President of the Nation that still venerates general Napoleon would do better teaching cows how to make milk, or teaching grass how to grow quietly than teaching Jews (Israelis) that peace is better than war. 

At the same time, where is your condemnation of the suicide bombers who blow up cafes full of mothers and young children, religious men coming out of prayer services, or dance halls full of teenagers? Or the rash of synagogue arsons that has broken out in France, or the mob attacks on Jews? Who is it that really needs the lesson that peace is better than war? Thank you, Jacques Chirac, for informing me about the encyclopedic extent of your ignorance. I would like also to thank the unnamed cinema near the Paris Opera for canceling a screening of the "Harry Potter" film for Jewish kids. But I am even more grateful to the police of Paris, which has failed to provide protection for these kids. Apparently Jews of any age are no longer guaranteed complete equality with the rest of the population. Fr Monk intervened on behalf of the Jews.) I also cannot forget the events of October 2000, with synagogues firebombed and burned, Jewish worshipers attacked and stoned. I know that President Chiraq spoke out against all this, saying that this is not what he meant when the criticized Israel. Well, as English playwright Shakespeare said, "Methinks the Lady doth protest too much." The President's criticisms of Israel had been (and remain) so extensive, so common and so unforgiving, that I cannot possibly believe him. The events of October 2000 are exactly what he meant. And if there is any doubt about it, your ambassador to the United Kingdom Daniel Bernard has cleared it up. Not only did he call Israel "that shitty little country," (quite a polite and diplomatic fellow is Daniel Bernard, is he not?) but also he also ante-factum (before the fact) blamed the Jewish people for starting World War Three. My greatest gift of gratitude, therefore, goes to him. He has discovered in me (after all, I belong to "those people") a horrifying quality of causing world wars, a terrible character flaw about which I hitherto had been completely unaware. He has also forewarned us of our pre-assigned guilt. 

I would like to inform you that I have decided to join the campaign against France. I will not visit or fly through France and its colonies of Guadeloupe, Martinique, and St. Pierre. That I will also boycott all products made in France, including perfume and cosmetics industry, designer fashion labels, French wines, chocolates, etc. That I will use my money to buy Israeli products, and travel to Israel and other countries who still think that Jews are human and should not live at the mercy of Palestinian terrorists. I will also contact all people I know and try to get them to do the same. Let it be a humble manifestation of my gratitude..

Kansas, MO
BS"D

My daily prayer is that Hashem carry all of us to Eretz Yisrael on wings of eagles... as I apply for a Jewish college in Jerusalem, I'm wondering if Hashem in His kindness has answered my plea. The people of Israel live and the people of Israel thrive. 
Shalom Y'rushalayim.

Jerusalem, ISRAEL
Dear fellow Jews
It is most gratifying to hear of the tremendous Yom Tefillah held in Manhattan today. Here in Eretz Yisroel, there will be a Yom Tefillah tomorrow. We expect a big turnout and will storm the Gates of Heaven for a swift Yeshua for all of Klal Yisroel.

Battle Creek, MI
Your brothers and sisters in Battle Creek, Michigan want to tell you that you have our support and are constantly in our prayers.
Shalom.Shalom.Shalom.

London, ENGLAND

Massive Solidarity for Israel Rally

MONDAY 6th of MAY,
2pm at Trafalgar Sq, London UK

Message from The Board of Deputies:
Please note, the date of this rally has now changed. It is NOT Sunday April 28th as previously announced. 
This march will be the first occasion for Anglo Jewry to express its solidarity and commitment to three things. Organizers are hoping for 40,000 people to show their support by attending this event. The march will be the first occasion for Anglo Jewry to express its solidarity and commitment to three things:
1)The state of Israel
2)Campaign against terror
3)Campaign against anti Semitism
Note: This march and rally will be totally apolitical, and will represent the full spectrum of Jewish and non Jewish pro Israel society.

Princeton, NJ
Looking for info on organizers of April 28 Shame on France demonstration in NYC. Please reply to hfragman@aol.com. 
Thanks. 
-Helene

USA
Israel is our Brother and I am so devastated that the U.S. is not doing more to support you. I believe the best way to win support greater here is to tell History. The Arabs supported Hitler during W.W.II and most American's don't know this.  G-d gave the land to Israel (PERIOD) There is no further comment on the subject. My prayers are for ISRAEL. We Christian's love you. 

Sydney, AUSTRALIA
B"SD

"IT IS BECAUSE OF PEOPLE LIKE YOU THAT ISRAEL WILL CONTINUE TO BE SUCCESSFUL"

We had a very successful rally here in Sydney today April 21, 2002. Many thanks to all the organizers and friends. 10,000 people in support of Israel, Wow! From the "other side" of the world, in a City of only 40,000 Jews. Speeches, crying, praying and singing, placards, balloons and flags, a collage of blue and white. Rabbis, Politicians, Leaders of Jewish organizations, Carmelite Nuns, other Christians etc. etc. even Israelis...

There was NO violence. NO flag burning. NO yelling or screaming. Nothing was broken. NO children with real or imitation guns. Indeed, there were NO police or any form of apparent security in site. Yet without any of the usual sensationalism, ALL of the local and national TV channels reported the great and PEACEFUL show of unity and support for Israel and it's right to defend herself against Terror.

Where to from next? Please travel to Israel! Also could you please spend at least $100 in Israel over the next 12 months and encourage as many people as you can to do likewise.  It's easy and it's a bargain, over the net from where you are sitting now.  Visit the web site: www.shopinisrael.com and spend a few dollars NOW! Or just look...

-Yossel Weinstein

Jerusalem, ISRAEL
I would like to thank all of you, who sent soldier packages through Dash Cham. I can tell you first hand that it was a boost to the spirits of the soldiers receiving them. It brought us joy and it showed us that people around the world cared about us. Keep them coming. 
Thanks also to www.dashcham.com 
Todah.

New York, USA
To the people of Israel,
I want all of you in Israel to know that you are doing the right thing by living there. Don't be discouraged by terrorist attacks. The Palestinian terrorists are out there to scare us away from Israel and convince us that the land of Israel is not safe for the Jews. However, we must remain strong and show them that they will not succeed! We, the Jewish people must show how much we care about Israel!
AM YISRAEL CHAI!!!

Orlando, FL
I am coming home.  I am making Aliyah G-d willing in July 2002....less than 75 days.

Sydney, AUSTRALIA

With the best wishes, and blessing from down under we want you to know that you are in our tfilot all the time, tomorrow we will hold a rally in support of Israel, we are hoping for a big crowd, to send a message to you, in Israel, that we are with you.

Sydney, AUSTRALIA
For all those "Aussies" who can make it to the SYDNEY "Rally for Israel, here is the information:

WHEN?: Sunday 21 April 2002 12 noon
WHERE?: Wynyard Park, York Street (Near Wynyard Station)
WHAT?: To: SUPPORT ISRAEL’S RIGHT TO SURVIVE

Wear blue and white to show your support

Get the facts from www.zfa.com.au or www.nswjbd.org

AM YISRAEL CHAI

Falls Church, VA
My wife and I became so fed up with the situation -- and the reporting -- in the Middle East that we have decided to travel to Israel in August to see for ourselves, and to stand with the Israeli people. I am beyond the age where I could be of help militarily, but maybe by just being there --and defying the fear mongers -- we can make a statement.

Sacramento, CA
Not having had a religious upbringing, I never thought I would say this to anyone, but my prayers are with you, Israel, everyday. I believe Israel's right to exist comes down to this: the rest of the world has stood by, time and again, while anti-semites persecuted the Jews. The world owes us the state of Israel.

Baltimore, MD
Shalom to all the Brave men and women of Israel
I am very proud to see once more the Jews decided to defend themselves against the World aggression. 
Do not be afraid, they have killed too many Jews. .

Tampa, FL
In these trouble times we all should remember that our forefathers once wandered in the diaspora but today we have a small country we can call home. WE MUST SUPPORT THE STATE OF ISRAEL IN ITS STRUGGLE TO SURVIVE.

Rochester, NY
This letter was sent by my wife's cousin's husband who lives in Tel Aviv.

My dear friends,

I have returned for 48 hours from the Kasba in Schem (Nablus). I have a ton of work to catch up on yet I feel the need to share this with you.

Yom Hashoah - Day of Remembrance for the Holocaust

For the past 32 years I have always known and felt the agony on The day of Remembrance of the Holocaust. This time I feel it was an experience that is so unique and special that it should give you all something to think about.

Here is my version of Yom Hashoa from the Market (Kasba) in Shchem.

We are about 16 soldiers in a post with no running water and food rations for the past 4 days, yet we are all in good spirits. The snipers are everywhere and the explosions are every 5-6 minutes.

None the less we decided collectively that we must do something for this day (Holocaust Memorial Day) when we remember the 6 million women children and men that were butchered by the Nazis.

It was the most moving experience of my life. It began when we stood around in a circle and began reading texts we wrote for the day about the Holocaust. The texts carried meaning and depth. The service was run by Menachem, a pediatrician & officer in our unit.

At the end of the reading ceremony we all stood and sang the Hatikva (Israel anthem), and all I could think of during this 30 or so minutes was how much this means for all the 6 million people to have a voice, an army of trained soldiers , people to protect the exact concept that so many have tried to finish - Judaism.

Here we are singing the Hatikva, a group of well educated professionals that have left our families and businesses and lives to protect our nation, our people.

At the end we sat on the floor, not a word was said for 30-40 minutes, there where no bombs falling or shelling etc for that time, it was as if someone understood that moment, and the weight it carried. Singing the Hatikva and saying those words seemed to me to be something that I can not express.

My aim is to give you hope and safety in the thoughts I had, you should feel special as a Jew, you should feel that you are carrying the torch for all those that have been murdered for just being Jews.

I am not a religious person, yet there is something unique in what we are.

Commander Asulin - "Kodkod Alef"
8 days ago I did not know Commander Assaf Assulin who was killed yesterday morning by a sniper in Shchem. Asaf first came to my attention on the second night of our being in the "Kasba", when coming under attack, he was so composed it was amazing. What a tragedy that at 30 it all came to an end for this brave man.

Let his bravery and spirit carry on in all of us.

Sergeant Yaron
Sergeant Yaron was treated by our medical team minutes after receiving two bullets, one in the arm and the other in the chest. He too was a medic and only months away from finishing his mandatory 3 years in the army.

He was treated by Dr. Ran Shtienberg at 11:50 on the 7/4/2002, at 12:05 we took him to the chopper that flew him to hospital.

He turned to us and said THANKS, how many people do you know are able to remember to say thanks with two bullets lodged in them one in the chest cm's away from the heart.

He made it, he is lucky to have had such skillful people around him.

The moral of this story is to remember to always keep things in perspective and give others respect.

I am proud that Yaron's mother has her son back (a present) and I was proud to be part of that team that helped him, I was fortunate to have met Yaron who again taught me how much respect is important to us all.

I hope my events will keep you feeling positive, I know that I feel I have learnt a lot in the past week or so. All in all we have saved 13 lives - 13 parents have their children back.

I would also like to add how much care we have taken not to harm the civilian Palestinian population. There is no other army in the world that would be as sensitive to the local population as the IDF. Do not be influenced by foreign press, they are quoting Palestinian lies without even checking them. Defaming Israel, especially Sharon, seems to be Bon Ton these days. The IDF has risked (and lost) many lives to avoid hurting civilians.

I hope this has been interesting to you all.

Regards,
-Alon Moritz
Staff Sergeant, Father of Maya and Gali, husband to Ronit, Business man and IT Consultant, Friend, Human being who just wants to live quietly as we all do!

New York, NY
How A Yeshiva Attends A Rally--
Letter written by a YU student about the DC rally

Toronto, CANADA
I spent a couple of the best years of my life in Israel. I can't imagine what Israelis are going through now. I feel so safe here almost guilty of feeling that way. I should be feeling the fear of walking down the street or having a slice of pizza! But I don't. I don't feel at home here but I do feel safe. I stood on guard for Canada but it did not stand on guard for thee. I can't think of my young kids being a part of terrorism, It would probably kill me and my wife. I wish I could give all the people of Israel the strength to get through this dark episode in our history. I think very soon the world has to wake up and see the evil that is inside each Palestinian. May Hashem Bless our soldiers and all the Jews of Israel. Remember the Jews are alone. All on our own. There is the proof.

Los Angeles, CA
The children of Israel were surrounded by their enemies at the Yam Suf (Sea of Reeds), and those enemies sought to destroy the children of Israel. But G-d created a series of miracles, and those enemies were destroyed. Meanwhile, the children of Israel walked right through it.

Today, once again, the Jewish people are surrounded by enemies who wish to destroy them. And, once again, G-d will create miracles, and once again, He will destroy the enemies of the Jews.

Together, all of us, the Jew and the Gentile who loves the Jew, will once again walk right through this.

Miami, FL
Our hearts and prayers are with you every moment of the day. We grieve with you but we know we are a strong nation when we are united. 
Victory is ours! AM YISRAEL CHAI!

Lake Worth, FL
Am Yisroel Chai! and thank you Ariel Ben Attar for your wonderful message about how we Jews upset people. What a great history lesson. I'm ashamed of my President for telling the State of to withdraw - where, to the Mediterranean Sea?

New York, NY

Monday's National Solidarity Rally for Israel in Washington DC was by all accounts a resounding success in its show of support for the people and State of Israel. Yeshiva University's representation in the rally was emblematic of the deep and historic ties that the YU community has with Israel.

YU's participation was exemplary: 53 buses departed in the early morning from the Wilf and Midtown campuses, carrying more than 2,400 university and high school students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends, and family members to the nation's capital. The mood of YU students was serious and focused on the day's activity, and they were supported in their sense of purpose by rabbinic faculty who gave shiurim (Talmudic studies' lectures) en route on many of the buses.

Once in Washington DC, the YU contingent walked the mile-plus to Capitol Hill, site of the rally. YC senior Reuven Brand was the final speaker at the rally.

Dr. Lamm, who rode on a bus with Mrs. Lamm, summed up his feelings about the day, "An awe inspiring event, made even more so by the physically demanding nature of the day. Our students were magnificent in their industry, dedication, and sense of usefulness to all people at the rally. They are an inspiration and source of enormous pride for Yeshiva University."

One Communications-Public Affairs staff member, Mrs. June Glazer, who participated in the rally, wrote that "There's a tremendous love for Israel here among our students, and yesterday allowed them to demonstrate that emotion in a way that was both visible and meaningful."

 The extraordinary dedication and organizational ability of our students was a lightning rod for local and national press coverage. TV broadcast and print news reporters from CBS, ABC, NBC, CNN, WPIX, NY1, and the Associated Press all showed up on campus to report on YU's participation. Dr. Lamm and YU seniors Michael Davis and Shmuli Singer were interviewed live by several TV reporters. All of the major broadcast news web sites carried front-page stories citing YU's participation in the rally.

At the rally, more than 100 Yeshiva College, Stern College, and Sy Syms School students carried large donation buckets, each adorned with a photo and story of an Israeli citizen killed by terrorists in recent attacks.  They collected in excess of $30,000 for the Israel Emergency Solidarity Fund, which distributes funds and services to victims of terrorism in Israel. This collection was in addition to the recent $5,000 raised by students on YU campuses and matched dollar-for-dollar by the two student organizations, YC Student Organization of Yeshiva (SOY) and Stern College Torah Activities Council (for a total gift of $10,000). Ten families of victims of terrorism in Israel, chosen by the students, each received $1,000 for Passover.

The tradition of student community service (hesed) has a long history at YU.  Monday's large turnout of students at the rally was one of a series of recent manifestations of hesed, which began with the Stern College 9-11  "shemirah" duty, the Torah Shield II trip to Israel, and the Kol Haneshma Israeli victims of terror project.

Cleveland, OH
I would like to volunteer for Israel in __I_S_R_A_E_L__

I fully understand why American Jews are not making aliyah in mass numbers - until recently I was one of them, and do not harbor any "holier than thou" sentiments toward those who did not make what is unquestionably a profoundly difficult move. I also understand those parents who are concerned and nervous about sending their children here to learn.

Regardless of whether I agree or disagree with their decision, they are taking a prudent course of action, as would any parent. As responsible adults, it is their duty to protect their children. 

What I have a more difficult time with is the 16-17-18-19 year olds who aren't pounding the streets, ringing the phones, or picking themselves up to join Am Yisrael in this most difficult of times. Youth at this age are supposed to be filled with ideals and values which have not as yet been tempered by the realities of life or practical considerations. Forgive the nostalgia, but I can still remember the power of the grass roots movement in '67 and '73, the student-led marches for Soviet Jewry - despite the objections of their parents. The parents are supposed to be practical, the kids are supposed to be idealistic. And if the kids are not idealistic to the point of knocking down the doors, where has our education of this generation - both at home and in the schools - gone astray?

Kol Tuv
-Zvi Grumet

Sarasota, FL
Can some one please tell me why should Israel withdraw its troops from Judea and Samaria.

Sarcelles, France
Tout le peuple juif est avec vous, nous nous battrons à l'endroit où nous nous trouvons pour montrer au monde quelle est la force du peuple juif nous vaincrons!
Am Israel Hai!
(All the Jewish people are with you, we fight in  the place where we are located to show the world that the Jewish people are a force!!   Am Israel Hai!!)

New York, NY
We hope you were able to see the huge outpouring of solidarity with you when we we to Washington last Monday. We know that the reports coming out of the Palestinian media is composed of lies. We are notifying he reporters of CNN and other media organizations that their reporting is totally unbalanced. We will continue in solidarity with you.

Calgary, Alberta  CANADA
I Just came from our Yom Ha'atzmaut celebrations. We are a community of about 8000 Jews. Out of that 1500 of us were at the celebrations. I don't think I have ever seen so many people out to a community event. We all came to be together as a show of support for Israel. We also have 33 young people from Israel visiting. Which made this event extra special. Just wanted to let you know as far as we are from you. Our community supports you and prays for peace everyday. We thank you the IDF for defending Israel and support you and hope and pray that no more Israeli lives will be lost in this war.

New York, NY
To every Jewish individual and family in Israel, the electricity in the air and the palpable outpouring of love, support and concern for you all was of almost Biblical proportions!
It was so humbling and energizing at the same time to merit and to be part of what I might call a "Magnificent Mega-Minyan" of Jewish people from so many places coming together with one focused thought on our collective hearts and minds. Israel's ultimate victory, with G-d's promised Help and your safety which is so vital to all of us no matter where we are. And no matter where we are, WE ARE WITH YOU!!
Please note, for the time being it is possible to see the Rally For Israel in Washington as a (2 hour and 44 minute!) web cast program by logging on to www.ujc.org and then note the link in the text under the color photo which says, "View the webcast". Click on that phrase and with some technological mazel you'll get just a small taste of how much we love all of you.
Just be strong and of good courage, always!
Am Yisroel Chai!!!

Washington, DC
I am praying daily for the peace of Jerusalem and that my country will not waver in its support of Israel.

Los Angeles, CA
If there would ever be a war waged by the entire world against the Jews, the enemy would have all the money, all the nations, all the armies, all the people, all the natural resources, all the media, all the land, all the weapons, and all the satellite equipment. All the Jews would have is G-d. I like the Jews' chances.

Philadelphia, PA
An Average American Jew in support of Israel, do what needs to be done to end the terror that you all have to live with daily. Know the united states isn't as anti-Israeli as many people think. We are all here for you, or at least I am. If any one here knows of Ron Merkel, a young officer in the IDF from Rishon-Letzion please let me know, I lost touch with him about 8 months ago.

Pittsburgh, PA
I am a Ba'al Tshuva who was at the rally yesterday. I was also at the WTC when the attacks began. I felt that attending the rally helped to put that behind me and that people like ou.org and the other organizations (I signed up for the rally via Hillel, who got me on a UJF bus) that helped have really made me proud. It was so wonderful to see. I find it amazing that until last week I thought that www.ou.org would only be about kashrus. I want to thank you for doing what you do.

BS"D
Just because so much of the world is against us does not mean we should ever despair. Truth will always win out in the end. Every day that we stand together united is a day on the road to victory over evil.
I just received an e-mail about a means of searching for suicide belts and and having a way of inspecting for them with radio waves so that the bomb blows up prematurely, killing (hopefully) the guilty party while saving innocent lives. We have the brains to outsmart them. We Jews have outsmarted our enemies for thousands of years and we can do it again.

New York, NY
Dear Brothers and Sisters;

Shalom! I am a Serphardic Jew residing in United States. I was in Yerushalayim in 1997 and celebrated the best Shabbath after my visit my heart stood in my homeland. Our prayers are daily for those who live in Israel. Every Monday and on Shabbath we invite enough people to form a Tehilah of Prayers for our People. Hugs and Kisses (Psalm 23)

With Love
-Hadassah

Fair Lawn, NJ
My heart goes out to all the Israelis. I pray for all of you. I went to Israel this past October and got my tickets on Sept.11. I felt it was a test, and I went to a deserted Israel. I recently converted, to join the Jewish people, in March. I attended the rally, in Washington D.C. I must say I felt very proud to see so many denominations of Jews come together so beautifully. The feeling was so powerful, we all felt Israel pain. 
I love Eretz Israel and the people of Israel. 
Can't wait to come make Aliyah!

Brooklyn, NY
I just gave Tzedaka (charity) with the intent that through this Mitzva (good deed) the triumph of Israel and the coming of the Messiah will arrive sooner. Whoever you are, after reading this message, give any amount (even a penny) to a worthy cause for the sake of Israel. May all our good acts overwhelm the forces of evil and may we all rejoice in Jerusalem, speedily in our days.

Belle Harbor, NY
Although I was unable to attend the rally in Washington, my husband attended with our shul. He spoke of the kiddush Hashem seeing thousands and thousands of people of all backgrounds joining for the same cause, our love of Israel, the people and the land. Our relatives in Israel were elated at the demonstration of support in America. May we see peace in Israel and throughout the world in the near future.

Safed, Israel
Shalom, for a long time I did not understand why the nations are so much against Israel, why even after all these years are we still despised by the people, it bothered me so much.  Why G-d, oh why do they hate us?

But now I live in Israel and G-d has answered my question, I don’t feel so bad now, I have come to the complete understanding that Hashem blessed be His name has designed the minds of the nations against us, so that in the end as it is prophesied, when all the nations rise up against G-ds anointed "Israel" they shall see that salvation shall come from the G-d of Israel, not them!!!

The nations will all witness the redemption of Israel from the hand of G-d, and we the chosen nation must only depend on G-d, the nations will never understand that there hate for us is actually a blessing in disguise so that we don’t come to trust them for salvation, but we only shall trust in Hashem, I am very happy to be home after so many thousands of years.

Thank you so much Abba, it is such a good feeling to be home, I never want to leave again, never, please G-d redeem your children now, and show the nations how wrong they are for despising your people.

Am Yisroel, forever 

Washington, DC
Keep up the military activities to clean out terrorism. Do not allow ANYONE to pressure you to withdraw until you are ready to do so.

Open letter to the world by Ariel Ben Attar, an Israeli

Dear World,

I understand that you are upset by us, here in Israel. Indeed, it appears that you are quite upset, even angry. (Outraged?) Indeed, every few years you seem to become upset by us. Today, it is the "brutal repression of the Palestinians"; yesterday it was Lebanon; before that it was the bombing of the nuclear reactor in Baghdad and the Yom Kippur War and the Sinai campaign. It appears that Jews who triumph and who, therefore, live, upset you most extraordinarily.

Of course, dear world, long before there was an Israel, we - the Jewish people - upset you. We upset a German people who elected Hitler and upset an Austrian people who cheered his entry into Vienna and we upset a whole slew of Slavic nations - Poles, Slovaks, Lithuanians, Ukrainians, Russians, Hungarians and Romanians. And we go back a long, long way in the history of world upset. We upset the Cossacks of Chmielnicki who massacred tens of thousands of us in 1648-49; we upset the Crusaders who, on their way to liberate the Holy Land, were so upset at Jews that they slaughtered untold numbers of us.

For centuries, we upset a Roman Catholic Church that did its best to define our relationship through inquisitions, and we upset the arch-enemy of the church, Martin Luther, who, in his call to burn the synagogues and the Jews within them, showed an admirable Christian ecumenical spirit. And it is because we became so upset over upsetting you, dear world, that we decided to leave you - in a manner of speaking - and establish a Jewish state.  The reasoning was that living in close contact with you, as resident-strangers in the various countries that comprise you, we upset you, irritate you and disturb you. What better notion, then, than to leave you and thus love you - and have you love us? And so we decided to come home - to the same homeland from which we were driven out 1,900 years earlier by a Roman world that, apparently, we also upset.

Alas, dear world, it appears that you are hard to please. Having left you and your pogroms and inquisitions and crusades and holocausts, having taken our leave of the general world to live alone in our own little state, we continue to upset you. You are upset that we repress the poor Palestinians.

You are deeply angered over the fact that we do not give up the lands of 1967, which are clearly the obstacle to peace in the Middle East.  Moscow is upset and Washington is upset. The "radical" Arabs are upset and the gentle Egyptian moderates are upset.

Well, dear world, consider the reaction of a normal Jew from Israel. In 1920 and 1921 and 1929, there were no territories of 1967 to impede peace between Jews and Arabs. Indeed, there was no Jewish State to upset anybody.

Nevertheless, the same oppressed and repressed Palestinians slaughtered tens of Jews in Jerusalem, Jaffa, Safed and Hebron. 

Indeed, 67 Jews were slaughtered one day in Hebron in 1929. Dear world, why did the Arabs - the Palestinians - massacre 67 Jews in one day in 1929? 

Could it have been their anger over Israeli aggression in 1967? And why were 510 Jewish men, women and children slaughtered in Arab riots between 1936-39? Was it because Arabs were upset over 1967? And when you, world, proposed a UN Partition Plan in 1947 that would have created a "Palestinian State" alongside a tiny Israel and the Arabs cried "no" and went to war and killed 6,000 Jews - was that "upset" caused by the aggression of 1967? And, by the way, dear world, why did we not hear your cry of "upset" then?

The poor Palestinians who today kill Jews with explosives and firebombs and stones are part of the same people who - when they had all the territories they now demand be given to them for their state - attempted to drive the Jewish state into the sea. The same twisted faces, the same hate, the same cry of "itbach-al-yahud" (Massacre the Jew!) that we hear and see today, were seen and heard then. The same people, the same dream - destroy Israel.

What they failed to do yesterday, they dream of today, but we should not "repress" them. 

Dear world, you stood by during the holocaust and you stood by in 1948 as seven states launched a war that the Arab League proudly compared to the Mongol massacres. You stood by in 1967 as Nasser, wildly cheered by wild mobs in every Arab capital in the world, vowed to drive the Jews into the sea. And you would stand by tomorrow if Israel were facing extinction. And since we know that the Arabs-Palestinians dream daily of that extinction, we will do everything possible to remain alive in our own land.

If that bothers you, dear world, well - think of how many times in the past you bothered us. In any event, dear world, if you are bothered by us, here is one Jew in Israel who could not care less. 

-Ariel Ben Attar
Israel

NY, USA
Just a tip to all those interested, I found a site that has a daily listing of every op/ed piece relating to Israel that appears in a major US newspaper. The address is http://opinionnative.blogspot.com. It's a good way to keep up with what is said in the media and to respond to articles that you feel strongly about.

Brooklyn, NY
I couldn't attend the rally in Washington, DC yesterday, but my older daughter did and I'm very proud of this. She and I came to the USA because somebody else rallied in Washington for the Jews from former USSR. Today, it is our turn to help. 
Thank to everybody who made it happened.

Israel is in my everyday prayers.

Santa Barbara, CA
I know that it may seem that the whole world is against you. For whatever worth it may be, the Lopez family supports the heroic job that the IDF is doing, and we appreciate what you are doing for the rest of the world to live freely and safely. Thank you.
-The Lopez family

Langley, British Columbia  CANADA
As a non Jew I would like to add my support for Israeli people in this very difficult time. I feel that Israel has a right to defend themselves from murderous fanatics. I pray for peace in that part of the world, but in the meantime I wish for Israel the courage and strength to do what is necessary.

Suffern, New York
The last rally we attended in Washington, DC was for Soviet Jewry. Sharansky was a prisoner in Russia then. Yesterday we heard Sharansky's words in front of the capital, in Washington, DC, now a free man and member of Israeli Parliament. May this thought be an inspiration to those who question the need to participate in such programs. 
Chazak V'Amatz - Am Yisrael Chai

Phoenix, Arizona
I will also be making Aliyah soon.

Lauderhill, FL
My husband and I called the White House today. We encourage everyone to do the same. 202-456-1111. We attended the Community Wide Rally in Miami Beach on Yom HaShoa and regretted that we could not be in Washington today. Call the White House with your children. Have them participate in whatever way possible. The time is NOW! Tell President Bush the USA must stand strong against all terrorists. 
God Bless The USA and Shomer Shomer Yisrael Am Echad B'Eretzainu

Rockville, MD
I was at the rally today in Washington, what a Kiddush HaShem! Jews of all backgrounds joining together, singing together, praying together... There were so many people in the crowd saying Tehillim, it was wonderful! May G-d hear our T'filos and be happy that his people were unified on this day!

Fairbury, Nebraska
Greetings from a Christian in Fairbury, Nebraska! I want you to know that I am praying and very concerned for your families and the Palestinian families. I would like to see children all over the world be free and safe from terrorism.

May there soon be peace in Jerusalem, and may it spread outward to the rest of the world!
-Janice Marie

Brooklyn, NY
Although I cannot attend the massive rally in Washington today, my thoughts and tefillot are with my people in Eretz Yisrael at all times.
-Ari

Har Nof, ISRAEL
I am a seminary (one year out of high-school) student learning in Jerusalem. I went back to LA for Pesach and everyone assumed that I went back because of the "situation". I didn't! I went home to spend time with my family during Pesach. And now I am back in Jerusalem. It is a total contrast to the what you hear and see in America. 
Please, daven to Hashem to help Israel and make it a safe place for all Jews to visit (or even better, live). Israel is our home and we must stand strong and proud in support of it!

Los Gatos, CA
Our Catholic Christian family prays daily for the state of Israel and for its military action against terrorists being successful. We pray that Sharon continues to display the courage and resolve that blesses the whole world.

Brooklyn, NY
We are with you, brothers and sisters in Artzeinu HaK'doshah. I never thought I would make aliyah - I am frum now, but I am also very American to the core. But my thoughts these days are mostly of how I can pay off my debts here and move home to Israel as soon as possible.
We are doing everything we can think of to support you - writing to the White House, rallying, buying Israel Bonds, and praying (and praying and praying). Hold on so you can greet me and my family when, G-d willing, we come home!

New York, NY
I became a Jew by choice by official ceremony 8 years ago, but with my heart 37 years ago. My friend's parents were survivors and they shocked me with tales of inhumanity against Jews. I will always rise against anti-Semitism and will teach my children too. I stand proudly with Jews anywhere in the world.

Toronto, CANADA
Israel. Just one message: Chazak Chazak Venischazeik. Stay strong through these difficult times. We Jews in the Diaspora are with you!

Denver, CO
Dear Acheinu B'Eretz Hakdosha: We are united with you in feeling the pain of the Korbanot and the wounded, and in urgent Tefillot for the help of Hashem. Hayom, Im B'Kolo Tishmou. Yehi Ratzon Shenishma Besorot Tovot, Yeshuot V'Nechamot. -Avraham Grossman

Memphis, TN
We are with you, Israel, in this difficult time, praying for peace and security for all. You are in the midst of a sea of hatred and anti-Semitism. May it be Hashem's will to protect all of you and keep the State of Israel strong and free from such violence. May our people continue to thrive in Israel and all over the world. G-d Bless.

Wabash, IN
This is a great moment in history, as a Christian I pray to the G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob that Israel will have all success in her war on terror.
-Gerben Houtman

New York, NY
I feel ashamed of my government going to a basement to talk to a terrorist. More than shame, anger, or any sadness is the endless love I feel for Eretz Yisrael -every soul and every stone. 
I can't wait to go back soon. 
Ta'amin yihihe biseder

Oceanside, NY
Our hearts break every time we hear of another bombing. We cannot imagine your pain and frustration. We think of you with every breath we take.

Madison Heights, VA
We in Virginia are with y'all!!!

Long Island, NY
I will be making aliyah to Israel within the next six months. I encourage anyone else to consider the same.

Jewish history is not something that happened only in the past. Jewish history is happening now in our lifetimes. A momentous chapter in Jewish history! We have been blessed to be living in a generation in which, after 2000 years, after 80 generations, Jewish sovereignty in Eretz Yisrael is being reclaimed. Each and every one of us must confront the decision: Will I accept my role in Jewish history?

You who are reading this must ask yourself this question.

Each generation had its responsibility, its task. Here is ours: Lech Lecha! Leave the lands of comfort and ease in which we were born, and the materialistic idols worshipped there, and go up to that good land which the Lord has given us so long ago.

A difficult choice? 
Blessed be the Lord for having granted me life in a generation in which such a choice is possible!!

Teaneck, NJ

Att: Those who care
My name is Yitzy Haber and I am working with a company in Israel that is working with the IDF to send baskets full of food and other goodies to the front lines. This project started about a year ago and now the IDF has reported back that receiving the baskets has brought new strength and encouragement to those soldiers now standing on the front lines. Every week a couple of army jeeps pull up to the doors of Dash Cham and collect these baskets for the soldiers that are really risking their lives. If any of you could help raise money at the rally (and also in general) for this moral booster that would be tremendous. Also just any donation would help greatly

There are two ways to donate either cash or check, each basket is $10 (and of course one can donate more then one basket or even less), checks can be made payable to DashCham and memo it to “help the soldiers”, they can then be sent to me and I will forward them.

I do ask you to verify this of course, as you do not know me. The web site for DashCham is www.Dashcham.com On the site you will find phone numbers etc. to contact them and verify my standing. Or you can purchase the baskets directly from the web site. Of course I look forward to hearing from you soon, and to seeing you all at the rally.

Thank you,
-Yitzy Haber
(718) 820 5022
456 Wyndham Rd
Teaneck NJ 07666

USA
Receiving reports on the numbers to Washington. I understand the parking lot at RFK Stadium for 700 buses is full!!
I have to tell you that I have tears in my eyes - Kol Hakovod - you wouldn't believe how much we need this kind of news in Israel. 
-Allan

Melbourne, Australia
The Kehillah of Melbourne shares the pain and are very worried and doing all we can for Acheinu B'yisrael. On Yom Hazikaron there is a rally in City Square at 12pm. Regular Tehillim is said in all of our shules. Letters are being written to all papers etc. At the end of the day...
Ain lanu al mi lehishoen...

Yerushalayim, ISRAEL
My dear brothers, the Jews of America. Your thoughts, actions and prayers are so appreciated at this time of crisis for our nation and in particular for the "Am Hashochen B'Tzion." All of us here know that you all want to do something to help Eretz Yisrael. Often times you probably feel helpless when thinking about Israel.

How of you are there? 5 million? More? I have an idea of what you could do - all of you or most of you, or even a few. Take Jewish history into your own hands!

Stop procrastinating. MAKE ALIYAH NOW!!!
Come a be a part of the Jewish future - the ONLY Jewish future.

Belle Harbor, NY
We send our prayers to our brethren in Israel. We pray for the land and people that we love and cherish. 
May we see peace soon for k'lal Yisrael.

Brooklyn, NY
I don't really know what to say to all of you, protecting the state of Israel just by living there. I am ashamed that the most that I can do is not enough. I want all Israelis to know that you are not forgotten. My heart hurts every time I watch another news report and see another image capturing the misery and grief rampant in Israel. No matter what the world may think, the Jews of America will stand by you always. If it were in my power I would be there with you now. You face death and danger from the moment the sun rises each day, and yet you continue. My admiration knows no bounds. You have my prayers, my devotion, my love- and even as I write this, my tears.

Brooklyn, NY
The world needs to understand Israel's right and need to root out terrorists and put an end to the devastation, destruction and grief that has become an integral part of their daily life. I pray that Hashem give strength and consolation to the Israeli people, who inevitably face such loss. We all pray for them and hope our presence at the Rally will send our message of support loud and clear.

Montreal, CANADA
The first hand reports from those who are fighting for the security of Israel - OUR security - were very emotional. We offer our prayers for the welfare of OUR soldiers and OUR brothers and sisters in Israel. Your losses are OUR losses. May you continue to fight this battle for ALL of us around the world and , ultimately, may G-d grant us all the victory that we so desperately deserve. We stand tall and proud because of OUR beloved state - Israel.

Monsey, NY
Am Yisrael Chai !!!!!

New York, NY
Chazak Ve'ematz! We share your fear, outrage, anger and most fervent prayers for the safety and security of Israel. Take heart.
Soon you will see an outpouring of uncompromising support for our beloved Israel at the Washington, DC rally on April 15. So much is going on behind the scenes it's often hard to appreciate how much meaningful support and love there is for you. Busses, trains, cars, and planes will be bringing people from all over the country and the world for this critically important statement to the world that we are with you now and forever!
On Friday I wrote an email addressed to our president, vice president and secretary of state. I know I'm the tiniest fraction of those Jewish and non-Jewish who communicated the same thoughts.

Remerber, Am Yisroel Chai!

Here is what I wrote:

Dear Mr. President, Mr. Vice President and Mr. Secretary:
In light of another horrific homicide bombing in Jerusalem today, virtually in the presence of Mr. Powell, it is absolutely critical that the right message be sent to the leadership of the Palestinians. Please do not meet with Arafat and thereby give the tacit impression t