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August 2001
Croatia
From my whole heart I fully support my brothers and sisters in
Israel in their just struggle to achieve control of their (our)
land. In the country I live in, Croatia, I do whatever I can to
spread the truth of the right of the Jewish people to live in
peace in their own land. Why would the same same right that all
the peoples have be denied only to us?
-Janka Doraniæ (Wasserlauf)
USA
'Maasei Avos Siman L'Banim'. Just as Jacob wrestled with an
opponent on his return home and, though wounded, emerged
victorious, so too shall Israel. Today, the far flung limbs of
Jewry also feel your pain. Know that our hearts and prayers are
with you and that we are actively providing whatever support we
can, particularly in the court of public opinion
USA
I have just returned from a wonderful truly uplifting holiday in
Eretz Yisroel. I was really happily surprised to see that life
continues despite the very trying and troubled times. I was
amazed to see the achdus in the feeling of our fellow Jews.
People cried in the street after the terrible bomb in Jerusalem.
The happiness when bombs had been found before any damage had
been done was felt.
USA
I know we, the Diaspora Jews have no right to say anything until
we are not there facing all Israelis have to face each and every
day...feeling bad is not enough. Writing a message here neither.
We all have to go there and show the world who we are. Because
no one can destroy us. May the Moshiach come quickly!!!
Hungarian Jews are with you!
USA
I really admire the courage of the people of Israel. Keep
fighting for all of us and do not let other countries tell you
what to do. Two friends of mine were almost killed at the train
station in Binyamin and a member of our congregation was killed
in Jerusalem at the bombing of the Sbarro pizzeria. Never the
less most of you are still alive and there is always reason to
hope. I pray for you every day and I wish I could do more. Keep
your chins up and do not give up.
Turkey
Shalom!
Brothers and sisters in the promised land .
Everyday we pray not to hear on TV another victim . Nearly all
of us have relatives there living in Israel . Every bad news are
tearing our heart apart .
It is disgusting that world media is watching this terrorism
against children waiting to enter a disco or eating pizza like
basketball game end giving the results of the number of deaths
like a scoreboard
May G-d be with you and give strength to you in these hard days
USA
I was at Ben Gurion airport twice last week, at the Jerusalem
Mall three times, at the Machane Yehuda Shuk in Jerusalem and in
Geulah and also at the Israeli Mall in Tel Aviv and all of these
places are teeming with people- local and visitors. The news
media make it look like Israelis are all hiding under
bulletproof blankets and there's not a tourist in site. Sorry
folks, its just not true. Life here goes on full force.
Leshana Tova
-Carmel
USA
I don't think that we in the Diaspora fully understand what is
going on in Israel. We might read the paper and keep up on the
latest news, we might feel horrible, we might send money, but we
don't fully understand. For us, life goes on. After hearing
about the latest terror attack, we may daven, cry, even write a
check, but life goes on as normal. We go on with our daily
business. For our brothers in Israel it's totally different. A
terrorist attack means that people are busy going to pay shiva
calls. Young children start saying kaddish, people are afraid to
go out in the street, tourism is at an all time low. Israel
needs our money, and our tfila, but they need us more. They need
our moral support. They need for us to be there. I would like to
commend all those people who have spent time in Israel, all
those people that showed those in Israel that we in the Diaspora
do understand, that we are proud of them for dealing with this
every day, and we are there for them when they need us. To those
of you who are fortunate enough to live in Israel, despite
what's going on, stand proud and stand strong. Thank you for always
standing strong. May we all be with you soon in times of peace.
USA
We were in Israel for two weeks around the beginning of August.
I found it very weird to be in Jerusalem, and to travel in the
Galil, and see so few other tourists. when I asked shopkeepers
or taxi drivers, they all said the same thing: they've never
seen so few visitors in the middle of the summer. I tried to
spend as much money as I could, but one tourist family cannot
make up for the lack of dozens of full buses. Israel needs our
presence and our money as much as she needs our prayers.
Israel
I miss most taking things for granted. Not thinking twice when I
arrive safely at work and then return home without a problem. I
remember a time when I did not have to watch anxiously for my
husband to walk in the door, when it did not bother me if he
forgot to call that he made it to Jerusalem without problems.
When I went to Jerusalem just for fun, without feeling guilty
that I was endangering my son's life, without calling before
hand to make sure "the road is opened," without eyeing
other driver's suspiciously, especially ones that wanted to
pass.
But it's more that that. It is
being scared to turn on the news, worrying that someone you know
would have been the latest victim of terror- on the street, in
the car, in a restaurant. It's appreciating each person who I
can convince to come visit, to brave the roads that I must take
every day (and it's understanding when they will only do so by
bus). I can no longer take the presence of Shabbat guests, of
family, of friends vacationing in Israel for granted.
With this heightened sensitivity
to mundane events comes a heightened appreciation for each
moment- precious time spent together with my wonderful, active
boy, with my loving husband. Each moment of talk and play
becomes a memory to store, because who knows is such an
opportunity will arise again? While I may not be able to take
the simplest things in life for granted, I have been blessed
with the insight into how lovely the simplest things are, to how
blessed I am to spend time with my fabulous family, to how
little more I want or need from life besides these moments with
those I love. Bezrat Hashem, when all calms down, when I can
return to taking for granted that I will arrive in Jerusalem
without problem, I hope I never return to taking these moments
with my family for granted.
USA
I spent a year and a half is Israel learning, and I felt the
kedusha the land has to offer. It makes Hashem cry when his
people are getting killed, but it is a wake up call for us. When
a neshama leaves this world, do we feel bad? All we need is
unity. That simple word will bring Mashiach closer and war
further. The only way to beat this war is through Tefilla
because that is the Arabs strength. Everyone davens in plural,
but do we really think about the person standing next to us.
when unity, teffila and love penetrate our veins- no one can
kill us. Hashem is on our side...lets take advantage of that.
"mi ke amcha yisroel?"
May we see Hashem through all this hardship and connect to him
like never before.
-dadz1chik@aol.com
USA
I'm a gentile with a deep love for the Chosen People and for
Eretz Israel. May the G-d of Israel bless you and give you peace
despite of the trials your are facing. Every day I pray for the
peace of Jerusalem.
USA
I hope and pray for real peace. I would like to wish everyone a
happy and healthy new year. This should be inscribed and sealed.
You are in my daily thoughts.
USA
Although I cannot be there right now, I am always with you in
spirit. I constantly watch for news updates regarding Israel and
pray for the day when terrorists will be eliminated from her
midst. So to all Jews living in Israel protecting our precious
land: THANK YOU VERY MUCH. Without you, there would be no
Israel.
Israel
I thank the Ribono Shel Olom every day for allowing me to live
in Yerushalayim, Ir Hakodesh.
I am finally home.
USA
Why Are You Going? Why
Now?
A Report on the OU/RCA Solidarity Mission
By Carol & Danny
Metzger
“Why are
you going? Why now? Do you have to be a hero?” my mother
asked. “ Ma, I’m going because it’s important. I’m going to show my solidarity with Israel.” She
was crying when I said goodbye. A few days earlier, the US
announced a travel advisory for US citizens traveling to the
Israel. I honestly thought of canceling, but Danny nixed that
idea and I’m so glad he did. And so, Danny and I left Sunday
at 12:00pm with over 150 people from across the US and Canada on
the OU/RCA Solidarity Mission for one week. The group spanned
the generations, from teenagers to great grandparents. We
traveled to Hevron, Efrat, Gush Etzion, Beit El, Shiloh, Shomron,
Netanya, Tel Nof Air Force Base, the Western Wall Tunnels and
the Old Yishuv/Kotel Quarter. In many of these places we learned
about the day-to-day struggles many of the families go
through—the security arrangements, the bullet proof vests they
wear to commute, the side roads they take to avoid being shot (a
trip that used to take 20 minutes is now 1 hour and 20 minutes),
the increasing need for walkie-talkies, security cameras,
bullet-proof busses and so much more.
At Psagot,
Pinchas Wallerstein, head of the Mateh Binyamin Council, told us
of the need for a bullet-proof van to transport the handicapped
children from the neighboring towns to schools at a cost of $30,000.
A member of the trip spontaneously got up, and said: “I
work at the American Stock Exchange and I have been collecting
money for Israel. Here is a check for $15,000.” Within
minutes, the rest of the group donated the other $15,000.
We traveled
to Homesh, a secular settlement of 28 families in Shomron, whose
viewpoint is changing to attract orthodox families. Three
orthodox families are moving in before Rosh Hashana. We were
introduced to Sivan, a widow, who lost her husband to sniper
fire two months ago. She spoke of her determination to continue
on at the yishuv, despite the difficulties of raising three
young children alone. She
believes in being on the forefront and defending her right with
the other families to live here. We were told of the eight
children who lost parents by Arab attacks and the hardships
facing the widows. Within minutes, checks and bills of $50 and
$100 denominations were stuffed into the speaker’s hand.
At Laniado
Hospital in Netanya, we viewed a slide show and were amazed at
their ability to mobilize an EMS response to terrorist attacks
within minutes. Here “ZACH” was formed. It’s the volunteer
team that rushes to the scene and collects bone fragments, skin
and blood, which must be buried according to halacha. They
responded to the Netanya Mall bombing and the discovery of the
two teenage boys massacred in the cave.
How exciting
it was to be at Tel Nof Air Force Base in Rechovot, which flies
daily missions over Arab countries to monitor buildup of armies
and armaments. We stood ten feet from an F-15 and watched with
pride a mock emergency takeoff. A pilot jumped into gear, got
into an F-15 fighter plane fully-loaded with heat seeking
missiles and taxied onto the runway for takeoff.
The speakers
list was taken from the Who’s Who of Israel—Rabbi Zev Leff
(Danny’s Telshe roommate), Jerusalem Mayor Ehud Olmert, MK
Natan Sharansky, Rabbi Shlomo Riskin of Efrat, Ambassador Daniel
Kurtzer (formerly of Teaneck), Deputy Foreign Minister Rabbi
Michael Melchior, Netanya Mayor Miriam Feirburg, HaRav Harashi
Rav Yisrael Lau, HaRav Harashi Rav Eliyahu Bakshi Doron, Esther
Wachsman, Deputy Prime Minister Shimon Peres, Harav Yitchak Levy
and many others. The speakers and the people we visited all
repeated the same theme, “Thank you for coming. We need to see
you here. We need to know that we are not alone!” The people
are anxious, yet they are resolved not to let Arabs take over
their land or lives. We received more chizuk FROM these people
than we gave to them. One participant remarked, “I have not
felt this way about Israel since I came here after the Six Day
War in 1967.”
This trip was
not only a solidarity mission but also a “soul”idarity
mission to reconnect us with Israel and our brethren who live
there. The trip rekindled our spirit of Achdut with Am Yisroel.
Would I go again? Tomorrow!
PS. Click on www.ou.org
& see us in the photos!
USA
Always know that even if we are not in Eretz Yisroel with you
physically ,you are always on our mind
USA
Shalom Yisrael,
Thank you for providing us a forum for our letters. I am an
observant Jew who lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, USA. As much as
many of us would love to live in Israel, we cannot at this time
due to aging parents who came to America after the unspeakable
atrocities of World War II and now need care from their
children. We travel to Eretz Yisrael when we can, support the
fundraising efforts earmarked for our beloved homeland, buy
Israeli products when we can as they become available to us,
daven tehillim for our brothers and sisters there, attend
rallies in support of Israel, write our senators, our
representatives in Congress, and yes, even Mr. Bush in the White
House. We write letter after letter and e-mail after e-mail to
the biased media, though few of the common folk get published
and many times when we are, our protests are edited down to the
minimum. Still we prevail day after day. We listen to Israel
National News & the JPost radio daily and check in with
Arutz 7 and the Gamla and Hevron websites also. We access CAMERA
media watch and IMRA to view and respond to the latest bias and
distortions against Israel. At my place of employment where
people give off-the-cuff comments about the Middle East (many
subtle in their bias against Israel) I explain the
misinformation, the terrorist propaganda, and the way things
really are in Israel - it's history, the legacy of the land, and
the terrorist regimes that have been in place since 1948 and
before, who live and have lived only to harm the beloved land
and it's rightful heirs. Many people in America listen to
whoever has the loudest voice in the media and formulate their
opinion accordingly without knowledge or critical thinking. That
way they don't have to use their own brain cells, and by virtue,
do not need to be held accountable for their errors in judgment.
In our own small way, people like myself and other committed
Jews (and there are thousands like us in America) are trying our
best to stand up and be counted among our fellow Jews in Israel
who are now bearing the brunt of the world's bigotry and hatred
against us. It is sad and disheartening to keep hearing from the
media that Israel believes American Jews don't care or are
reticent in our support. Who are these Jews that they are
polling? I do not personally know any Jew that would turn
his/her back on our people or our land. I'd like to think I
speak for all of us, who fight against the media dragons every
day in America, when I say: "Am Yisrael Chai" - the
people of Israel lives, have lived and will always live in the
holy land of our ancestors! You are not alone, my brothers and
sisters, guardians of our beloved land. You must believe me when
I say we are with you and love you from the depths of our souls
and will continue to fight the politicians and media here, we
will continue to daven tehillim and send monetary support, until
one day we can ALL be together in Eretz Yisrael. May Hashem
bless us and keep us until that day. May it be soon.
-Aliza Shulamit bas Chaim v' Yudit
USA
I am learning my heritage as a Jew. So hard to hear of all the
sorrows there in Yerushalayim. May Moshiach come now.
I am saving for aliyah. I am not afraid even if there is war. I
have a desire to experience this. May G-D be with you all there
in these hard times. And soon may He give you all peace there. I
am very sorry to hear how our president is treating Israel. I
hope that we are not judged too harshly for it. And if we are, I
hope that we learn something from it.
Our hearts are with you all!
USA
May Hashem bring Moshiach soon, and may we all go up to
Yerushalayim together. Until then, I daven every day for Acheinu
b'Eretz Yisroel, including my oldest son, who is learning in
Yeshiva in Yerushalayim. May Hashem keep all of Klal Yisroel
from harm.
Ksiva V'Chasima Tova
USA
We all wish the fighting and dying could stop. It is thought
that America should say and do more from officials in the White
House. I don't suppose any of the Arab nations will pitch in and
help stop the violence. The only thing I can think of is that
America accept upon itself an oil embargo-that's a painful thing
economically and personally; but, how can we keep doing business
with enemy factions; and say we support Israel?
Israel
I'll never forget that day as long as I live, just to think
about it and put it into words makes me tremble. Ever since the
terrorism started last year I have been careful to avoid the
center of Yerushalayim and I've told my children also to do so.
We live on a Yishuv in Harei Yehuda quite close to Efrat, so
even though we have a car, we now seldom use it. On Thursday
August 9th, my daughter and I set forth to Yerushalayim to
purchase her new uniforms and shoes. This is her first year of
seminar. We walked quite awhile in the hot sun and it was time
for lunch, so without even thinking about it we went into
S'Barros. We sat upstairs and had pizza. Then I had to use the
ladies room and it was locked. My daughter told me now you had
to show a receipt that you ate there and I had already thrown
mine away and didn't have the time to find a worker to tell them
the situation. I just said lets go somewhere else. As we turned
the corner onto Yaffo we were discussing which shoe store to go
to---THEN BA-BOOM, like a sonic boom, like the sky
cracking open. I asked what is that and answered myself, A BOMB!
Then a hot wind filled with small shards of glass hit us in the
back, the next thing I knew I looked in front of me and saw
several men lying face down. I wondered if they were taking
cover and if we also should lie down and cover our heads, I
waited to see if they would beckon me, but they just lay there.
I saw an unrecognizable piece of flesh laying in front of me I
didn't want to see anymore. I grabbed my daughter's hand and we
ran into the silence. As we ran she told me her knee was cut, so
we ran to Bichor Cholim hospital. When we got there we told a
woman my daughter was hurt. I said there was a bomb in S'barros.
They had heard the blast, but didn't know where it had come
from. When I went to take my daughter's Kupat Cholim card out of
my backpack I noticed blood and pieces of skin clinging to the
material. Hashem saved us, he made a miracle and protected us!
For nights my daughter and I heard the BOOM.
I know the problem is our own,
that if every Jew follows the Torah, guards their speech, gives
tzedukah and does chessed we will have no enemies.
Please reach out to your fellow Jew in love and help him
understand this message.
Israel
It has now been almost one month since my wife, myself and my
seven children have made aliyah. We have settled in a wonderful
community and have begun to enjoy the many advantages of living
in Israel. Our children have begun school and have been welcomed
with open arms as both students and staff help them to adjust to
the new language and surroundings. My wife and I have been
welcomed to a new community, shul, and home by warm and gracious
neighbors who have truly gone out of their way to reassure us
that moving to Israel is the right thing to do. At night, we sit
on our mirpesset, (balcony), and watch as the sun dips below the
Judean mountains and the warm glow of evening mix with the
balmy, warm air, creating a truly intoxicating moment.
We moved to Israel because I was
invited to help start a new Yeshiva. As such, I spend a good
part of my day speaking with and dealing with Anglo teenagers
and their parents. I can't tell you how discouraging it is when
parents sitting in America tell us how they just can't risk
sending their children to Israel at this time. It is so sad to
see the eyes of the Israelis I work with when I tell them that
someone has cancelled due to the "matsav". Those of us
here don't have the option of just staying away. It is very sad,
and based on our experience thus far, unnecessary.
When we lived in Miami I was
afraid to let my kids play in the front yard lest they be
kidnapped. To walk to the store alone, or to go out at night
bike riding was simply unheard of. Here, there are threats of
terror. Honestly, not my kids, my wife or myself really think
about it a lot. We have gone to the malls, to the restaurants,
and to the parks for wonderful evening concerts. The only real
fear is that HaShem will take Israel from us because He sees
that many of us really don't care anyway, after all, we feel
Israel is only one of several options available to us at any
given time.
I don't mean to berate. But I saw
you wanted us to share our feelings.
USA
We care about you. We pray for you. Try not to be discouraged.
You are doing the right thing.
Hashem oz l'amo yitain.
Hasehm yevarech et amo ba'shalom.
USA
It was extremely nice of Mr. Bush to wait an entire week before
phoning Ariel Sharon to express his condolences to the families
of the murdered civilians in the pizza shop, including 6
children/babies who's body parts scattered the street for 30
yards. I'm am so glad that our leader waiting until after his
precious vacation for pretending to be president. And to think,
he actually got the call in moments before he was to be
criticized for lack of involvement. Oh, I forgot Colin Powell
said he "condemned" the murder of 6 babies, but spoke
harshly about The Israeli army for breaking bricks and raising a
flag. Sure that was harsh retaliation.
Israel
I hope and pray that Israel will become united and strong and
strive to work for the glory of all. Continue your struggle.
USA
We are a Diaspora Jewish family. We want to know why Israel is
always involved in a conflict which makes it unsafe for us to
travel there to enjoy the wonderful food, culture and people. If
it is because of newshounds--don't allow them entry.
Israel
Chodesh Tov to everyone.
On Thursday night, I joined in the special memorial march on the
occasion of the end of the shiva period of the Sbarro attack to
the memorial site.
I was delighted to see that this was a combined effort of the OU
solidarity mission and the Yavneh Olami International Studentd
Conference. Tehillim were read by both Harvey Blitz, OU
President & Mikey Cimmering - Director of Yavneh Olami
followed by candle light and slow singing.
What a great show of unity and support.
Remember "united we stand, divided we fall"
For further details: yavneh@yavneholami.org
USA
Brothers and sisters in Israel, we stand in solidarity with you.
It sounds silly that while you bear the burden of maintaining
the Yishuv, we assure you of our shared responsibilities to the
Homeland.
We pass you tissues to cry with, while we sit relatively safe in
the Diaspora.
Nevertheless, Israel belongs to all Jews and we are obligated to
share the pain and responsibilities that go along with it.
We hope that G-d will ease our pain and bring peace. We also
pray that in the near future, Jews, if not practically, at least
ideologically, will realize that they are just as Israeli as
you.
USA
There are multitudes in this country who understand the unfair
way the news is being reported. Please resist the interference
of American and other western nations in your affairs and stand
firm against Arafat and his thugs. You are doing an exemplary
job.
Keep it up.
You are in our prayers.
USA
I had an idea to make an International Tehilim Campaign
On Rosh Chodesh Elul (Aug 19, 2001) at 1:00 p.m. EST, 12:00 p.m.
CST, 10:00 a.m. PST, and 8:00 p.m. Israel time all of Klal
Yisrael are encouraged to participate in a special world wide
Tehilim recitation. We need to daven to Hashem for Peace in
Eretz Yisrael.
Please say kapitlach (psalms): 79, 83, 142.
MAY WE ALL MERIT THE COMING OF MASHIACH IN OUR TIME!
Israel
Tomorrow, here in Jerusalem the daughter of our good friends
will B'H get married. Almost all of her relatives from abroad,
England America have come for the wedding. We sat with them
tonight and talked about the situation here and their fears. I
want to say I am so proud of them for coming out here, Well
done. We are all really looking forward to the Simcha!
Mazal Tov!!!!
Israel
I just returned from paying a
shivah call to the surviving children, parents and siblings of
the family from Neria (Talmon) in the Shomron.
Both parents and three siblings were murdered by the messenger
of evil in our day. The grandmother's parents were murdered by
Hitler's agents for evil. But the parallel does not end here.
The same booming silence of world Jewry is ringing in our ears.
this is a moment of truth in our history. We in Israel are
holding on to our Torah, and our land. Everyday when we return
home safely, we say a prayer of gratitude. please join in the
effort by coming to visit, or to live, or in any way stepping up
your support for our holy land
Israel
Yesterday I met up with OU/RCA Mission - they are great.
It is great to see such happy faces come and show their support
& solidarity.
Come on - where are the rest of you.
USA
The OU Solidarity Mission, now in Israel, is
sending us daily photos of their activities. Please go to our
home page, www.ou.org,
and click on Israel Trip Photos to view highlights of
their trip.
USA
Our family recently returned from a three week stay in Eretz
Yisrael in July. Although we were a bit nervous at first, once
we landed and arrived at where we were staying, we felt
exhilarated and privileged to be visiting Eretz Hakodesh after
being away for seven years. We felt so much at home; so close to
Kedusha -- holiness.
We traveled frequently to and in
Yerushalayim by bus and by car and, although we were a bit more
vigilant than usual, felt very safe.
Visiting Tzfat, we were told by
vendors there that no one is coming, so the ancient shuls are
not open except during times of T'fila. How depressing!
We hope Diaspora Jewry realizes
that those who hate us are waging a war on all fronts against
us. Terrorism is meant to frighten the Israeli population and
scare the tourists away and thus ruin an important part of
Israel's economy. Unfortunately, this tactic has been
successful. We cannot let them win! All of Klal Yisrael must
join in the war effort by at least visiting. There is no better
time than now!
We stress again that once we were
there, we felt very safe. As to the tragic incidents of late,
Hakol b'yad Hashem; but, we dare not let the enemy win!
Kol Hakavod to all the brave
dwellers in the Land of Israel who continue to lead their lives
normally. May G-d give to you the strength to continue and the
courage to Chutz La'aretz Jewry to join you.
USA
I'm so happy that that Israel retook Orient House that nest of terrorists!
It is about time someone did it! Way to go Israel!
USA
The best evidence of our love for Israel and our people is our
visit to Eretz Yisrael. We have been there 3 times this year.
Each time we proceeded with caution but enjoyed every minute.
And we attended Smachot there. May there be more smachot and
security in Israel.
Most of our children and grandchildren already live in Israel.
May more of us join you to give solidarity and strength to OUR
land.
USA
We pray for peace in Israel. In the meantime, we and many of our
friends have been visiting the country and traveling with
caution but courage. May haShem bring security to all our people
in our Holy Land
To Young in New York
Its not a shame for Israelis to want to know when we will leave
our comfortable life in chutz laaretz and join them at HOME.
Sure some of us are not able but how many of us are? Is it being
encouraged in the yeshivot like other mitzvot of the day like
loshon hara, kemack yashan and what not, is it being encouraged
by parents properly raising their children in the Jewish derech
(path)? wake up America and all of C"L. Its time to Join
our brothers and sisters in Israel.
For those of us who cant each and every one of us should be
showing our support by visiting Israel! Anancnu Itchem!
We R With You Israel!
-Binyamin
Artzanu@yahoo.com
USA
At every attack in Israel, a shameful attack on harmless
innocent civilians, I cry. But I have to get over that. It is
important we stand for our family in Israel.
Arafat is no leader, if he were, he would use his billions to
save his people, he would appeal to the Arab countries to take
in some of his people, like Israel did for it's refugees, but
Arafat is no leader, neither are Hamas, Islamic Jihad or any
other terrorist group. We must remember that they are people,
but they are not taught as people. Stand for Justice.
USA
I am not afraid to go to Israel. I turn 18 in 5 months. At that
time, I plan to enlist in the Israeli Army. I am going to defend
Israel. It's the only Jewish state in the world, and our brave
brothers are seemingly on their own amidst a battle they should
not and need to to fight. I am sick of sitting here in the
Hypocritical cowardly country called America among my fellow Jews
who call me a non-Jew because I don't like to attend their
Reform Synogogue (Little do they know, I have secretly been
attending a Chabad) because it's hypocrisy. We cannot afford
ANYONE to be afraid of Israel now. That is why I am starting a
group to inform the public about the truth of Israel, which I
urge everyone who is not in Israel to do.
Just today, someone told me how much they think Israel is so
terrible. Shame on them.
-Levy
AZ590@yahoo.com
USA
Hello. I am an American student in Phoenix, Arizona. I am 17
years old and just recently got into Judaism. I am very active
with Israel and I love all Israelis and anything Israeli.
USA
G-d bless you everyone, all of you brave Israelis! Blessings for
all of you that have been smitten by the Palestinian Amalek. I
am not a Jew, I am an observant No'achide, and there are many of
us No'achides in Texas who are praying for the Israelis during
this Intifada. We also say a special prayer for the Yesha
settlers, and we read Tehillim every day for all of Eretz
Yisroel.
Israel
We are proud that 90 students from the USA, Canada, England,
Belgium, Germany, Russia and South Africa will be attending the
annual Yavneh Olami - World Organization of Orthodox Students conference
- across the road from the OU/RCA Solidarity Mission in the
Kings Hotel. For further details contact us at: yavneh@yavneholami.org
USA
I just returned from a visit to my friend in Jerusalem who made
aliya 6 months ago. We had the blessing to travel to Rachel's
tomb in Bethlehem (Egged bus goes every day at 9:00am}We went
directly from the bullet-proof bus into the building. It was as
safe as possible. Parents traveled with their small children.
Many young soldiers risk their lives to guard our holy place. We
went shopping for fruits and vegetable at Machane Yehuda on
Friday morning, the site of at least 2 bombings in the past. We
went to the Western Wall twice. Once, we were there on Friday at
1:30 pm. There were more police and soldiers than people
praying. They stood with their helmets on and riot gear ready.
The TV cameramen were focused. At 1:35 the Moslems completed
their prayers on the Temple Mount. Thank G-d, it remained quiet
and Jewish prayers continued without interruption. On Sunday I
donated blood in the Magen David Adom van parked in the plaza
near the dept store downtown. I guess it might have been used to
help victims of the bomb at Sbarro. I walked past that corner
almost every day. I thank G-d I was able to go where I wanted
safely, and live the way the Israeli's have to live every day :
Go where you need to go ,and stay alert.
USA
As a Jew a part of me dies every time I hear of violence and
death in Eretz Israel, and I don't understand WHY. Here in
California I several friend who are Muslim, some of whom are
originally from Palestine and they don't understand it either.
Here we call each other "sister" because we are both descended
from Abraham and we live in PEACE. Our children live next door,
they play together. Isn't this what it's all about?
-Rachel: itsme227@home.com
Posted
by the OU Department of Communications:
A
testimonial from former New York resident Rabbi Binny Freedman,
38, now educational director of Israelite, a program that runs
seminars for religiously unaffiliated Jews, who was eating lunch
in Sbarros when the suicide bomber blew himself up there,
killing 15 and wounding over 130 others.
This
is his first-hand account:
“I
just felt like having pizza today, so I headed into Sbarros. The
restaurant has two sections, and I chose to sit in the back,
thinking it would be cooler and quieter. If I had chosen to sit
up front, by the window facing Jaffa Street, I wouldn’t be
talking to you now.
“I
thank God that I didn’t take my children out to lunch with me
today. Suddenly, in the middle of my lunch, I heard the huge
explosion. People started screaming. A man not ten feet away
from me was thrown into the air. He lost at least two limbs. I
helped carry him to the ambulance. There were kids everywhere,
crying, bloody, dead. I saw mothers leaning over children,
sobbing. I cannot understand. You take your kids for pizza, for
a treat, and this is what happens. My heart feels completely
broken. I cannot understand my luck. I have not a scratch on my
body. I am incredibly grateful but I do not pretend to
understand why I survived.
“Right
after the explosion and through the smoke, I looked towards the
front section of the restaurant, which was packed just a second
earlier and saw not a single person left standing.”
While
traffic on the street outside began to move a few hours later,
Rabbi Freedman and many others remained on the corner, mostly
dazed and crying. He explained that while the bomb squad had
dispersed already, the chevrah kadisha, a group of religious
Jews who take the responsibility after such attacks of
collecting severed limbs and pieces of skin so as to try and
fulfill the Jewish law of burying a corpse in its entirety, were
still hard at work in the area.
“I
have such mixed feelings. I feel tremendous gratitude at being
alive, but I don’t know how I will go on with the weight of
what I have witnessed today
on my heart. How could human beings do this?”
USA
OU/RCA Solidarity Mission
About 150 people from around the
USA will be arriving in Israel on Monday, August 13 as part of
an Orthodox Union/Rabbinical Council of America Solidarity
Mission. Based in Jerusalem, the participants will meet
with religious and political leaders and will visit several
significant communities, as the security situation allows.
We hope their visit will give chizuk
to all of you who bravely live each day al admat hakodesh.
Anyone from the USA who wants
details of future OU/RCA Solidarity Missions to Israel should
call 212.613.8188, or e-mail frank@ou.org.
Israel
Today my son was saved from the bombing at Sbarro because he
thought the place looked too packed and so him and his friend
decided to eat up the road instead. He's 11 years old. He heard
the blast and turned round to see horrific sights. However
others were not so fortunate. And tonight our thoughts, love and
prayers go to the wounded, and the relatives of those who were
killed.
The pain is unbearable.
How much longer must this go on?
Moshiach now!!!!!
USA
Jews cannot afford to be afraid to go to Israel. How very short
our memories are! All Jews must stand tall to support Israel
during these perilous times. Our destiny and our existence are
linked to the survival of The State of Israel. The existence of
Israel allows every Jew the opportunity to walk with dignity and
pride. During these frightening times, the people of Israel feel
deserted by the Jews of the United States. There are a few Jews
from New York who are brave enough to venture to Israel It seems
as though those west of New York State are hiding.
My husband and I had the
privilege of going to Jerusalem from May 9, 2001 to May 25,
2001. Thank GD, it was our fifth trip to Israel. There is no
better place to vacation than Israel. Israel is magnificent.
Observing the people go about their daily lives is most
interesting. It was embarrassing that Israelis would ask us the
reasons that we came and the reasons that we were not afraid. My
response was that since I have cerebral palsy and osteoarthritis,
I am afraid of falling. However, we were not afraid to be in
Israel.
It seems as though Americans are
cowardly. They are willing to reap the benefit that Israel
provides to the dignity of each and every Jew on the planet.
However, they are afraid to stand up and be counted among the
supporters of Israel.
It is incumbent on all Jews of
means and those who are planning vacations to support the
economy of Israel. Today, It seems in vogue for Jews of means to
vacation to remote countries. My how quickly we forget! Because
the Shoah happened in the last century, it seems in the distant
past. Israel is truly our HOPE. It is for us to guarantee that
occurrences like the Shoah will never happen again.
It must be noted that both my
husband and I were born in the safety of Chicago.
USA
Today (August 9) there was a massive terrorist attack in the center
of Yerushalayim, at a restaurant and intersection we have probably all
passed through! More than 10 people were killed and over 90 were injured.
In reaction to this there will be a TEHILLIM RALLY tonight at The Washington Heights Congregation (Bridge Shul) which is at 179th and Pinehurst.
RABBI BLOCH has asked that the programme begin at 7:30 with Mincha followed by Maariv and
Tehillim.
Even if you cannot come at 7:30 please come by to say even one Perek of Tehillim and show your support. The rally will serve as a memorial for those who died and as a prayer for those who were injured and for the welfare of all of OUR people in OUR country.
For more info on the rally please e-mail me at
dhershtal@hotmail.com
Brazil
Somos da comunidade israelita de fortaleza.
Estamos felizes,por entrar em contato com vocês!!!
USA
Our prayers and hopes are with the people of Israel all day and
every day. My oldest daughter is leaving for Israel to study in
a Seminary in a few more weeks. May she and all the people of
Israel have a peaceful and healthy year.
USA
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
You are on our minds and hearts all the time.
We will always stand by you.
-Love DE
USA
Hashem is watching and looking out for all of you. He will also
guide you. Just keep the faith.
USA
We are with you in your struggles with and against the
Palestinian Amalek!
Chazak v'Ematz!
-Eliyahu W. Ferrell
Morocco
j'aime de vivre a israel parceque j'aime boucoup ideé moi svp
USA
We love you and are davening for you every single day!!!!
USA
I stand with all of Israel during these difficult times. May
Hashem bring the ultimate redemption soon, and may all the
people of Israel stay strong.
Israel
Thank you to person from Beitar Illit. My kids all travel over
the green line into school every day, May Hashem protect them
and all the children of Israel . I personally am a mental health
worker for the health ministry I go wherever my clients are. All
over the place. I give Tzedoka on the way there and know that I
am doing a mitzvah. The day we are afraid to walk in the land of
Israel will be a very sad day indeed.
Israel
When I was a child I went to sleep with fairy tales and lullabies,
not a serenade of gunfire!!!!!!
Israel
I live in a place called Beitar Illit. It's over the green line.
And as there are no high schools in Beitar- I need to go in to
yerushalayim every day for school.
There where times when I got to school all right- And I thanked
Hashem everyday for that.
But then again- there where times that it took us AGES to even
GET to school.
And of course after the problems on getting to Yerushalayim
there where also the problems of being in Yerushalayim itself.
After school one time I was on my way to a club that I did in
Nevai Ya'acov (part of Yerushalayim), me and the other two girls
who do the club where walking up Yechezkel. When we got to 'kikar
Shabbos' people where all moving around to see what had happened
(and since we didn't ask we didn't know), it took us an hour to
get to Nevai Ya'acov (which is around the normal time), but when
me and my friend had to get back to Beitar- it took us Three
hours!!!! (instead of the half an hour it usually takes). Only
When we got home did we hear what happened (it was the bomb that
was found attached to a cell-phone).
Since then I decided to go to the
kosel as often as possible, just to thank Hashem that things aren't
worst then they already are.
When I talk to friends of mine
that live in 'migdal Haemek' or 'Nazereth Illit' (northern Israel),
they are shocked that I still go to school in Yerushalayim, and
even more that I go to the Kosel at least once or twice a week.
But if Hashem wants me to be safe- I'll be safe, And especially
that it's in Yerushalayim- 'Ir HaKodesh'- we shouldn't be
afraid, we should thank Hashem that it isn't anything worse, and
of course we should Daven to Hashem that all of our 'tsaros'
should stop and Moshiach will come speedily in our days!
Omen!
Brazil
Ani rotza SHALOM AL COL ISRAEL. Ani rotza lehakir ISRAEL, aval
kaashe ISRAEL beSHALOM. SHALOM MEOD.
-Solange
Canada
Not a day goes by without me thinking about the Jewish people in
Israel. My heart yearns to be there to help in some way but I
cannot go right now due to the fact I must help my aged parents
and take care of them as much as I can. I have bought a larger
sum of Israel Bonds and have given thousands of dollars to
tzedakahs that need help right now such as Magen David Adom
etc... I also have said Tehillim several times specifically that
Hashem should help protect the Jewish people from attack. I have
also written to the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of
Canada several times to defend Israel as well as to several
media outlets. Every time I hear of an injury or death it pains
me deeply. I try to console myself that I am doing what I can in
my circumstance and if everybody did just a little bit to help
out we would all be better off. Helping can mean even putting a
smile on someone's face by showing unconditional love for
another Jew. I also believe that this is all part of Hashem's
plan and that we must have trust in Hashem and do what we all
can to help our fellow Jews. Thinking back to all the
generations of Jews over the last 1900 years since the churban
and specifically the last generation that went through the
holocaust and did not live to see Israel's re-birth and the
liberation of Yerushalaim, we should get some solace from this
that our situation is considerably better than theirs was.
Hatzlocha rabba and Shalom.
USA
Our thoughts are with you. Thank you to all the brave soldiers
who are protecting our homeland. I look forward to someday
living in the Land of Milk and Honey. In the meantime, we all
pray for peace.
Israel
After much discussion our school here in Givat Zeev has decided
to buy some bullet proof vests and helmets to loan out {as in
Gemach} to anyone who is traveling the road to Ramot at night. I
have heard that a lot of fund raising is going on but don't have
the links. Does anyone have any ideas where we can apply. If
only we didn't need them.
-Hinda at hindas@012.net.il
USA
Seriously, it is a shame for people who have the privilege of
living in Israel to question the integrity of those of Jews on
this side of the globe. It is not as easy to just "get up
and go" as much as we would like to, as much as you keep
saying "hear the call, come on! come home!"
-Young in New York
USA
Do not read Reuters news releases, they are biased against
Israel. The reason the Israeli police went on the Mt. yesterday
was in response to the Arabs who threw rocks down on the Jews
praying at the wall on the saddest day on the Jewish calendar.
On the very day, that hundreds of people broke the fear of
coming to the wall, gathered to cry for the temple's destruction
over 2000 years ago, they had a hailstorm of stones. So sad. And
what about the 17 year old boy, ambushed in Givaat Zev last Friday?
driving his family's car, and shot dead on the spot by Arab
terrorists? Why was the New York post the only place we saw the
story here?
Israel
To the one and all Israeli. Mr. Irving.....Kol ha Kavod to you,
you must be so proud of your family. What Nachas!!!! Israel
needs more people just like you. Nice to have you on
board.
-Hinda
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