TO: . Synagogue Leadership

FROM: Richard B. Stone, Chairman Betty Ehrenberg, Director, International Affairs and Communal Relations

DATE: September 1998

REMEMBERING THE ISRAELI SOLDIERS MISSING IN ACTION DURING THE HIGH HOLY DAYS

As Jews gather together in synagogues around the world during the High Holy days of 5759, we remember once again those who can not be with us in our synagogues as we pray. During this time, our thoughts return to them and to their families who have been suffering for so long.

Our Rabbis have taught us that the mitzvah of Pidyon Shivuyim, of redeeming the captive, Is a mitzvah of the highest priority and supersedes many of our precepts. We are torn apart by the question of whether the four Jewish sons, our lost Israeli soldiers who are missing in action, are still alive or under what conditions they are being held captive. The Syrians and the Iranians are considered responsible; Syria for the whereabouts of Zachary Baumel (who is an American citizen as well as an Israeli), Yehuda Katz, and Tzvi Feldman, missing since 1982, and Iran for Israeli Air Force navigator Ron Arad who has been missing since 1986.

On June I 1th, 1982, a battle raged in the Bekaa Valley in Northern Lebanon between an Israeli tank unit and a Syrian armored unit. As a result of this battle, three Israeli soldiers were reported missing in action and are still unaccounted for. They are Sergeant Zachary Baumel, First Sergeant Tzvi Feldman, and Corporal Yehuda Katz.

On October 16th, 1986, Captain Ron Arad, a navigator of an Israel Air Force Phantom parachuted to safety from a stricken aircraft. He landed in Southern Lebanon and was immediately captured by the Iranian Amal militia. To the best of our knowledge, Arad is still being held by the Iranians somewhere in Lebanon.

At this time of year, as the Days of Awe approach, we urge you to help spread a special message to your fellow congregants and ask them to mobilize to help bring about the release of any information about our missing soldiers.

Rabbis should include the issue of Pidyon Shivuyim in their drashot. A special "mishebayrach" for the MIAs,
yrach" for the MIAs, available from the IPA may be recited.

Please place an empty chair on the bimah of your synagogue with a sign marked with one of the names of the Israeli MIA's. This will serve as a poignant reminder to us that there are some Israeli families who have not seen their children in more than fifteen years, and will hopefully result in the inclusion of these sons in the prayers of Jews throughout the country this Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

Letters should be sent to President Clinton, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, and to Senators and Representatives, urging them to raise this issue as Israel, the Middle East, and the peace process are discussed in the many congressional committees. United States Senators and Representatives need to hear from their constituents on this matter in order to make sure that it is paid sufficient attention. A sample letter is attached.

Please feel free to call us at (212) information or materials.

613-8123 if you have any questions, or need more

Tizku L'mitzvot. May you and your loved ones be inscribed and sealed for a sweet and healthy New Year.

The following is a sample letter that you may choose to adapt in your correspondence to the President, the Secretary of State and your Representatives, and others: A list of elected officials and their addresses is provided on the attached Action List:

Dear

Efforts for Middle East peace necessitate the resolution of many long-term issues of hostility between Israel and her neighbors. One such issue is the tragic situation surrounding Israeli MIAs Ron Arad, Yehudah Katz, Zachary Baumel, Zvi Feldman. Sergeant Baumel is an American citizen as well as an Israeli.

Many reports received regarding missing Israeli soldiers Katz, Baumel and Feldman note that these abductions occurred in Syria and that the Israeli MIAs are being held accountable for the fate of these prisoners. So far, Syria has not complied with the Red Cross regarding the status of the soldiers.

Reports also indicate that Israeli Air Force Navigator Ron Arad is still being held by Iranians somewhere in Lebanon.

The agony of the families of the Israeli MIAs, who have not heard a word regarding the fate of their loved ones, is extreme and prolonged. The families are victims as well as those being held captive for political ransom.

We urge you to do all within your means to resolve this human rights issue. The terrible plight of those held captive is a matter of urgency. We hope that you will find a way to respond to this appeal and to make sure this issue is high on the agenda in the US talks with all relevant Middle East nations.

Sincerely,