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December 2005
Orthodox
Union’s Institute for Public Affairs
Announces “Shabbat for
the Israeli MIA’s”
to Highlight the
Plight of Missing Israeli Soldiers
In an ongoing effort to draw attention to the plight of the
missing Israeli soldiers, the Institute for Public Affairs of
the Orthodox Union, the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish
umbrella organization, is sponsoring a “Shabbat for the Israeli
MIAs” to be held this year on Shabbat Parshat VaYeshev (23
Kislev / December 24). Special remembrance prayers and services
will be initiated in Orthodox synagogues throughout the country.
Sergeant Tzvi Feldman, Sergeant Zachary Baumel (who is also an
American citizen) and Corporal Yehuda Katz were reported missing
in action twenty-three years ago after being captured during the
battle of Sultan Yakub, a battle which saw a fierce fight
between an Israeli tank unit and a Syrian armored unit on June
11, 1982. They remain unaccounted for and the Syrian government
has rebuffed all attempts to learn about their status.
Israeli Air Force Navigator Ron Arad bailed out of his fighter
jet over Lebanon in 1986 and was captured by an Iranian-backed
group. All requests for his release or information as to his
condition of whereabouts have been refused.
Army soldier Guy Chever disappeared in the Golan Heights on
August 17, 1997 and was last seen and heard from on his base
that fateful day.
IPA Chairman, Moshe Bane, issued the following statement:
Just as this week’s Torah portion describes Jacob’s never ending
longing to reunite with his missing son Joseph, so too we must
never forget the courageous Israeli soldiers who risked their
lives for the security and welfare of the State of Israel.
Mindful of the commandment of redeeming captives, we urge rabbis
to discuss the plight of the Israeli MIA’s from the pulpit this
Shabbat and encourage their congregants to contact the
President, Vice President, Secretary of State and all elected
officials, enlisting their aid in making this a top priority on
their agenda.
A booklet of materials containing information and sources to
assist synagogues participating in this important program is
available here.
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