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The following is from the Israeli Consulate in San Francisco.
Understanding Israel's fight against terror
April 2, 2002
Prepared by the Israeli Consulate, SF
Israel is currently engaged in a fierce struggle. It is a struggle against
terror, and it is a struggle for Israel s very existence. Now more then ever
it is important that the community understands the truth about the situation
in Israel and exhibit unity in its support for Israel as a Jewish State.
Israel's goal in Operation Defensive Shield is neither to retake
Palestinian Authority controlled areas (Area A), nor to harm or remove from
power Yasser Arafat. Israel's goal is to eradicate the terrorist
infrastructure supported and maintained by elements within the Palestinian
Authority.
Israel's operations in the Palestinian Authority are a direct result
of the Palestinian terror attacks, and the Palestinian Authority's tacit
encouragement of these brutal attacks on Israeli civilians.
Those who claim that the terror attacks are a response to Israeli
actions must remember that Palestinian suicide bombings were carried out in
the heart of Israel'scities even at the height of the peace process in 1995
and 1996.
In the month of March, 124 Israelis were killed in terrorist
attacks, including a number of children and elderly.
While Israel implemented measures to ease conditions for the
Palestinians on the Moslem holidays, Palestinian terrorists intentionally
attack Jews on the Sabbath and other Jewish holidays and festivals.
Israel has responded to U.S. envoy General Zinni's call for a
cease-fire by making numerous concessions, including waiving the requirement
for seven days of calm, and pulling forces out of Palestinian Authority
controlled areas. The Palestinians have responded by escalating their
terrorist activities.
The suicide bomber who perpetrated the Passover Massacre in Netanya
had appeared on the list of wanted terrorists who Israel has repeatedly asked
that the Palestinian Authority arrest. He was previously released from a
Palestinian prison despite Israel's warnings.
Israel desires peace, and views the achievement of peace as a
central component of its national identity. As long as Palestinian terrorism
continues, however, peace cannot be achieved. Peace can only begin once
terrorism ends.
How you can help
Educate yourself, your family, your friends and your neighbors about the
realities of the situation in Israel. You can use these talking points as a
springboard to further understanding of the conflict.
Check the Israeli Consulate's web site
or contact the Consulate at 415-844-7505 for more information.
This is the first and most important step in supporting Israel.
Education is the key to engagement.
Be alert to negative portrayals of Israel in newspapers and on TV and
radio shows. Write letters-to-the-editor outlining Israel' perspective on
the situation, or make calls in to the stations insisting that an informed
Israeli voice be part of any discussion on the Middle East.
Get involved with an Israel Action Committee in your area. Many
synagogues have this type of organization in place already. If your
synagogue or your community does not, get some people together to start one
up. The Consulate can offer support and materials for this endeavor.
Contact the Consulate at 415-844-7504 if you are interested in starting or
joining an Israel Action Committee.
Take part in community sponsored pro-Israel activities, be it a rally,
visiting lecturer, or Israel Independence Day celebration. Help the
community show loud and clear that it stands strong in its support of Israel.
Make sure that your synagogue is having a pro-Israel event. Encourage your
rabbi to speak out at services in support of Israel, and to incorporate a
prayer for the State of Israel and the victims of terrorism into the service.
Encourage the Jewish organizations in your community to be outspoken and
unwavering in their support of Israel, and to provide programming that helps
to educate and motivate the community. Suggest a panel of speakers, or a
town hall style meeting, or maybe even an Israel 101 type class for people
who don t have much background on Israel or the Middle East. There are
experts from the Consulate and throughout the Bay Area who would be more than
happy to participate in this kind of program.
Make Israel a top priority on the Community agenda. Work to unite the
community behind Israel in its pursuit of security and life. We must be
united and unequivocal in our support for Israel.
Write letters and emails, or make phone calls to different U.S. leaders,
including your local member of Congress, expressing your support for Israel,
and thanking them for their support of Israel. They need to know that
supporting Israel is not only the right thing to do, but a positive political
move as well.
Establish direct links with Israel and Israelis. This is a time to reach
out and embrace your Israeli relative or acquaintance. Make Israelis know
that you share their grief and concern. Be intimate and passionate in your
support. It is imperative that Israelis know that the United States Jewish
community is behind them not only politically but personally as well.
Just be active!!! If that means talking to someone at a bus stop,
writing a letter to your local paper, or organizing an Israel Action
Committee, the most important thing is to make sure the pro-Israel
community's voice is heard. The State of Israel is fighting for its life,
and your help is crucial in ensuring the people of the United States
understand and support Israel s just cause. Now is the time to act. Now it
the time to be involved. Take the initiative to rally support for Israel in
your community.
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