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August 3, 2001/Av 14, 5761, Vol. 53, No.43
Letters to the EditorAugust 3, 2001
When Jews are in needEditor:The local Jewish community is fully aware of the current state of conflict in the Middle East and the enormous negative impact that it has had on the Israeli economy. Tourism has contracted drastically with the cancellation of visits by Diaspora Jewry and especially by American Jews. More painful than the economic impact, however, has been the sense of abandonment and disappointment that our Israeli brothers and sisters experience. While they are trying so hard to maintain as normal a life as they can under the circumstances of the intifada, we have seemingly retreated and allowed them to become isolated. At the same time that they are dealing with the tragic consequences of violence and terror, we have withdrawn the support and comfort that our presence would normally provide. I encourage members of our Greater Phoenix Jewish community to join me on a National Israel Now Mission under the sponsorship of the United Jewish Communities, the national organization of local Jewish Federations. The mission leaves New York Sunday, Sept. 9, and returns to New York Friday, Sept. 14. Please join me in demonstrating our solidarity and unity with Israel at a time when it is so critically important. Call the Federation Missions Office at 602-274-1800, ext. 128 or 112 or e-mail missions@jewishphoenix.org for further information. Sherman Minkoff Chair, Israel Affairs Committee Jewish Community Relations Council Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix |
