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April 5, 2002/Nisan 23, 5762, Vol. 54, No. 29
Valley Jews stand by Israel
BARRY COHEN
Editor
Valley residents who have family in Israel or who recently visited Israel express unwavering support for the Jewish state. They are calling for the local Jewish community to express a similar sentiment.
While Jews in Israel fight a war against terror, Jews in the Diaspora need to fight a public relations battle for world opinion, explained Eitan Ben-Ami, shaliach of the Israel Center of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix.
Ben-Ami said when Jews express support for Israel, they are taking part in the battle against terror. He appealed to the community to attend the Yom Ha'Atzmaut - Israel Independence Day - celebration April 17 at McCormick Railroad Park, Scottsdale.
"American Jews have to wake up, give money and show support," said Jim Freedman, whose brother, an English literature professor at Haifa University, has lived in Israel since 1969.
"The violence, if anything, has made my support for (Israel) even stronger," said Lanny Lahr, federation president. He said Valley Jews can show their support by attending pro-Israel rallies and by making "even the smallest" contributions to Israel Now, a fund-raising effort for the Jewish nation's self defense.
"We need more people to participate in Israel Now," said Art Paikowsky, federation executive vice president. A relatively small number have been carrying the burden of making contributions, he noted. Approximately $700,000 has been raised. The local goal is to raise $1 million.
Both Lahr and Paikowsky visited Israel in early January on a trip of federation presidents and executive directors.
Valley Jews can also support Israel by writing letters to the editors of local newspapers, said Marty Pear, member of the Greater Phoenix Chapter of Parents of North American Israelis.
His daughter, Valley resident Sara Pear, said she called the White House to thank President George W. Bush for his support for Israel. She also left a message asking him to allow Israeli leaders to do what they must to end Palestinian terror.
"I e-mailed my friends and asked them to contact the president as well," she said.
Sara Pear said she also supports Israel by voting in polls about Middle East issues on media Web pages.
Tempe resident Lauren Smoller, who visited Israel on an all-expenses-paid 10-day Birthright trip for young adults Dec. 31-Jan. 8, said going there is a way to express support. "Violence or not - go to Israel. The tours are designed to keep you safe," she said.
Still, Valley residents are concerned about the safety of family members in Israel, in the midst of recently escalating violence.
"(My parents) say it is like Yom Kippur outside. No one is out. ... Nowhere is safe," said Ben-Ami. His family lives in Ramat Gan, east of Tel Aviv.
"We wake up and watch newscasts to determine what has happened," said Marty Pear. His son Ian, daughter-in-law Rachel, and granddaughter Gav-riella live in central Jerusalem, across the street from the shuk, the city's open market.
Rachel has changed her daily routine in response to the terrorist violence, remarked Pear. A student at Hebrew University, she no longer rides a city bus to campus; instead, she takes a cab or Ian drives her.
The family has stopped taking walks in the evening.
Ben-Ami said his family has swapped hopes for peace with hopes for safety. "No one talks about peace," he said. "Right now, the only hope is the wish that the Israeli army will be able to dramatically reduce the number of attacks on Israel."
The immediate concern is how to respond to terror attacks, said Marty Pear. "Maintaining hopes for peace depends upon the current military actions," he added.
Smoller and Freedman agree that despite the violence, they want to visit Israel.
Smoller lived in Seoul, South Korea, 20 miles from the demilitarized zone, in 1994-1995.
"I remember the air raid drills," she said. "I learned how to live in a crisis situation."
Health problems prevent Freedman from traveling at this time, he said.
Pear said he asked his son if he wanted to bring his family back to the United States for the sake of safety.
"Ian told me, 'We're at home. We do not want to be terrorized into making that decision,' " said Pear.
As a parent, you have to respect that answer. "It reflects a noble feeling," he added.
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