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December 26, 2003/Tevet 1 5764, Vol. 56, No. 14
Letters to the EditorDecember 26, 2003
Not 'brave' to visit IsraelEditor:Thank you for your wonderful article regarding the solidarity march that took place during the General Assembly in Israel. ("Showing solidarity," Jewish News, Dec. 12) As a local mission participant, I felt an immense amount of empowerment and inspiration; my heart overflowed with pride in being part of the Jewish people. Upon my return, many people told me I'd been "brave" to go to Israel at this time. I'm not brave; I'm a Jew and Israel is my homeland. I go in good times and in bad times because I feel a sense of obligation to Israel and to the Jewish people. In 1948, hundreds of North American Jews came to Israel and risked their lives to defend Israel in its struggle for independence. Now, when it's relatively safe and there are bulletproof buses, American Jews aren't coming. Where's our sense of duty and obligation? I recently discovered that 10,000 young adults will be traveling to Israel this winter on the Birthright Israel program, and 40 of those people are from Phoenix. Perhaps the tide is turning. Every Jewish person should make the commitment to visit Israel at least once. Randi Sherman Scottsdale Give a more meaningful giftEditor:I notice more and more with each holiday season that while there is a greater desire to give meaningful gifts, the pickings are getting slimmer and slimmer. One perfect solution is to make an $18 tax-deductible donation and plant a tree in Israel with Jewish National Fund. A tree is a gift that truly keeps on giving. From the moment a sapling is planted, it begins establishing roots in the soil and these saplings grow into mature trees that will improve and beautify Israel's environment for generations to come. With each purchase, JNF will send a customized decorative certificate inscribed with the gift recipient's name and your personal message. So this year, why not give a gift that is personal, supports Israel and the environment, and is appropriate for friends, family, colleagues and people of all ages? To give a truly meaningful gift for any occasion, call (800) 542-TREE (8733) or visit www.jnf.org. Russell F. Robinson Chief Executive Officer, Jewish National Fund
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