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July 17, 2006 21 Tamuz , 5766
TO: The Leadership of the Reform Movement
FROM: Rabbi Eric Yoffie
RE: Israel
"What can I and my congregation do now to help the people of Israel?"
This is the question each of us is asking as we follow the events unfolding in Israel. We anxiously watch our televisions and computers and we feel the urgent need to demonstrate support for the State of Israel in this moment of crisis. We worry about the 600 NFTY youth in Israel, and what they are learning from this experience. And we mourn the loss of innocent civilian life this conflict is causing on both sides.
Now is the time for us to stand with Israel in solidarity. There is much to be done - and much you can do to show Israel that we care. To help you as you organize efforts in your local communities, the Union for Reform Judaism and ARZA have gathered prepared resources, all of which are accessible online at www.urj.org/Israel.
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Take Action
Your voice needs to be heard. Attend the rally in your community. Write letters to your editor. Post a sign on your congregation's lawn saying We Stand With Israel. Contact your elected leaders about congregational joint resolutions and legislation, let them know that we appreciate the Bush administration's immediate condemnation of the unwarranted attacks on Israel, and tell them that we welcome the news that Secretary of State Rice will be traveling to the Middle East. Sign Up for legislative alerts. View the ARZA site for additional ideas and programs.Your voice is important.
Join the ARZA leadership mission July 23-28 to Israel, which will include visits to Haifa, congregations in northern Israel, HUC students and NFTY teens. Details will be posted on ARZA's website.
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Donate Now
As we did in 2002, the Union has created the 2006 Israel Emergency Fund. Contribution will be used to help Israelis impacted by the crisis. Among other projects, funds will
- Help the United Jewish Communities send Israeli children in Northern communities to youth villages in the central region;
- Assist Magen David Adom provide emergency medical treatment to those wounded by terrorist bombings;
- Provide funds to Israeli Progressive synagogues to provide counseling and other services to the to the general population in their communities
As always, the full amount of donations to the fund, minus any credit card charges, will be used for this crisis.
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Stay Informed
As always, the safety of our Reform teenagers in Israel with the NFTY in Israel Experience is our primary concern. We are making daily adjustments in their itineraries, following the advice of the security office of the Jewish Agency. At this point, all our participants are in the Jerusalem area and further south. For more information, see the updates we send to parents each day.
Last week this year's first-year students at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion arrived in Jerusalem. We've posted updates about their activities on the Reform Movement Israel Blog.
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Liturgical Resources
We are gathering prayers that may be used in worship and at rallies and communal events. These are available online. ARZA is also gathering ideas for sermons; please visit arza.org as this site is being updated on a regular basis.
Add Your Voice
We welcome your thoughts and suggestions. We've created an online form for you to express your hopes and fears and to read stories from Israel. Join the discussion on the Reform Movement Israel Blog.
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Committees 
