Shalom USY!

With the 2008-2009 USY year coming to a close and we all head out on different summer experiences, it is easy to forget that advocating for Israel is a 365-day-a-year job! Here are a couple of ways to keep Israel on the mind and in our hearts during our summer months.

•  June 25^th marks 3 years that Gilad Shalit has been held captive by Hamas.
•  Send a father’s day card to President Obama by June 21^st urging him to do everything in his power to bring Gilad home!

E-cards can be sent to www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ and letters can be sent to

Office of President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

 

Sample letters:

Dear President Obama,

This Father’s Day, please remember Noam and Aviva Shalit. They have not seen their son Gilad in 3 years and wonder daily about his safety and well being. I urge you to consider the plight of Gilad, not as political issue, but rather as a humanitarian one, as a top priority for your administration.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Your Name

 

Dear President Obama,

As you spend today celebrating with your family I hope that you will remember Noam and Aviva Shalit. This Father’s Day marks the three agonizing years that Gilad has not been home with his family. I urge you to consider Gilad’s plight, not as a political issue, but rather as a humanitarian one, and to bring Gilad home.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Your Name

 

• On June 20^th (just 2 days from now!) many anti-Israel groups are planning boycotts of major U.S. food markets who carry Israeli products. These groups have specifically targeted Trader Joes, as well as other grocery stores.

• What can you do to help? Buy Israeli products!!! Buy Israeli products for yourselves, and buy them as gifts. Show markets like Trader Joes that there is another voice that loves Israeli products and appreciates the market for offering them to us.

 

These are some simple ways to keep Israel in your hearts and minds during the summer.

To all of you traveling to Europe, Israel, and across the United States with USY’s Summer Programs, I wish you a nisea tova!

 

B'ahavat Tzion,
Leia Slosberg
Israel Affairs IGB 2009
Advocacy and Hechalutzim Chair