Imagine a soldier standing guard. It’s dark and silent. There is no town, no synagogue, nothing within a 40 kilometer radius.  A rocket streaks overhead reminding him, again, why he is here.  Purim is coming and Ronen is remembering the Purim parties he had with his friends back home.  He’s thinking about his ima’s oznei haman (hamentashen) and wishing he could bite into one now.  Ronen’s fellow soldier, Alexsey, is thinking about his parents, but they are far away in Smolensk.  His whole unit feels a bit sad to be away from friends and family today, but then a truck draws up.  The unit commander has brought special treats for all from America!

For more than two decades The American Zionist Movement (AZM) has sought to touch these front line soldiers with its Purim Connection – an opportunity for American Jews to demonstrate their solidarity with Israelis who serve on the frontline in defense of Israel and with the youngest and most at-risk Israelis.

This year the Purim Connection is also making a special effort to reach “Lone Soldiers.”  There are 2,500 soldiers serving in the IDF who have no family in Israel.  Some are new immigrants from North America; others are from the former Soviet Union, Ethiopia and other countries.  They are particularly vulnerable and it is especially meaningful when they receive a holiday package.  In addition, children with special needs in the south will also receive gifts from you.

Wouldn’t you like to do something special this Purim?  Even a small donation will help a young child or a lonely soldier feel cared for and remembered.

Not only will these gifts improve the spirits of the receivers – they also support the Israeli economy, as all products used are made in Israel. In addition, in Israel, the mishloach manot packages will be delivered by young Jews: members of Zionist youth movements and students on year programs. This is one more tangible way in which we are building the connections between our young people and our homeland.

Please make your contribution online – go to www.azm.org/purim2012. Or send a check in the mail to: American Zionist Movement Purim Connection, 633 Third Avenue – 21^st floor, New York, NY, 10017-8157.

Your mishloach manot gift will tell an Israeli soldier or child that you care. It’s a gesture that will long be remembered. But the deadline is coming up quickly.  We ask that donations be received no later than February 27, 2012. Please don’t delay!

We thank you; and Ronen, the children of Kiryat Gat and Kiryat Malachi, and all of Israel thanks you as well.

Chag sameach and Zion greetings.

Special note: AZM is very appreciative for the assistance provided by the volunteers from Magshemei Herut and by Yashar L’Chayal in Israel, and for the support provided by AZM member organizations, particularly AMIT and Mercaz USA.

Dear Friend,

To talk about Zionism is to talk about the redemption and renewal of a people, its language and culture in its ancient homeland. It is also to imagine all the potential that homeland has to offers its citizens and the global community.  The miracle of Israel’s establishment and the miracles of the 64 years of Israel’s existence, did not happen without tremendous effort. Thus, in this season of miracles and rededication, Israel and the crises it faces should be our obvious focus.

The crises are the on-going, pernicious attempts to delegitimize the State of Israel and the growing distance between young  American Jews and Israel. Both crises must be addressed by the Zionist Movement, through the American Zionist Movement.

AZM, the representative of the World Zionist Organization in the US, is the sole organization that brings Israel to all American Jews regardless of age, religious affiliation or political belief. Uniting and fortifying our members is the essential belief in the Jewish state and the right of Jews to self-determination in our own homeland. You can help AZM bring that message to Jews throughout the United States with your support.

Among AZM’s  accomplishments this year:

* Convening a conference on Countering Delegitimization of Israel and Anti-Semitism during UN Week in New York;

* Bringing Israeli Zionists to campuses, synagogues and JCC’s around the country ;

* Sending Purim gifts to “Lone Soldiers“ — IDF troops on active duty whose families do not live in Israel;

* Engaging young Jewish professionals in meaningful Zionist dialogue;

*Bringing young Jewish journalists to the General Assembly of JFNA to meet Jewish leadership and sharpen their skills.

*Organizing meaningful events to commemorate the significant dates on the “Zionist Calendar” in New York, Chicago and other American cities

The Zionist Movement was founded in 1897 to give a beleaguered Jewish people a sense of peoplehood and hope during some of the darkest hours of our long history.

We prevailed!  Today we have a homeland, a refuge; a Jewish land where Hebrew has been revived and which serves as a living experiment in the building of a model society.

The Zionist Movement is both our legacy and our future. Please help AZM continue the work of maintaining a united Zionist coalition on Israel’s behalf. Make a donation today through our website.

With thanks and with warm Zion Greetings,

William D. Hess, President

Marlene E. Post, Chair, National Board

We join with Zionists around the world in welcoming Gilad home to Israel.

“And the children of Israel shall return to their borders.”

In our joy, we also embrace those whose pain has been increased by the price that has been paid for a soldier’s return.

Please take this opportunity to visit our website and write your words of welcome to Gilad.  All messages will be delivered to Gilad and his family.

Background

The polls in Israel show broad based support for the exchange deal. For the families of the victims and others concerned about future security implications it is very painful and problematic. All of these considerations were discussed and debated by the government, which approved the deal by a vote of 26-3.

As this issue will continue to be in the forefront of news in the coming days, including massive celebrations in Gaza and elsewhere, we are providing this memo providing information and talking points that may be helpful, along with an action recommendation, which we urge you to follow up.

History

Gilad Shalit was born in Naharia, Israel on August 28, 1986 to Noam and Aviva Shalit. He has an older brother and younger sister.  On June 25, 2006, during his service in the IDF, Gilad Shalit was abducted on the Israeli side of the Kerem Shalom crossing by Hamas militants, who infiltrated through an underground tunnel.  He has been held as a hostage at an undisclosed location in the Gaza Strip for more than five years, deprived of all International Red Cross medical care and visits, as required by international law.  Israeli forces entered Khan Yunis on June 28, 2006 to search for Shalit, but the recovery efforts were unsuccessful.  Some media reports suggested that Israel may have learned of Shalit’s whereabouts, but the location was booby trapped to prevent any rescue attempts.

The only proof of Shalit’s well-being until recently has been three letters, an audio tape, and a DVD received in exchange for the release by Israel of 20 convicted female Palestinian prisoners.  A recent video was provided at the insistence of the government of Israel showing Shalit as well and able to communicate.

He was the first Israeli soldier captured by Palestinian militants since Nachshon Wachsman in 1994.  Since his abduction, Shalit has been promoted from the rank of corporal to Staff Sergeant and Sergeant Major.

Shalit holds dual French and Israeli citizenship, a fact that prompted French and European Union involvement in the efforts on his behalf.

On October 11, 2011 a prisoner swap deal was announced to free Shalit in exchange for 1,027 Palestinian prisoners.

Help us welcome Gilad home.  All messages will be delivered to Gilad and his family.

Send a Message of Welcome to Gilad Shalit

Gilad Shalit is expected to return to Israel any day now.

For more than five years we have rallied, we have sent postcards, written letters, appealed to heads of state.  We have not allowed Gilad to be forgotten.  When he returns home he will receive your messages of hope that were sent to him over the years.

Join us now in welcoming Gilad home.  Write your messages today.

We cannot allow him to be forgotten.  Please send this link to your friends and family, share it with groups and organizations, raise your voice and let it be heard around the world.

FeminIsrael is a joint project of the American Zionist Movement and WZO/Hagshama. Held each March in conjunction with Women’s history month, FeminIsrael celebrates  Israeli Women, their accomplishments, and their contributions to Israeli society and the betterment of the world.

FeminIsrael speakers visited communities and campuses across North America.  Even in places where there was no speaker, the accomplishments of Israeli women were celebrated with FeminIsrael programs.

FeminIsrael Programs

Movies with a Discussion Guide:

Syrian Bride
Aviya’s Summer
Aviva My Love

Powerpoint Presentation:

Female Voices: A look at how Israeli society has been influenced, shaped and represented throughout its history by the country’s top female musicians.

Shira: Women in Poetry: An explanation of women poets in Israel and their influence on Zionist and Israel cultural history.

Questions? Want to Participate?  please send us an email

FeminIsrael is a joint project of the American Zionist Movement and WZO/Hagshama

Campaign for Gilad Shalit

There are things you can do:

Take A Moment for Gilad Shalit | Learn More

Take Action

• Don’t let Gilad Be Forgotten
• Plan a rally for your local community or campus
• Download and distribute a petition in your community or school (Click to open as a PDF)
• Pass a resolution in your organization, community or school on the abducted soldiers
• Wear a Gilad Shalit Dog Tag

Write

• Write to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon
• Write to the Knesset and P.M. Netanyahu
• Write to President Obama and to your Representatives
• Materials

Remember

• Learn about Israel’s abducted and missing soldiers
• Listen to songs written about the soldiers
• Remember the soldiers on Chanukah
• Join the Tu B’shvat Campaign for Gilad

–NEW IDEA!– Plan a Bar or Bat Mitzvah using the theme of working to bring back Israel’s abducted soldiers.
Your bar or bat mitzvah marks your acceptance of responsibility as a Jewish adult. What better way to underscore the significance of this special day than by using it to advocate for the release of fellow Jews, captured by terrorists while fighting to keep Israel safe? Here are some party ideas.
* Use AZM Dog Tags at events or parties to help get the word out.
* Print out and hang Posters that broadcast the message:
“Bring Gilad Home Now!”

Dear Friends,

With summer in full-swing, the time of family vacations is upon us – when we can be with our loved ones, and have the opportunity to recharge ourselves both physically and mentally.

This summer marks four years since Gilad Shalit was captured by Hamas. He is believed to be held in Gaza, away from his family. This issue crosses all political and religious boundaries, and touches the hearts of all. Whatever your opinion regarding the price Israel should or should not pay to secure Gilad’s release, there is no disputing that Gilad, as well as his family, are suffering greatly. We hope and pray for his safe return each day.

So, what can you do to help and to express your sympathy with Gilad and his loved ones? If your family vacation should take you to Israel over the summer, or for the upcoming holidays, AZM would like propose the following opportunities available to you to show your solidarity with the Shalit family:

If you are in Jerusalem

There are a few prominent places in Jerusalem where you can identify yourself, including the Solidarity Tent in front of the Prime Minister residence or the Rose Garden in front of the Knesset. You can also say a prayer for Gilad at the Western Wall.

The Solidarity Tent in front of the Prime Minister’s residence: Centrally located just a few minutes walk from the hotels on King George Street, the tent was erected over two years ago and hosts volunteers. After a cross-country March, members of Gilad’s family arrived at the tent and sit there daily with the hopes of putting pressure on the government to arrange for Gilad’s immediate release. When visiting the tent, you will be able to sign the support book, speak with family and volunteers, and obtain a yellow solidarity ribbon you can wear publicly to show your support. In addition, every Friday night, on the eve of Shabbat, a Kabbalat Shabbat service takes place at the site of the tent. There is always an empty chair there for Gilad.

The Rose Garden in front of the Knesset: Near the Israel, Museum, and right in front of the Knesset (the Israeli Parliament) where the statue of the Menorah stands, signs that convey solidarity with Gilad are hanging. While visiting, you can hang your own personal, family, or communal sign, or a yellow balloon. Yellow is the informal color identified with Gilad’s struggle.

The Old City and the Western Wall Plaza: Many visitors to Jerusalem will explore the Old City and stop to pray at the Western Wall. If you stop at the wall, you may add an additional prayer and/or put a note in the wall on behalf of Gilad.

If you are Outside of Jerusalem

If your plans include a trip to Northern Israel, you can visit Mitzpe Hilla, the village where Gilad was born and raise. You can help to support Gilad’s family by staying in one of their guest houses available for rent.

Gilad was abducted from an army facility near Kerem Shalom, not far from the city of Sderot, a western Negev city in the Southern District of Israel. Sderot is an area hit repeatedly by rockets launched from the Gaza Strip. A visit to this town will serve to help bolster the moral of a people living in constant fear of attacks.

In addition to the above options, throughout the country, in almost every major common area, solidarity booths have been erected (predominantly on Friday mornings). You can stop by these booths to obtain more information about the effort to secure Gilad’s release.

We might suggest you work with your community or congregation to prepare a sign to display, or a letter of support to provide to the family. During your visit, you can obtain various items such as shirts, pins or caps which display the symbol of struggle for Gilad’s release.

We recommend you visit the main website that has the most up-to-date information about this effort.

http://www.habanim.org/en/index_en.html

We thank you for your dedication to this cause and hope for the immediate and unconditional release of Gilad Shalit.

Have a meaningful visit to Israel,

The American Zionist Movement