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Dear Friends, As the Jewish year draws to a close, we would like to take this moment to reflect upon how AZM programs and campaigns have made a difference in the lives of Americans and Israelis alike over the past year. The American Zionist Movement (AZM), an umbrella organization, brings together groups and individuals committed to Zionism, uniting them in collective action and meaningful dialogue concerning the urgent issues Israel and the American Zionist community face today. The links on the left provide information about some of the past year's activities. As the American affiliate of the World Zionist Organization, AZM works continuously to bring American Jews closer to Israel, strengthen Jewish identity and promote youth leadership. A strong AZM has a crucial role to play in a loud and enduring American Zionist voice which will better the lives of Jews throughout the world. However, our vital work is not possible without your support. Your contributions enable AZM to continue and improve programs such as those detailed below.
AZM wishes you and your family a happy, healthy and sweet new year. This year, the year that Israel turns 60, may we be inspired to work even harder on behalf of the Jewish People with wisdom, strength and success. L'shana Tova! |
The citizens of Sderot have suffered greatly from living under an unyielding barrage of Qassam rocket fire for the last five years. AZM's Yom Kef," or "fun days," provided these Israelis with a welcome reprieve from the constant tension, with an itinerary which provided enrichment as well as fun.
Working through the WZO Department for Zionist Activities, AZM's "Yom Kef" on August 5, 6 and 7 treated a total of eight busloads of Sderot families to day trips which included a tour of the Kotel (Western Wall) Tunnels, a visit to the Bloomfield Science Museum in Jerusalem, a picnic lunch at the Wohl Rose Garden, and an afternoon at the amusement park Superland in Rishon Lezion. The tour of Israel's capital was especially meaningful to Sderot's residents, many of whom are new immigrants and families who have never been there before.
In addition, "Yom Kef" was greatly appreciated by the children, who have not even been able to go outside to play, a constant tension which has caused post-traumatic stress, trauma, and other long-term problems.
Through "Yom Kef," AZM showed the citizens of Sderot that they have not been forgotten by the rest of the world.
AZM has continued to work tirelessly on the behalf of the three Israeli soldiers abducted by Hamas and Hezbollah terrorists in the summer of 2006, Ehud Goldwasser, Eldad Regev, and Gilad Shalit. Brazenly and illegally taken from sovereign Israeli territory in the line of duty, these brave sons continue to be denied even their basic rights under the Geneva Conventions. AZM's efforts to restore them to their families and country are an extension of its ongoing campaign since the 1980s to bring home all of Israel's abducted and missing soldiers. This year, the AZM commitment to exhaust all options in finding ways to raise awareness and galvanize action on this crucial issue have manifested itself in the following innovative initiatives:
AZM places great importance on the development of the leaders of tomorrow. The Helyn B. Reich Scholarship, which recognizes young people who show a commitment to active involvement in the Jewish and Zionist community, helps to provide outstanding members of the next generation with an opportunity to develop themselves, both personally and academically, in Israel.
This year, AZM was proud to announce its selection of four exceptional candidates - Zachary Bercu, Laura Finkelstein, Katherine Hallman, and Danny Moss - who received AZM Helyn B. Reich Scholarships to study in Israel in the fall of 2007. The students distinguished themselves through their passionate support of the Zionist cause on their campuses and in their communities, exhibiting great promise as the future leaders of a pro-Israel America in disciplines as diverse as medicine and the fine arts.
This spring marked the first time AZM has granted scholarships to students participating in post-graduate programs in Israel. In addition, AZM has expanded the participating universities to include Haifa University and Ben-Gurion University in addition to Tel Aviv University.
On April 22, 2007, more than 75 college students and Birthright alum in 16 teams competed in The Amazing Israel Race. Following a string of clues, they used their knowledge of Zionist history and their city smarts to identify and visit 12 sites throughout Manhattan with Zionist significance.
The race was facilitated by volunteers, including both Israelis and Americans, who orchestrated fun learning tasks at each site. For instance, participants dressed up like Golda Meir and read one of her speeches aloud at Golda Meir Square (left).
Each member of the team which identified and visited all the sites the fastest - self-identified as the "Israel Lovers" - received a prize of $500 towards his or her next flight to Israel.
The race was sponsored by AZM, USD Hagshama and the Jewish National Fund.
For its 19th consecutive year, AZM spread holiday cheer with the Purim Connection, an opportunity for Americans to show solidarity with Israeli citizens who have been on the front lines in defense of their country. This year just over 1,500 traditional Purim baskets filled with sweets and other goodies were distributed to IDF soldiers and children in the North of Israel. Those who benefited from the Purim Connection included front-line soldiers of the elite Egoz guerilla unit, a tank corps stationed in the south, and soldiers, wounded in the hostilities with Lebanon the previous summer, being treated at Beit Levinshtein. In addition, AZM brought smiles to children who had been traumatized by the war, including "children at risk" at the Ahava School in Kiryat Bialik, children at the Amirim School in Bat Yam, and children of new immigrants in the Krayot Synagogue, also in Kiryat Bialik.
In addition to bolstering the spirits of so many people, AZM's Purim Connection helped support the Israeli economy and also worked towards building relationships between young people and Israel. The Purim baskets were purchased and packed in Israel. Then, three buses of young Americans in Israel (members of Habonim-Dror and MASA students studying ulpan) participated in the distribution of the Purim baskets.
The AZM Purim Connection is the perfect example of how AZM works to build bridges between Israel and the Diaspora.
