AZM Purim Connection
AZM'S 2007 Purim Connection Sends Gifts and Greetings to Israel
A young Russian immigrant receives a gift from AZM at the Krayot Synagogue's Purim party
Young Americans Participate in Distribution
This year just over 1,500 Purim mishloach manot baskets filled with sweets were distributed to IDF soldiers and children in the north of Israel thanks to the American Zionist Movement's Purim Connection. "Now in its 19th year, the Purim Connection remains a strong program," said W. James Schiller, President of the AZM, who described the program as a "win-win." The program provides an opportunity for Americans to show solidarity with Israeli citizens who have been on the front lines in defense of their country, including front-line soldiers of the elite Egoz guerilla unit, a tank corps stationed in the south, and soldiers, wounded in this summer's hostilities, who are being treated at Beit Levinshtein. In addition, funds were raised for children in the north of Israel who were under great stress this past August, including "children at risk" studying 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 a lonely soldier or a young child, AZM's initiative 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, to make the program even more meaningful, three buses of young Americans in Israel (members of Habonim-Dror and MASA students studying ulpan at Kibbtuz Maagen Mikhael and Yagur) participated in the distribution of the Purim baskets.
"This is such a valuable experience for these children. Not only does it spread cheer on the holiday of Purim, but it also really contributes towards AZM's mission of building bridges of understanding between Israel and the Diaspora," said AZM Executive Director Karen Rubinstein.
