For a community among the most active and generous in the world, American Jewry has been surprisingly placid in recent months regarding the Palestinian wave of terror against Israelis. One would have expected that the daily shootings, stabbings and stonings would have evoked an outpouring of support for the beleaguered targets of the violence. But thus far, little succor has been forthcoming.
Sure, solidarity visits to Israel have been organized, rallies were convened in major cities, and letters to the editor have been written. Such activities are, of course, important. They impact public opinion and demonstrate that American Jews stand by Israel in her time of need. But very little of the sympathy from abroad has been directed specifically at the Jews living in Judea, Samaria and Gaza, who have borne the brunt of much of the violence.
I am not a ?settler?, nor do I live in the territories. But I have friends and relatives who do, and their lives have been dramatically altered in recent months. What were once routine trips to and from work have become far more dangerous. Family and acquaintances hesitate to visit and the roads after dark have taken on an air of peril. The fear of being shot or stoned has become palpable, and the psychological impact on children and adults alike is immense.
Residents of the Gaza community of Netzarim were forced to spend Purim eve in bomb shelters after their Palestinian neighbors attacked them with mortar shells. For others, warnings of impending attacks cast heavy shadows of solemnity over the traditional holiday feast.
If a Jewish community anywhere else in the world were subjected to similar assaults, there is no doubt that American Jewry would be in an uproar. But for some reason, the suffering and pain of the settlers goes unheeded. Emergency appeals have not been launched on their behalf, nor have public gatherings been convened to show support for them.
I would like to believe that politics does not have a role to play in this. I would like to think that when a Jew cries out for help, American Jewish organizations do not check his home address before deciding whether or not to assist him. Perhaps it is simply due to a lack of awareness. After all, the settlers are about as popular in the American media as Mad Cow disease, and they are given little chance to convey their point of view.
But let there be no mistake about the severity of the situation. Jewish communities throughout Judea, Samaria and Gaza are in desperate need of assistance to purchase items ranging from bulletproof vehicles and night-vision equipment to pagers, binoculars and defibrillators. The Israeli army does the best it can, but it can not be everywhere at all times. Hence, the communities themselves must often play a role in enhancing their own security.
In times of crisis, American Jewry generally has a stellar track record of getting involved. Within three days of the January 13 earthquake in El Salvador, American Jewish organizations had set up a fund for the victims, organized a coalition to raise awareness, and formulated plans to send a team to evaluate the victims? needs. Oddly enough, after six months of violence and terror, the Jews of Judea, Samaria and Gaza are still waiting for their brethren in America to demonstrate a similar level of concern for them.
Whatever one?s views are regarding the settlements in Judea, Samaria and Gaza, the Jews of these areas are Jews, and the proper Jewish response is to assist them in their time of need. American Jewish organizations should launch a massive fundraising appeal to help Jewish residents of the territories improve their security. Even relatively modest sums might make a difference by enabling them to purchase much-needed equipment.
Jewish communities in America should consider organizing ?twinning? programs with Jewish settlements to strengthen the ties between American Jewry and Israelis and provide them with a much-needed morale boost. Funds should also be directed to assisting families whose loved ones have been killed in terrorist attacks.
When bullets are flying in Israel, American Jews must lay aside their political differences and focus on what is truly important: saving precious Jewish lives. The time to do so is now.
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The writer served as Deputy Director of Communications & Policy Planning in the Prime Minister?s Office from 1996 to 1999.
Sure, solidarity visits to Israel have been organized, rallies were convened in major cities, and letters to the editor have been written. Such activities are, of course, important. They impact public opinion and demonstrate that American Jews stand by Israel in her time of need. But very little of the sympathy from abroad has been directed specifically at the Jews living in Judea, Samaria and Gaza, who have borne the brunt of much of the violence.
I am not a ?settler?, nor do I live in the territories. But I have friends and relatives who do, and their lives have been dramatically altered in recent months. What were once routine trips to and from work have become far more dangerous. Family and acquaintances hesitate to visit and the roads after dark have taken on an air of peril. The fear of being shot or stoned has become palpable, and the psychological impact on children and adults alike is immense.
Residents of the Gaza community of Netzarim were forced to spend Purim eve in bomb shelters after their Palestinian neighbors attacked them with mortar shells. For others, warnings of impending attacks cast heavy shadows of solemnity over the traditional holiday feast.
If a Jewish community anywhere else in the world were subjected to similar assaults, there is no doubt that American Jewry would be in an uproar. But for some reason, the suffering and pain of the settlers goes unheeded. Emergency appeals have not been launched on their behalf, nor have public gatherings been convened to show support for them.
I would like to believe that politics does not have a role to play in this. I would like to think that when a Jew cries out for help, American Jewish organizations do not check his home address before deciding whether or not to assist him. Perhaps it is simply due to a lack of awareness. After all, the settlers are about as popular in the American media as Mad Cow disease, and they are given little chance to convey their point of view.
But let there be no mistake about the severity of the situation. Jewish communities throughout Judea, Samaria and Gaza are in desperate need of assistance to purchase items ranging from bulletproof vehicles and night-vision equipment to pagers, binoculars and defibrillators. The Israeli army does the best it can, but it can not be everywhere at all times. Hence, the communities themselves must often play a role in enhancing their own security.
In times of crisis, American Jewry generally has a stellar track record of getting involved. Within three days of the January 13 earthquake in El Salvador, American Jewish organizations had set up a fund for the victims, organized a coalition to raise awareness, and formulated plans to send a team to evaluate the victims? needs. Oddly enough, after six months of violence and terror, the Jews of Judea, Samaria and Gaza are still waiting for their brethren in America to demonstrate a similar level of concern for them.
Whatever one?s views are regarding the settlements in Judea, Samaria and Gaza, the Jews of these areas are Jews, and the proper Jewish response is to assist them in their time of need. American Jewish organizations should launch a massive fundraising appeal to help Jewish residents of the territories improve their security. Even relatively modest sums might make a difference by enabling them to purchase much-needed equipment.
Jewish communities in America should consider organizing ?twinning? programs with Jewish settlements to strengthen the ties between American Jewry and Israelis and provide them with a much-needed morale boost. Funds should also be directed to assisting families whose loved ones have been killed in terrorist attacks.
When bullets are flying in Israel, American Jews must lay aside their political differences and focus on what is truly important: saving precious Jewish lives. The time to do so is now.
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The writer served as Deputy Director of Communications & Policy Planning in the Prime Minister?s Office from 1996 to 1999.