American Jews, despite an Israeli perception of them as apathetic, are rallying, literally, in solidarity with the Jewish people in Israel. Cities such as Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Denver have all hosted rallies in support of Israel in the past few months. Smaller ?gatherings? in support of Israel have been held since the start of the current round of fighting here and many cities hold annual Israel Independence Day parades and other events, but the recent rallying phenomenon is a large, public show of solidarity with the embattled Jewish State. The Los Angeles Jewish Journal quotes Gail Hyman, a vice-president of the United Jewish Communities (UJC), as reporting that there have been more than 100 rallies in support of Israel since October.
Almost every major American Jewish organization, of every religious variety, has lent its name to a major rally, sponsored by the UJC and the Jewish Federations of North America, slated for September 23, in New York. The rally, called ?Standing Together? is expected to draw tens of thousands of Jews from around the United States, as well as Israeli and local dignitaries. The rally is part of a UJC initiative called ?Israel NOW and Forever?, which is designed to encourage active solidarity with Israel through education, advocacy and fundraising among North Americans.
In a similar act of support, the Wiesenthal Center has launched an aggressive international campaign to influence Jews to stand by Israel at its time of need. The campaign includes ads in major newspapers in the US, Canada, South America, the United Kingdom and elsewhere calling for Jewish solidarity and promoting tourism to Israel.
Solidarity trips to Israel are another method by which American Jews show their support in a tangible way. The North American Israel Bonds has sent two Labor Solidarity Delegations to Israel this year and is planning a Young Leadership Delegation for late October. The Jewish Federation, one of the largest US national Jewish organizations, has already sponsored several group trips to Israel, and is planning a major trip for the fall, as well.
Almost every major American Jewish organization, of every religious variety, has lent its name to a major rally, sponsored by the UJC and the Jewish Federations of North America, slated for September 23, in New York. The rally, called ?Standing Together? is expected to draw tens of thousands of Jews from around the United States, as well as Israeli and local dignitaries. The rally is part of a UJC initiative called ?Israel NOW and Forever?, which is designed to encourage active solidarity with Israel through education, advocacy and fundraising among North Americans.
In a similar act of support, the Wiesenthal Center has launched an aggressive international campaign to influence Jews to stand by Israel at its time of need. The campaign includes ads in major newspapers in the US, Canada, South America, the United Kingdom and elsewhere calling for Jewish solidarity and promoting tourism to Israel.
Solidarity trips to Israel are another method by which American Jews show their support in a tangible way. The North American Israel Bonds has sent two Labor Solidarity Delegations to Israel this year and is planning a Young Leadership Delegation for late October. The Jewish Federation, one of the largest US national Jewish organizations, has already sponsored several group trips to Israel, and is planning a major trip for the fall, as well.