[Part one of this article can be read at http://www.israelnn.com/article.php3?id=4708.]
Anyone who has spent any time with the people of Gush Katif and northern Shomron cannot help but be amazed at their heroism, perseverance and infectious optimism. Like the Jews of Hebron, they inspire and strengthen us, even when it is us who should be strengthening them.
This is no idealistic mirage of modern-day Maccabees, nor do these Israelis view themselves as such (although the analogy of the few against the many may be apt); rather, these are down to earth, wholesome Jews, who simply wish to live, work and grow in this portion of Eretz Yisrael, in accordance with the fundamental principles of our Jewish faith, history and the pioneering imperatives of Zionism. Blessed with clarity of vision and imbued with a sense of mission, these Israelis have turned barren, uninhabited sand dunes into flourishing agricultural communities, yeshivas and cultural institutions, which have contributed disproportionately to Israel's economic, spiritual and cultural progress. Those who are fortunate enough to have experienced these people and the fruits of their labours first-hand are thusly inspired to participate, on even a minor and indirect level, in such a noble endeavour.
This brings us full circle to the constantly-asked and angst-ridden question: what can we do? What can those in other areas of Eretz Yisrael, indeed, those in the Galut, do to help the Jews of Gaza and northern Shomron in their hour of need? In our frustration and understandable despair, many of us have searched for answers.
Firstly, in the Galut, better hasbara (public relations) seems to be a write-off, as the minds of most are simply too confused and alienated from the situation. In Israel, on the other hand, there remains a broad reservoir of support and empathy, partially borne of the shared experiences of normal Israelis who have persevered for over four years in the face of unremitting terrorist onslaught.
Secondly, financial support remains a key element of our connection, as a modern-day reflection of the relationship between Zevulun and Yissaschar. Whether we are in other parts of Israel or in the Galut, there is no denying this urgent need. The many programs and events through which the residents of Gush Katif have been able to connect with their fellow Jews throughout Israel - from the mass influx of close to 150,000 Jews on Yom Ha'Atzmaut, to the human chain from Gush Katif to the Kotel (over 200,000 participants), to the simultaneous demonstrations in one hundred Israeli communities (also over 200,000 participants), to the door-to-door campaigns in all regions of the country - all are essential, but costly. It is incumbent upon us to throw our financial support behind these initiatives to the fullest extent possible.
However, there is no substitute for direct human contact. Those of us who are able should make our way to Gush Katif and the northern Shomron (each of which are a short trip from Tel Aviv), in order to cultivate the symbiotic relationship with our fellow Jews, and to give them our assistance and tangible support.
What I am specifically proposing is a program whereby individuals spend one or two weeks volunteering in the hothouses, farms and other facilities in Gush Katif, hosted by local residents. While it may appear presumptuous, I have no doubt, based on past experience with local hospitality, that the residents of these communities would enthusiastically welcome organized groups of volunteers into their homes. The program would be unique in its simplicity and, going one step beyond solidarity missions, would enable the volunteers to productively participate in the upbuilding and growth of these communities. Every participant would be making a tangible difference, and would be actively demonstrating unconditional Ahavat Yisrael to their fellow Jews at a time when they need it the most. In fact, I have been advised by the primary spokesperson of Gush Katif that, for example, there is presently an urgent need for volunteer manpower in the agricultural facilities of the community of Netzarim, whose residents have experienced significant economic distress as a result of the current situation.
Let us volunteer with our time, with our hands and with our hearts. This initiative is presently being organized in Toronto under the auspices of Grassroots for Gush Katif. Those interested in volunteering, regardless of their location, are invited to phone 416-457-2625 or e-mail Mannie1234@rogers.com in order to make appropriate arrangements.
The response to "disengagement" must be a program of "engagement", of hitchabrut, with the Jews of Gush Katif and the northern Shomron. If not now, then when?
[Part 2 of 2]
Anyone who has spent any time with the people of Gush Katif and northern Shomron cannot help but be amazed at their heroism, perseverance and infectious optimism. Like the Jews of Hebron, they inspire and strengthen us, even when it is us who should be strengthening them.
This is no idealistic mirage of modern-day Maccabees, nor do these Israelis view themselves as such (although the analogy of the few against the many may be apt); rather, these are down to earth, wholesome Jews, who simply wish to live, work and grow in this portion of Eretz Yisrael, in accordance with the fundamental principles of our Jewish faith, history and the pioneering imperatives of Zionism. Blessed with clarity of vision and imbued with a sense of mission, these Israelis have turned barren, uninhabited sand dunes into flourishing agricultural communities, yeshivas and cultural institutions, which have contributed disproportionately to Israel's economic, spiritual and cultural progress. Those who are fortunate enough to have experienced these people and the fruits of their labours first-hand are thusly inspired to participate, on even a minor and indirect level, in such a noble endeavour.
This brings us full circle to the constantly-asked and angst-ridden question: what can we do? What can those in other areas of Eretz Yisrael, indeed, those in the Galut, do to help the Jews of Gaza and northern Shomron in their hour of need? In our frustration and understandable despair, many of us have searched for answers.
Firstly, in the Galut, better hasbara (public relations) seems to be a write-off, as the minds of most are simply too confused and alienated from the situation. In Israel, on the other hand, there remains a broad reservoir of support and empathy, partially borne of the shared experiences of normal Israelis who have persevered for over four years in the face of unremitting terrorist onslaught.
Secondly, financial support remains a key element of our connection, as a modern-day reflection of the relationship between Zevulun and Yissaschar. Whether we are in other parts of Israel or in the Galut, there is no denying this urgent need. The many programs and events through which the residents of Gush Katif have been able to connect with their fellow Jews throughout Israel - from the mass influx of close to 150,000 Jews on Yom Ha'Atzmaut, to the human chain from Gush Katif to the Kotel (over 200,000 participants), to the simultaneous demonstrations in one hundred Israeli communities (also over 200,000 participants), to the door-to-door campaigns in all regions of the country - all are essential, but costly. It is incumbent upon us to throw our financial support behind these initiatives to the fullest extent possible.
However, there is no substitute for direct human contact. Those of us who are able should make our way to Gush Katif and the northern Shomron (each of which are a short trip from Tel Aviv), in order to cultivate the symbiotic relationship with our fellow Jews, and to give them our assistance and tangible support.
What I am specifically proposing is a program whereby individuals spend one or two weeks volunteering in the hothouses, farms and other facilities in Gush Katif, hosted by local residents. While it may appear presumptuous, I have no doubt, based on past experience with local hospitality, that the residents of these communities would enthusiastically welcome organized groups of volunteers into their homes. The program would be unique in its simplicity and, going one step beyond solidarity missions, would enable the volunteers to productively participate in the upbuilding and growth of these communities. Every participant would be making a tangible difference, and would be actively demonstrating unconditional Ahavat Yisrael to their fellow Jews at a time when they need it the most. In fact, I have been advised by the primary spokesperson of Gush Katif that, for example, there is presently an urgent need for volunteer manpower in the agricultural facilities of the community of Netzarim, whose residents have experienced significant economic distress as a result of the current situation.
Let us volunteer with our time, with our hands and with our hearts. This initiative is presently being organized in Toronto under the auspices of Grassroots for Gush Katif. Those interested in volunteering, regardless of their location, are invited to phone 416-457-2625 or e-mail Mannie1234@rogers.com in order to make appropriate arrangements.
The response to "disengagement" must be a program of "engagement", of hitchabrut, with the Jews of Gush Katif and the northern Shomron. If not now, then when?
[Part 2 of 2]