One hundred American college students from Yeshiva University and Stern College are departing today on a short trip to Israel entitled "Operation Torah Shield." Arriving tomorrow to show solidarity with the Jewish State as it faces a threat from Iraqi missiles, the group will be accompanied by NY Assemblyman Dov Hikind and Joe Frager, President of The Jerusalem Reclamation Project.
The mission will travel directly to the Western Wall in Jerusalem, where they will be greeted by Tourism Minister Rabbi Benny Elon.
The group will be staying in Israel for one week to study in yeshivot and seminaries, volunteer with the Israeli army, and help out in hospitals. Despite the imminent conflict with Iraq, the students will follow in the tradition of YU students who made a similar trip during the previous Gulf War. A prominent Miami businessperson donated funds for the program, and the National Council of Young Israel and the Israeli Ministry of Tourism provided other assistance.
The name of the mission, "Operation Torah Shield," was chosen to emphasize its purpose of countering the anti-war efforts of the "human shields" who went to Iraq to protest against the attack. Yisrael Schachter, Vice President of Student Government at Yeshiva University, said, "We will learn the Jewish Bible and spend time supporting the great democracy of the Middle East. We, the Jewish community of North America, care for our brethren and we want to stand shoulder to shoulder with them during these times."