Israel has the right and the responsibility to protect her citizens. Israeli men, women and children have been under the threat of daily rocket attacks from Gaza for many years, attacks which have escalated since Israel- in the hopes of realizing peace with its Palestinian neighbors-disengaged from Gaza in 2005.  On Saturday, December 27th, Israel finally said "dayenu"-enough is enough-to these indiscriminate acts of terror and launched "Operation Cast Lead", a full-scale military operation designed to take out Hamas military targets in the Gaza Strip.

As Diaspora Jews, we have an historic and a moral obligation to support our Israeli brothers and sisters during this time of crisis.  Now is the time to state publicly and proudly that we stand in solidarity with the Mideast's only democracy.  As part of a National Israel Solidarity Day, let us stand shoulder to shoulder on Thursday, January 8th at Noon in Philadelphia's Love Park. Join me, Israeli Consul General Daniel Kutner and hundreds of representatives of synagogues, day schools, Jewish agencies and organizations throughout the Greater Philadelphia area for a community wide expression of support for Israel. 

Below is the flier we will be distributing to spread the word. Please click here to download a PDF copy that you can print and distribute; or click here to download a JPG copy that you can embed in an email so you can invite all your contacts to attend this most important show of support for Israel.

Together, in one clear, strong voice, we will denounce terrorism and defend Israel's right to live in peace.  I urge you, as community leaders, to make every effort to attend. Please, invite your friends, your family and your co-workers to participate in this very important community event.  Security will be provided and bus transportation will me made available to community groups on a first-come-first-served basis. If you know of any groups who may require bussing, pleas have them contact Ms. Braxton at Federation at 215-832-0573.  
For further information, visit our website at www.jewishphilly.org

Please join me this Thursday in Philadelphia's Love Park and show the people of Israel that we support them during this time of crisis!

B'Shalom,