Things You Can Do For Israel
1. Stay informed. Read the news. Go beyond the local sources for news direct from Israel. Visit Haaretz, The Jerusalem Post, YNet News or Globes.
2. Spread the word. Communicate the key messages to others. Click here for talking points and updated information to be used in conversation, radio call-ins or distributed media.
3. Wear a blue ribbon or tie one around a tree or mailbox in front of your home to raise awareness about the kidnappings of Gilad Shalit, Eldad Regev and Ehud Goldwasser. Click here to sign the petition for the return of the abducted soldiers.
4. Initiate, plan and attend Israel educational forums in synagogues, JCC's and college campuses. See the Israel Calendar for upcoming events.
5. Host informal parlor meetings for non-Jews (colleagues and friends) and for other Jews less connected to Israel. All of us are emissaries for Israel and all of us know such people. JCRC is available to assist. Email israelevents@jcrcboston.org for more information.
6. Monitor and respond to the media, especially smaller outlets or radio shows. For letter writing tips and samples click here.
7. Show your support at home and work. Display an Israeli flag. Click here to print a sign for display or to bring to a rally.
8. Contribute to CJP's Israel in Crisis Fund to help our partners in Northern Israel. Click here to help.
9. Pray for the safety of the abducted soldiers and the citizens of Israel; Click here for a prayer written by the Chief Rabbi of Israel.
10. Buy Israeli commercial products. Visit www.cjp.org/shopisrael to see which local stores carry Israeli products.
11. Get political. Write. Call. Congressmen/senators pay more attention to phone calls and personal letters than to mass, duplicated e-mails. Maintain an appropriate balance between letters urging action, letters expressing disappointment, and "thank yous." Even if you know your representative is a strong supporter of Israel, saying "thank you" and urging ongoing support is important. Click here to visit our Political Action for Israel Center.
12. Involve your children and grandchildren in all of these endeavors. This may be the most important action all of us can take for ourselves, for our future and for Israel. Click here to educate your kids about Israel.
13. Volunteer to work in Israel. The best gift you can give Israel is yourself. To learn about more volunteer programs with CJP, click here. To learn about opportunities from Israel Aliyah Center, email Tova Grushko at tovag@jazo.org.il.
