Understanding Israel's fight against terror
April 2, 2002

Israel is currently engaged in a fierce struggle. It is a struggle against terror, and it is a struggle for Israel's very existence. Now more then ever it is important that the community understands the truth about the situation in Israel and exhibit unity in its support for Israel as a Jewish State.

• Israel's goal in Operation Defensive Shield is neither to retake Palestinian Authority controlled areas (Area A), nor to harm or remove from power Yasser Arafat. Israel's goal is to eradicate the terrorist infrastructure supported and maintained by elements within the Palestinian Authority.
  
  
• Israel's operations in the Palestinian Authority are a direct result of the Palestinian terror attacks, and the Palestinian Authority's tacit encouragement of these brutal attacks on Israeli civilians.
  
  
• Those who claim that the terror attacks are a response to Israeli actions must remember that Palestinian suicide bombings were carried out in the heart of Israel's cities even at the height of the peace process in 1995 and 1996.
  
  
• In the month of March, 124 Israelis were killed in terrorist attacks, including a number of children and elderly.
  
  
• While Israel implemented measures to ease conditions for the Palestinians on the Moslem holidays, Palestinian terrorists intentionally attack Jews on the Sabbath and other Jewish holidays and festivals.
  
  
• Israel has responded to U.S. envoy General Zinni's call for a cease-fire by making numerous concessions, including waiving the requirement for seven days of calm, and pulling forces out of Palestinian Authority controlled areas. The Palestinians have responded by escalating their terrorist activities.
  
  
• The suicide bomber who perpetrated the Passover Massacre in Netanya had appeared on the list of wanted terrorists who Israel has repeatedly asked that the Palestinian Authority arrest. He was previously released from a Palestinian prison despite Israel's warnings.
  
  
• Israel desires peace, and views the achievement of peace as a central component of its national identity. As long as Palestinian terrorism continues, however, peace cannot be achieved. Peace can only begin once terrorism ends.

How you can help

• Educate yourself, your family, your friends and your neighbors about the realities of the situation in Israel. You can use these talking points as a springboard to further understanding of the conflict. Check the Israeli Consulate's web site or contact the Consulate at 415-844-7505 for more information. This is the first and most important step in supporting Israel. Education is the key to engagement.
  
  
• Be alert to negative portrayals of Israel in newspapers and on TV and radio shows. Write letters-to-the-editor outlining Israel's perspective on the situation, or make calls in to the stations insisting that an informed Israeli voice be part of any discussion on the Middle East.
  
  
• Get involved with an Israel Action Committee in your area. Many synagogues have this type of organization in place already. If your synagogue or your community does not, get some people together to start one up. The Consulate can offer support and materials for this endeavor. Contact the Consulate at 415-844-7504 if you are interested in starting or joining an Israel Action Committee.
  
  
• Take part in community sponsored pro-Israel activities, be it a rally, visiting lecturer, or Israel Independence Day celebration. Help the community show loud and clear that it stands strong in its support of Israel. Make sure that your synagogue is having a pro-Israel event. Encourage your rabbi to speak out at services in support of Israel, and to incorporate a prayer for the State of Israel and the victims of terrorism into the service.
  
  
• Encourage the Jewish organizations in your community to be outspoken and unwavering in their support of Israel, and to provide programming that helps to educate and motivate the community. Suggest a panel of speakers, or a "town hall" style meeting, or maybe even an "Israel 101" type class for people who don't have much background on Israel or the Middle East. There are experts from the Consulate and throughout the Bay Area who would be more than happy to participate in this kind of program.
  
  
• Make Israel a top priority on the Community agenda. Work to unite the community behind Israel in its pursuit of security and life. We must be united and unequivocal in our support for Israel.
  
  
• Write letters and emails, or make phone calls to different U.S. leaders, including your local Congressperson, expressing your support for Israel, and thanking them for their support of Israel. They need to know that supporting Israel is not only the right thing to do, but a positive political move as well.
  
  
• Establish direct links with Israel and Israelis. This is a time to reach out and embrace your Israeli relative or acquaintance. Make Israelis know that you share their grief and concern. Be intimate and passionate in your support. It is imperative that Israelis know that the United States Jewish community is behind them not only politically but personally as well.
  
  
• Just be active!!! If that means talking to someone at a bus stop, writing a letter to your local paper, or organizing an Israel Action Committee, the most important thing is to make sure the pro-Israel community's voice is heard. The State of Israel is fighting for its life, and your help is crucial in ensuring the people of the United States understand and support Israel's just cause. Now is the time to act. Now it the time to be involved. Take the initiative to rally support for Israel in your community.