Federation ties a blue ribbon to support Israel

by Debra Rubin
NJJN Staff Writer

With Israel once again at war, the Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County has asked the community to show its support financially and symbolically.

Community members are being asked to tie blue and white ribbons around trees or mailboxes near their homes, write letters and op-ed pieces to local newspapers, and send letters to political representatives.

They are also being asked to pray for the safety of the people of Israel and the Israeli soldiers kidnapped by terrorists in Gaza and Lebanon, and to help send children from the affected areas in northern Israel to shelter further south.

The blue ribbon campaign was developed by the federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council to draw attention to both the soldiers as well as to rally solidarity with the Israeli people.

“The ribbon is a sign that our entire federation will not forget these soldiers,” said JCRC cochair Harry Bernstein. “We want them back safely with their families. We want the end of terrorism so Israel and her neighbors can live in peace. Personally, I feel Israel has to be strong and has to stay tough to stop terrorism and get our soldiers back.”

Rebecca Brenowitz, the other JCRC cochair, said the effort “allows any friend of Israel, Jewish or not, to perform the simple act of tying blue and white ribbons around trees — a clear, meaningful, and, most important, visible sign of solidarity for Israel.”

She said the idea stemmed from a similar 2001 campaign, “You Are Not Alone, Israel,” which also included a 10-point action plan.

“In this critical time, the most important thing is that folks know that Jews are not silent and that we will continue to stand tall and proud for Israel, in both good and hard times,” said Brenowitz.

JCRC director Jeff Scheckner said the ribbons may also increase awareness of the crisis in Israel. “If your neighbors ask about them, it would give you a chance to explain their significance,” he added.

Scheckner said information has been posted on the federation’s Web site and is being disseminated to the community through e-mails.

The federation suggests that letters be sent to President George Bush, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, U.S. Senators Robert Menendez and Frank Lautenberg, members of Congress, and UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. Addresses are provided at the site.

Additionally, the Jewish Agency for Israel is spearheading a drive to bring children from Israel’s northern communities of Haifa, Nahariya, Safed, Tiberias, and other towns whose lives are threatened to attend camp in the center of the country. The cost to send a child to camp costs from $350 to $450 per week.

Donations can be sent to the Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County, 230 Old Bridge Turnpike, South River, NJ 08882. Write “Children’s Camp Fund” in the memo line of check.