There are many ways Americans can support Israel, our ally, and the only democracy in the Middle East. Below please find a list of suggestions. We welcome other ideas from you for future editions. Please send them to Joseph Varon at: jvaron613@aol.com.

I. VISIT ISRAEL � Not since the terrorist attack of the World Trade Center has there been such an outpouring of Americans in Israel, reports Roni Lavi, the Israeli State�s Counsel for tourism in North and South America. �The figures are beginning to look good again," he says, citing statistics that show through April a �staggering� 93 percent increase over the number of tourists to Israel from the same period in 2003! Israel Tourism Minister Benny Elon says he expects to achieve the Ministry�s 2004 goal of 1.2 million visitors, �and to increase it significantly in 2005�.

Join the Hollis Hills Jewish Center Mission to Israel with Rabbi and Chava Simckas � Thursday, December 23, 2003 through Sunday, January 2, 2005. Fir the itinerary and details contact the Hollis Hills Jewish Center office at 718-776-3500.

II. BEN YEHUDA STREET COMES TO BAYSIDE HILLS � Join the NEQJCC, Hadassah and the Jewish Center of Bayside Hills in this, our second Israeli vendors fair. All proceeds will benefit vendors whose shops and galleries have suffered because of the decline of tourism to Israel. �The fair will feature Israeli products, fine and custom jewelry, beautifully crafted Jewish ceremonial objects, and original art works,� said event chair Dr. Sandra Alfonsi. Come to �Ben Yehuda Street� in Bayside Hills � at the Jewish Center of Bayside Hills, Sunday, November 14, 2004 from 10:00 AM � 6:00 PM (211-06 48th Avenue, Bayside, NY 11364).
Please publicize this event in your shul or organization�s newsletter and announce from the bima on Shabbat.

III.  BOYCOTT �THE BODY SHOP� � No doubt most of you have shopped at The Body Shop, which is in every mall.  As Myra Helfer, a conservative Jewish woman was looking at a Body Shop product she noticed the Arabic writing on the back.  Ms. Helfer went to the company website, http://www.the-body-shop.com and surfed it a bit.  There, right on the company news page, was the announcement of a 2002 award to pro Palestinians seeking the right of return.  As most of you know, the so-called right of return is the call of terrorists as it uncontrovertibly means the destruction of the Jewish State.  There is absolutely no question about these cosmetics� company�s stand on this issue.  The website speaks for itself.

IV.  BECOME A PHILATELIST � Collect Israeli postage stamps.  The official postage stamps of the State of Israel are among the most sought after in the world.  They uniquely capture the rich and profound history and culture of Israel.  The official stamps of Israel are now available in a convenient subscription program.  You can receive the latest postage stamps and informative leaflets that tell the background story behind each stamp in English and Hebrew.  For further information contact the Israel Philatelic Service, 12 Sderot Yerushaloyim, 68021, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel or e-mail: philserve@postil.com.

V.  NOSHING FOR ISRAEL ATTENTION DAY SCHOOLS, TALMUD TORAHS, RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS AND YESHIVOT: During recess at the New City Jewish Center Hebrew School in Westchester County, students can purchase Elite Chocolate Wafers and barbecue flavored Bissli, but not Oreo cookies or Frito�s Corn Chips.  This center is one of more than 100 Jewish schools nationwide that are members of ACHI, Hebrew for �brother� and an acronym for American Communities Helping Israel.  This not-for-profit, non-denominational organization encourages Jewish schools, community centers, congregations and caterers to purchase Israeli food products.  �We teach our students how they are helping the Israeli economy by eating Israeli snacks,� said Leslie Goldress, the school�s educational director.  Check out the many outstanding projects ACHI conducts to help Israel by going to www.achi613.org.  Indeed! The best way to assist the Israeli economy might be through American stomachs!

VI.  JUDAICA ART IS.... LTD. � Check out this magnificent gallery which offers a superb collection of original and high quality limited edition fine art and handcrafted artwork.  The gallery, located at 80-12 Surrey Place in Jamaica Estates, has breathtaking vases, bowls, jewel cases, candlesticks, fine art and more for everyone�s taste.  Although not everything is from Israel, quite a lot is.  Michelle Lohmiller, founder of the gallery, will be glad to steer you towards Israeli made artwork.  Visit the gallery or check out judaicaartis@aol.com.

Feel free to use parts of this bulletin to publicize ways of helping Israel in your synagogue or organization newsletter.

If your synagogue or organization is planning an event to help Israel, please send us the details so we may publicize it in a future edition of this bulletin.

Go the previous Support Israel Bulletin