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@aim.com. 

I. UNITED SYNAGOGUE YOUTH PROGRAMS IN ISRAEL � Youth programs under the auspices of The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.

►ISRAEL ADVENTURE � JULY 2 -31, 2007- Have an incredibly exciting and stimulating summer in Israel. For four weeks, you�ll be exposed to the history and contemporary realities of Judaism and Israel. Explore your roots. You�ll experience the sights and sounds of the Jewish homeland with new friends who share your love of Israel. Your Israel Adventure will include:Visiting the Western Wall, Climbing the fortress of Masada, Swimming in the Kinneret, Sleeping in a Bedouin Tent, Wading in Ein Gedi, Floating on the Dead Sea etc.

►ETGAR! OUTDOOR ADVENTURE:ISRAEL � July 2 �Aug 6, 2007 � Go beyond the souvenir stands and discover the Israeli side of Israel. Participate in volunteer projects. Interact with teens in the NOAM program, USY�s sister movement in Israel and spend several days at Camp NOAM. Challenge yourself on a four � day hike from the shore of the Mediterranean Sea to the Kinneret with members of NOAM.

►ISRAEL PILGRIMAGE PROGRAMS: More than just a tour of Israel, USY Israel Pilgrimage is a total experience of Jewish living in the Jewish Homeland. It is an opportunity to live Jewishly with new friends and a chance to learn and grow together. Your group will travel the country in its own air-conditioned motor coach, staying in hotels, youth hostels, Kibbutz guesthouses. The majority of your time is spent in Jerusalem, allowing it to become your second home. The other weeks include travel through Haifa, the Galilee, Eilat and the Negev. Pilgrimage programs may also include visiting Poland, Spain, or Eastern Europe.

►USY SUMMER PARENT PILGRIMAGE � JULY 18-JULY 30, 2007 � Relive your youth! Better yet regain your youth on USY�s Parents Pilgrimage trip. For 12 days, parents can experience Israel in the same way that USY�ers have been for over 50 years. Highlights include the Old City of Jerusalem, the Hall of Independence in Tel Aviv, Masada and Ein Gedi, a Druze Village, The Golan Heights, and a weekend with USY�ers.

For information about the above programs please call (212) 533-7800x3216 or e-mail: pilgrimage@uscj.org Web: www.usy.org. 

II. PICK FRUIT AND VEGETABLES FOR THE NEEDY, during your visit to Israel. Table to Table is in need of groups to help pick fruit and vegetables for the needy. Table to Table will distribute the produce to organizations assisting people in need of food. Groups usually pick for 1-2 hours. Table to Table picks fruit in Rehovot and Raanana and other areas of Israel. For more information contact Lihee Pasternak at lihee@tabletotable.org.il  or 09-744-1757. www.tabletotable.org.il. 

III. ISRAEL MAZAL TOV BONDS � Celebrate simchas and other special occasions with the State of Israel $100 Mazal Tov Bond. An ideal way to commemorate the wonderful moments in life while helping to build Israel�s future. Purchase price $100, the bond matures in 5 years from issue date. The bond must be registered in the name of an individual (custodian for a minor). To order a bond or for further information contact State of Israel Bonds (800) 229-9650 or www.israelbonds.com. 

IV. ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES WITH VOLUNTEERS FOR ISRAEL � Join volunteers from around the world and have fun making a difference. Work alongside Israelis on an Israeli Defense Force army base and see Israel as no tourist can! Two and Three week programs, rooms, meals, tours and more. Useful non-combat jobs: repair machines, update equipment, package medical supplies, etc. For low cost travel, adventure, new friends, and solidarity, you can�t beat Volunteers for Israel. For information call (212) 643-4848.

V. TUNE UP YOUR CARDIO-VASCULAR SYSTEM! Join the "L�Chaim 5K Run/Walk For Israel". This Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, 2007. The walk is sponsored by the Young Israel of Jamaica Estates. All proceeds to benefit medical, security and welfare needs in Israel. For details check www.yije.org or call the Young Israel of Jamaica Estates at (718) 479-7500.

VI. PURCHASE "MADE IN SHDEROT"PRODUCTS � a message from the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York: "Shderot, a working-class city located in close proximity to the Israel-Gaza border, has been under attack from Gaza for more than six years. The Shderot area has been hit by more than 1,400 missile attacks since Israel pulled its civilians and soldiers out of the Gaza Strip during the summer of 2005. In response to the ongoing barrage on their city, "Made in Shderot" was launched as an initiative to express solidarity with the citizens of Shderot and assist them during this difficult and stressful time. Both individual artists, as well as large manufacturers have been directly affected as a result of the missile attacks. The main goal of "Made in Shderot" is to provide the residents with a channel to produce and sell their products in Israel and throughout the world thus helping alleviate the financial distress that many Shderot residents feel. Visit and broadly disseminate the www.MadeinShderot.com website and encourage the purchase of "Made in Shderot" products. By joining in this project we will not only be able to help the economy of Shderot, but strengthen the resolve of its citizens as well. As always, we continue to pray for the violence to end and for the residents of Shderot to live in peace and security."

VII. HOLD A MINI FILM FESTIVAL �Raise money (movie admission) for your favorite Israel tzedakah by running an evening film festival of movies related to Judaism. Some movies might include: The Last Greeks on Broom St. by Ed. Askinazi, We Were So Beloved: The German Jews of Washington Heights, Ever Again by Richard Tranks- Moriah Films, Suicide Killers by Pierre Rehov, Forgiving Dr. Mengele by Bob Hercules and Cheryl Pugh, Wonderous Oblivion by Paul Morrison, Clara Lemlich �A Strike Leader�s Diary, by Alex Szalat.

VIII. YOUNG MEN & WOMEN � STUDY FOR FREE IN ISRAEL � For six weeks this summer, Sunday, June 24 through Monday, July 30, the Belzberg Fellowship invites young men and women ages 20-29, to acquire a solid grounding in the fundamentals of Jewish thought at the Mayanot Institute of Jewish Studies for men and Nishmat Institute for women. This is an opportunity to explore the issues that have challenged Jewish thinkers for centuries in an intimate and intellectually open atmosphere in the heart of Jerusalem. The Belzberg Fellowship includes courses in philosophy, Talmud, history, Chasidism, and Kabbala. Courses on Modern Israel and contemporary Judaism. Exciting fun- packed weekly tours. Thanks to the generosity of Marc and Chantal Belzberg, the fellowship covers all expenses in Israel, including tuition, and room and board. In addition, early applicants are eligible for full travel grants. Men apply today at www.mayanot.edu/belzberg, women apply at http://www.nishmat.net/summer.php  and mention the Chabad on Campus fellowship.