AZM Delivers Purim Baskets to Israeli Soldiers, Children of Israel’s North
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Deborah Fishman
Phone: 212-318-6100
For the 19th consecutive year, the American Zionist Movement (AZM) is launching the AZM Purim Connection, an opportunity for Americans to show solidarity with Israeli citizens who have been on the front lines in defense of their country. In participating in the program by making a donation, Americans can cover the cost of mishloach manot – traditional baskets filled with sweets delivered to friends and loved ones on the Jewish holiday of Purim. This year, recipients of the baskets will be Israeli soldiers, including some recovering from injuries incurred while defending their country, as well as Israeli children from the North, many of whom still suffer psychological trauma from the events of the war last summer.
“Last summer was such a difficult time for Israel. Now more than ever, Americans need to show Israelis that they care about them and support them. Our Purim Connection program allows Americans to do just that,” said W. James Schiller, President of AZM.
In addition to bolstering the spirits of a lonely soldier or a young child, AZM’s initiative will both help support the Israeli economy as well as work towards building relationships between young people and Israel. The Purim baskets will be purchased and packed in Israel. Then, they will be delivered by members of Zionist youth movements and students in Israel on year programs.
“This is such a valuable experience for these children. Not only does it spread cheer on the holiday of Purim, but it also really contributes towards AZM’s mission of building bridges of understanding between Israel and the Diaspora,” said AZM Executive Director Karen Rubinstein.
AZM – the American affiliate of the World Zionist Organization – is an umbrella organization that works to strengthen the connection of American Jews with Israel, facilitating dialogue, debate and collective action to further Zionism in the United States and abroad.
For more information, visit AZM’s website. Donations will be accepted through February 16, 2007. Please direct further inquiries to Deborah Fishman at 212-318-6100.