How You Can Support Israel

The state of Israel is one of the oldest and yet one of the youngest nations in modern politics. In 70 AD the Romans sacked the Kingdom of Israel, but the Israel of today was created as recently as 1948. Since this time, the tiny nation has become a giant player in Middle East politics and is currently a key factor in the Middle East crisis with the Palestinians. But the heated clashes between the Israeli Jews and Palestinian Arabs are not new. Territorial issues over the Golan Heights, water rights in the Jordan River, administration authority in Jerusalem and self-rule in the Occupied Territories have been reoccurring themes in Israel's foreign policy since the nation's inception.

For many around the world, one of the most frustrating aspects of the violence in Israel is the seeming inability to help – even in some small way. And while we may not be able to stop the rocket attacks, we can still take action to lift Israel's spirits and help it contend with an increasingly uncertain situation. Even if our actions do not appear to influence the overall outcome of events; at the very least we succeed in changing ourselves. And that, in and of itself, is an important victory. Here are several ways you can show your support to the state of Israel. Even the smallest action can make a big difference.

Get some facts

The Internet is a great resource for getting an accurate picture of what is really happening in the conflict. For daily news, visit the Jerusalem Post, Ynet News and Times of Israel. For crucial background information, read "Israel: A History" (by Martin Gilbert) and "Myths and Facts" online. Read the Israeli newspapers in English or Hebrew. Read the Arab news publications in English including a critical analysis of what they tell their people. Live radio broadcasts from Israel in English and Hebrew are also available.

Support Israeli soldiers

Write a letter and express appreciation for their self-sacrifice in valiantly defending our people and our land. You can even send a care package to a soldier with a holiday gift, etc. Thank Israeli Soldiers supports troops by delivering your personal letter of thanks and a care package of items that soldiers need. Yad Eliezer sends thousands of gift packs to soldiers near Gaza.

Buy Israeli products and services

Take a virtual shopping spree, Israel-style. Visit the Israeli Merchandise Mall for an extensive listing of Israeli companies. Buy Israeli-made products at your local retail stores and food markets. Remember, every time you buy an Israeli product, you put food on a family’s table and deliver hope to them.

Speak for Israel

The next time you hear something that puts down Israel, don't wonder to yourself, "What is anyone going to do about it." No Jewish organization or Israeli consulate can fight the propaganda war on every front, so don't assume they will. You should be the person that picks up your pen or keyboard and starts writing. Write a piece you for local newspaper, set up information tables at your high school or college, or simply talk to people. Be a roving ambassador for Israel by explaining the true facts to everyone you meet. Even the cashier in the supermarket needs good information. You never know how your contribution may affect someone else's views. The possibilities are endless. The worst thing to do is to remain quiet in times like this.

Give some charity to Jewish/Israeli non-profit organizations

Give some charity every day for Israel. Encourage others to give charity for Israel, too. Support organizations that provide relief for the Israeli victims of this war. There is a comprehensive listing of charitable and nonprofit organizations in the Israeli Tzedakah Mall. Contribute to the Israeli Emergency Fund at your local Jewish Federation.

Attend pro-Israel rallies

Get involved. Do something. Demonstrate your solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Israel. Initiate, plan and attend Israel educational forums wherever they are — synagogues, JCCs, college campuses, etc. Encourage your friends and family to attend rallies. Show the world that you support Israel’s right to exist.

Visit Israel

Go to Israel on vacation, to study, or to visit family. Encourage your local organizations to sponsor trips, study tours, religious tours, and Bar/Bat Mitzvah tours. It can be for 3 days or 10 days. Talk to others about the beautiful landscape of Israel, about the unique feeling of thousands of years of Jewish existence in Israel. Visiting Israel will show Israelis that you really care, and will make a tremendous difference to your own sense of connection.

Know your enemy

The Arab world tends to say one thing in English, but a very different message in Arabic. Blood libels and fabrications of Israeli-sponsored massacres are common. Memri provides important translations of the Arabic media. And the Center for Monitoring Impact Peace tracks Palestinian compliance with peace agreements.

Last but not least, pray

Pray to G-d to bring peace to the land. Pray for Israel's leaders who need wisdom, to do what is best for Israel in spite of international pressure. Pray for the safety of Israeli civilians who are targeted by rockets and even suicide bombers. Pray for the protection of IDF soldiers as they root out every last terrorist. And pray for the Arabs to realize the true nature of their leadership and doctrines that teach hate and murder. Regardless of your level of observance, you can add a request for Israel to your regular (or even irregular) prayer regimen. You can send prayers via the Western Wall at thewall.org. No prayer goes to waste and the gates of tears are never closed. G-d has done miracles before and will do them again.