On Thursday, July 20th, nearly 300 members of the RI Jewish community gathered at the Jewish Community of RI, in Providence, to stand in solidarity with Israel. Various speakers, prayers and statements were expressed. In a brochure that was distributed, there was a listing of 11 ways we can all help Israel. Below, are the 11

11 Ways You Can Help Israel

1. Give. Donate to the Israel Crisis Fund. Among other programs,your dollars will help send children in the danger zone to summer camps in safer regions of Israel in the south and middle of the country. Visit www.jfri.org to donate now. 100% of funds raised will go towards these efforts.
2. Rally. Attend your local rally to express solidarity with Israel at this critical time. And get your friends and family to come as well.
3. Connect. Write letters to soldiers serving in the IDF, including our former youth emissaries Gani Born, Or Lustig, and Yoav Arnon. Contact Shira Garber at the Israel Desk of the Bureau of Jewish Education of RI at sgarber@bjeri.org; www.bjeri.org.
4. Buy. Buy Israeli commercial products. Visit www.buyisraelgoods.org to see which local stores carry Israeli products.
5. Travel. Travel, travel, travel to Israel, and bring others with you. Of course, UJC Missions are a great way to go. Visit www.ujc.org/travel.
6. Read. Read Israeli publications - subscribe or log on to their websites (English and Hebrew versions are available). Visit www.haaretz.com, www.jpost.com, www.ynetnews.com or www.globes.co.il. And respond. Monitor and respond to the media, especially smaller outlets (free weeklies, alternative press, local radio shows and cable access channels, etc.).
7. Write. Write letters in Support of Israel’s Right to Defend Itself. And express appreciation to the US Administration for its steadfast support for Israel. Letters should be sent to President Bush, the Secretary of State, Members of Congress, and UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.
8. Educate. Host informal parlor meetings for non-Jews (colleagues and friends) and for other Jews less knowledgeable or connected to Israel. All of us are emissaries for Israel and all of us know such people. Contact Kevin Olson at our CRC for help at kolson@jfri.org.
9. Send. Mail coloring books and magazines and other spirit-lifting things to children from the northern border being sent away to summer camp in safe zones of Israel. Contact Shira Garber at the Israel Desk of the Bureau of Jewish Education of RI at sgarber@bjeri.org; www.bjeri.org.
10. Act. Every action – big or small – counts. Tie a blue ribbon around a tree or mailbox in front of your home to raise awareness about the kidnappings and demonstrate your solidarity with the People and the State of Israel. Initiate, plan and attend Israel educational forums wherever they are -- synagogues, JCC's, college campuses.
11. Pray. Pray for peace in the Middle East.