Next AJC Solidarity Mission, Sept. 4-7

Dear AJC Member, Now is the time to stand together with Israel! Over the last six years, the American Jewish Committee has sponsored, among other visits, six solidarity missions to Israel.  The July 18-21, 2006 mission, organized within 48 hours, was the first solidarity mission since the eruption of the recent Hezbollah war on Israel.  More than 40 AJCers from all over the U.S. (and abroad) took part in it and were hailed by government officials and the people from all walks of life we visited, including victims of Hezbollah aggression recovering in Rambam Hospital in Haifa.   To once again demonstrate our support for Israel and its people as they confront vicious assaults on two fronts from those who seek the country's destruction, AJC is organizing an intensive mission for our leaders and members from across the country.  The mission will be led by both of us. As Israel forges ahead with the difficult, delicate task of balancing its democratic and ethical values with the harsh reality of a volatile Middle East, we will head there once again. We will gain fresh insight and understanding. We will hone the tools we need to advocate effectively for Israel in our communities and on the world stage. Enemies have time and again sought Israel's destruction. AJC can always be counted on to counter Israel's detractors and to champion Israel's honored place among the nations. We seek your participation in this vital mission, one of the most important AJC has ever undertaken. It will take place in Israel from Monday night, September 4, through Thursday, September 7.  We've been there before in times of crisis, when few were willing to visit Israel. In 1991, during the Gulf War, a large group of AJC leaders from across the country joined AJC's Operation Undaunted. They said, "To go or not to go is no longer the question"-and they went. Undaunted is what we were when we went to Israel the last week of July -and what we must be today in our solidarity with the Israeli people. AJC's "We Stand with Israel" Solidarity Mission will: o  Eyewitness events on the ground and demonstrate our support for Israel and the Israeli people; o  Provide high-level briefings of current developments in Israel and the   Middle East through meetings with top officials and civilian, academic, and   military experts; o  Exhibit a meaningful presence in Israel of AJC leadership for both Israelis and ourselves; o  Meet with key members of the foreign diplomatic corps serving in Israel o  Experience AJC humanitarian assistance to Israeli institutions; o  Follow up upon return by interpreting Israel's situation to a variety of audiences. Our local offices will arrange appropriate contacts (media, religious, ethnic and civic leaders, consulates of foreign countries, etc.). As you know, AJC established a special emergency fund for the purpose of providing vital assistance to institutions and organizations working with victims of the ongoing, deadly attacks in the north and so, we've raised so far over $800,000.  While in Israel, the mission will visit some of the beneficiaries of the AJC fund.   Security is on the mind of every Israeli and every visitor. It is on ours. To ensure maximum safety, the mission will be accompanied by experienced security personnel at all times. This trip won't be relaxed. It's our intention to fill the time with as many crucial and vivid experiences as possible. The formal program will begin Monday evening, September 4 and end Thursday night, September 7 at 9 pm, to allow those who wish to take the late night/early morning direct flights back to the U.S. The program will include visits to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, the north and the south of Israel. The program in Jerusalem will focus on the political situation. The visit to the south and especially the north will focus on the military and defense situation, as well as the perseverance and determination of the Israeli people and how they cope with this new war. In Tel Aviv we will address security and intelligence issues. While the official opening session of the mission will be at dinner on Monday, September 4, we urge participants to come earlier and spend Shabbat and the entire Labor Day weekend in Israel.  AJC will arrange for special programs for those wishing to take advantage of a longer stay in Israel. To enable you to benefit from your frequent-flyer programs and to have full control of your travel arrangements, we ask you to handle your travel logistics personally. If you need assistance from travel agents AJC works with, we will be delighted to share with you contact information. Also, if you request it, AJC will arrange for your transportation from and to Ben-Gurion Airport. AJC will take care of all other land arrangements: hotel reservations, meals, and program.  The program cost of each day will be approximately $125. Hotel reservations will be made at the centrally-located and comfortable David Citadel in Jerusalem. Costs will vary depending on the size of the delegation and the type of accommodation.  We will forward the hotel information ASAP.   Participation in this mission will give you an opportunity to make a real difference. Your presence in Israel at time in history will be a statement in itself. We Stand with Israel.  Join us for this urgent solidarity mission. Please confirm your participation by responding to this message or to pr@ajc.org. A tentative agenda will be forwarded to those interested in participating in the mission. For the latest information and AJC action in support of Israel, please visit the Crisis in the Middle East Resource Center at our website, www.ajc.org . Warmest personal regards, E. Robert Goodkind, President David A. Harris, Executive Director

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