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 bulletins. Please send them to Joseph Varon at jvaron613@aol.com.

1. Participate in the Hillcrest Jewish Center Solidarity Pilgrimage to Israel. The pilgrimage departs on February 14 and returns February 22. Show our Israeli brothers and sisters that they are not alone. For more information and an application form please call the Hillcrest Jewish Center at 718-380-4145.

2. Check out the Rosebud Boutique in Soho (131 Thompson Street). Rosebud is the first boutique in the United States to offer only Israeli made ready - to- wear, as well as handbags, jewelry, gift ware, spa items and paintings produced in Israel. Check out this beautiful collection of merchandise made in Israel.

3. Purchase Israeli Bonds - Israel may be the "land of milk and honey" but it is also the land of roads, railways, ports, desalination plants and industry. Help Israel pave the way to brighter economic development through Israel Bond investments. Check out the various bond options and have your synagogue men's club or sisterhood coordinate a bond drive. For info, call Israel Bonds at 516-496-3430.

4. Become a numismatist! (Coin collector). Support Israel by purchasing and collecting beautiful Israel government coins and medals. For information on this educational hobby contact the American Israel Numismatic Association, 12555 Biscayne Blvd. #733, North Miami, Florida 33181 or phone 305-466-2833.

5. On your next vacation or business trip save the hotel bars of soap and shampoo. Start a drop-off box in your synagogue, "y", yeshiva, Hebrew school etc., Have these items accompany someone going to Israel for "A Package from Home". This non-profit organization has prepared over 50,000 care packages for Israel combat soldiers serving on the front lines. Most of these soldiers have no families in Israel. Besides samples, the goods in these packages are purchased with funds they raise. Among the items sent to soldiers are candies, undershirts, socks, batteries, gadkis, and other "essentials" that make the soldiers lives a little more bearable. So start collecting, dentist and doctor samples, hotel soaps and shampoos, handcreams from dermatologists etc. Volunteers from "A Package from Home, "will pick up these items form your hotel or place where you are staying. While in Israel many tourists visiting Jerusalem volunteer to help pack these packages. Synagogue groups, individual families, youth groups, camps, Christian pilgrims etc., all you support Israel's struggle to exist .You will be warmly received. Check out their web site - www.APackageFrom Home.org or call 02-623-2548.

6. Mark your calendars-Show your support. This year's, Salute to Israel Parade will take place on Sunday, May 23, 2004.Come cheer on those who are marching. Show the world we support Israel! Bring your children and grandchildren. The parade commences at 11:00 am. The Salute to Israel Parade marches down Fifth Avenue from 57 to 79 Streets. A committee is forming to investigate buses from our Northeast Queens Jewish Community. Volunteers are needed from local synagogues. Contact Rabbi Greene at Marathon Jewish Center, at (718) 428-1580, to become involved. Details to follow in upcoming bulletins.

7. Check out SABRA Food Products. Readily available in most supermarkets and kosher specialty stores, many of the spices and ingredients used in their salads are imported from Israel. Try their Israeli cut marinated olives and their pickles. Although the salads are produced here, Sabra salads are packed in Israeli made containers! The Blue and White Food Products Corporation located in Astoria - doing their bit to support Israel.

Go the previous Support Israel Bulletin