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 editions. Please send them to Joseph Varon at: jvaron613@aim.com. 

I. COME TO THE SALUTE TO ISRAEL PARADE � Mark your calendars! This year�s parade will take place on Sunday, June 1, 2008. Once again our council has formed a committee to plan our participation in the parade. Buses will be leaving from various synagogues and organizations in the council. Your synagogue and or organization are welcome to join with us. Come march or cheer on those who are marching. Show the world we continue our unwavering support for Israel. For participation information, contact Corinne Steel, Steering Committee Chairperson at (718) 224-6468.

II. BONEI OLAM �EVENING OF INSPIRATION � Reserve the date - December 14, 2008 at 8:00PM. Come to the Young Israel of West Hempstead, 630 Hempstead Avenue, West Hempstead. Learn about the extraordinary programs of Boni Olam, and celebrate the births of over 1,200 babies in Israel and across the world. Bonei Olam is dedicated to helping couples pay for fertility treatments. Be inspired by the renowned guest speaker, Rabbi Paysach Krohn and a moving video presentation. There is no admission charge and there will be a dessert buffet. Check out www.boneiolam.org 

IV. TELL THE EGYPTIANS: HELP FREE GALID NOW: The fate of Gilad Shalit awaits your help. The Egyptians are mediating negotiations between Israel and Hamas. You can make a difference by urging the Egyptians to intensify their efforts on Shalit�s behalf. Read the American Zionist Movement�s suggested text, http://www.azm.org/shalit_egyptians.shtml or write your own. Please send cards to: The Honorable Maged Abdelaziz, Egyptian Ambassador to the UN, Egyptian Mission to the UN, 304 East 44th Street, N.Y., NY 10017

V. �VOLUNTOUR ISRAEL-2009 CHESED SUMMER PROGRAMS IN ISRAEL�.  High school students currently in Grades 10 and 11 are invited to join the VOLUNTOUR ISRAEL chesed summer programs in Israel in 2009. These Orthodox programs are open now for registration at www.voluntourisrael.com.  ��for people who want to put smiles on Israeli faces AND are looking for
the experience of a lifetime!  
The programs include:
One Family Fund-multi-day outdoor experience with teenagers affected by terror.
Running Day Camps for Ethiopian immigrants at Absorption Centers
Training as a Medical Clown and entertaining in hospitals 
Activities and support for ill and disabled children �..and many more chesed activities.
See their website now at www.voluntourisrael.com for full details of chesed activities, flights, tuition and to download an application from the Programs� page.
For more information: e-mail Shoshana Lazar at shoshana.lazar@voluntourisrael.com  or call her at 917-501-2696.

VI. QUILTS FOR KATIF: � Assist the refugees of Gush Katif by ordering a beautiful, colorful baby quilt. All of the proceeds of these uniquely designed and artfully quilted quilts go to the refugees of Gush Katif. (Absolutely no expenses deducted). Quilts are approximately 3 � X 3 1/2 feet. For more information, and /or to order , please call Judy Greenwald at 718-648-8680. Make all tax-deductible checks to: Central Fund For Israel. Please mark them �Operation Dignity�. Check out their web site, http://www.quiltsforkatif.com. 

VII. VOLUNTEER IN ISRAEL: � Traveling to Israel this year? Wish to help Israel and build a strong connection to our land and people? Bring about a positive change by opening people�s hearts by opening your heart. If you have part of a day, or a day, or more during your trip to Israel, volunteer in Israel. Ruach Tova (http://www.ruachtova.org),  which means �Good Spirit� in English is an Israeli
organization that matches volunteers with over 1,200 Israeli organizations that need and want volunteers.  Wherever you are in Israel and whatever time you have available, Ruach Tova will try to match you with organizations and people that need your help. If your interest is renovating senior citizens buildings or renovating bomb shelters; working with food rescue organizations to feed the hungry or helping the needy on Passover Eve, from visiting children in hospitals or helping special need kids in youth villages, Ruach Tova can place you according to your interests and time with a charitable organization that needs your help. THERE IS NO FEE. While planning your next trip to Israel, plan some time to volunteer.

If your synagogue or organization is planning an event to help Israel, please send us the details and/or if you know of a store which carries Israeli products please inform us so we may publicize these items in a future edition of this bulletin. Feel free to use all or parts of this bulletin in your organizations newsletter.