Terrorist in Attempted Ramming Attack in Havat Gilad Caught on AFSI Donated Security Cameras A few short weeks ago, the AFSI group joined leaders of the Havat Gilad community to dedicate a camera security system which Marc Provisor, Security Director of the One Israel Fund, had researched and installed. Havat Gilad is a small community in Samaria that holds a special place in the hearts of many of our members. AFSI has visited there often and was especially alerted to the need for security by the murder by Arab terrorists of Rabbi Raziel Shevach, a beloved member of the community.
This past Tuesday morning, May 15, 2018, there was an attempted terror attack at Havat Gilad. The intended victim was able to save himself, and shortly following the attempt the terrorist was apprehended using the information recorded by the new camera system.
AFSI is grateful to our members who help us fund projects like this. It is our Chizuk missions, which take us throughout Israel, into the disputed areas, which enable us to learn about the important needs of the communities.
We are involved in other projects to help communities we love get the help they need to continue to survive and thrive. We are extremely appreciative of the work of Marc and the One Israel Fund, who are at work day and night to "keep our people safe" in projects all over the country. Without a security expert like Marc we would never be able to carry out these types of projects.
Working together! That's what it's all about! | | The Expulsion of the Jews from Arab Lands - Where are They Today?
Jeff Jacoby writes in his Boston Globe article that the PA's cry for "right of return" is a distortion of truth. The focus should be on Jews who were expelled from Arab countries as were millions of ethnic groups who were displaced during World War II. All of them resettled and rebuilt their lives in new countries. Rather than looking back, they forged ahead to thrive and prosper as they built new futures in new lands.
The rioting PLO/Hamas led Gazans were warned well in advance through leaflets dropped by the IDF that Hamas was using them for their own purposes, to win the world's sympathy. Tragically, the hatred of Israel, inculcated by years of indoctrination, cannot be altered with leaflets and sanity.
Stephen Flatow discusses the recent Gaza rioters kite and balloon attacks in a deliberate attempt to burn down Israel. The "fake news media" refuses to report these truths.
Thousands of Israeli lives were saved thanks to the IDF. That's the correct headline writes Justin Amler in Arutz Sheva. Reporting that innocent Gazan lives were lost avoids the truth that most of the deaths were of Hamas operatives.
"There's a pattern here — harm yourself, blame the other — and it deserves to be highlighted amid the torrent of morally blind, historically illiterate criticism to which Israelis are subjected every time they defend themselves against violent Arab attack. Why is nothing expected of the PLO/Hamas, and everything forgiven, while everything is expected of Israelis, and nothing forgiven?" It's so rare that The New York Times reports anything positive about Israel but AFSI is pleased with Bret Stephens' Opinion Column in The New York Times. It's today's MUST READ.
David Bedein's work, through film and reporting, regarding the non-stop hatred in the anti-Israel education provided by UNWRA, is finally getting into the mainstream news. Watch for coverage on Fox New Channel. | | Nikki Haley Speaks the TRUTH at UN Security Council Meeting Israel's Right to Defend Itself | | Sderot Hit by Gun Fire
Six houses in Sderot, located less than one mile from the Gaza border, were struck by machine gun fire Wednesday afternoon, reports The Jerusalem Post. AFSI began visiting Sderot years ago, when it was under constant rocket attack from Gaza. Before the expulsion of the Jews from Gush Katif in 2005, Sderot was a target. It continued to endure rocket attacks for years following the expulsion. Under the leadership of Mayor Alon Davidi, a good friend of AFSI's, and the thriving Hesder Yeshiva, led by Rabbi David Fendel, the city has flourished. It is with great sadness that we learned about homes in Sderot being struck by gunfire from Gaza. We are relieved to learn that there were no casualties. Our thoughts and prayers are with the citizens of Sderot.
See the note below about the Sderot dinner in NYC on May 31. There is even more reason now for you to attend and show solidarity with the people. Call AFSI to make your reservations: 212-828-2424. | | Reclaiming the Old City of Jerusalem-Ateret Cohanim Dinner
AFSI was pleased to have a large contingent of members present at the gala Ateret Cohanim dinner on Wednesday evening, May 16, at Terrace on the Park in Queens, NY.
Amidst the applause for President Trump and the establishment of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem, the attendees at the Ateret Cohanim dinner were treated to many inspirational moments. Nira Rabinovich, a resident of the Yemenite area of Yerushalayim, often referred to as Silwan, spoke about her life amongst the militant Arabs who surround her home and that of her few Jewish neighbors Her dedication, and that of her family is truly amazing, as they overcome the difficulties of living amongst enemies who would constantly let loose with Molotov cocktails.
Motti Dan, the driving force of Ateret Cohanim, along with Dan Lourie, the incredibly dynamic Executive Director of the organization, had flown in from Yerushalayim for the occasion. The honorees were awarded for their never-ending support for the reclaiming of Jewish homes in the Old City, Anthony Scaramucci was present to represent President Trump and receive a huge menorah on his behalf as a gift for the President. Dr. Joe Frager, Shani Hikind, and Chaim Leibtag were thanked for their tireless efforts in arranging for the dinner.
This Year in Jerusalem was clearly the motto of the evening. | | Our group at what was to become the United States Embassy in Jerusalem | | Report on AFSI's Chizuk Mission to Israel April 17 – 25, 2018 By Helen Freedman and Judy Kadish Freedman | AFSI's latest Chizuk Mission recently concluded. This mission, like previous ones, was memorable, educational, intense and enjoyable, and provided Chizuk to both Israelis and mission-goers alike. From the beleaguered yet stalwart Jewish community in Hebron, to the brave citizens of Israel living just a few feet away from Gaza, AFSI was there.
This mission was particularly special as we were privileged to be in Israel for the many festivities for the 70th Anniversary of the founding of the Jewish State. Click HERE to read the full report of our Chizuk Mission. STAY TUNED! Plans are underway for our October/November Chizuk Mission. Watch your inbox for forthcoming information. | | Mueller Has Nothing
The "Mueller investigation" has been in the news ad nauseum for over a year now. We're all tired of it. Everyone sees through Mueller's ulterior motive, which is to force President Trump out of office.
AFSI Chairman Mark Langfan offers his take on this "investigation." Read HERE for his latest Arutz Sheva OpEd. | | Letters to the New York Post
Mel Young, AFSI's Five Towns, NY Chairman, and Helen Freedman, AFSI's Co-Executive Director, both had letters printed in the New York Post on Wednesday, May 16. The letters addressed the absurdity of blaming the Gaza rioting on the opening of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. They stressed that the long sought after "peace" between Israel and the PA/Hamas, could be achieved if the Arabs could only recognize Israel's right to exist, and would give up their reign of terror. AFSI encourages all its supporters to write letters to the editor. They need to hear our voices!! | | REGISTER TODAY TO MARCH WITH AFSI IN THE CELEBRATE ISRAEL PARADE
Click HERE to register now. Shirts and flags will be distributed ONLY to registered marchers.
Show your support for Israel and march with AFSI!
We will assemble at 54th Street between 5th & 6th Avenues at 12 PM.
| | STAY CURRENT. STAY CONNECTED. | | | Join the conversation on our | | Saturday evening, May 19, through Monday night, May 21 - AFSI will be celebrating the Shavuot holiday with Jews throughout the world. AFSI wishes the entire Jewish community a beautiful holiday, rejoicing in the giving of the Ten Commandments.
Thursday – May 31, 2018 American Friends of Sderot Max & Ruth Schwartz Sderot Hesder Institutions Annual Dinner Special rate for current AFSI members is $150. We are very eager to have a large showing in support of the Sderot Hesder Yeshiva which requires rocket-proof dormitories for the Yeshiva students. Please contact AFSI (212) 828-2424 to reserve a place at the AFSI tables. We will organize the tables for the group. Buffet Dinner 6 PM - Program 7:30 PM. For more information contact info@sderot.org or 718-650-6091 Lincoln Square Synagogue | 180 Amsterdam Avenue, NYC
Thursday - May 31, 2018 @ 7:30 PM BDS From Within: Combating the Delegitimization Phenomenon Within Israel. With Im Tirtzu's CEO Matan Peleg and Board Chairman Douglas Altabef. Im Tirtzu is Israel's largest grassroots Zionist movement. Admission free. Manhattan East Synagogue 1231 3rd Avenue, corner 71st Street. Sunday – June 3, 2018 from 11 AM to 4 PM Celebrate Israel Parade – The Theme: 70 and Sababa (70 & Awesome) Once again, AFSI will be marching in the parade with the Ariel float. All are invited to join us. Contact Ilene@afsi.org in order to register so that you will be sure to get your shirt and flag with which to march. The Parade route - Manhattan's Fifth Avenue from 57th to 74th Streets - RAIN OR SHINE. Info on the Israel Day Concert in Central Park can be found HERE. AFSI leaders, HELEN FREEDMAN and KEN ABRAMOWITZ will be speaking. | | Mark Langfan | Chairman Helen Freedman | Co-Executive Director P. 212-828-2424 | F. 212-828-4538 | | | | | | |