AMERICANS FOR A SAFE ISRAEL/AFSI RETURNS TO ISRAEL NOV. 20-28

NOW, MORE THAN EVER, THE JEWS OF ISRAEL NEED OUR CHIZUK!

Americans For a Safe Israel/AFSI worked long and hard to prevent the cruel, illogical, and dangerous expulsion of the Jews from Gush Katif/Gaza and the N. Shomron. We campaigned, protested, went to Washington, wrote letters, organized demonstrations, parlor meetings, synagogue programs, raised money, and most important of all – we were there! Over a period of ten years we have visited all the communities of Gush Katif/Gaza and those in Judea and Samaria. We know the people, have sat in their homes and synagogues, eaten with them, been lodged in their field houses and hotels, and enjoyed the warmth and hospitality that has endeared all our participants to the Jews of YESHA.

            We are now aware of the fact that all the families of Gush Katif/Gaza are now refugees in their own land. We also know that the residents of Sanur and Homesh are also homeless and part of the ongoing saga of the WANDERING JEW.

            AFSI’s intention on this November mission is to visit the refugees in the communities in which they may find themselves. At this point it is all very nebulous since the Sharon government, which conducted a brilliant military action against their own people, neglected to use that same efficiency and organizational skills to arrange for the aftermath of the expulsion – the basic humanitarian needs of the evacuees.

            At this point, we believe that the Negev may prove to be the new home for many of the evacuees, so we have drawn up a tentative schedule:

Sunday, Nov. 20 – Depart Newark airport on El Al at 2: 30 PM

Monday, Nov. 21 – Arrive in Israel in the morning and depart immediately for the Negev.

Stay over Monday and Tuesday nights in the Negev region.  Arrange visits and special programs with the refugees.

 Wednesday – Nov. 23 – Continue visiting the refugees of Gush Katif. Drive to Jerusalem in the evening for check-in to the Kings Hotel.

Thursday – Nov. 24 – Ascend the Har Habayit – Meet with Knesset members, and refugee representatives – tour East Jerusalem sites, Maale-Adumim, and Kever Rachel

Friday – Nov. 25 – Leave for Kiryat Arba/Hebron, stopping in Gush Etzion communities

Housed in Yeshivat Kiryat Arba where Rav Waldman is Rosh Yeshiva. He will tell us about his experiences as a resident of Sanur before and during the expulsion. Services at the Maarat HaMachpela in honor of Chaye Sarah.

Shabbat – Nov. 26 – Chaye Sarah services at Maarat HaMachpela with thousands of participants from all over Israel and the world.  Tour of Hebron during the afternoon. Return to Jerusalem and the Kings hotel at the conclusion of Shabbat.

Sunday, Nov. 27 – Full day in Jerusalem. Continue with tours, visits with VIP’s, gala farewell dinner and departure for the airport at 8:30 PM for midnight flight to Newark, arriving early Monday morning, Nov. 28

            This is a very popular mission, unique in its travels to the disputed areas of Israel. We have the best guides and travel in an armored bus with the best drivers.  The cost of the trip is $2000 plus airport taxes and additional costs for non-members, single occupancy and other personal preferences. A deposit of $250 is required by Thursday, Sept. 7. It is totally refundable up to Sept. 19, and non-refundable after that.  You may make your check out to AFSI or call in with your charge card information. If you are at all interested in joining the AFSI Chizuk mission, you are advised to sign up immediately. Do not delay. We have a limited number of spaces available and must close registration beyond that point. Please contact AFSI at 212-828-2424; afsi@rcn.com. We look forward to welcoming you to the AFSI traveling family.