Updated - 05/15/21
05/11/21: Israel is under attack. Hamas launched over 2500 rockets at civilian populations. Cities and communities in Ashkelon and Sderot in Israel's south have been hardest hit by the barrage of sophisticated rockets. Ten Israelis have been killed as a result of the rocket attacks.
Here are some facts:
Hamas attacked Israel first claiming it was defending "Al Aqsa" and the violent riots taking place in Jerusalem. As of today, it launched 2500 rockets into Israel.
The Palestinian riots in Jerusalem at the end of Ramadan were incited by Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. Violent protestors threw rocks and Molotov cocktails at Israeli police officers who were attempting to maintain peace and security.
This latest violence is over a real-estate issue concerning the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood in East Jerusalem. Buildings originally owned by Jewish families were seized by Jordan in 1948. Despite previous court rulings, Palestinians are refusing to return the property to its rightful owners - using this issue to ignite the violence we are seeing today.**
Several days prior to the Hamas attack, terrorists from Gaza were sending incendiary balloons over the border into Israel setting dozens of adjacent Israeli fields on fire.
Israel has been pulled into a conflict it never asked for. As a result of the rocket attacks, it has had to defend its civilian population by bombing terrorist held targets in Gaza.
**Due to the escalation of violence, Israel's Supreme Court has delayed its decision.
How can you help?
The Media is not reporting accurately. Here are some things you can do to help:
Shape media opinion and public understanding of the truth by posting widely on your social media platforms (eg. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) to defend Israel. We can control public discourse and news if we dispel myths with facts on social media.
Do you have friends who are "influencers"? Encourage them to speak out, to post and to impact and influence government officials and policy makers.
Who is your MP, MPP or Congressperson? Government officials must be educated and asked to take a stand. Take a moment today to write to your congressperson, minister of parliament and local officials to politely ask them to condemn the attack on Israel and speak out in its defence. I have included a sample letter below you can copy and paste.
Let's mobilize as many friends of Israel as possible! Israel needs our help now. Email your distribution lists and ask your friends to take action. Many people are still not informed nor aware of the tragedy Israel is suffering. You can also send this brief to your friends.
Forward this help tool to as many people as possible.
Sample Letter: (copy and paste)
Dear Congressperson/Member of Parliament:
As you are aware, Israel is under attack. As a constituent, I am asking you to condemn and denounce this latest round of violence against Israel. Over 350 rockets from Hamas held Gaza have targeted Israeli population centres. This violates the Geneva Convention and constitutes a crime against humanity.
In case you have not been following the issue, please allow me to share with you some basic facts about this latest latest flare-up:
Hamas attacked Israel first claiming it was defending "Al Aqsa" and the violent riots taking place in Jerusalem. As of today, it launched 2500 rockets into Israel.
The Palestinian riots in Jerusalem at the end of Ramadan were incited by Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. Violent protestors threw rocks and Molotov cocktails at Israeli police officers who were attempting to maintain peace and security.
This latest violence is over a real-estate issue concerning the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood in East Jerusalem. Buildings originally owned by Jewish families were seized by Jordan in 1948. Despite previous court rulings, Palestinians are refusing to return the property to its rightful owners - using this issue to ignite the violence we are seeing today.**
Several days prior to the Hamas attack, terrorists from Gaza were sending incendiary balloons over the border into Israel setting dozens of adjacent Israeli fields on fire.
Israel has been pulled into a conflict it never asked for. As a result of the rocket attacks, it has had to defend its civilian population by bombing terrorist held targets in Gaza.
Israel is a free and democratic nation and a strong friend and ally of our nation. It is the responsibility of political leaders like you to speak out and condemn the terrorism targeting the Jewish State.
Thank you kindly for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your reply!
Sincerely,
XXX
Note: If you are Canadian, to find the contact information of your member of parliament, please visit - https://www.ourcommons.ca/Members/en/search
For the United States House of Representatives: https://www.house.gov/representatives
Avi Abraham Benlolo, BA MA, Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa)
Order of Vaughan, Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal, Race Relations Award
ABOUT: Avi Abraham Benlolo has been described as the nation's most prominent and noted expert in Holocaust studies, in countering Antisemitism and promoting human rights. He has dedicated nearly three decades in executive capacities, was founding President and CEO of a major organization in the Jewish community, has raised over $150 million for charities and is a leading voice in Canada. His academic research, graduate degree, Ph.D. coursework and nearly three decades of professional work has focused on these arenas in addition to peace and security in the Middle East. He has published hundreds of articles in these areas. In recognition of his national and international leadership in this area, he has received numerous awards including an Honorary Doctorate from a prestigious Israeli university for his work in Holocaust studies and combating antisemitism; an Order of Vaughan for his distinguished contribution to anti-racism, equity and diversity; the Queens Diamond Jubilee Award for his contributions to Canada and a race relations award for best practice, based on distinguished service in promoting human rights.
As a supporter of Israel, he is proud to have established "The Avi Benlolo Scholarship Fund in National Security" at Haifa University.
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