April 7, 2002
25 Nissan, 5762
Jerusalem

Against the backdrop of the security situation and anti-Semitic acts in Europe and elsewhere
MERIDOR: JEWISH AGENCY LAUNCHES MASSIVE WORLDWIDE CAMPAIGN IN SUPPORT OF ISRAEL.
Calls on governments to take all necessary measures to protect Jews and deter anti-Semitic acts.

MANIFESTATIONS OF SUPPORT FROM JEWISH COMMUNITIES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD

CHESLER: "JEWISH AGENCY DISPLAY THE FLAG CAMPAIGN IN SOLIDARITY WITH ISRAEL TO BEGIN WEDNESDAY!" "JEWISH COMMUNITIES WILL SET UP A SPECIAL EMERGENCY FUND."

ROMM: "THE AGENCY HAS ESTABLISHED FUND FOR VICTIMS OF TERROR AND HAS PURCHASED ARMORED VEHICLES FOR CONFRONTATION LINE VILLAGES."

Jewish Agency Chairman Sallai Meridor revealed in a press conference today (7 April) that the Jewish Agency has undertalen a large-scale Israel solidarity campaign among Jewish communities throughout the world. "The public must see that there is a world-wide coalition of Jews and people of conscience throughout the world in support of Israel," Meridor said. He announced that this support includes rallies, advocacy, special solidarity missions volunteerism and emergency funds. Also participationg in the Press Conference were Agency Treasurer Chaim Chesler and Director General Giora Romm.

Jewish communities throughout the world are rising to the occasion. This evening there will be a massive demonstration in Paris against the recent manifestations of anti-Semitism and in support of Israel. Parallel demonstrations are being Held in Marseille, Toulouse, Nice Lyon, and also in Brusssels. In the US, the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish organizations will convene tomorrow (April 8th) in an emergency session. Demonstrations, beginning in Cincinnati, this week will be followed by demonstrations in major American cities. On Tuesday (April 10th) a UJC solidarity mission of North American Jewish leaders. (joined by Keren Hayesod and other Jewish organizations participants) will arrive in Israel for a 24 hour solidarity visit. Expressing his concern over recent manifestations of anti-Semitic violence Meridor said that We have the right and duty to demand that governments who are responsible for the safety of their citizens, not only increase protection of Jews and Jewish institutions but "take all necessary measures to actively deter anti-Semitic terror, to catch perpetrators, bring them to Justice and make punishments severe. It is indeed sorrowful that 59 years after the Holocaust, Jews are still afraid in Europe. It is the responsibity of European nations to make sure that it is not the Jews who are afraid but rather the anti-Semites."

Jewish Agency Treasurer Chaim Chesler said that Jewish communities throughout the world pledged to the Prime Minister, in an Agency-organized teleconference of 751 top leaders that they would mobilize behind Israel in a special emergency fund (in addition to the funds and campaigns already in effect for aliyah assistance).

Chesler, announced that at the conclusion of Holocaust Day (celebrated Monday night-Tuesday) the Agency will launch a campaign entitled "Display the Flag! We're Continuing the Dream!" in which the People of Israel will demonstrate their identification with the guiding values of their country. A special theme song "I'm staying with you", written by prize-winning composer Ehud Manor and Hannan Yovel, was produced for the campaign, which will also make use of billboards throughout Israel.

Agency Director General Giora Romm revealed that the Agency had established a special fund for helping terror victims whose special needs do not fall into Government criteria. Some 16 million NIS have already been collected and sums have already been disbursed. He said that the Agency, with support of communities abroad, continues to purchase armored vehicles (including ambulances) inhabitants of towns and villages under fire.

For further information:
Contact the Office of the Spokesman:
Michael Jankelowitz
Liaison to Foreign Press and Media JAFI
Tel: 972-2-6202780
Fax: 972-2-6202708
Mobile: 972-51-601706