The National Council of Young Israel (NCYI) told Matzav.com that it has joined with the Young Israel of Jamaica Estates, NY, to launch a special initiative to counteract the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement.
In advance of the Yom Tov of Purim, the Young Israel of Jamaica Estates and the National Council of Young Israel are asking all shuls to support Israeli businesses and commerce by preparing and packaging their Mishloach Manos exclusively with products that are made in Israel. The objective is to send a message to the Israeli people that American Jewry stands in solidarity with them by having as many shuls as possible from across the United States participating in this important project.
The Young Israel of Jamaica Estates’ Purim Committee and the National Council of Young Israel stressed that in order to participate in the anti-BDS Mishloach Manos initiative, shuls can either order products directly from Israel or purchase Israeli-made goods at their local supermarket to include in their Purim packages. Special anti-BDS stickers that can be affixed to the Mishloach Manos packages can be obtained free of charge from the Young Israel of Jamaica Estates (a sample can be viewed at www.youngisrael.org).
“Our thanks to the Young Israel of Jamaica Estates for this creative and important way to fulfill the joyous mitzvah of giving Mishloach Manos and to proclaim our solidarity with Eretz Yisrael,” said NCYI Director of Rabbinic Services Rabbi Binyamin Hammer. “We must uproot the BDS movement with any means available, and we must make the World aware that BDS is a serious threat to our Homeland.”
“I am so inspired by our Mishloach Manos committee and the women of our Sisterhood whose love for Israel and empathy towards all Jews manifests itself in such an impactful program,” reflected Rabbi Shlomo Hochberg of the Young Israel of Jamaica Estates. “Proceeds from the past 5 years were used to refurbish a Sefer Torah for use on an IDF base, and this new project will both demonstrate our support for our fellow Jews throughout the land of Israel, as well as provide the recipients with the unique opportunity to simultaneously enjoy the physical and spiritual benefits of the produce of Eretz Yisrael which is infused with Kedushat Ha’aretz (sanctity of the Land of Israel).”
To participate in the anti-BDS Mishloach Manos initiative, contact the Young Israel of Jamaica Estates’ Purim Committee via email at [email protected] and indicate your synagogue name on the subject line. Shuls that would like to be a part of this project should express their interest as soon as possible so that the Young Israel of Jamaica Estates’ Purim Committee will have adequate time to order the correct number of the special anti-BDS stickers for the Mishloach Manos packages.
{Matzav.com Newscenter}
What a great idea! One small step in combating the hateful and poisonous efforts of the anti-Israel and anti-semitic BDS movement. There are plenty of Israeli products in kosher supermarkets that people need not use non-Israeli products for their Mishloach Manot (Sorry Paskez and Blooms). Some communities pend hundreds of dollars on Mishloach Manot (you know who you are). Better that money trickle down to Israeli manufacturers. Everyone needs to make an effort to fight back against the hate. KOL HAKAVOD to the Young Israel of Jamaica Estates!!