1. Pidyon Shevuyim
There are extensive Jewish sources relating to efforts to release Jewish captives - why it is important according to the Sages; who is obligated and to what extent; how to integrate this today. Other issues are Israel's moral obligations and the long term strategic considerations of Israel's exchange policy:
Explore these and discuss what you think Israel should do and how you can make a difference.
Use the background units and activities prepared by the AZM:
2. Solidarity - Kol Yisrael Areivim
What is our individual and collective capacity to help?
Find out how families and serving soldiers feel - and transform your solidarity into impact on diplomatic action!
Integrate the curricular ideas from our earlier website unit about MIAs - simulated introduction using information about the soldiers; Jewish solidarity (Kol Yisrael areivim)
3. The role and responsibility of humanitarian organizations
We should focus efforts on international organizations to a greater extent:
• As Haim Avraham, father of Staff Sgt Benny Avraham z"l said: "How are our sons different from American prisoners?"
• Why does the ICRC manage to receive information on many other prisoners around the world and on terrorists being held in Israel (whom it visits) - but not on the Israeli ones?
4. Israel's Dilemmas - what would you recommend?
• What criteria should Israel follow, if and when a prisoner exchange becomes possible?
• What should Israel do if the evidence points to Israeli MIAs being deceased? Why?
• What weight should be accorded to the psychological warfare that is involved?
• What is the significance for the future?
International Pressure and Action
Israel withdrew from Lebanon in May 2000 and after the Second Lebanon War, the UN Security Council passed Resolution 1701Resolution #1701.
• When will Lebanon take full responsibility for events in its border zone with Israel?
• What can Israel do to ensure international law enforcement?
• What can we all do to ensure international law enforcement?
• How can Lebanon and Syria be subjected to international pressure to at least rein in what are essentially militia and terrorist groups?
See also:
The Final Farewell (Jewish Agency/World Zionist Organization, 2008)
The Campaign for Israel's MIAs (Jewish Agency, 2000, 2008 )
5. Campaign Focus
Discuss:
• What can we do to help?
• How can we make effective use of our elected representatives?
• Can we help the families of the MIAs in any way?
[More ideas below!]
Campaign Ideas
1. The UNO as a focus for activity.
Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon: It is important to organize petitions and further rallies through the UN.
If you need photographs or information for future events or ideas, contact the Israeli Consulate General, NY [212] 499 5410 or the nearest Israeli Consular Office.
2. The International Coalition for Missing Israeli Soldiers - Petition
Good biographies and Petition campaign.
Please sign the petition to bring our boys home, on the website: http://www.mia.org.il/petition/index.html
POWs - Solidarity Chanukah candle-lighting on December 27th in front of Lebanese embassies around the world.
3. Shabbat Vayeshev Dedication
The weekly portion is about Jacob's yearning for his lost son, Joseph. Dedication of the second day of Chanukah, Shabbat, to the MIAs - all your synagogue and school activities can address the family issues and call for action to help bring these men home safely.
Prayers for the welfare of the MIAs for your congregation, school and group [Hebrew/English] http://www.mia.org.il/prayer/
4. Educational Programming - Solidarity and letter campaigns
- Be involved at every level; don't leave a stone unturned in your efforts to help Israel find out about and return her missing and abducted men!
- Use the teaching units in schools, synagogues, committees and youth groups, then have them all send letters to:
- Elected representatives;
- Ambassadors to the UN;
- Euro-MPs;
- UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon;
- The ICRC
- Please write also to the Heads of State and Foreign Ministers in the EU, as well as Lebanon to ask for their assistance in obtaining news of Israel's MIAs.
For format, please see: http://www.ou.org/public/mias/sampleletter.htm
Other campaign links [photos, banners]: http://www.ou.org/public/mias/