December 31, 2008

Dear Friend of Israel,

A new year is upon us and, as it has been so many times in the past, Israel is at war. On December 27, the Israeli air force struck hard against the terrorist infrastructure in Gaza, in an attempt to bring a decisive end to incessant terrorist rocket attacks that for years have caused death, injury, and trauma to Israeli citizens living in the region near Gaza.

While Israel has acted against Hamas in the past, those limited operations are dwarfed by the current military action, dubbed “Operation Cast Lead.” Initial air strikes targeted Hamas bases, rocket launchers, and weapons caches, as well as the extensive system of smuggling tunnels through which Hamas secures its armaments. Israel estimates that it has successfully destroyed nearly fifty percent of Hamas’ rocket and missile arsenal. Meanwhile, the IDF has positioned artillery batteries and troops along the Gaza border and called up thousands of military reservists, indicating that a ground attack may be imminent.

Rather than ending their attacks, Hamas responded by raining down rockets on southern Israel, killing several Israelis and injuring and traumatizing scores more. They have promised even more widespread violence.

Reaction in the Arab and Muslim world has been predictable. In Jordan, Syria, Iraq, the Palestinian territories, and elsewhere, protesters burned American and Israeli flags and carried placards expressing ugly sentiments such as "America and the Zionists are the leaders of world terrorism" and "Gaza is Auschwitz."

But there were encouraging signs as well, as Israel’s allies expressed their support for Israel’s right to defend itself. A White House spokesman said, "These people are nothing but thugs, so Israel is going to defend its people against terrorists like Hamas." Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister called on "Hamas and other militants to cease shelling southern Israel. Obviously they have broken the cease-fire and engaged in an act of aggression against Israel. Israel has responded." German chancellor Angela Merkel added her voice, laying the blame for violence at the feet of Hamas.

The words of support from world leaders are welcome and encouraging. Israel’s military actions come after a long period of patience and restraint. Since 2001, thousands of rockets have been fired by Gaza terrorists at Israeli targets. Despite the existence of a “ceasefire” that extended from June until December of last year, Hamas and its terrorist allies have fired over a thousand rockets and mortars at Israel during 2008 alone. Given Hamas’ continued aggression, and inability and unwillingness to curb attacks on Israel originating from Gaza, Israel has no choice but to stand up and defend her people. And, even now, Israel is allowing aid to flow into Gaza to treat wounded civilians.

As the military campaign continues, Israel will need our support more than ever and there are many ways to show that support:

• Give a gift to help us respond to the urgent emergency needs of innocent Israelis suffering as a result of Hamas terrorist attacks.
• Stay informed of events by checking our website regularly for updates on the events of the war, so that you are able to know and tell the truth of Israel’s struggle for peace and security to those who criticize her unfairly.
• Forward this message to a friend, so that we can build an even broader base of friends who will support Israel in this desperate time of need.

Thank you for standing with Israel a free, democratic state under siege by terrorists at a crucial time in her history. I pray that 2009 is a year of peace and joy for you and your loved ones, and that the year will see peace and security restored in Israel.

With prayers for shalom, peace,