Suggestions From USYers

Trying to find ways to advocate for Israel?? Here are some suggestions from other USYers!

1. Bumper Stickers
2. Pins
3. Politically
4. Socially
5. Fundraising
6. Supporting israel's economy
7. Visiting Israel
8. Going to see an Israeli speaker
9. Being aware of Israeli Current Events
10. Walk For/With Israel
11. Giving to Magen David Adom

- Jason, CHUSY

1. Have a real live Israeli speak at an event
2. write letters to the editor of your newspaper if you agree/disagree with how they are covering Israel
3. write op/ed pieces for your local or school newspaper
4. go to rallies
5. write to people in the government about your stance
6. donate sa/to $$ to Magen David Adom or other Israeli non-profits
7. speak up when you hear someone relaying incorrect info about Israel
8. but Israel-made products
9. join HeChalutzim
10. GO TO ISRAEL!

- Karen, New Frontier

1. putting up flyers
2. sending care packages to Tzahal soldiers
3. contributing to the JUF or other similar organization
4. talking to people who aren't pro-Israel about how great Israel is
5. help try to dispel myths about the Israeli-Arab conflict
6. supporting American Jewish groups (United Synagogue, AIPAC, etc.)
7. buying Israeli-made products
8. writing a letter to senators
9. visit Israel

- Shaina, CHUSY

1. Go to Israel, share your experience with others through pictues, letters, etc.
2. Teach about Israel. Share her rights adn those being violated.
3. Support awareness events: Walk with Israel, Rallies, etc.
4. Raise money for Israeli funds like Magen Daveed Adom
5. Volunteer in the Israeli army
6. Right letters to your state reps, congressmen, president, etc.
7. Wear Israel "regalia" advertising Israel
8. Take part in Israel discussions
9. Read the paper and share findings with others
10. Stay informed!!!

- Sondra, CHUSY

1. Go to Israel Rallies/Parades!
2. Stay informed about the current situation in Israel!
3. Teach others about the current situation in Israel!
4. Buy BLUE AND WHITE!
5. Write letters to editors of newspapers and writers of articles that you feel are wrong!
6. PRAY for Israel!
7. GO TO ISRAEL!
8. Help fund others going to Israel, or convince others to go!
9. Let the US Government know what you think about Israel, and let them know that you will appreciate their future support of Israel!

- HAGESHER

1. Israel is a democracy - always remind people that Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East.
2. Israel wants peace - many Americans think that the lack of peace is due to both Israelis and Palestinians. Always stress that Israel’s main goal has always been and always will be peace.
3. Offense - Stay on the offense. Remember that what people hear sticks with them and so if they hear you constantly talking about Israel’s commitment to democracy, freedom, and peace, then that is what will stick with them.
4. Don’t stress the (ancient) past - It’s all about the future! The fact that the Jews have lived in Israel for thousands of years, is religiously based, and not a convincing argument. Stress the recent past (Post 1948) and relate it to the present and future to give a valid argument. The fact that Israel has offered to return lands captured in war in exchange for peace, yet Palestinian authorities refused is a valid argument.
5. Sell the dream - Don’t focus too much on land and who has to give up what. You lose your audience when they begin to think that one side has given up or has taken too much land.
6. Cooperate - Make sure that everyone else around you is talking about the same hopeful message, or the same political message. Mixed messages get people confused and send out the wrong idea. Things get accomplished when a uniform message is sent.
7. Spread your message where it needs to be spread - The phrase “preaching to the choir” applies here. It is important to talk to all USYers, but it is most important to reach out to those who are indifferent to Israel.
8. Television is the medium - Most people get their news through television. Media, especially in America, can be incredibly biased against Israel. This is why it is so important to provide your chapter with accurate news sources and to talk about media biases so that people in your chapter can watch out for them.
9. Keep it simple - Instead of overwhelming people in your chapter with tons of new information, pick a few key things you want to stress. Repetition is key! Keep stressing your key points and people will catch on! If you want to stress peace, then keep bringing up peace and maybe give a new example every week or every few weeks so that people don’t have to retain tons of information, and your key point is still being put out there.
10. Delegate - You are not the sole advocator of Israel. Jews in USY and even the U.S. are responsible. If you need or want help, get other USYers involved, or even get your entire synagogue involved (like Sisterhood or Men’s Club).

- Sara, HANEGEV