To my friends in Dallas: ISRAEL NEEDS YOU, PLEASE VISIT NOW

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Posted by Jerome Stevenson on November 23, 19100 at 09:00:09:

To My Friends in Dallas;

I’ve lived in Israel for over 35 years. Served in the Army, worked in my
profession of Broadcasting for l3 years and for the past 22 years been the
owner and CEO of a pretty interesting business in downtown Jerusalem. I have
seen and been part of every conceivable crisis this country has had to offer.

The 6 day war, the Yum Kippur War, The Lebanon War, the First intifada, the
Gulf War, the present Intifada, bad governments, good governments, "Peace
Now", "Don’t give up the Golan", the Secular religious Wars, Suicide Bombers
and on and on.


I have noted the Israeli reactions to the mayhem and madness in this country.
It is normally sound and courageous. I have seen at first hand how the
world and specifically the Jewish communities around the globe react during
an Israeli or Middle east crisis. My business works with grass roots
tourism, and so when a crisis in this area occurs, it is felt it my realm,
immediately.

Over the 22 years of running this business I have seen Jewish communities
from small little townships in France flock to this country in a crisis. I
have seen massive Christians groups from little towns in Texas and Oklahoma
book trips overhere. I have seen Japanese visitors, with ties to the Jewish
People, showing no fear what so ever as they plough the streets of
Jerusalem. The south American youth came in droves even during the gulf war
crisis. The English and French Bnei Brit Programs made it a point of
coming during the first entifada.


Since I am an American-Israel, I have asked myself over the years, why
American Jewry have always been the first to cancel their planned trips to
Israel in a time of crisis. This phenomena has happened during every major
and minor hiccup in this country. For me personally, it is shameful and
embarrassing. Of course we welcome the fantastic financial support from
the Jewish Communities throughout the United States. It has helped and
continues to help put this country together. However, sometimes, it would
be nice to see the people behind those contributions. When our country needs
the physical support of the American Jewish Communities the most, it’s not
there.

Over the years there have been wonderful Solidarity Missions from Atlanta,
Michigan, Chicago, Dallas,Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York. However,
where are you now? Israel is going through, yet another crisis where it
seems like the entire world is against us.

We are fighting the World Media, and Loosing. We are fighting a downside
economy now, and we are Loosing. We are struggling to Make Peace with our
Neighbors and we are loosing. At the same time we are trying to show a
strong military option, and many say we are loosing this battle also.
Everyday our friends, sons and daughters and parents are being killed or
wounded. Yet our citizens and Leaders are divided on how to live with our
Neighbors. How to make Peace with our Neighbors, How to make War with our
Neighbors and even how to respond to our Neighbors.

But one thing we all agree to is that we need to see some friendly faces
visiting this country. Tourism has dropped to nothing. Even cultural groups
have canceled planned events in the country. Hotels are closing up,
businesses are going bankrupt. Outside investors have turned to other
avenues for their moneys rather than Israel.

It is for these reasons, that you as your Jewish community Leaders must
strongly encourage your community to SUPORT ISRAEL WITH A VISIT. This could
be individuals, couples, families, bar mitzvah groups, youth groups or the
SOLIDARY MISSIONS. Everyone will be welcome here. Our Government will
secure and guarantee the safety of all of these groups. It has in the past
and it will continue this activity in the future. There is so many beautiful
and historical places to visit in Israel. But most important, you just
being here, with your encouragement and support and a smile would be enough
to make the Israelis sit up and take notice, and even raise the moral of
it’s citizens during this troubling period.

Every Visitor to Israel counts now. Everyone of you is important to this
country. I am sure that the American Jewish Communities will not let us
down in this area . VISIT ISRAEL NOW!! WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT MORE THAN
EVER!! Good Luck and thank you.

Sincerely,
Jerome Stevenson
Owner and CEO Mr.T Army Surplus Store
Jerusalem
E-MAIL marketing@mr-t.co.il
Fax 972-2-6251644
Jerome Stevenson is an MFA Graduate from UCLA with l3 years experience in
all facets of television and radio production in the United States and
Israel. He has written numerous book and music reviews, radio and television
documentaries and screen plays over the years. He has also lectured on
various Israeli subjects to various Jewish communities throughout North
America. For the past 20 years, he has been the Owner and CEO of the Mr."T"
Army-Navy surplus Company in Jerusalem.

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