"Where are they?…" "Do they have enough food?…" "Are they warm enough?…" "What are they thinking about right now?…" This heart wrenching cry was echoed by Omar Suad's Uncle and sister, from the Bedouin village of Salame in Misgav and the families of the other Kidnapped soldier.

About 1000 people came together in a gathering of support that took place in the Karmiel Cultural Center on Sunday 18.2.01. Among the many participants were the families of the kidnapped soldiers, citizens of Karmiel and Misgav, and an admirable representation of Mayors and dignitaries from the Galilee - Jews, Bedouin, Druze and Arab, Army representatives and new immigrants.

The gathering was produced by the Karmiel and Misgav Municipalities, with the support of JAFI and the Partnered Communities of the region in "Partnership 2000" - Pittsburgh and Baltimore.

The representatives of the Soldiers' families came up onto the stage one by one, and described their personal anguish and pain because of the lack of information about their loved ones. They passionately called and requested the outgoing and incoming Prime Ministers and the whole Public to assist in the effort to return their loved ones home safely by stirring up public opinion.

We the representatives of "Partnership 2000" Karmiel - Misgav - Baltimore - Pittsburgh are forwarding on this request for help, and suggest writing to the following addresses:

 1. A letter to the Secretary and his office in Washington:
Secretary of State
U. s. State Department
Washington, DC 20520
USA
Fax: + 202-261-8577
E-mail: secretary@state.gov

 2. A letter to the Red Cross:
Mr. Jacob Kellenberger - President
International Committee of the Red Cross
19 Avenue de la Paix
CH 1202 Geneve
SWITZERLAND
E-mail: jkellenberger.gva@icrc.org

 3. A letter to the Secretary General of the UN:
The Honorable Kofi Annan - Secretary General
United Nations
New York, N. Y. 10017
U. S. A
E-mail: inquiries@un.org

Shvat 5761 - February 2001