By Ami Kantor

We woke up this morning feeling energized after our phone-a-thon last night where we had the opportunity to call donors in the community from Jerusalem to let them know that we are seeing first hand how incredibly necessary their donations to the 2003 Campaign for Community Needs are. All of the activities today reaffirmed those feelings – Israel needs us now more than ever.

We had the privilege of hearing from Uzi Landau, the Minister of Internal Security. Here are some of the highlights of his poignant and insightful briefing:

In Israel´s 55th year of Independence, we are still fighting for our independence. It´s a war without clear frontiers, without boundaries. The terrorists´ weapon is fear and their goal is to break our spirit. Our response: we will continue to live our life as usual and we will never give in because we are fighting for our values, our security and our right to have a state in our ancient homeland.

One of the most important and impactful parts of our mission was our visit to Yokenam/Megido, Atlanta´s partnership 2000 cities. We held a memorial service at the site where 17 Israelis lost their lives when a suicide bomber blew up his car along side a bus full of people. We were given a tour by the head of security for their area and were shocked to see just how close our sister city is to Jenin and how just one fence, which is only partially complete, separates them from terrorist infiltration. The car that is used to patrol is a bulletproof car that was funded by Atlanta´s Israel campaign.

At Moshav Medrah Oz we heard personal stories from residents living in fear because of the constant threat of terror of theft. It inspired us all to want to do more to help them feel more secure. They thanked us for the money that Atlanta raises for their community that they use to buy things like emergency wrist bands for teachers on the Moshav so that if there is a terror attack they can sound an alarm and call for help.

The YLC then visited a gas mask distribution center before our discussion groups with the leaders of the community where we exchanged thoughts and hopes for the future. Our mission brought suitcases full of first aid kits, medical supplies and flashlights which are much needed by our sister city. The rest of our delegation had a briefing on the current economic situation. To end our visit, we received greetings from Mayors Alfassi and Chakim who thanked us for bringing the largest delegation ever from Atlanta and reminded us that we are all truly family.