A Special Message From Zeev Bielski

Jerusalem, 15 Cheshvan 5766
November 17, 2005

Dear Friends,

I appreciate the opportunity to communicate with you directly via the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism's Project Reconnect publication -"Israel Broadcast”, particularly since I had occasion to note the article in the Fall/Winter issue of the United Synagogue Review, entitled "Profiles in Ascent: Look Who's Making Aliyah!" by your Aliyah Shlicha, Devora Greenberg and the International Liaison for Project Reconnect, Rabbi Paul Freedman of Jerusalem.

The Conservative Movement's increased emphasis on Aliyah is cause for optimism, as the Jewish Agency embarks upon its campaign to increase Aliyah by choice from western countries.

Your efforts to put Aliya on the agenda of the Jewish community stems naturally from your longstanding commitment to long–term Israel programs, which the Jewish Agency supports fully through our new MASA initiative. Your movement has shown real leadership and initiative and the outstanding growth in your Nativ Year Program in Israel, as well as the exciting developments of your Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem, are evidence of this. I am confident that these successes will be an inspiration to others.

Dr. David Breakstone, your representative on the Zionist Executive, has informed me about the Conservative Movement's role in adopting the new Jerusalem Platform, with emphasis on working within Israeli society - especially with its peripheral and marginal sectors - to fulfill the Zionist dream of making Israel a just and exemplary society based on the vision of the prophets. I know that you will find ways to work with us in turning these words into deeds. This is the meaning of true partnership.

I applaud your reaching out to alumni of your youth organizations in North American and in Israel through Project Reconnect. Too often we take our olim for granted, forgetting the difficulties and frustrations experienced in the years following Aliyah. I congratulate Project Reconnect and its support system for recognizing their needs.

I wish you success in bringing your North American graduates to Israel on the Kesher L'Yisrael Mission in June of 2006, and I look forward to meeting you.

Zeev Bielski, Chairman of the Executive
World Zionist Organization
zeevik@jazo.org.il
P.O.B. 92 Jerusalem 91000
Tel:02-6202080
Fax: 02-6252352

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