IDF Purim Campaign Launched at Israel’s Foreign Ministry

[Spiraling Leopard]

http://unitedwithisrael.org/idf-purim-baskets/

JERUSALEM (March 7, 2011) ‘United with Israel’ officially launched it’s IDF Purim Basket Campaign today at Israel’s Foreign Ministry. Danny Ayalon, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Israel, enthusiastically endorsed the project, saying “We so much support United with Israel’s projects, especially what you’re doing with the soldiers.” Pictured with Danny Ayalon are United with Israel members and lone soldiers of the IDF, whose families live abroad.
What is Purim all about?

P U R I M
The festive holiday of Purim commemorates Israel’s salvation from extermination by the mighty Persian Empire, some 2500 years ago. Jews in Israel and all over the world celebrate Purim on the 14th day of Adar (this year March 20) as a time of “Light, gladness, joy and honor for the Jewish people” (Esther 8:16).

Purim is a classic story of deep-rooted anti-semitism, pitting a powerful ruler (King Ahasuerus) and his vicious, arrogant advisor (Haman) against the Nation of Israel. Plans were drawn up for the “final solution” – wiping the Jews off the face of the earth. The word ”Purim” means lottery – referring to the method used to determine the fateful day set aside for the annihilation of the Jews.
A Complete Turnaround

turnaround
Through a series of seemingly “random”, coincidental events, a prominent Jewish leader named Mordecai and his young cousin Esther (who was chosen to be the queen), orchestrated a complete turnaround of events resulting in the destruction of Haman and the survival and prosperity of the Jewish nation.

As recorded in the Book of Esther (9:1) “And it was turned around, the Jews prevailed over their enemies”. This day was set aside as a special day of feasting and celebration for the Jewish people.
Why is God’s name hidden?


The Book of Esther is unique in that the name of God does not appear anywhere in the scripture. This was intentional, to teach us a very powerful lesson: All of those “random events” were actually hidden miracles – no less miraculous than the Ten Plagues and the Splitting of the Sea! Although sometimes God appears to be “hidden”, we recognize that He controls world events. Nothing is random.

In fact, Esther’s name in Hebrew means “hidden”, as in “And I will surely hide (“as-thir”) My face on that day… “ (Deuteronomy 31:18). And that is why Jewish children (and adults too!) “hide” their faces by wearing masks and dressing up in all sorts of costumes. The message is clear: God may be hidden but we know that He is there!
How do we celebrate today?

Purim Party
To publicize the miracle, Jews read the “Megillah” (the Book of Esther) all over the world. And since the Jews were saved from physical destruction, the celebration is replete with “physical” activity – eating, drinking, singing and dancing. As expressions of friendship and unity, we “send delicacies to one another and gifts to the poor.” (Esther 9:22).

In every generation there is another Haman – out to destroy the Jewish nation. Whether Hitler or Ahmadinejad – and the list goes on – those who curse Israel are doomed to destruction. And those who bless Israel will forever be blessed… (Genesis 12:3). As God’s exalted nation, Israel will survive and prosper – this is the true celebration of Purim!
What can we do for our soldiers this Purim?

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We are so thankful to the soldiers of the IDF that risk their lives every single day to defend the Nation of Israel. Nothing has changed, Israel’s enemies still seek to destroy – to wipe us off the face of the earth – to drive us into the sea. These brave, young men and women deserve our strong support and encouragement. And our sincere appreciation for all that they do!

This Purim, join United with Israel in distributing hundreds of festive food baskets to young IDF soldiers who sacrifice so much to defend the People, Country and the Land of Israel.

purim baskets IDFIDF Soldiers PurimIDF-purim-baskets

Your donation of $10 for a small Purim basket or $18 for a large basket allows you to be a part of this wonderful “Mishloach Manot” project (sending food packages). You can help to bring “light, gladness, joy and honor“ to soldiers who are spending the holiday away from their families and friends.
Purim Basket

Each basket will include some of Israel’s most popular snack foods and drinks that are sure to make these young soldiers happy. You can also include your own personal note to the soldiers, which will surely touch their hearts on this very special day.

There is no greater way to bless Israel than to share kindness and joy with the defenders of Israel. When checking out, just before finalizing your donation, click on the link that says “Personal message to soldiers (optional)”.