FROM THE DESK OF BOB FREEDMAN -NOV 20

Given the emergency situation in Israel and the many requests from the public, I am sending our community a regular information bulletin.

Even though diplomats are working towards a ceasefire at present, and we hope for the best, our brothers and sisters in Israel need to hear from us now! Please join us for a DEMONSTRATION OF SUPPORT:
This SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2012, 1:30–2:00pm
ASPER JEWISH COMMUNITY CAMPUS - Details to follow
123 Doncaster Street

Iranian-backed Hamas and its terrorist allies in Gaza have hit Israel with more than 1,100 missiles and mortars since November 10th, intentionally launching attacks from deep within civilian populated neighbourhoods. Palestinian terrorists have turned hospitals, homes, schools and mosques into military bases loaded with snipers and weapons, using civilians as human shields. Israel’s response to the continuing terrorism from Gaza is proportionate and in compliance with international law.

Israel’s military operation is an act of self-defence, a right enshrined in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, to put an end to the more than 8,000 missile attacks on Israeli citizens since Israel fully withdrew from Gaza in 2005. Israel’s actions to stop Hamas missile attacks are proportional to the risk faced by 4.5 million Israeli civilians who are within missile range.

While Israel makes every effort to minimize civilian casualties, international law also forbids the use of civilians to protect legitimate military targets, as Hamas has consistently done. Article 28 of the Fourth Geneva Convention clearly states: “The presence of a protected person may not be used to render certain points or areas immune from military operations.” Under international law, Hamas bears responsibility for casualties to civilians that it uses as human shields.

An Israel Terror Relief Fund has been set up for community members who wish to contribute financial support at this time. Funds will be used to provide respite and emergency response programs for children, community caregivers, the elderly and the disabled living in Sderot, Eshkol, Sdot Negev, Sha’ar HaNegev, Chof Ashkelon, Netivot, Ofakim, Beer Sheva, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Kiryat Gat, and Kiryat Malachi. To contribute to the terror relief fund, click here, contact Linda Levesque at 204.477.7428, or stop by our office.

Click below for links to additional information:

Jewish Federation of Winnipeg's Update on Operation Pillar of Defense
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs
Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Facebook Page
Jerusalem Post
Ha'aretz
The Times of Israel
Ynet News

For more information, please contact Shelley Faintuch, Community Relations Director, Jewish Federation of Winnipeg and Associate Director, Local Partner Services, Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs: 204-477-7423 or [email protected]