Winnipeg. August 18, 2014.  A varied group of 19 from all walks of life has come together to demonstrate solidarity for Israel at this time of great stress during what we hope will be the final stage of Operation Protective Edge. Winnipeg Solidarity Mission 2014 chaired by Mel Lazareck and Michel Aziza leaves Winnipeg on Wednesday, August 20th for a 5 day intensive  visit in Israel.

“We have all come together to show Israelis that we stand with them and that we care”, said co-chair Michel Aziza. “The constant bombardment by Hamas of Israel and the Israel’s defensive action, Operation Protective Edge, have taken a toll on Israel and Israelis. We want to bring a smile to people’s faces and show them that we care.”

Mission co-chair Mel Lazareck added: “We will be visiting and bringing gift packages to injured soldiers in two medical centres, visit with teenagers who helped children cope with living in bomb shelters for most of the summer, meet with the organization that supports widows and orphaned children, get a first  hand look at what life is like on a kibbutz near the Gaza border and gain a fuller understanding of the situation. “

In addition, we will take the opportunity to do public demonstrations of our support in front of newly elected President Rivilin’s official residence in Jerusalem, and in Rabin Square in Tel Aviv where we will be greeted by Canada’s Ambassador to Israel, Her Excellency Vivian Bercovici and by Mayor of Tel Aviv, Mr. Ron Huldai.

The Jewish Federation of Winnipeg and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs have helped coordinate the mission.

“We are so proud to be part of the group that has come together to show support. Fully 1/3 of the participants are non-Jewish. Chief Ron Evans, from  Norway House Cree Nation was one of the first to join the group. In addition, we have business people, students, representatives of Bridges for Peace, representatives from a number of organizations affiliated with Israel…all in all a diverse group. Some might say, we’re a bunch of “Crazy Canucks” –although I understand the term is already taken,” chuckled Aziza.

The group will meet at Winnipeg’s Richardson Airport at 10:00 am on Wednesday , August 20th for departure on  AC  266  to Toronto.