How Do You Express Your Love for Israel?

1. Your school is planning a special program for Yom Ha'atzmaut. You were asked to be on the planning committee. The committee members consider several ideas for the Israel Fair. The one you like best is:

a. Each booth would show Israel at a different stage in history. Students would dress up in costumes to indicate the different periods, for example, King David's reign, the time of the Maccabees, and the days of early Zionist pioneers.

b. Each booth would focus on a different political-action project, such as signing a petition for foreign-aid support to Israel or writing letters to the editor of the local newspaper.

c. Each booth would focus on one cause that the students could relate to personally, such as making warm clothing for soldiers, or collecting money for needy children.

2. Your class has collected $75 in tzedakah money that will be used to help Israel. Your class must decide where to donate the money. You vote for:

a. A program that will provide emotional and financial support to victims of terror.

b. An organization that protects Israel's parks and educates people about the rich history of the land.

c. A group that lobbies Congress in support of Israel.

3. You have heard bad news about Israel. You decide you must do something immediately. You:

a. Write a letter to your congressional representative, senator, and the president encouraging them to do what they can to help Israel.

b. Attend a vigil organized by the local Jewish community and recite prayers for Israel.

c. Search for specific information about what happened and where, and then tell others the facts.

4. Someone in your youth group says Israel doesn't want to make peace. You say:

a. "Jerusalem means 'city of peace.' The Torah tells us to make peace. 'Shalom' is Israel's favorite word."

b. "You are probably not getting the facts. I'll organize a presentation on the peace process to give to the group."

c. "My family has relatives and friends in Israel. They all want peace."

5. You hope to go to Israel on a bar/bat mitzvah trip. You are looking forward to:

a. Meeting Israeli kids your age and learning about their lives.

b. Visiting famous places like the Kotel (the Western Wall), Masada, and the Knesset.

c. Meeting with politicians to find out the latest news about the situation in Israel and to learn ways you can show your support.

6. B.J., in your gymnastics class, says, "Why do you want to go to Israel? It's too dangerous there." You answer:

a. "Israel has had many hard times throughout its history, but the people are used to difficulties and prepared for them. I will learn from them."

b. "Israel is the Jewish homeland. I care about Israel. Visiting Israel now and helping Israelis feel better is the best thing I can do to help."

c. "It's my duty to support Israel during difficult times like this. This is the best show of support I can give."

7. It's Israel night at the local Jewish Community Center. There are lots of activities to choose from. You choose to participate in:

a. Israeli dancing and singing led by Israeli teachers.

b. A question-and-answer session on Israeli politics.

c. Discussions with visiting Israeli kids.