ZOA Purim Gifts – from the US to IDF Soldiers in the Shomron
February 28th, 2010by Yoni Kempinski (israelnn.com) On Tuesday the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) joined forces with the Shomron (Samaria) Liaison Office to distribute more than 1000 mishlochei manot, or Purim baskets, at army bases in Samaria. Brooklyn ZOA President Rubin Margules led an effort this year, for the 10th consecutive year, to distribute 5000 mishlochei manot to soldiers throughout the country. This year 4500 manot were packed by students from four Samaria schools, organized and supervised by David Ha’ivri and Yafit Ezra of the Shomron Liaison Office, while 500 were packed and distributed by Aluma. Soldiers at Shavei Shomron, Tapuach and the Samaria Brigade base were pleased beyond words by the display of gratitude from friends in the US. They could not stop thanking Mr. Margules and everyone involved in this project. Mr. Margules reminded the soldiers that he does this each year to thank them not only because they protect the land and people of Israel but because they protect Jews throughout the world. A number of soldiers commented, as they read letters written to them by American yeshiva students, on how good it felt to be remembered and appreciated by people in America. David Ha’ivri, Director of the Shomron Liaison Office, said Mr. Margules project is “amazing.” Jeff Daube, the Director of the zoa’s Israel Office, said that it strengthens the bonds between the peoples of Israel and America and serves as a model for other efforts of this type.