UK – Israel campaigners prepare for action day

THE JEWISH CHRONICLE

Pro-Israel grassroots groups plan to combat the boycott and help the homeless with the second installment of a popular campaign.

IsrAction Day on December 13 will encourage members of the community to buy Israeli products and donate them to homeless charities.

The Zionist Federation and Jewish Leadership Council will join the event’s founders, Sussex Friends of Israel and North West Friends of Israel, as well as the Glasgow Jewish Representative Council, to promote activities across Britain.

IsrAction Day attracted the support of more than 1,000 participants last year, with donations feeding hundreds of homeless people.

SFI’s Simon Cobbs said the group now wanted to make the event an international success.

“We’re hoping to get four or five other countries on board, and build from there to make it a worldwide event. It’s certainly building momentum.”

Mr Cobbs insisted that despite receiving criticism for the campaign last year, IsrAction Day was a force for good which “made a huge difference”.

“We’re trying to do something that doesn’t involve hate, that is very positive in every aspect. It’s important that by the simple act of tikkun olam (healing the world) we show what we believe Israel stands for.

“Our target is to help as many people as possible, and if we can show our support for Israel and beat the boycotts as well, we’ll be doing a mitzvah.”

He also encouraged those who are unable to purchase Israeli goods to donate any products they can, “in the spirit of IsrAction day”.

JLC chief executive Simon Johnson said: “It’s a great win-win: it counters the boycotters, it helps those in need, and it allows grassroots groups and the establishment to come together in something that is simple, visible and impactful.”