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| Dear Friends, In these turbulent times for the Jewish people, one issue continues to transcend all divides and unite us all - left and right, religious and secular, Ashkenazi and Sephardi: our profound concern for the well-being of all our young men and women in uniform and, particularly, our prayers for the safe return of the IDF's missing and captive soldiers. This painful chapter has accompanied our struggle for peace and security since the very inception of the State of Israel. And, even today, the Government of Israel and its friends continue to invest every possible effort in order to win the release of all our sons - Zachary Baumel, Tzvi Feldman, Yehuda Katz, Ron Arad, Adi Avitan, Benny Avraham, Omar Souad and Elchanan Tannenbaum. The human tragedy of our MlAs and POWs pains the entire Jewish world. We are, after all, the extended family of these eight men - "All Jews are Responsible for Each Other" - and so, we must not remain silent. Our actions will have a direct impact on the fate of our prisoners. Jewish communities around the globe must also divert public attention to the agonizing plight of these men, who, in flagrant contravention of the Geneva Accords, have not been allowed ANY contact with the outside world, including the International Red Cross. It is paramount that the reprehensible conditions of their prolonged captivity be universally condemned - and that their freedom be won. It is imperative that all Jewish communities exert maximum pressure on their local governments and enlist their active involvement in demanding an end to the captivity of our soldiers. This humanitarian cause must become a top priority for all democratic societies committed to fundamental morality, liberty and justice. The deaf ears which have ignored our appeals must be forced to hear and to act now. This blemish on the collective record of the international community must be erased, and our captives must be returned safely to their families. I urge you to join in the Mitzvah of bringing freedom for these prisoners and to participate in this campaign of unparalleled urgency. Sincerely,  Rabbi Michael Melchior Minister of Israeli Society and the World Jewish Community |