This letter was composed to support the Argentinean Mutual Israelite Association (AMIA):
Dear Friends,
As you well know, the plight of international Jewry is more severe and the fate of our people more precarious than ever. From the constant threat of terrorism in Israel to anti-Semitism in Europe and right here in the United States, it can easily become an overwhelming predicament- One that leads to the question, “How can I make a difference?”
Fortunately, there is a place in the world where a small group of people have been able to make that vital difference between despair and hope; between loss and gain; between survival and death.
Fourteen years ago this week, Iranian terrorists bombed the Jewish center of Buenos Aires, killing 85 people and wounding hundreds more (this just two years after the bombing of the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires). That center was the home of the Argentinean Mutual Israelite Association (AMIA). While the organization has been able to regroup and, in some aspects, grow and flourish, it is still in need of support.
For over 115 years, the AMIA has been supporting and sustaining the 250,000 Jews in Argentina and the entire nation through its Jewish and secular philanthropic efforts and programs. Though Jews are a small minority in Argentina (as they are in the United states), the AMIA has allowed and helped them remain a strong and vibrant part of both the Argentinean and the world Jewish community. As with so many such programs, however, their efforts and reach greatly outstretch their resources, and they need our help.
Based on such strong Jewish and humanistic values as the pursuit and protection of dignity, justice, and equality for all and respect and continuity for Jews in particular, AMIA supports the Jewish and general communities through economic, educational, employment, religious, service, social, and other programs. Among the programs that AMIA offers are the AMIA Employment Service, the Multipurpose Senior Center (MSC), and the Perach Program, which encourages elementary and college students to study and grow together, supporting each other while they all learn vital learning and life skills. AMIA also sponsors the 1000 Matzevot project, providing burial markers (matzevot) for those who are not able to afford this basic element of the life cycle.
As you can see, the menu of AMIA’s offerings is broad and comprehensive. As such, so is their need. For every senior who comes to the MSC for meals, the annual cost is $960. Add to that a monthly cost of almost $4,000 for Shabbos meals, and it is easy to see how the costs add up. As such, the AMIA needs your help to help them help the hundreds of thousands of Jews and non-Jews who rely on their support each and every day.
Below, you will find a form that you can send by FAX or email to my office with your pledge of support. All pledges are tax deductible and naming opportunities are available for various programs and facilities. All I ask is that you do your part to help AMIA do theirs.
Thank you.
Sincerely.
Alberto Limonic
PS Please join the international observance of the 14th anniversary of the bombing by observing a moment of silence at 9:53 a.m. on July 18, and please do all you can to ensure that AMIA is never damaged again.
