FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tracia Collichio
Public Relations
Running for Israel
212.579.1388 ext. 20
FAX: 212.579.1387
Rabbi Runs To Raise One Million Dollars For Israel
(PRWEB) July 24, 2004 -- One Race, One Rabbi, One Million Dollars Rabbi
Eric Ertel will run in his first New York City Marathon to raise one
million dollars for The State of Israel.
New York City, New York July 26, 2004 – A Rabbi, an activist, an educator
and an athlete, Rabbi Eric Ertel announced today that he will be running in
his very first ING New York City Marathon on Sunday November 7th. Armed
with only a relentless drive and equal determination to raise one million
dollars for peace in The State of Israel.
When asked why he chose the ING New York City Marathon, Eric responded,
“Each of us has our own talents and skills that can be used to help make a
difference, running this race is my talent and skill. Helping Israel would
be my little contribution in trying to help the world.”
The greatest thing that the United States shares with Israel is the war
against terrorism; the only difference is that Israel battles this war on
their streets every single day. Eric spent seven years living in Israel and
experienced the devastation and destruction of these terror attacks, first
hand. He watched the Israeli citizen’s quality of life and sense of
security deteriorate. In addition to gaining financial support, Eric is
committed to creating a broader awareness and support of the challenges
facing The State of Israel’s fight for peace.
One of Eric’s greatest passions has always been Israel and the well being
of its people. Eric brings that passion and inspiration to this race,
because in this race Eric will be “Running For Israel”, with a goal of
raising one million dollars from corporate and individual donors. The
beneficiaries of his 26.2-mile run are three charities dedicated to
improving the image and quality of life for Israeli citizens both locally
and globally.
Running for Israel has chosen three very powerful charities to benefit from
the funds that are raised. All funds will be distributed between Hasbara
Fellowships, Honest Reporting and Keren Y & Y.
About the charities
University campuses in the United States have become the breeding ground
for the violent anti-Israel bias. Hasbara Fellowships was started in 2001
in conjunction with Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The program
brings hundreds of students to Israel every year, giving them the
information and the tools to return to their campuses as leaders in the
fight for Israel’s image.
In addition to fighting an anti-terror war, Israel has been fighting a
media war. Honest Reporting is one of the worlds largest media watch groups
and has assembled over 100,000 members to scrutinize the media for
anti-Israel bias, and responds directly to relevant news agencies.
The severe cuts in government support and the sharp rise in the price of
basic foods has made it extremely difficult for many families in Israel.
Keren Y & Y gives ‘cash’ in the form of coupons, which ensures that all
contributions, go directly into the homes of needy families. These cash
coupons are redeemable at local supermarkets.
“One day there will be peace in Israel and on that day everyone who
contributes, even in the smallest of ways, will be able to look back and
know that they had something to do with that,” said Rabbi Ertel. “I’m just
an ordinary guy, who’s trying to accomplish an extra-ordinary thing.”
Individuals will be able to contribute on-line at www.runningforisrael.com,
which will provide information about the charities and volunteer
opportunities. Donations can also be mailed to Running For Israel, 313 West
83rd Street, New York, NY 10024. Corporate donations and interested
partners are asked to please contact Tracia Collichio, Running For Israel
at 212.579.1388 ext 20.
Running for Israel is supported by Aish HaTorah a non-profit, apolitical,
international network of Jewish educational centers, providing
opportunities for Jews of all backgrounds to discover the wisdom and beauty
of their heritage in an atmosphere of open inquiry and mutual respect. Over
25 branches in 8 countries inspire over 100,000 people each year with the
meaning of being Jewish.
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