I [Maura Proser] am sure that many of you have been receiving multiple copies of the recent e-mail that is circulating with regard to letting the White House know of our feelings of support for the US position on the crisis in the Middle East. I would like to take this opportunity to stress the importance of showing our support, as well as to give you information on what you can do to help.

I would like to encourage everyone to send a message to the White House. The e-mails that we have all been receiving are not just another worthless e-mail chain letter - it is true that the "other side" is flooding the White House. We Jews seem to feel that our fellow Jews will register support in our behalf - now is the time when we each need to be responsible and do our part. It is also of the utmost importance that we send faxes or make phone calls. E-mails do not hold the same weight and are not being counted as heavily. By the way, the White House switchboard closes at 5:00pm, so if you are planning to call, you need to do so before then. The number at the White House is - 202-456-1414. Your call should be answered by an automated switchboard where you can register your support.

E-mails have been circulating recently calling on members of the American Jewish community to contact the White House to counter phone calls, faxes, and e-mails protesting President Bush's strong stand against terror directed towards Israel and her civilians. While our information from Washington indicates that the White House is not being inundated by messages from Arab and Muslim groups, the Administration is under intense pressure from the international community, particularly Arab leaders in the Middle East.

It is very important that the President hear from the Jewish community. Express your support to President Bush, and encourage your members of Congress to speak out against the terrorism.

Attached is a sample letter to send to President Bush at the White House:
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

E-mail:
President Bush: president@whitehouse.gov
Vice President Cheney: vice.president@whitehouse.gov

Fax:
President Bush: 202-456-2461
Vice President Cheney: 202-456-7044
Sec'y of State Colin Powell: 202.261.8577
Nat'l Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice: 202.456.2883

SAMPLE LETTER

President George W. Bush
The White House
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

I am grateful to you for the strong backing that you have given to the state of Israel, especially in recent days. We have all watched in horror as suicide bombers carry out their daily attacks, murdering innocent Israeli citizens and instilling fear and panic into the hearts of children. Your words of support for Israel's people as they attempt to combat this terror are deeply appreciated.

The American Jewish community very much shares your view that "Arafat can do a lot more to prevent attacks." We applaud as well your efforts to bring an end to the violence and to encourage negotiations that will lead to peace. Thank you for asking General Zinni to remain in the region. American mediation will be crucial if terrorism is to be halted and a cease-fire implemented.

Our Jewish tradition teaches us to "seek peace and pursue it." Throughout our history, the Jewish people have never wavered in striving for peace. We will continue to work and pray for an end to terrorism and for a lasting peace in the Middle East.

With thanks,