By Sharon Wisch-Ray

For years, to me it seemed that most Jews expressed their love for Israel through two vital organizations: Hadassah and Israel Bonds. The Fort Worth and Tarrant County Jewish community has been stalwart supporters of both.
It was wonderful to see such a large turnout of folks at the Israel Bonds event Monday night. In addition to hearing honoree Lillian Pinkus share her passionate remarks about the importance of a strong U.S.-Israel relationship, the audience was treated to what felt like, to this writer, very candid and warm remarks from President George W. Bush, whose support of Israel is legendary.
Among those in attendance, a number of whom represented Eagle Mountain Church, were: Janet Ainsworth, Ina Bennett, Andrew Bloom, Michal Bloom, Irwin Blum, Lee Ann Blum, Bette Chapman, Sarah Entwistle, Sanford Finkelstein, Stefani Finkelstein, Kevin Garsek, Leigh Gernsbacher, Craig Goldman, Kay Granger, Rebecca Isgur, Stuart Isgur, Howard Katz, Pearl Katz, Dorie Kaye, Stephen Kaye, Howard Lawler, Judith Lawler, Michael Leeper, Danny Lunow, April Nelson, Traci Newberry, Phathanakone Norasingh, George Pearsons, Terri Pearsons, Howard Pierce, Vanessa Pierce, Rodney Quickle, Susan Quickle, Mark Rosenfield, Naomi Rosenfield, David Sander, Janet Sander, Ethan Sironi, Julie Sironi, Melissa Swindle, Kelli Dee Swisher, Braden White, Camille Wilder and Christopher Wilder.
Approximately $60 million in Israel bonds were purchased by the 1,500 attendees — the largest Israel Bonds event since the organizations first Madison Square Garden event in 1951.

Get registered
for Camp Shalom

At the Bonds event, Rebecca Isgur reminded me of her recent email that the Camp Shalom early registration discount program deadline (6 p.m. April 1) is approaching quickly. Don’t miss out on these discounts for your children’s summer of Jewish fun in Fort Worth.
Campers from the youngest to the oldest are set to enjoy the many new and enhanced outdoor features this summer including: swimming, field trips, arts and crafts, indoor and outdoor games, as well as gardening in the Camp Shalom section of the Congregation Ahavath Sholom Community Garden. Each week ends  with a joyous Shabbat program of singing, dancing and tasty treats.
Beginning its 60th year of serving the Fort Worth and surrounding communities, Camp Shalom offers a traditional summer day camp, encouraging kids to just be kids. Over the years, preschoolers through teenagers, their children and their children’s children have enjoyed the many activities of Camp Shalom.
For additional information and registration, call Camp Shalom at 817-737-9898 or visit the camp office at 4950 South Hulen.
Press Note:
Congregation Ahavath Sholom’s gourmet brisket and chili team, Chai on Smoke, will compete in this Sunday’s Kosher Chili Cook-off at Tiferet Israel in Dallas. The team is made up of Hal Ratner, Reed Cohen, Chad Herman, Mike Lavi, Ebby Lavi, Michael Linn and Ben Herman.