One (more) Race, One Rabbi, One Million Dollars
Rabbi Eric Ertel will run in his Second Marathon in his quest to raise one million dollars for peace in The State of Israel.
New York City, NY (PRWEB) January 14, 2005 -- A Rabbi, an activist, an
educator and an athlete, Rabbi Eric Ertel is at it again! On the heals of his
inaugural effort at the ING New York City Marathon this past November, Rabbi
Ertel announced today that he will be running in the Miami Tropical Marathon on
Sunday January 30th. Continuing his quest and armed with only a relentless drive
and equal determination to raise one million dollars for peace in The State of
Israel.
While training for his first marathon in New York City Eric was
invited to bring his campaign down south by the Miami Tropical Marathon. When
asked why he is continuing the campaign 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" again, continuing his quest of raising one million dollars from
corporate and individual donors. The beneficiaries of his 26.2-mile run are four
charities dedicated to improving the image and quality of life for Israeli
citizens both locally and globally.
Running for Israel has chosen four
very powerful charities to benefit from the funds that are raised. All funds
will be distributed between Hasbara Fellowships, Honest Reporting, One Family
Fund, 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.
OneFamily is the central private
organization providing assistance to victims of terrorism in Israel. Since their
founding in 2001, they have provided direct assistance to over 2000 victims and
their families, totaling just over $10 million in assistance and programs to
help them rebuild their shattered lives. For more on OneFamily, please visit www.onefamilyfund.org.
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. www.kerenyandy.com
"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 Eric Ertel,
Running For Israel at 212.579.1388 ext 35.
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/1/prweb197100.htm