(Courtesy of Clifton Jewish Center) On Sept 26, a presentation was made to Deputy Consul General Amir Sagie and Police Commander Yitzchak Almog, the police attaché from Israel to all of North America. Funds were collected to assist the slain Druze police officers that were killed and wounded on the Temple Mount terrorist incident in July. Most of the officers who protect the Old City of Jerusalem are not Jewish, and Rabbi Bob Mark of the Clifton Jewish Center felt that this effort was needed to show appreciation to the Druze community as a well-deserved hakarat hatov and a Kiddush Hashem.

Consul Amir Sagie expressed his appreciation for the initiative and noted that it was more important than he could possibly imagine. The reaction of the families has been remarkable and the approval of this initiative by the State of Israel is very strong. The Druze have been a powerful source of support for the land and their efforts are most appreciated.

Attache Yitzchak Almog highlighted that this presentation and effort was more important to him as a police officer than any other program he has participated in, even with important members of governments—local, state and national. He spoke briefly of the families left behind and the difficulty that Israeli society has with terrorists in general.

The program concluded with the presentation by Rabbi Bob Mark to Amir Sagie and Yitzchak Almog of two checks for the families of the slain soldiers and a separate check for the third officer who was severely injured in the terrorist attack.

Rabbi Bob and Eric Mark will join together in Israel to present additional funds directly to the families on December 12 and 13. Funds will continue to be collected until their departure and everyone is urged to support this project. Checks can be made out to CJC Rabbi’s Fund with the memo line saying Druze. No funds are deducted for expenses or travel. Checks made out to CJC are tax deductible.