AFSI Showers a Groom from Gush Katif

On all their trips to Israel, AFSI (Americans for a Safe Israel) give support and encouragement to Jews of Yesha (Judea, Samaria and Gaza). They visit vital Jewish locations, like Hebron, Samaria, Gush Katif building sites, and Eastern Jerusalem, as well as small hilltop outposts. Their positive strengthening attitude is refreshing and enlivening. Their first-hand identification with their brethren in Israel enables all AFSI members to speak out for Israel from personal knowledge and experience.

Led by Executive Director Helen Freedman, whose burning love for Israel and its people is very evident, AFSI tours are meaningful for those visiting the sites, as well as those visited.

Last night, AFSI took some time out to make a bridal shower. Yes, a bridal shower! After a full day in Sde Boaz, Hebron, Negohot and Maaleh Hever, the indefatigable AFSI group stopped in Efrat to shower a young couple from Gush Katif. The chattan (groom) was from the community of Netzer Chazani. His father was one of the founders of the Gush Katif enterprise. Since the Expulsion, Netzer Chazani has been in temporary dwellings in the Kibbutz Ein Tzurim. Netzer Chazani has excellent relations with its host Ein Tzurim. Now those relations are going to be even closer, since the new bride is a daughter of the Kibbutz.

AFSI partnered with the Committee for Gush Katif Bridal Showers to bring great joy to this young bride and groom. This shower was extremely exciting for everyone present because it represented the 501st couple showered over the past four and a half years. The Committee for Gush Katif Bridal Showers reaches out to all of Gush Katif's brides and grooms with a beautiful package of small appliances, linens and housewares, in addition to a monetary gift for the couple's first joint purchase. Their bridal showers have given a hug to all Gush Katif families, who see in the warmth and caring of those involved, a positive light shining forth after the terrible trials they have suffered over the past four and a half years.

Present at the AFSI shower were members of the GK Bridal Shower Central Committee, as well as representatives of the shower committee of the Efrat/Gush Etzion region. Among those on the Central Committee is Moskowitz Prize for Zionism winner Mrs. Anita Tucker of Netzer Chazani.

The Committee for Gush Katif Bridal Showers has succeeded, B"H, in showering so many young couples, thanks to the help of women throughout Israel and the Diaspora who have hosted bridal showers in their homes, organizations and synagogues. A GK Bridal Shower is a very joyous experience, and anyone can host one and help a young couple begin a positive new life.

With 22 more GK couples currently getting ready for their weddings, the Committee for Gush Katif Bridal Showers is grateful to all those who want to participate in this mitzvah of "tikkun olam" (fixing the world) and repairing some of the damage done to the heroic families of Gush Katif.

To find out more about making a bridal shower, or helping to contribute to a shower, email izzy@actcom.co.il.