20 Adar A, 5771 •   February, 2011     63 Years Commemorating the Birth of the State of Israel and the Fall of Gush Etzion 1948 - 2011       In this issue    Daniel Mandel  z"l Twenty-three years ago the Mandel family with five young children  moved from Toronto  to Alon Shvut, Gush Etzion, Israel. With every year in Israel their connection and commitment to the Jewish People and the Jewish State deepened. On April 15, 2003 their middle child, Daniel z"l, was killed during his military service while apprehending terrorists in  Shechem (Nablus).   Much thought was given  to finding an appropriate way in which to memorialize Daniel. Daniel was a very charismatic young man - passionate about his country and extremely dedicated to the soldiers under his command. He was also an enormously talented musician. The family decided to build a small, but unique park in Daniel's memory believing it would accomplish two goals. First, it would pay tribute to Daniel's musical talent and his magical qualities. Secondly, it would be a way to give thanks to the community which had given them so much while raising their children  and now while mourning the loss of their son. Help us to make this dream come true! To read more Stay Connected Click here to join our e-mail list or Forward this email to a friend     Daniel's Park and Marathon   March 25, 2011 Jerusalem Marathon   The Jerusalem Marathon and all the races associated with it are coming up, G-d willing, March 25, 2011. Many of us are running that day – of course for fun and fitness, but we have dedicated this race to a very special and unique project.    Cheryl and David Mandel, Daniel's  parents have been working to raise money to complete the park – Derech Daniel.  They are almost there and now need our help. They have $120,000 and need $40,000 to complete the funding. The hope is that this will become an annual event in Daniel's memory that will enable Alon Shvut, a thriving community, to build this needed recreational facility.    This very holy cause elevates the race and affords all of us the opportunity to participate whether we are running or not. Please help and be part of the race, part of Jerusalem  and Gush Etzion, and part of the State of Israel.   Accredited receipts for tax exemption will be issued: 1.   For  donations in Israeli shekels, please make your check payable to Keren Gush Etzion. 2.   For  donations in American dollars,  please make your check payable to the Gush Etzion Foundation or on-line. 3.   For donations in Canadian dollars, please make your check payable to the Canadian Friends of Yeshivat Har Etzion. On all Donations please write for Daniel's Park and who you are sponsoring. Keren Gush Etzion, Israel Tel: 972-2-993-9917 Fax: 972-9934612/9932169 The Gush Etzion Foundation, USA Tel: 1-800-705-1626 Fax: 860- 9061798 www.gush-etzion.org.il gushezif@zahav.net.il