The State of Israel is facing many difficult situations at the moment: terrorism, growing unemployment and accompanying poverty, crumbling health and education systems. As individuals, it is easy to feel despair and wonder how we can set things right again. Yet sometimes, we see an emergency situation, and it is within our power to make a difference. By starting small, with a single life, we can make the world a better place.

Let us tell you about such a personal emergency, and how you can contribute.

Sigalit Granot is a member of Moshav Shorashim, in the Misgav area of the Central Galilee. She is 38 years old and the mother of two young children. In 1996, Sigalit was diagnosed with Cushing's Syndrome, a rare endocrine disorder. She has already had two operations to remove brain tumors, but year ago the tumor started returned and her physical state has steadily declined.

Sigalit's doctors insist that her best chance of surviving and overcoming the disease is to travel to Charlottesville, Virginia for urgent surgery and radiation using a special gamma knife, unavailable here in Israel. This treatment, however, is not recognized as part of the health coverage subsidized by the Israeli National Health System. The estimated cost of the treatment is $80,000.

The Shorashim community of 52 families is trying to raise the required money. We have organized a series of local fundraising activities to help Sigalit get the treatment she needs. In addition to reaching out to people in the Galilee, we are looking for help outside Israel. This isn't Iraq. This isn't North Korea. This isn't about international terrorism. It's about one very sick woman in need of medical care.

To find out how you can contribute, visit the Web site: http://www.picus.org/sigalit.htm

Shvat 5763 - February 2003