New York State Assemblyman Tom Alfano joined scores of people from West Hempstead, Franklin Square, Elmont and southwest Nassau County in a special march, hosted by the Israel Emergency Fund this past week. The groups marched along Broadway to raise funds for victims of terrorist violence in the Middle East. Alfano and Councilman Jim Darcy joined Israel Emergency Fund Associate Director Jacob Haller and a half dozen rabbis in the event.

"In light that a member of our own community of West Hempstead has been touched by the senseless violence it's important that we band together as a community to help those who are in need," Assemblyman Alfano said, adding "It was a privilege to participate and support the children and adults who not only volunteered today but took the three mile walk for their brethren."

The Israel Emergency Fund is a grass-roots, not-for-profit organization established to assist in causes of immediate need for the State of Israel and its citizens. Their goal is to mobilize communities, neighborhoods and regions to implement methods of support, both financial and moral, to further the cause.

Haller, the event organizer, noted the success the walk-a-thon had throughout the community. "We raised an incredible amount of money. Some $100,000 was raised by families, concerned citizens and members of the community to help others in need. This was the very first event we've held here on the South Shore and the response has been nothing short of extraordinary."

Haller noted the importance of widespread support of the activity from local yeshivas like Rambam Mesivta and local students from the Hebrew Academies as well. "Students donated their time to set up for the event and worked all day through the cold to make a difference," Haller said. "The support of the Rabbis Lavin, Ginsberg, Perl, Teitelbaum, Stern and Green were critical to the success of the event."

Before the event kicked off, Assemblyman Alfano and Councilman Darcy were given a briefing by Haller on the situation in Israel and efforts currently made to help victim families. "One of the most disturbing aspects of the situation is the fact that violence continues and innocent people continue to die," Alfano said.

Haller gave Alfano and Darcy an overview of the Israel Emergency project and its work. "It's important that elected officials come out to show their support. It's also important to the families to see that the community cares. In Assemblyman Alfano's case, one of his own constituents is a victim of the terrorist violence. I want to thank him and Assemblyman Darcy for their strong support," he said.

Alfano noted that support came from communities throughout the west end of Nassau and the south shore. "Clearly, the five towns and the west end came out in strong support today. What was really special about this event was the fact that it was families working together. Carriages, bikes, young and old, students and teachers all worked together," he said.

Walkers who participated in the event wore buttons of some of the victims of terrorism. Others carried signs and flags as a sign of solidarity.

Alfano wore the button of an Ethiopian soldier who was killed by a terrorist bomb while Darcy wore the button of a young girl who was a victim of a terrorist bus crash incident just a few weeks ago.

Rabbi Alan Lavin of the Temple Hillel, in a letter sent to his congregation, wrote, "I am happy that our own Temple Hillel, together with scores of synagogues, schools and community organizations are co-sponsoring this event."

The funds collected from the walk-a-thon will be directly distributed to the families of the victims of recent terrorism in Israel in the most dignified manner. The distribution is based on research on the family's resources, needs and circumstances. Consultations and assistance are arranged with social workers, family counselors and other professionals who are extensively involved with the families.

For more information on the Israel Emergency Fund, visit www.walk4israel.com or call 396-0361. Contributions are still being accepted by the fund.