About the project
60 Days for 60 Years: Israel sees the publication of the latest book in the "60 Days" series.
Beginning on the 9th March 2008, each day for 60 days, thousands of participants will read one essay in commemoration
of the lives that have been lost in Israel due to war or terror.
Ending on Yom Hazikaron, the day before Israel's 60th Yom Ha'atzmut, this project seeks to engage people from all
over the world with Israel the Land and Israel the People.
This is a wonderful way to celebrate the amazing feats that have seen Israel grow and prosper. Each essay has been
written to inspire the participants both about Israel and Judaism. In addition communities around the world will be
organising events linked to the project, both celebrating and commemorating this special year.
This project is truly international with hundreds of thousands of Jews across the globe taking part.
Be a part of it...
Supporting Israel
As part of this important project some of the proceeds from
the 60 Days for 60 Years: Israel project are earmarked for three
initiatives closely associated with the personal and spiritual
needs of Israel's soldiers.
Habayit Shel Benji (Benji's Home)
Beit Morasha of Jerusalem
Custom-built synagogue on an IDF base -
Friends of the Israel Defense Forces
Arnold Ziff zt"l
The late Arnold Ziff was one of Anglo-Jewry's most
unforgettable characters: down to earth but driven by high
ideals, a man of action who contributed hugely to the Jewish
community and to the civic life of Leeds. He was President of
the Leeds Jewish Welfare Board and the local housing association.
He worked tirelessly for Israel, a country he loved. He devoted
much time and energy, as well as philanthropic support, to
the wider community of Leeds. He was active in supporting
its art gallery and the Yorkshire cricket school. He brought
the Royal Armouries Museum to the city, and helped create
the Leeds International Piano Competition. He built the
Tropical World Garden in Roundhay Park, and was
responsible for providing the St James' Hospital Leeds with
its first body scanner in 1979.
He was a perfect
exemplar of the teaching of the prophet Jeremiah, "Seek the
peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you
into exile; pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you
too will prosper." That sense of pride in your own traditions,
combined with social responsibility, made Arnold a role
model for others to emulate, though he was far too modest
and self-deprecating ever to see himself in that light.
He sought no honour or recognition, yet honours pursued him.
In 1991 he was made High Sheriff of West Yorkshire, and was
nominated in 2002 as the "greatest living Yorkshireman".
Shortly before he died, Leeds Metropolitan University created a
professorial chair in his name.
In all he did, Arnold was supported and partnered by his
beloved wife Marjorie, an exceptional character in her own
right: gracious, determined, overflowing with energy and a
sense of delight in life. They made a wonderful couple, and
were devoted parents, taking joy and pride in their children,
Michael,Ann and Edward, and their 13 grandchildren. He gave to
life so much more than he took, and he left all who knew him
enriched and inspired. May the 60 Days for 60 Years: Israel
project perpetuate his memory, so that it, like his life,
becomes a source of blessing; to Britain, particularly his
beloved Leeds, to Judaism and the Jewish people.
Written by Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks.
