One of the real winners in the recent Gaza War was Israel’s Iron Dome Rocket Defense System which successfully knocked down 421 rockets launched from Gaza and bound for Israeli cities, an 84 percent success rate. The system limited Israeli casualties to six during the seven days of bombardment and as a result significantly decreased the pressure on Israeli decision makers to invade Gaza.

We just returned from a seven-day AIPAC mission along with 150 other AIPAC supporters from across the United States. One of the unique opportunities we had was a special briefing specific to our AIPAC group from Ari (last name purposely withheld), systems development engineer of Rafael Industries, which is the developer of the Iron Dome System. Ari’s presentation was fact-filled, showing footage of how the system worked and its tremendous capabilities and success. This briefing occurred seven days before the war began on Nov. 8.

It is important to know that the system was developed by the Israelis with financial aid from the United States. This process was not without its significant travails.

The Iron Dome system, although manned, is completely computerized. The system is able to identify the trajectory of the missile and within seconds identify which missiles are headed for population centers and which will fall in uninhabited areas. Within seconds the hostile missiles are destroyed and the non-hostile missiles are allowed to fall harmlessly.

One can only speculate what would have happened without the Iron Dome system in terms of Israeli casualties and the response that would have engendered.

The following is an email from Ari to our AIPAC group, sent Thursday, Nov. 29, at 8:47 a.m. with the subject line: A message of gratitude.

Now that the bullets have stopped flying, I wanted to pass this message to as many people as I know, but especially to those who dedicate their lives to the State of Israel. The message is from me, and me only. Please feel free to pass it to anyone pertinent.

Without a doubt, Operation Pillar of Defense would have looked very different had Iron Dome not been operational. The system intercepted hundreds of rockets that were headed straight into the heart of residential areas. Iron Dome saved lives, protected property, and gave people a sense of security, something that they had been missing for more than a decade. Iron Dome was the product of the hard work of unbelievably dedicated and talented people. On Thursday I came to work only to see some friends of mine run out of the building, telling me they were “off to set up a battery in Tel Aviv.” Turns out that they worked for 48 hours straight, into Shabbat, not pausing to change their clothing, shower, or even to eat, but they set up that battery. And three hours later, that battery shot down a Fajr-5 headed straight for Tel Aviv.

Since 2010, the people of the United States of America have given the State of Israel nearly $300 million for the procurement of Iron Dome. Another $600 million has been allocated. You people should know that Iron Dome batteries that were funded with American money played a critical part in the conflict. Your money, your help, saved lives. There are people walking around today who are eating falafel, learning Torah, or just playing with their children, who would not be here today if it were not for the United States of America. To this end, no words will ever suffice.

But let me try: Thank you.

And may G-d Almighty bless America

Cheers,

Ari”

AIPAC, whose sole mission is to keep the U.S.-Israel relationship strong and secure, is extremely proud to have been recognized by Ari for the role AIPAC has played in keeping Israel safe and secure. AIPAC Kansas, once again, thanks our congressmen and senators for their significant support for the Iron Dome System through its many design changes.

You should know, those of you who have so generously worked with and donated to AIPAC, that your trust is most appreciated and valued. Your work and effort has not only solidified the U.S.-Israel relationship but more important, it has saved lives.

Matt Siegel and Larry Nussbaum are members of the AIPAC Kansas Club.

AIPAC to host post-election event

The KC AIPAC Chapter will host Ed Miller, AIPAC’s deputy national political director, for a Club-level post-election event on Tuesday evening, Jan. 8. To learn more contact Brad Fahlgren, area director for Kansas and Missouri, at the AIPAC Chicago office, 312-253-8997 or email him at: .

According to its mission statement, “AIPAC empowers pro-Israel activists across all ages, religions and races to be politically engaged and build relationships with members of Congress from both sides of the aisle to promote the U.S.-Israel relationship.”

Although the event on Jan. 8 is not an AIPAC Shabbat, it’s that kind of information that members of the community will learn about during an AIPAC Shabbat, explained KC Council Chair Bonnie Siegel. “AIPAC Shabbat was started here five years ago,” she said. “And because  Kansas City is a model for other AIPAC regions, it has been replicated across the country.”

To host an AIPAC Shabbat — or receive an invitation to one — call AIPAC Special Projects Chair Brenda Rosenthal at 913-568-8105, or Siegel at 816-835-1251.

Registration is also open for the annual AIPAC Policy Conference in Washington, D.C., March 3-5. The KC Chapter sent more than 90 members in 2012 and is looking to exceed 100 in 2013. To learn more, visit www.aipac.org.