Web site attempts to link up

The recently launched USAIsrael.org aims to link up U.S. firms with Israeli providers for their business needs. American firms spend hundreds of millions of dollars on supplies and services on a monthly basis, according to Mesora.org, a 4-year-old Jewish Web site, and USAIsrael's goal is to redirect this buying power toward Israel.

This way, Mesora.org contends, U.S. firms do not need to "dig deeper" to help out Israel, but instead spend their existing budget dollars.

It is also a way for U.S. firms to show strong support for the Jewish state.

USAIsrael hosts several site links. The "Submit Company Profile" link enables Israeli-based firms to create detailed profiles of their goods and services, as well as their Web and e-mail addresses. These profiles are stored in the USAIsrael database.

The "Search Companies" link enables businesses to search the database for a vendor, see the vendor's site, make contact and close deals. Israeli firms may also post business plans and positions in their firms, and U.S. firms are invited to submit Requests for Proposals (RFPs) searchable by Israeli firms.

In addition, donations may be made and directed to a cause.

Mesora.org plans to e-mail numerous companies in the United States and Israel, notifying them of the new site, and generating any leads Israel's way.