July / August 2005:

STYLE: Band aid
We've all seen those bright yellow Lance Armstrong bracelets. They've been fashion de rigeur for what seems like ages. But like all good fads, they've branched out. Have you seen their Jewish equivalents? by Chanie Cohen


The date was May 2004. The launch of little yellow rubber wristbands by the Lance Armstrong Foundation took the world by surprise, and by storm. The bracelets began popping up on wrists all over the country and abroad, spreading cyclist Lance Armstrong’s apt message, “Livestrong.” It wasn’t just for a good cause (to support cancer research), it became a fashion necessity. Everyone — from world leaders to Hollywood celebrities — had to have one. But that recognizable yellow band is no longer the only bracelet for a cause. In the mood for bright pink, black, blue, and even aquamarine? There’s a bracelet for you.

Latching on to the wild success of the real McCoy, imitations have been created and are selling just as fast as the original. “Living in Pink” for breast cancer, “Someone you know has Lupus” for the Lupus Foundation, and “Max-Life” for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Gracing wrists all over, the bracelets have become a way to spread everyone’s noble message. And these bracelets have become the ultimate in trendy wrist wear.

The number of bracelets supporting Jewish causes has grown in recent months as well. “Students Against Terrorism,” a Web site launched by six high school teens in Dallas, makes and sells the bands that proudly read, “Standstrong4Israel.” They boast that everyone’s got one, from former U.S. diplomat Dennis Ross to Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

Yad Eliezer, an organization that helps the destitute in the land of Israel sells green bracelets to support their cause. Yad Chazaka, another non-profit organization in Israel, also sells bracelets, which read “A Strong Hand.”

Yet another bracelet is being sold to benefit an organization that supports Jewish women with breast cancer called Sharsheret. These bracelets have been such a popular item, their stint on the Jewish fashion Web site chosencouture.com has been extended indefinitely. “Initially we intended to carry them only for the month of October (Breast Cancer Awareness month) but we had such an overwhelming response from customers that we decided to extend their run on the site and try to raise as much money as possible,” says Sara Schwimmer, founder and president of Chosen Couture.

And while the above-mentioned bands all support loftier causes, you can now buy bracelets and write on them any slogan you fancy. “Spread Cheer.” “Live Well.” “Free Willy.” You get the point.

When sixth grader Yoni Kirschner and his friends discovered they could design their own wristbands, the message they chose to emblazon across it was “Longer Summer.”

“The rubber bracelet trend has certainly taken the nation by storm,” says Schwimmer. “The most fascinating aspect of the trend is that it has such widespread appeal. You see men wearing them, woman wearing them, kids collecting them. It shows that you’re hip and with it and you’re helping a cause.”