Dear Friends,
As one Jewish family we are called upon to do all we can to respond to the current crisis in Israel. Our Israeli brothers and sisters need our help. Below you will find suggestions for seven ways you can take action.
With blessings that light may overtake the darkness,
Rabba Kaya
Update: We are grateful for Ella’s release on Sunday, November 27, but know that she will have a challenging road ahead. Please keep her, her sister Dafna and mother Maayan, as well as all the hostages still in captivity, in your thoughts and prayers.
Message from USCJ:
On the Return of Hostages to Israel
For over forty days Jewish communities around the world have been chanting Acheinu kol beit Yisrael, our siblings, the entirety of the house of Israel, who have been taken captive, may Adonai look over them. We have been singing together for their release and redemption. It is a watershed moment to have the hostages begin to be freed, returned to their homes and their families. We know that the journey ahead of them is long and arduous. We recognize some of the challenges they face: the world from which they were taken has drastically changed; some of these innocents are going home to discover loved ones who are dead; their homes ravished in fires; their communities devastated. We know that we cannot know the other nightmares and challenges that they will encounter. We can offer hope, prayer and love and a commitment to stand by them through the days, months and years ahead. HaMakom yerachem aleihem, may the Holy One bring consolation to them, now and in the coming days, months and years.
Follow trustworthy sources.
Brandeis Schusterman Center for Israel Studies: Israel at War
CJP: Israel Under Attack resource page
Jewish Federation of NH maintains a statewide resource: Israel Connections
USCJ Israel Resource Page
Timely links are found in the temple’s weekly bulletin, including:
Organizations Needing Support – Curated by JFNH
Hand in Hand Schools “Hand in Hand is building inclusion and equality between Arab and Jewish citizens of Israel through a growing network of bilingual, integrated schools and communities.”
HIAS “HIAS continues to respond to the needs of those impacted by the brutal attacks in Israel. Here’s just a few ways your donation will go swiftly to work – it will help: – Distribute basic supplies, like hygiene kits, school materials, and blankets; – Give cash vouchers, especially to people in shelters, so that they can buy the materials and resources they need to survive; – Offer support for local partners who are able to give shelter, medical services, and legal aid.”
Magen David Adom “In the United States, disaster relief, ambulance, and blood services are handled by an array of organizations. In Israel, there’s one organization that does it all — Magen David Adom. Although MDA’s role is mandated by the Israeli government, it’s not a government agency. As Israel’s official representative to the International Red Cross, Magen David Adom’s role precludes it from accepting governmental support for its general operations. Because of this arrangement, MDA relies on support from donors, including those from the United States, to keep its dispatch systems, training, and equipment the best in the world.”
Mazon Works to alleviate food insecurity in Israel.
Oasis of Peace: The American Friends of Neve Shalom/Wahat al-Salam (“Oasis of Peace” in Hebrew and Arabic) supports the operations, programs, and initiatives of Neve Shalom/Wahat al-Salam, a unique and inspiring cooperative village jointly founded by Israeli Jews and Arabs in 1972 to explore lived solutions to peace in the region.
Yatom “Your support is helping vulnerable children in Israel.”
On October 18, Rabba Kaya led a Community Prayer Vigil for Peace in the historic sanctuary.
Attend Shabbat services in person, or the 5:30 pm Tuesday minyan via Zoom.
Listen to Songs of Healing and Peace, collected into a Spotify playlist by Rabba Kaya.
Tefila with the Names of our Kidnapped courtesy USCJ
Prayers- Israel in Crisis, from the RA and USCJ
Write an email, send a text, or make a phone call to your elected representatives. In your community, classroom, or social media platform – let the world know that you stand with Israel.
Wear a blue ribbon in support of the hostages’ safe return.
Participate in the One Minute a Day challenge to raise awareness about the plight of the hostages with our elected officials. Daily scripts provided on the website to help organize your calls.
The Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies Israel Emergency Campaign includes a variety of programs and initiatives. See their recent flyer for a list.
Commit to doing one mitzvah or a kind deed every day, that we might tilt the world toward light, compassion and peace.
Many of us have family and friends in Israel. (or friends with family in Israel). Letting someone know that they are not alone is an important gesture. Make a call, send a text or email asking how they are doing and letting them know they are in our hearts.
Resources for talking with children about the conflict in Israel. It’s important to let children know that the adults in their lives are here to support them and talk to them about their feelings. This can be a daunting task but see the links below for tips on how to start a conversation.
Tips for parents of elementary school children
Tips for parents of middle school children
After Terror: 5 Jewish Ways to Help Kids Deal
How to Talk to Kids about What’s happening in Israel Right Now
Additional resources for parents
Resources for talking with teens about the conflict in Israel and antisemitism on campus. I
Moving Traditions offers a wealth of resources and timely webinars for teens and their parents
Our community is constituted by a membership with a range of political views both in America and Israel. Now is the time to set our differences aside and work together to support an end to the hostage crisis and bring a lasting peace to Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank.
