10.7.23

With deepest apologies for the intrusion into our Shabbat and our Chaggim, we are writing amidst the unfortunate reality of today’s attacks in Israel.
 
As many of you are likely aware, Israelis awoke this morning to a widespread and calculated Hamas attack resulting in Israelis being taken hostage and thousands of Hamas rockets hitting southern and central Israel.  As of the writing of this message we are aware of over 250 deaths in Israel and are outraged at this latest attack on Israeli civilians. 
 
Our hearts go out to the people of Israel who face yet another assault on their safety and well-being.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.  In our own community we offer our full support to our Israeli families – in concert with all those who have relatives and friends working and living in Israel. 
 
We unequivocally condemn these acts of violence and terror against the State of Israel. The deliberate targeting of innocent civilians by Hamas is unacceptable and must be condemned by the international community, especially as Israel works to defend itself against these attacks.

Click here to read our full statement

• Give now through JFNA and its historic $500 million campaign to support the state of Israel and her people. These funds address urgent needs such as medical care, emergency services, evacuation, housing, trauma relief, and more, as well as medium- and long-term needs.
• Give through Friends of the IDF (FIDF), which supports the brave soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces 
• Give through American Friends of Magen David Adom, who are supporting first responders risking their lives to save the lives of others.

• Join Jewish Federation of Portland and send letters, art, and photos to families of hostages.
• Listen to the latest episode of JFNA's The Glue podcast, where Eric Fingerhut talks about the ramifications of the war in Israel with special guests.
• Read how a fallen IDF soldier's organs are saving Israeli lives
• Read this letter from the presidents of Israeli universities to their colleagues overseas.
• Listen to the For Heaven's Sake: Israel at War podcast, featuring Donniel Hartman, Yossi Klein Halevi, and Elana Stein Hain and featuring twice-weekly episodes addressing the current distress in Israel as it unfolds
• For those in Israel looking for help, critical information about the situation on the ground, or other assistance, see this resource page.
• Learn more about the Blue Ribbons for Israel campaign
• Emergency phone numbers for friends and family in Israel needing assistance.
• Tell your elected officials and representatives to support Israel.
• Follow news on the ground (Times of Israel updates)
• Incorporate Jewish Values & Prayers About War into your dinner conversations, discussions with children and loved ones, and social media posts.
• Read guidance for talking with kids about the situation in Israel.
• See a list of Members of Congress who have spoken out in support of Israel and please reach out to thank them.
• Follow JFNA on Twitter and Facebook, and follow JFGH on Facebook for updates and information.

• March for Israel - Rally in Washington DC - Tuesday, November 14 - Register and learn more.
• Bring Them Home: A Community Gathering in Support of Israel & All Those Taken Hostage - Sunday, November 12 at 2pm, Harrisburg JCC - click here to learn more.
• The Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI) is providing daily in-depth and inside analysis, sponsored by Jewish Federations and the Jewish Agency. A rotating team of top analysts of Israeli military affairs, the US-Israel relationship, Israel’s political system and the country’s diverse society will join each session, running from Sunday - Thursday at 11am. Join here.
• Recording - Israel Solidarity Gathering & Vigil - On October 11th, more than 500 community members, leaders, and allies joined together to pray for our families, our friends, and the safety of Israel. Click here to watch the recording of the program (along with the program that followed with Holocaust Survivor Joe Alexander.

• Harrisburg man flying to Israel while others are leaving
• Gov Shapiro takes stand for Israel - 10.18.23
• Jewish Community Rejects Bigotry and Hate - 10.17.23
• Community Security Update - 10.15.23
• Mental health expert offers ways for families to talk about Gaza conflict with children
• Community gathers at Harrisburg temple for vigil amid Israel attacks
• Pennsylvania nonprofits raise funds for people on the ground in Israel
• Jewish community members, Pennsylvania leaders react to violence in Israel