Following a deadly Iranian missile strike in his hometown of Beit Shemesh, one Federation’s community shaliach (Israeli emissary), Yismaw, shares his personal perspective.

When I was three years old, my family and I made aliyah (immigrated) to Israel from Ethiopia. We settled in Beit Shemesh, a city about thirty minutes from Jerusalem, where I was raised.

To me, Beit Shemesh is much more than just the city where I grew up. It is the place that shaped me, where my childhood and teenage years unfolded, where I forged friendships and created countless memories. Beit Shemesh has always been and always will be my home—it is embedded deep in my heart.

That’s why when I first learned that there was a deadly attack on Beit Shemesh on March 1, the first full day of the war between Israel and Iran, my first instinct was to call my friends and family back home. Everyone is there: my grandfather, my family, my community. Thank God, everyone I called was okay. Sadly, the same can’t be said for many other families in my city.

Being so far away from home during moments like these is not simple. The distance feels heavy, the pull to home and the desire to be there stronger than ever. Yet at the same time, I feel grateful to be here, with my Greater Washington community. I have felt an outpouring of warmth and support from everyone I’ve spoken with. Each person reaching out, asking questions, and genuinely caring about the safety of my family and friends in Israel has created a sense of home for me here.

Thank you for holding my family, my city, and all of Israel in your thoughts and prayers. During this painful and complicated time, this support is what strengthens me.

To learn more about what Federation is doing to support Israel in this time of crisis, including in Beit Shemesh, see here.

Many have already asked how to help. Our current response is being mobilized through existing Federation resources and long-term investments stewarded by the Foundation, enabling swift and accountable action. Those who wish to contribute may do so here.