Once again, our hearts and minds are turned toward Israel as the conflict with Iran continues to unfold. In a briefing this week with Karen Katzman, director of our Israel office, we heard about what life is like in Israel right now. Karen described text messages warning of incoming missiles. Rushing to shelters. Looking after family. Even young kids are now well practiced as to what to do when a siren goes off.

It’s hard watching this from afar. It may also feel hard to figure out what to do. Do we respond based on what we see on the news or what shows up in our inbox? Where are needs most urgent? As we consider Federation’s response, I want to highlight some specific ways that we are thinking about this moment and what we can collectively do to help.

For many decades, since before the creation of the State of Israel, Federation has been working with global organizations to support the needs of Israel and Israelis through our partnership with JDC and the Jewish Agency (JAFI). They continue to be central to an effective response.

For example, the Jewish Agency’s Fund for Victims of Terror provides immediate cash assistance to people who have been displaced or whose family member was injured or killed by rocket attacks. The funds can be used for food, clothes, toothbrushes, diapers, and whatever else they need to get situated. JDC is likewise deploying emergency supplies, running a national mental health initiative, and supporting a network of caseworkers to continue caring for Israel’s vulnerable, among other rapid-response efforts. These are critical and ongoing programs that serve an important and unique role in times of crisis.

Beyond our traditional partners, Federation has also developed new relationships with Israeli communities and organizations since October 7. Take, for instance, Poriya Hospital in the north. Medical professionals are working 12-hour shifts to ensure full coverage. Meanwhile, schools and daycare centers are closed, which means doctors, nurses, and hospital staff need help with childcare. This isn’t something you would hear about on the news, but we know about this need because of the ongoing relationships we’ve established with our network over the past three years. (Federation, in fact, helped get onsite childcare up and running at the hospital following October 7 and the shelling from Hezbollah.)

Finally, we are working closely with local Washington-based synagogues and other organizations to understand their direct relationships in Israel and support them in making a difference. For example, one of our local synagogues is working with their sister congregation in Israel to ensure they can gather safely, with adequate access to shelter space during missile alerts.

Across all these mechanisms, Federation and the Greater Washington Jewish community is well positioned to understand the challenges Israelis are facing beyond the headlines. The relationships we have developed with Israeli leaders and organizations allow us to gain a clearer and more detailed picture of what’s happening on the ground. Together, this enables us to act swiftly, thoughtfully, and effectively to meet emerging needs.

I could go on but what I want you to know is that our community is making a difference. We are showing up for Israel and Israelis by responding to real needs in real time. And we are doing this all thanks to the tireless work of our partners in Israel and the incredible support of our community members. Ultimately, Federation is a conduit for your passion and commitment. Thank you for being there for Israel in this moment and for everything you do for the Jewish people.