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07 October 2023
We would not ordinarily email on Shabbat or Yom Tov, but unfortunately, the events of the day necessitate it. This morning, our community awoke to the heartbreaking, deeply upsetting news of war in Israel.
At this holy time of Shabbat, Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah, while Jews were immersed in celebration and spiritual contemplation, dozens of terrorist gunmen infiltrated communities near the Gaza border and Hamas launched a deluge of thousands of rockets at Israel cities.
At the time of this writing, at least 100 Israelis have been killed and 900 wounded. News reports have noted that soldiers and civilians have been kidnapped and taken hostage, including an Israeli mother and her children.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has declared a state of war and issued orders to mobilize large numbers of reservists. This is a terrifying moment for our family in Israel, and we fear the horror will be quite prolonged.
The Israeli people across the political spectrum are unified in their resolve and response to this attack. Federation and our Jewish community stand with them.
In moments like these, Federation has the responsibility to mobilize our community to help the people of Israel. As Israelis stand strong against this deluge of terror and violence, we will support them however we can.
We have opened an Israel Crisis Fund to raise essential dollars for those in need, which will be distributed swiftly through our partners on the ground, including through the Fund for Victims of Terror. We will continue to closely monitor the situation, respond accordingly, and provide updates as often as possible.
To support the relief efforts:
- Donate online here
- Give through your Jewish Community Foundation Donor Advised Fund here. Please make your gift to The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington (EIN: 53-0212445) and indicate “Israel Crisis Fund” in the comments.
- Mail a check payable to The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington to 6101 Executive Blvd, Suite 100, North Bethesda, Maryland 20852. Please indicate “Israel Crisis Fund” on all checks.
Please let us know if you have any questions, and please join us in praying for safety, security, and peace.
Gil Preuss
CEO, The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington