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13 May 2021
As the unprecedented, sustained attacks by Hamas continue on Israeli citizens, Federation unequivocally supports Israel’s right to defend itself. We are working closely with our global partners to ensure that those impacted by this violence receive urgent, critical help.
We mourn the lives lost, and pray for the swift recovery of the wounded and the restoration of peace across the region.
Our Federation is proud of our deep ties across Israel, including in Lod and other cities, where the work of building a shared society is both delicate and vital to Israeli society. We are hearing heartbreaking reports from our friends in these cities that their tightly—but tenuously—woven community networks are being torn apart before their eyes. And we are appalled by reports of violent attacks on people and destruction of places of worship and property by both Jewish and Arab extremist mobs. Even in the midst of the attacks by Hamas, we recommit to the vision of Israel as a state for all of its citizens.
Federation’s ongoing, core support for the Jewish Agency for Israel, the JDC, and other partners has meant our community has been assisting the victims of the conflict since it first began.
We have opened the Israel Emergency Fund to ensure we can continue this crucial work.
Many needs are still unknown, but this violence will have lasting impacts on its victims. All gifts to the Israel Emergency Fund will go immediately towards meeting urgent needs.
Thank you for your continued support, and for trusting The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington to help care for our sisters and brothers in Israel. We will keep you apprised of our efforts and ways that you can stay engaged as the situation evolves.
Two such opportunities will take place later today.
- At 12:00 PM, join a Jewish Federations of North America webinar with former Member of Knesset and expert in international law, Michal Cotler-Wunsh, as she addresses the questions: “What are the causes behind the current flare-up of violence in Israel? What’s really going on in Jerusalem and Gaza?” Register here
- At 5:00 PM, join Federation and the JCRC for an update and briefing with Ambassador Dennis Ross, William Davidson Distinguished Fellow at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Register here
With fervent prayers for peace,
Gil