Staying Committed

This week, we watched, as a young father had to do the unthinkable — eulogize his wife and two young children.

Yarden Bibas asked his wife to watch over him so that he does not fall into darkness and apologized to all three, for not doing more to protect them.

Kfir and Ariel, and their mother Shiri, have become the faces of the October 7^th attacks, and everything that has transpired in the 16 months since.

Personally, I haven’t been able to read any accounts detailing how the Bibas were murdered — because I simply can’t bear it. The image of Shiri, terrified, yet trying to do everything to protect her children from evil will stay with me forever.

As a community, we remain committed to helping those affected by the October 7^th attacks. Thanks to your support of Federation’s Israel Crisis Relief Fund, we continue to provide significant on-the-ground assistance in Israel. For example, $1 million dollars went to the Alin Beit Noam Rehabilitation Center — an innovative facility offering comprehensive rehabilitative care to Israelis with all types of disabilities, including victims of the October 7^th attacks as well as other programs that help survivors and the families of those murdered.

These people will need a lifetime of support, and your generosity has helped make that possible.

Support is only one call away: 703-J-CARING (703-522-7464)
I know that the Greater Washington community is likely to feel the impact of federal funding changes and job cuts especially hard. Please remember that Federation and the Jewish community is here for you. If you, or someone you know, is in need of assistance, the J-Caring community support initiative, a partnership between JSSA and Federation, can assist with everything from mental health care and career services to emergency cash assistance. All calls are confidential.

GMU Hillel Receives Strategic Growth Grant
Mazel Tov, to George Mason University Hillel on receiving a strategic growth grant from Hillel International. As the GMU Hillel continues to grow and expand its work, this award of more than $360,000 will allow them to hire two people dedicated to supporting regional and off-campus student engagement. I have no doubt this grant will help our friends at GMU Hillel engage and transform the lives of even more students and make an even bigger impact in the local Jewish community in Northern Virginia in the coming years.

Intergenerational Mission to Panama
“Life-changing” and “inspiring” are just some of the things I’ve heard from those who took the journey to Central America’s largest Jewish community last weekend. From meeting the Israeli Ambassador to Panama, to touring the Panama Canal, and some of the country’s beautiful synagogues and Jewish landmarks, I’ve been told that this was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. One participant shared with me that, “I feel like I’ve gained a new set of parents on this trip. I can call any of them with questions or for guidance in my Jewish journey with no hesitation.” Check out some pictures here.