Melanie Einbund, IJSS Board Member
On the 50th year anniversary of the Yom Kippur War, during Shabbat and Simchat Torah, Hamas terrorists launched a coordinated, sophisticated, and barbaric attack on Israeli civilians and soldiers by launching thousands of rockets, kidnapping and killing families, and murdering innocents in their homes and streets.
As we look and hear of the atrocities, we are not unaffected.
Some of us who have visited Israel, have family and friends who may need some support and caring. Please listen and help those who may reach out, and be aware of those who do not.
Below are listed some thoughts and references as we go forward.
You can contact any Institute of Judaic Services and Studies (IJSS) board member should you need assistance.
Contact your congressman and senators to pledge their solidarity and support to Israel. Ask them to provide the materials necessary to fight the fight, including the iron dome, security equipment, precision-guided munitions arms, and equipment. Their names and contact information are below.
From the Jewish National Fund (JNF) USA: We Stand With Israel
Current needs being addressed by the JNF:
* Evacuation from hardest-hit communities on the border, including transportation and emergency housing.
* Firefighting and protective equipment to fight against the ongoing rocket fire destroying homes, buildings, and livelihoods.
* Bedding and hygiene supplies for those displaced from their homes.
* Psychological treatment.
* The process of rebuilding communities devastated by attacks, to keep their spirits and hopes strong.
Donations can be made to support critical needs by visiting www.jnf.org/supportisrael.
How You Can Help, from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL)
1. Learn more about the current situation, as well as which organizations are working on the ground in Israel and abroad to provide essential humanitarian support.
2. If you witness or experience an antisemitic incident, report it to the ADL.
3. Watch your inbox or go to www.adl.org for upcoming briefings on the situation in Israel.
Other Organizations Receiving Donations
Should you wish to donate to other organizations, please look at the list below. IJSS has not reviewed or vetted these organizations. They have been provided by the newspaper J. The Jewish News of Northern California.
* Jewish Federations of North America: The umbrella organization representing more than 350 Jewish Federations across the continent has organized an Israel emergency fund “to support victims of terror, help rebuild damaged infrastructure, and address the unprecedented levels of trauma caused by this horrific attack,” according to the nonprofit. (www.jewishfederations.org)
* Friends of the IDF: Authorized to gather charitable donations to provide for the health, welfare, and education for the soldiers of the Israel Defense Force. (www.fidf.org)
* Magen David Adom: Donate to support paramedics, EMTs, first responders, and first-aid providers on the ground in Israel. (www.mdais.org)
* IsraAID: This Israeli aid group with an office in the San Francisco Bay Area known mainly for humanitarian work outside of Israel is accepting donations for its efforts to get relief supplies and other support to Israeli communities affected by the fighting. (www.israaid.org)
* Congregation Brothers of Israel: The New Jersey Shore organization is raising money to help supply body armor, helmets, and other life-saving gear to IDF soldiers. (www.brothersisrael.org)
* NATAL: Israel Trauma Center for Victims of Terror and War: This Israeli organization offers mental health treatment around PTSD and other trauma related to war and terror. (www.natal.org.il)
* Barzilai Medical Center: Barzilai is a hospital in Ashkelon, near Gaza, which is treating civilian victims and soldiers injured in combat. (www.bmc.gov.il)
* JGive: The Israeli tech-based nonprofit dedicated to “growing the culture of giving in Israel and to Israel” has launched a national emergency fund to aid war victims. (www.jgive.com)
Legislators’ Contact information
Juan Ciscomani, United States Representative, AZ 6th Congregational District
1429 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
1636 N. Swan Road, Suite 200
Tucson, AZ 85712
Phone: 202-225-2542
Phone: 520-881-3588
Website: ciscomani.house.gov
Mark Kelly, United States Senator
Hart Senate Office Building, Suite 516
Washington, D.C. 20510
1661 N. Swan Road, Suite 238
Tucson, AZ 85712
Phone: 202-224-2235
Phone: 520-475-5177
Website: kelly.senate.gov
Kyrsten Sinema, United States Senator
317 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
20 E. Ochoa St.
Tucson, AZ 85701
Phone: 202-224-4521
Phone: 520-639-7080
Website: sinema.senate.gov
Joe Biden, U.S. President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20500
Phone: 202-456-1111
Website: whitehouse.gov