War in Israel

On the 50-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 care. 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 for Judaic Services and Studies (IJSS) board member should you need assistance.

Contact your congressmen and senators to pledge their solidarity and support to Israel. Tell them to provide materials necessary to fight the fight, including the iron dome, security equipment, precision-guided munitions arms, and equipment. Their names and contact information are at the bottom of this article.

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 to rebuild communities devastated by attacks to keep their spirits and hopes strong

Donations can be made to support critical needs by visiting jnf.org/supportisrael. JNF also provides daily updates about the current situation at jnf.zoom.us/I/92168860129.

How You Can Help from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL):

1. Learn more about the current situation and Hamas, 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 adl.org for upcoming briefings on the situation in Israel.

Some Other Organizations Receiving Donations:

Should you wish to donate to organizations other than the JNF, 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. (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. (fidf.org)

Magen David Adom: Donate to support paramedics, EMTs, first responders, and first-aid providers on the ground in Israel. (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. (israaid.org)

Congregation Brothers of Israel: The New Jersey Shore organization is raising money to help supply body armor, helmets, and other lifesaving gear to IDF soldiers. (brothersisrael.org)

NATAL: Israel Trauma Center for Victims of Terror and War. is an Israeli organization offering mental health treatment around PTSD and other trauma related to war and terror. (natal.org.il/en)

Barzilai Medical Center: Barzilai is a hospital in Ashkelon, near Gaza, which is treating civilian victims and soldiers injured in combat. (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.” (jgive.com)

Legislators Contact information:

Juan Ciscomani, United States Representative, AZ 6th Congregational District

1429 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515; Phone: 202-225-2542

1636 N. Swan Road, Suite 200, Tucson, AZ 85712; Phone 520-881-3588

Website: ciscomani.house.gov

Mark Kelly, United States Senator

Hart Senate Office Building, Suite 516, Washington, DC 20510; Phone: 202-224-2235

1661 N. Swan Road, Suite 238, Tucson, AZ 85712; Phone: 520-475-5177

Website: kelly.senate.gov

Kyrsten Sinema, United States Senator

317 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510; Phone 202-224-4521

20 E. Ochoa Street, Tucson, AZ 85701; Phone: 520-639-7080