Israel: Show our support & honor the hostages
From David Ginsborg, Executive Director
As Rabbi Paula noted in one of her recent emails “Our hearts are heavy with concern for all those who are suffering due to this war.” Not surprisingly many have asked how we can support the people who are living through this nightmare; how we can make sure the hostages are not forgotten.
Wear a blue ribbon to remember the hostages
Temple Beth El is joining reform congregations around the world who are sharing their solidarity by wearing a blue ribbon. As noted by the URJ #BlueRibbonsforIsrael is a unity campaign in support of the safe return of the hostages taken by Hamas terrorists in Israel. It symbolizes solidarity with the hostages, their families, and all who care about their safety. Wearing a ribbon publicly unites you with people of all religions, races, nationalities, ethnicities, ages, and generations and demonstrates for the people of Israel that they are not alone and that good people across the globe are with them and their families during this dark time. To pick up your blue ribbon, please stop by the Temple and make a donation if you would like.
TBE has created a diverse list of ways to give financial support to those who are suffering on the ground due to the war. This list includes Israeli non-governmental organizations from humanitarian aid to medical aid, search and rescue, and soldier and civilian support for those who are suffering in the Holy Land. It is by no means comprehensive. To review the entire list, go to https://www.tbeaptos.org/israel.html
A Prayer for Peace
Finally, I ask everyone to say a prayer for peace in the holy land and a swift return of the hostages. Uppermost in my mind is a close family friend whom we have known since she was born and is especially close to my son. He even spent a few extra days in Israel after his Birthright trip to visit with her. Although she had recently completed her military duty, because of the war her entire platoon was called up to the south. Please extend a prayer for those protecting our right to self-determination as well as all of those in harm’s way throughout the holiday
Israel
This is a diverse list of ways to give financial support to those who are suffering on the ground due to the war. We are offering a wide range of options in hopes that you will find one or more organizations that you can help. This list includes Israeli non-governmental organizations from humanitarian aid to medical aid, search and rescue, and soldier and civilian support for those who are suffering on both sides of the border. We ask that you receive this list with respect and understand that members of our congregation will make different decisions about how to give. Please choose an organization and donate.
Stand With Israel
In this challenging hour, the Israeli and Jewish spirit of solidarity shines brightly. Countless organizations have mobilized to assist citizens and soldiers in receiving the support they need.
Identify the volunteer organizations that resonate with you, contribute to them. Click Here for a directory of Israeli NGO’s
Or support one of these organizations:
Magen David Adom
Magen David Adom has activated all 1,400 of its ambulances and is treating the wounded, often while under rocket attack and gunfire themselves. MDA EMTs are among the casualties.
Your help is desperately needed to put more ambulances on the road and to replenish supplies for both EMTs and paramedics and for MDA’s blood services division, which is supplying blood for the wounded.
New Israel Fund’s Emergency Response Plan
Basic care for the most vulnerable groups: While the country reels from this attack, we must make sure that no communities are left behind. Families in the kibbutzim near the Gaza Border are still not reunited and may not have the access to care that they need. Several Bedouin citizens from unrecognized villages in the South have been killed and many more injured. With very little infrastructure – including very few bomb shelters—and decades of neglect by consecutive governments, this community needs urgent support to ensure that basic care is available for those injured, left homeless, and for those needing arrangements for the dead. These are just examples of two vulnerable groups that need our help right now.
Dror Israel Emergency Response
“Our educators in Sderot, Ashkelon, Beer Sheva, Rehovot, Tel Aviv, Rishon Letzion, and other affected communities are assessing all the critical needs and addressing them. Educators are in touch with students, program participants, neighborhood leaders and groups, making sure they are safe and accounted for. Emergency initiatives include:
Supporting evacuees: Day care and programs for traumatized children and youth are desperately needed for families who have been evacuated from Gaza border communities under attack to Dead Sea Hotels, our boarding school in Mitzpe Ramon, and more.
Youth counselors in bomb shelters: In underprivileged communities where people don't have safe rooms in their homes, our experienced youth educators are running therapeutic and educational programs for children and families in Rehovot and Ashkelon, with more locations opening as soon as deemed safe.
Day care for children of hospital workers and other essential staff: We are currently fielding requests from hospitals throughout Israel to set up day care centers for children of doctors, nurses, and staff so they can treat the injured while schools are closed.
Support for children and families sheltering in place: We are providing in-person and online programming, distributing activity kits and other educational materials in Sderot, Ashkelon, Rehovot, and more.
A non-profit social impact organization, founded in 2014 by the Asor Fund, with the goal of growing the culture of giving in Israel and to Israel.
Equipment for Israeli Soldiers
Amazon wish list to buy essential equipment for those fighting in Israel
The list was compiled with activists in Israel who are in touch with reserve units and refugee families. Select the items and quantity you want to purchase and specify the address as: "Tali Reiner Brodetzki's Gift Registry Address" - the items will arrive at our logistic center. Packed and sent to Israel by volunteers.
Physicians for Human Rights Israel
PHRI works to provide free healthcare and humanitarian aid to thousands of people each year, and to challenge and change discriminatory and abusive policies.