Israel Updates

Please find the following resources which we will try to keep up to date as the situation in Israel and here at home develops.  While we have found these resources from reputable sources, the views in the articles/resources are not shared by all members of our community. These resources are meant to jumpstart  more learning and conversation, and provide multiple perspectives on various parts of complex issues.

TAKE ACTION/UPCOMING SEMINARS/EVENTS:

• From the URJ (Union for Reform Judaism): “How You Can Support Israel During These Challenging Times"

TZEDAKAH:

• Volunteer with JFS of Metrowest here to offer temporary housing assistance for Israeli War Evacuees

• Bridges of Hope is Rabbi Dr. Edgar Nof's organization in Haifa (Rabbi Nof is a friend and colleague of Rabbi Kraus). They are engaged in many projects to help: (1) relatives of those that were killed on Oct. 7th, (2) individuals and family members of those who were wounded on Oct. 7th, (3) families who were evacuated from Otef Aza on Oct. 7th, (4) families of those who were taken hostage and (5) families living under the poverty line whose situation has become even worse since the attacks.
  
  • To read more information about their efforts and support Bridges of Hope, click here.

• Yad Chessed is providing emergency financial assistance and support to displaced Israelis who have little or no financial means. We are an extension of the Jewish communal family for the most vulnerable. We want them to experience our community’s love and compassion and benefit from the tangible support necessary to help them overcome their challenges.

  • If you know of Israelis temporarily located in Massachusetts and in need of assistance, they can reach out to Yad Chessed at 781-487-2693 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Or they can complete this form. 
  • Temporary housing is needed for Israelis displaced by the war. Yad Chessed is collaborating with CJP and our partner agencies to help Israeli individuals and families find temporary housing and to access supports and resources. If you have a separate space with a private bathroom, such as an in-law apartment, vacation home or rental property that can be made available to a family, please fill out this form and someone will respond as soon as possible. Thank you for considering this special mitzvah!

• CJP Fund for Israel at War: In times of crisis, we stand together. Now, more than ever, our Israeli brethren need our support. While our hearts break for the fallen and their families, we are proud that the Greater Boston Jewish community rallies to show our support. We pray for peace and the safety and security of all those we love and for Israel. Thank you for your generosity.
  
  100% of your donation will go toward supporting victims of terror and addressing the unprecedented levels of trauma caused by these horrific attacks.
  
  
• The New Israel Fund has initiated an emergency response, working with Israeli groups on the ground to provide basic care for the most vulnerable groups; to combat violent speech and incitement online; to prevent inter-communal violence in mixed cities; and to provide mental health and trauma counseling.
  
  
• The JDC is collecting funds to support vulnerable communities in the south of Israel directly affected by the Hamas attacks.
  
  
• American Friends of Sheba Medical Center: Supported by the Reform Movement, Sheba is playing a critical role in Israel’s response to this war. Your support helps Sheba in this emergency.
  
  
• United Hatzalah is the largest independent, non-profit, fully volunteer emergency medical service (EMS) in Israel. Over 7,000 volunteers and over 120 rescue vehicles remain fully mobilized in response to the current crisis. They work hand-in-hand with the IDF to treat soldiers, adults, and children. Currently, Hatzalah’s highest priority is to source millions of dollars’ worth of urgent medical supplies, protective gear, and communications equipment while increasing their dispatch and logistic capabilities.
  
  
• The Maglan Unit is an elite unit of the IDF. An Israeli member of our congregation has family and friends currently serving as reservists with Maglan on the Gaza border. Contributions to the Maglan Unit enable us to make a direct difference in on-the-ground efforts to help Israel defend itself and to protect those directly engaged in the task of protecting Israel. This fund is a 501c3 with 100% of tax-deductible donations going directly to support this essential unit.

• Collecting Items for the Israel American Council (IAC). The supplies that IAC is collecting are essential to support Israeli troops. The need is significant. You may purchase needed items via Amazon.com and have them sent directly to the IAC in Newton, MA. Alternatively, you may purchase needed items on your own (by reviewing the Amazon wishlist) but please read this important note:

  Important Note: Because the IAC is seeking very specific items, we recommend purchasing directly from their Amazon list. This will also help them to track what has been purchased. You may have them sent directly to the IAC offices in Newton (or you could offer to collect items at BETC). Anything from the Amazon list may be purchased elsewhere, but you need to buy the exact item listed there (For example, only black sleeping bags may be sent.)

RESOURCES FOR LEARNING ABOUT/RESPONDING TO THE CURRENT SITUATION IN ISRAEL FOR ADULTS, CHILDREN AND TEENS (compiled by the leaders of BETC and Temple Beth Shalom, Needham):

• "Israel At War": Resources compiled by Brandeis' Schusterman Center for Israel Studies

• Recording of Seminar with former Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni (found here):  This informal seminar/conversation was hosted by Beit Daniel, a Progressive/Reform congregation in Tel Aviv.

• Informational Responses to Allegations About Israel:  This document - prepared by the ADL - which provides helpful information may be found here.

• Responses to Problematic Rhetoric About Israel:  This document - prepared by the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Bay Area - provides information behind many of the chants and charges heard at anti-Israel rallies, such as “From the River to the Sea!” and “Intifada!  Intifada!”  This document may be found here.

• Article: “Israel is Not Committing Genocide in Gaza” - This opinion article printed in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz speaks to the charge of genocide.  It may be found here.

• Article: “The Decolonization Narrative is Dangerous and False” - This opinion article appeared recently in The Atlantic.  It may be found here.

• Article: “What Jewish College Students Are Grappling with Right Now”:  This article from “Hey Alma” - an online website for students - may be found here.

• Video Presentation: “Responding to Questions About the Crisis in Israel”:  This recorded program was hosted by the Jewish Community Relations Council of Boston.  It was specifically aimed at college students but is appropriate for adults as well.  Dr. Rachel Fish is the former director of Brandeis University’s Schusterman Center for Israel Studies.  In this recent interview with JCRC, Dr. Fish provides helpful framing of the current situation for college students who are on campus and for adults.  The interview is excellent and may be found here. 

• From the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America:
  
  • Sources on "A Jewish Narrative of Power: Fighting a Just War Justly" by Lauren Berkun

• The Hotline for Israel/Palestine is an educational texting hotline promoting dialogue for peace. With over 25 volunteers — Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Palestinian, and Israeli — they have already answered over 150 questions. Each volunteer is trained in dialogue skills, as well as in how to provide a range of resources from multiple perspectives, to help people come to their own conclusions. You can read more about it from Haaretz, or NPR.  For more information, visit their website here or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Talking with Children/Teens:

• PJLibrary Resources for talking with children

• How to Talk to Children About Conflict in Israel (URJ Resource)
  
  
• How to Talk to Your Children about Israel and Terrorism: A Toolbox (URJ Resource)
  
  
• How to Talk to Kids About What's Happening in Israel Right Now (kveller.com)
  
  
• Jewish Boston Resources for Youth and Teens: Supporting Our Youth & Teens: Learning & Talking About Israel

• Article: “Sad, Scared, Proud, Alone: How US Jewish Teens Are Feeling Amid Israel-Hamas War” - This article, published by the Times of Israel, may be found here.

• The Association of Reform Jewish Educators has compiled this extensive list of resources for parents, teens and educators.

Books About Israel:

• Israel: A Simple Guide To The Most Misunderstood Country on Earth by Noa Tishby

• Israel: A Concise History of a Nation Reborn by Daniel Gordis
  
  
• My Promised Land by Ari Shavit
  
  
• Israel: A History by Anita Shapira
  
  
• Letters to My Palestinian Neighbor by Yossi Klein HaLevi
  
  
• Can We Talk About Israel? A guide for the Curious, Confused, and Conflicted by Daniel Sokatch 
  
  
• Israel: A History by Martin Gilbert
  
  
• For the Love of Israel by Rabbi Steven Lowenstein  (appropriate for teens)