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Home > A CARING COMMUNITY > ISRAEL EMERGENCY RESPONSE

ISRAEL EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Chizku V’Imtzu: Be Strong and Resolute

We are devastated by the current situation in Israel. While we face these days of unimaginable pain, together we stand with Israel and look for ways to offer support and help, however we can. Even while grieving and worrying, the Jewish way at times of national crisis is to emphasize tzedakah (charity and donations), tefillah (prayer) and ma'asim tovim (good deeds). To help you in this, we have assembled links to legitimate charitable organizations and other resources. We will also add a word of caution: There are several scam donation solicitations circulating on WhatsApp and social media. It is best to make donations directly from the websites of known organizations rather than by following such links.
 
In addition to the information below, the Westchester Jewish Council has compiled a resources page on fundraising, resources offering analysis, materials for talking to students, and ways to take action.
 
Please don't hesitate to reach out to us during this difficult time for support. We are here for you. Contact Rabbi Chaim Marder and Rabbanit Atara. If you have children and close family members in Israel, ask us about joining our HIWP WhatsApp group for some added support.
 
Traveling to Israel? If you can take a bag or two of supplies with you, please submit this form to let organizers know. If you can't manage a bag, there are small parcels with cards written by kids that can easily fit in a carry-on.
 
We will be continuously updating this page. Please check back for current updates.
DONATE
 
SPOTLIGHT CHARITY: Soroka Medical Center
Soroka Medical Center is at the forefront in responding to the war, fulfilling its role as Israel’s Medical Iron Dome. The most severely wounded IDF, civilians and released hostages are brought to Soroka which is located in Be’er Sheva, just 22 miles from Gaza. Since the start of the war, Soroka has treated 2,249 patients, including 680 people severely wounded on Oct. 7. In one single day this week, 22 casualties were evacuated to Soroka by 3 helicopters and ground vehicles for life-saving treatment.
 
Donate directly here OR through HIWP here (choose Israel Spotlight Charity from the donation type drop-down)
 
OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
ZAKA Search and Rescue
Soroka Hospital (closest major hospital to Be’er Sheva, treating hundreds of casualties)
Israel Bonds Drive: Click here for information on how to buy bonds
 
COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
We have created a page where individuals may publicize their efforts to help Israel. We are not reviewing these initiatives and do not endorse any particular effort or organization listed here. Please verify that these initiatives are legitimate before sending them money or goods. Anyone is welcome to add their own initiatives to the list, but please limit your additions to humanitarian and other charitable initiatives, and not to organizations pursuing particular political objectives. HIWP reserves the right to take down postings that we feel are not appropriate for this venue.
ATTEND EVENTS, RALLIES AND GATHERINGS
 
Stay tuned...
CONTACT ELECTED OFFICIALS
 
Israel will need time, space, and resources to complete its current mission. It is critical that we frequently contact our elected officials on an ongoing basis to ensure that Israel has the resources and support it needs. 
 
FEDERAL
President Joe Biden: https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/
Senator Charles Schumer: 202-224-6542 | https://www.schumer.senate.gov/
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand: 202-224-4451 | https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/
Representative Jamaal Bowman: 202-225-2464 | https://bowman.house.gov/
 
NEW YORK STATE
Governor Kathy Hochul: 518-474-8390 | https://www.governor.ny.gov/
State Senator Shelley B. Mayer: 518-455-2031 | smayer@nysenate.gov
Assembly Member Amy Paulin: 914-723-1115 | PaulinA@nyassembly.gov
Assembly Member Chris Burdick: 914-244-4450 | burdickc@nyassembly.gov
 
Also consider engaging with AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) by texting “ISRAEL” to 24722. For more information, visit www.aipac.org.
JOIN IN TEFILLAH

Now is a time to strengthen our prayers as a community. We will be adding tehillim, chapters 120 and 121 to our daily tefillot, along with the MiShebeirach for Tzahal and for captives. Click here for the MiShebeirach prayer text in Hebrew and in English for Israeli Soldiers and Captives.

SHOW SUPPORT

  • Reach out to family and friends in Israel. No message is too small, and any form of contact is meaningful.
  • Proudly display an Israeli flag on your property. Stay tuned for ways to procure posters and flags.
  • Post on social media or print out and display messages of support: here are some examples.

AND FINALLY...SAFEGUARD MENTAL HEALTH

We are living through incredibly hard times. It is important to stay updated on the news, while at the same time being mindful of how much our hearts and minds can and should handle. While there is a lot available to read and see online, it can be prudent to limit checking the news to a few set times a day. There is some horrifying content out there, and we must balance the need to bear witness while still ensuring our own abilities to take care of ourselves and our families.
 
Social media sites are places where the access to these images and videos can stream without us understanding the impact it is having on us. Please be on top of what our children are seeing, and check in with them as well.
 
This can also be a scary time for our children as they will inevitably hear things on the news. Each child will respond differently, and they are looking to us as grownups for support. It is important to listen and respond to our children with honest but age appropriate answers. Children should be reassured that they are safe, and can be encouraged, if appropriate, to help and join tefillot.
 
 
Sat, December 21 2024 20 Kislev 5785