Tikkun Olam: Initiatives to Support Israelis

Take one minute a day to advocate for the 240 hostages being held in Gaza. Call your congressional representatives daily and tell them to pass the upcoming resolution to bring the hostages home. One Minute a Day has automated the whole process—so it literally takes just one minute to call all four of your representatives.

One of BJ’s dear partners for many years from Israel are Guy Tsfoni and Rabbi Chen Ben-Or Tsfoni. Guy grew up on Kibbutz Be’eri and still has many family members there. The kibbutz endured a terrible massacre. One hundred and eight people were murdered and more are still missing. Guy’s family are safe but all have been displaced and are living in a hotel near the Dead Sea. Guy and Chen have shared that the children would love letters, pictures and stickers sent to them to bring them some cheer in this difficult time. A box will be placed outside the Rabbi Rachel Cowan Chapel under the Omer Counter for those who would like to drop off letters, stickers, and pictures for them. Anyone of any age can contribute, especially if you are coming into the building for minyan, Shabbat, Kadima, or any other programming. We will send these to Israel every other week.

During these difficult days for all of Am Yisrael, everyone is playing their part to strengthen Israel and the IDF. The spirit of our soldiers is as strong as ever and they are currently in their bases and in the field preparing for the next stage of the fighting. In order to strengthen their resolve we are asking that children across the Jewish world send letters of support that we will distribute to our soldiers in the field. You have no idea how much this means to them.

Please prepare messages in any language that include the following:

During these difficult days for all of Am Yisrael, everyone is playing their part to strengthen Israel and the IDF. The spirit of our soldiers is as strong as ever and they are currently in their bases and in the field preparing for the next stage of the fighting. In order to strengthen their resolve we are asking that children across the Jewish world send letters of support that we will distribute to our soldiers in the field. You have no idea how much this means to them.

Please write messages in any language that include the following:

• An opening such as “Dear IDF soldiers”
• A short message of support
• First name of the child, their age, and location in the world

Please prepare these on a computer or take a photograph of the letter and send it to arisilbermann@ots.org.il.
With prayers for all of Am Yisrael,
Rabbi Dr. Ari Silbermann,
Director of Education, Straus-Amiel Institute
Ohr Torah Stone

UJA Federation New York is mobilizing urgently needed relief for the people of Israel. The Israel Emergency Fund provides emergency cash assistance for victims of terror. Critically needed trauma counseling. Care for children in shelters. Burial expenses. Funds to relocate people to safer areas.

In light of the ongoing situation Amutat Ma’avirim Kadima (Pay it Forward) and Bnei Akiva Bak’a Jerusalem are preparing packages with food, games, and books for families, and packages with food and hygienic necessities for soldiers.

Contributions can be made via:

• JGive (via Bit or credit card)
• Paybox
• Bank Transfer to Ma’avirim Kadima r”a,
  Bank Leumi (31), Branch 012, account #: 095694
  (please indicate that the reason for the transfer is “Emergency in the South”)

Those needing a receipt can contact dahlia.s.goldfarb@gmail.com.

The donation is tax deductible in Israel. All those working for the amuta are volunteers.

Help to ensure that Israeli soldiers have the critical equipment they need to stay safe and succeed.

ITPE has set up a donation system to support Israel immediately. Funds raised will go directly to devoted associations and organizations that work around the clock with us, dedicated to saving lives, aiding families, and supporting soldiers in all emergency situations.

As always, the men and women of Magen David Adom are risking their lives to save the lives of others.

Now, more than ever, MDA needs your help.

AID Coalition is providing funding, directly and indirectly, for the following:

• Post-Trauma psycho-social support, helping providers of this time sensitive and critical service;

• Appliances and supplies to displaced members of kibbutzims from the South, who fled their homes as they were under attack;

• Clothing and supplies provided by organizations such as Brothers & Sisters in Arms, to those in need;

• Medical supplies and first aid kits;​

100% of donations received are transferred, subject to U.S. and Israeli laws, to Israeli organizations that support and promote our vision and are true to our principles. Other than fees charged by the banks, AID Coalition does not retain any amounts from the donations received.

Urgent aid for frontline residents in Israel! Tzedek Centers, Hashomer Hatzair and Nachshonim are now operating an emergency apparatus that provides broad and immediate aid in the Swords of Iron war. Their action includes:

• Educational activity and support in public shelters in Ashkelon, Ashdod and Be’er Sheva, supporting frontline communities with no ability to evacuate.
• Educational and emotional support for evacuated kibbutzim that are stationed in Eilat, Ein Gedi, Kfar Menachem and Givat Olga, which includes educational support and activity, relief for parents, and provision of various basic needs.
• Hosting for evacuated families in the Givat Haviva seminar center and in private homes of volunteers.
• Organizing volunteers for action in cities across the country, joining municipal aid forces, cleaning and setting up shelters, public aid hotlines, gathering food and equipment donations for Gaza area residents, babysitting children of medical staff, and more. We are in need of financial support for transportation, lodging, and equipment for families

ELEM, which has always provided critical mental health support in emergency situations, has expanded its online services and is providing as much support as possible to youth to try and mitigate trauma. Some youths have been evacuated, and some have seen their families die right in front of them.

Your support at this time will allow Elem to replenish its van fleet (2 of their vans were destroyed at the Nova Music Festival), which is crucial as they’re opening multiple pop-up locations for evacuated youth. They also need funds to allow for additional pop-up locations, hiring more staff (many of their staff were called to serve), providing humanitarian aid for young mothers at risk, and more.