Global Unity and Emergency Relief Initiatives
Israel is immersed in a dire situation. On October 7, the gates of hell have seemingly swung open from the Gaza Strip, and the death toll has surged to over 1200 Israeli casualties at the time of this writing. This violent onslaught against Israel has captured global attention, showcasing unimaginable scenes of innocent men, women, and children falling victim to mass violence. Approximately 250 children, women, and men are being held hostage by Hamas, their fates uncertain. Additionally, over 2000 individuals have sustained injuries. Every Israeli family bears the heavy weight of losses, impacting not only family members but also friends and colleagues. Funeral notifications arrive every few minutes, and the final tally is yet unknown. The uncertainty persists regarding how many of our compatriots have been taken to Gaza as hostages by Hamas.
Shortly after the attack, a TZAV 8 (emergency mobilization warrant) was issued to all Israelis, both men and woman of age, although it turned out to be unnecessary. One hundred percent of reserve servicemen, including those beyond the age of 45, volunteered for duty. Israelis stranded abroad, unable to return home to join the fight, have been supported by fellow Israelis and Jewish community families who open their homes and connections to facilitate their return.
National and regional leaders have been tirelessly working to serve the Israeli community. A remarkable grassroots effort has taken root among Israelis worldwide, with individuals and organizations coming together to provide support during this time of need. Our primary focus centers on delivering urgent relief to Israeli families under attack and providing life-saving equipment to the settlements and cities at the south border that were severely affected as well as at our brave soldiers on the front lines. We are committed to ensuring safety and peace as swiftly as possible. Israeli and Jewish movements, both lay and professional, from around the world unite in support, displaying unwavering commitment to Israel during these challenging times.
The Vibrant UnXeptable Global Movement and the New York protest movement, in conjunction with Brothers and Sisters in Arms, synagogues, IAC, and numerous communities throughout the United States, have forged alliances. They are working diligently to expedite the use of funds, having already raised over half a million dollars in four days. These funds are earmarked for life-saving equipment for the soldiers on the front lines. Moreover, joint efforts have garnered tens of thousands of dollars for the residents of the South. Close communication with local communities ensures the effectiveness of our assistance. These combined efforts are saving lives.
It is also important to acknowledge the ongoing struggle within the media for public opinion. In spite of what may appear to be impossible, there are many individuals who, due to a lack of understanding, support the aggressive assault and view it as a legitimate aspect of the Palestinian movement. Hamas is widely classified as a terrorist organization, making any form of support for them absolutely unacceptable.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to President Biden and the American people, King Charles of England and the British government, PM Narendra Mudi of India, PM Giorgia Meloni of Italy, FM Anneline Baerbock of Germany and the Germain Bundestag, President Emmanuel Macron of France, officials in Spain, Joseph Borrel High representative of the UN, Ursola Vun der Leyen President of the European Commission, PM Marc Rutta of Netherlands, leaders in Belgium and Greece and Ukraine for their unwavering support of Israel’s right to sovereignty.
Our hearts are heavy with sorrow for today’s events and those that may still unfold. We stand in solidarity with our families and friends in Israel, sharing in the collective grief, terror, and uncertainty they face. Our thoughts are with the soldiers and reservists who are at the forefront of our movement, bravely reporting for duty to defend our country. We also express our solidarity with the Israeli security and volunteering aid forces on the ground, diligently rescuing, evacuating, and caring for the casualties.
Lastly, we pray for the safety of the hostages mostly innocent civilians in Gaza, and actively pushing for government-led negotiations for their release. In times of crisis, we remember the words of Psalm 23: “Though I walk through a valley of deepest darkness, I fear no harm, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff—they comfort me.” The Zazim movement, in collaboration with Compact (Zazim’s sister organization in Germany), has launched a campaign urging the German government to mediate a deal for the return of the hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Germany has successfully mediated such deals in the past and possesses the necessary tools and capabilities to bring Israel and Hamas to the negotiating table. Qatar is also reportedly involved in mediating a potential agreement. International cooperation is essential to ending their suffering.
How Can We Collaborate to Support Israel?
If you wish to contribute to supporting Israel during this challenging period, you can consider the following options:
Donate: Make a tax-deductible donation to the relief efforts at:
https://www.charidy.com/k-sderot
Provide direct assistance to the city of Sderot in order to meet its emergency equipment needs, to provide mental and emotional well-being support, and to provide food and medication.
https://www.americaisraeldemocracy.org/southunderattack
An IAC Israel Emergency Fund created and will send 100% of all money received to fulfill urgent needs on the ground in Israel. A link will soon be available that will allow you to send your money to one, or any combination, of several different causes, each of which has been determined by us to provide vital services to Israelis.
Hazbara (PR): Become an ambassador for the justness of Israel’s cause during these trying times. Advocacy is crucial as the world’s attention wavers. Follow: mate.hasbara
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mate.hasbara?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Drive: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1yzLNJmkM73o5Kl8eryPj4BBAA6qSTL7i
Public Demonstrations: Join IAC, UnXeptable, or local synagogues in your community and across the United States in organized rallies to demonstrate your solidarity and unwavering support for Israel and its people.
Let us stand together and support Israel during this difficult hour and conclude with a prayer in Hebrew for the peace and healing of the country:
,אָבִינוּ שֶׁבַּשָּׁמַיִם
צוּר יִשְׂרָאֵל וְגוֹאֲלוֹ
בָּרֵךְ אֶת מְדִינַת יִשְׂרָאֵל
.רֵאשִׁית צְמִיחַת גְּאֻלָּתֵנוּ
הָגֵן עָלֶיהָ בְּאֶבְרַת חַסְדֶּךָ
וּפְרֹשׂ עָלֶיהָ סֻכַּת שְׁלוֹמֶךָ
וּשְׁלַח אוֹרְךָ וַאֲמִתְּךָ לְרָאשֶׁיהָ, שָׂרֶיהָ וְיוֹעֲצֶיהָ
.וְתַקְּנֵם בְּעֵצָה טוֹבָה מִלְּפָנֶיךָ
חַזֵּק אֶת יְדֵי מְגִנֵּי אֶרֶץ קׇדְשֵׁנוּ
וְהַנְחִילֵם אֱלֹהֵינוּ יְשׁוּעָה
וַעֲטֶרֶת נִצָּחוֹן תְּעַטְּרֵם
וְנָתַתָּ שָׁלוֹם בָּאָרֶץ
.וְשִׂמְחַת עוֹלָם לְיוֹשְׁבֶיהָ
