At a gathering mourning the surprise attack by Hamas on Israeli civilians and expressing solidarity with Israel, Rabbi Ammi Hirsch said: “We saw in vivid reality what a pogrom looks like… Make no mistake: Israeli civilians were massacred because they were Jews. They massacred whole families. They slaughtered babies. They raped young women… and they ask why there is no peace? The days of murdering and massacring Jews with impunity are over… Israel will prevail. Am Yisrael chai!”
Dear congregants, members of the Jewish community and friends:
On Shabbat and Simchat Torah, Hamas launched an inhuman, brutal attack on Israeli civilians. According to the latest reports, many hundreds of Israeli civilians, soldiers and police were killed, thousands were wounded, and an estimated 100 have been taken hostage and kidnapped to Gaza.
The fighting in Israel is ongoing, and the weeks and months ahead will be filled with bloodshed and heartbreak. Israel will prevail, but we know the cost will be great.
Each of you can help support Israel during this time of dire need — including by supporting our synagogue’s emergency humanitarian relief fund. This web page will continue to be updated with events, resources and other opportunities to get involved.
Why Israel? A Foundations Class for Teens (Grades 10–12) and Their Parents 🙋
Why Israel? A Foundations Class for Teens (Grades 10–12) and Their Parents 🙋
Israel Current Events Reading Group for ECC + Religious School Parents 🙋
Why Israel? A Foundations Class for Teens (Grades 10–12) and Their Parents 🙋
Israel Current Events Reading Group for ECC + Religious School Parents 🙋
Israel Current Events Reading Group for ECC + Religious School Parents 🙋
Israel Current Events Reading Group for ECC + Religious School Parents 🙋
Support Our Humanitarian Fund For Israel
One hundred percent of the proceeds donated to Stephen Wise Free Synagogue’s special humanitarian relief fund will be distributed with urgency at the discretion of our board of trustees to support relief efforts in Israel.
Helping Children Respond To The War
Nationally recognized expert on Israel, antisemitism and social media Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath leads a discussion with rabbis and educators from across New York on how to help children and teens handle news and social media coverage of the war in Israel.
And please find additional resources below.
Join Our Israel Committee
Stephen Wise Free Synagogue’s Israel Committee works to promote the ideological and spiritual bonds that connect us to the Jewish homeland. Get involved to help plan Israel cultural, educational and advocacy events.
RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS
ADL: What is… antisemitism, anti-Zionism, anti-Israel bias?
ADL: Frequently asked questions about free speech on campus
ADL: 10 ways to have conscientious conversations on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
ADL: Dos and don’ts in responding to antisemitism on campus
AJC: How to respond to common misconceptions about the attack on Israel
Rabbi Rena Rifkin: Helping Your Secular Schools Respond to This Moment (Advice for Parents)
Reform Judaism: How to talk to children about the conflict in Israel
eJewishPhilanthropy: Guidance for talking to our kids
NPR: What to tell kids when the news is scary
Jewish Education Project: Resources for teaching about Israel in crisis
