Since July 7, when Israel initiated Operation Protective Edge, we have been closely monitoring events and praying for an end to the conflict, while mourning each and every life lost.
We don’t know how long it will take for authorities to feel that Israelis are safe against the incessant acts of terror perpetrated upon them. No matter the timeframe, it will be difficult and costly to get to that place of confidence.
In the past, Israel has had to fight defensive wars or initiate IDF operations against Hezbollah and Hamas. This conflict has shed light on the changing tactics these terrorists employ. Hamas’ missiles are reaching farther into more populated parts of Israel, with sirens sounding even in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Most alarming is the discovery of Hamas’ newest method of warfare and terror—more than 50 underground tunnels that could allow Hamas terrorists to come into Israel and murder and kidnap innocents.
We can’t even imagine what it must feel like to be threatened from above and below where we are living and working and raising our children. This is the new reality, every day, for so many Israelis.
I know the entire community wants to help. UJFT has responded with the Tidewater Emergency STOP THE SIRENS Israel Relief Fund.
Money donated will be added to the nationwide fundraising effort coordinated by Jewish Federations of North America, in partnership with the Union for Reform Judaism and the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.
Donations will help humanitarian efforts already underway, which to date include providing relief to 50,000 Israeli children living in proximity to Gaza, ensuring 22,000 elderly and disabled Israelis receive food, medicine, and basic needs, giving crucial trauma support and counseling to 15,000 Israelis, and other flexible direct response services.
These services are being supplied by our trusted overseas partners—the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, the Jewish Agency for Israel, and World ORT. Donations given to STOP THE SIRENS will also go to humanitarian aid provided by the Reform and Conservative movements in Israel, and the Israel Trauma Center.
The sooner you can donate, the better—for tens of thousands of Israelis who are affected by this crisis, for our partners delivering crucial humanitarian relief, and for Israel. Please, make your pledge to help, today.
Thank you in advance for your generosity,
Harry Graber
Executive Vice President
United Jewish Federation of Tidewater
Miles Leon
President
United Jewish Federation of Tidewater
P.S. This is a special STOP THE SIRENS emergency appeal for funds. It is not a regular campaign gift, which is still vital to fund the operations of local agencies and overseas partners. This STOP THE SIRENS donation will be used specifically for the supplemental programs and emergency services required by the Israelis as a direct result of the war.