Given the groundswell of antisemitism erupting in connection with the current situation between Hamas and Israel -- including antisemitic incidents moving closer to home in the last 24-hours, Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey issued this email to its constituents today.
Dear Friend,
With all there is to know concerning the recent conflict in Israel, digesting everything that is urgent, tragic, and deserving of your attention may feel too daunting a task.
- Perhaps you will look at that face, Ido's face, and weep.
- Perhaps you will look for the latest updates on the conflict and cease-fire.
- Perhaps you will look at the rampant spread of antisemitism across social media, celebrity and political chatter, and now manifesting in real-life street violence against Jews, and fear the worst.
If you do nothing else, do this:
KNOW THAT ISRAEL IS BOTH THE INDIGENOUS HOMELAND OF JEWS AND A MODERN SOVERIGN STATE AS IMPERFECT AS OUR OWN UNITED STATES, BUT NO LESS OBLIGED TO DEFEND ALL ITS PEOPLE FROM TERROR. THE GROUNDSWELL OF ANTISEMITISM WORLDWIDE, SET OFF BY THIS CONFLICT, POSES AS GREAT A THREAT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN YOUR HOME AS HAMAS ROCKETS POSE TO ISRAELIS.
THIS WEEKEND:
Tell one friend that the popular narrative about Israel is built on a lack of information and paints a false picture of what Israel really is.
Not sure you believe this? Or want to educate yourself? Learn more here.
And if you don't know how to address the "body count" discussion, understand that Israel does everything in its power to protect its citizens while Hamas strategically puts its citizens in harm's way as human shields to paint Israel as a villain. This video, posted by an Israeli Arab proponent of building bridges between Jews and Arabs, demonstrates the point. View here.
We are hopeful that the ceasefire put into effect last night will lead to rebuilding for the people and property caught in this crossfire, but beyond that, to greater efforts toward truth and justice in discussions of what really happened here, what it's all about, and how we move past that toward lasting peace.
Thank you for standing up for the truth as we pray for peace this Shabbat and in all the days to come.
Shabbat shalom,
Susan Antman, Executive Director
Cheryl Markbreiter, President
P.S. Please, share this with 2 friends. It is urgent.
THIS WEEK IN ISRAEL
Claims that Hamas rockets are no more harmful than "firecrackers" are belied by the damage seen here.
This map shows that Hamas hides military targets among densely populated residential locations.
Life goes on despite the conflict as these sisters shelter in their building's stairwell while studying for exams and texting with friends.
Trauma is widespread. Our community will dig deep to help the people of Israel heal.
CONTACTING YOUR ELECTED OFFICIAL IS CRITICAL
Contact your elected officials about standing with Israel and calling out antisemitism.
Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ-6), Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ-4), Sen. Bob Menendez, and Sen. Cory Booker have stood for the truth in this and other recent matters involving Israel. Thanking them is urgently important. THANK THEM.
- Rep. Fran Pallone: https://pallone.house.gov/contact
- Rep. Chris Smith: https://chrissmith.house.gov/contact/
- Sen. Bob Menendez: https://www.menendez.senate.gov/contact
- Sen. Cory Booker: https://www.booker.senate.gov/contact
Federation recently met with Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman's (D-NJ-12) office, and urged her to learn the whole truth about the situation that is hurting Israelis and Palestinians, alike. Please add your voice. Urge Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman to learn the whole truth about this situation.
- Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman: https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/contact/
To read Rep. Watson Coleman's recent statements, click here.
YOUR DONATIONS SUPPORT THOSE MOST IN NEED
Through our partners on the ground – the Jewish Agency, JDC, the Israel Trauma Coalition and more – and our relationships and funding commitments, Jewish Federation will do everything we can to alleviate suffering. Your contribution helps aid those in Israel most directly and gravely hurt by the trauma of this conflict.
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