Dear MJCC Community,
It was with a mix of shock and horror that I awoke yesterday to the news that the Hamas terrorist organization launched a full-scale war against Israel. I am sure that all of you are aware of the situation and share the anger and sadness that I feel by all that is happening. In the single day that has passed, hundreds of civilians have died, thousands have been wounded, and many people have been taken hostage by the militants. The MJCC stands with Israel and all of the people in the region affected by this terrible war, and we pray for all the victims and their families.
As we continue to grapple with this horrible news, I want to take a moment to let you know a few important things.
First, the MJCC is co-sponsoring a community solidarity gathering on Monday evening at Congregation Neveh Shalom at 7:30 pm. The program is also accessible via livestream using this link.
Second, the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland has established an Israel Emergency Fund to help victims of terror and trauma, and to help rebuild infrastructure, working in partnership with organizations in Israel. If you would like to learn more or contribute, you can do so here.
Third, we continue to work closely with our law enforcement and security agency partners in order to be aware of any safety and security concerns in our community. No changes to our existing, comprehensive security procedures and protocols have been recommended at this time. We will implement any recommended adjustments in the coming days and weeks and will communicate those changes to you.
Finally, I want to share a communication that was sent earlier today by the JCC Association of North America from David Wax, the JCCA Board Chair, and Doron Krakow, the CEO and President of JCCA:
The last 36 hours have been among the darkest in Israel’s history. The numbers of dead and injured are staggering and in a country the size of Israel, it has quickly become very personal. By late yesterday we had already become aware of the deaths of a number of people we knew, and a far larger number of friends and relatives who had suffered the loss of close friends or family – or whose close friends or family members have been taken hostage. That on top of the many people in our circles who have been called to active duty in their IDF combat units – charged with putting their lives on the line to win this terrible war.
It’s personal. It’s personal for every Israeli living in our JCC communities. Every Shaliach. Every member of the diplomatic corps. Every family with a child in Tsabar, the North American branch of the Israel Scouts. Every member of the IAC. Every visiting Israeli faculty member. Every young Israeli enjoying a post-army adventure here. Every Israeli living in the US and Canada. It’s personal. They’re hurting. They feel terribly distant from family and friends, from the homes they grew up in, and the people they left behind. That’s where we come in.
In the days ahead we look to you and your JCCs to reach out to them – to each of them - and let them know they’re not alone. Gather them to stand in solidarity with Israel. Take them into your warm embrace and assure them that JCC communities share their angst, their anger and their pain. Remind them that each JCC is the town square of its local Jewish community and in the face of this unprecedented and savage assault on Israel’s civilian population, our town squares are where we come together for comfort and support. Extend every courtesy and every service we can bring to bear. Many Jewish communities are working on solidarity rallies and programs. In some, the JCC is hosting and organizing. In others, the JCC is in the best position to get the word out and drive participation.
JCCs are the largest platform for Jewish engagement in every neighborhood, town, and city that they call home – and every JCC plays an invaluable part in grassroots community relations. Let’s put those assets to work in Israel’s hour of need.
The people in our JCC communities – our members, visitors and staff, are an important part of North American Jewry’s deep connections to the land and people of Israel. Together we have gathered at our JCCs to celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut – Israel’s Independence Day. We’ve brought delegations of young Israelis to take part in our camps, our teen learning cohorts, and our JCC Maccabi teams. We’ve celebrated Israeli arts and culture through books, music and film festivals and supported travel programs to Israel for our teens, adults and families of all ages. We’ve also gathered to remember and to mourn. Remembering the Holocaust on Yom HaShoah. And, on Yom Hazikaron — Israel’s Memorial Day - remembering those who’ve given their lives in defense of Israel the Jewish people — a list grown far longer since yesterday. Today, at a time of great sorrow and need, we can strengthen our North American Jewish communities by offering people the chance to gather once more and share their love, passion and commitment to Klal Yisrael – the unity of the Jewish people.
Notwithstanding its extraordinary achievements and its powerful position in the Middle East, Israel — as we’re seeing right now — remains vulnerable, and its people are on the front lines. Let’s make sure they know we have their backs. This war, like all the others, will in time, find Israel triumphant, but already the cost feels like more than we can bear. But bear it, we will. Because bear it we must.
JCC Association of North America has proudly signed on to the following statement set to be released by the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations:
The members of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations stand united in support of Israel. Today was one of the gravest and most devastating days in Israel’s history. Iran-backed Hamas terrorists in Gaza carried out a highly coordinated, unprovoked, and unprecedented assault by air, land and sea to cross into Israel and overtake numerous Israeli communities. Over the days and weeks ahead, the IDF will take decisive actions to destroy the terrorist threat from Gaza. Israel, like all other nations, has both the right and responsibility to protect its citizens. This military operation is not one of Israel’s choosing, but one made necessary by Hamas and Iran. We mourn those lost, we pray for a speedy recovery for those injured, and for the safe return of hostages. We urge our neighbors, partners, and political leaders here in the United States to stand with Israel today and throughout its operation in Gaza.
As an MJCC community, let's pray for a rapid end to the violence and hope that peace will prevail.
Thank you,
Steve Albert, Executive Director
