Before Shabbat, we wanted to send a quick note of –

Gratitude – In just a little over two weeks, our incredible Jewish Federation system has raised over $550M dollars for urgent needs and for the longer term rebuilding and rehabilitation of the families and communities harmed in our beloved State of Israel.  More importantly, over $100M has already reached the front-line service providers and more is on the way even as we write this note. We cannot express adequately how overwhelming and inspirational it has been to watch you all spring into action and, even without knowing all the details yet of what the needs will be, mobilize your communities to support this Israel Emergency Campaign.

Determination – Our original $500M goal, established just four days into this crisis, was a recognition that the needs would be tremendous and that we had to get started right away raising the resources. We now know clearly that the needs far exceed that amount, and that our work continues. We are determined to continue our fundraising and allocations as long as is necessary to restore the Jewish State to health and prosperity.

Awareness – Even as the work in Israel continues, we face an extraordinary challenge at home. We are proud of the 123 community solidarity vigils and rallies that Federations have helped organize, all with important political, civic and business leaders there.  And of course the response of our political leaders, inlcuding President Biden, has been extraordinary. But we know that being a Jew and a Zionist in our communities, in our schools, and in our businesses increasingly makes our community subject to verbal and even physical attacks. We are on the offensive, and we will be working together across the Jewish world to mobilize our communities in support of Israel and against antisemitism. 

Remembrance – As we prepare for Shabbat, our friends and colleagues in the Pittsburgh Jewish community are remembering the victims of the shootings at the Tree of Life Synagogue building, which occurred five years ago today. May the memories of Rose Mallinger, Jerry Rabinowitz, Cecil Rosenthal, David Rosenthal, Daniel Stein, Richard Gottfried, Joyce Fienberg, Melvin Wax, Bernice Simon, Sylvan Simon and Irving Younger always be a blessing and may we never forget our responsibility to the safety and security of our communities here in North America and around the world. And, of course, we add to the names of the martyrs of the Jewish people the more than 1400 victims of Hamas’ attack on October 7th. 

Torah – This Shabbat we read the “origin story” of the Jewish people – God’s call to Abram to leave his land, his place of birth, his father’s home, and “go to the land that I will show you.” This parsha, Lech Lecha, reminds us – even as thousands sit shiva for victims of Hamas terror and for the soldiers who defended against the attacks, hundreds of thousands of soldiers are at the front lines to restore security to Israel, thousands of doctors, nurses and aid workers are caring lovingly for the wounded – that the Jewish people and the State of Israel are one. We always have been and we always will be.

Prayer – And as Shabbat begins with over two hundred hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza, we pray for their speedy return to their families and for their health and safety. May the Holy One bless and protect them, and may those charged with negotiating their return be granted wisdom and courage in their efforts.

Wishing everyone a Shabbat of rest and calm.