October 13, 2023

Temple Beth El’s Board of Directors stands in solidarity with Israel, the symbol of hope for Jews around the world. We are saddened, shocked and horrified by the death and destruction that we have all witnessed in Israel this week in the worst attack against Jews since the Holocaust. Our hearts are broken over the horrific acts of barbarity that the terrorist organization, Hamas, has intentionally committed against innocent civilians. We offer prayers of comfort and consolation to the families of those who have been senselessly murdered and violated. We pray for the safety and immediate release of those kidnapped. We offer support and love to members of the TBE community with family in Israel who are living daily with fear and uncertainty. 

We also offer our prayers and profound sympathy to the Palestinian innocents displaced, suffering or dying as a direct or indirect result of Hamas’ terrorist acts, while rejecting in the strongest terms the moral confusion that suggests the atrocities committed by Hamas are justified or mitigated by history or political purpose. 

The damage that has been done is unthinkable, and the challenge ahead is great, but we are grateful to face these challenges together. Kol yisrael arevim zeh bazeh, all of Israel is responsible for one another.

Donate

The time is now to give generously to support the overwhelming needs and challenges ahead that Israel is facing. Note that all contributions made to 501(c)3 organizations are eligible for a QCD (Qualified Charitable Deduction) if made an IRA, which may offer a tax advantage.

Jewish Federation of North America Israel Emergency Fund - choose Southern Maine (under 's') as your community on the form

"Jewish Federations are responding, working with our core partners to support victims of terror, help rebuild damaged infrastructure, and address the unprecedent levels of trauma caused by this horrific attack."

Charities for 2023 Israel Emergency

TBE board member Steve Blattner and his son-in-law Amir have identified and vetted a limited number of charities based on reputation and efficiency, utilizing publicly available information. It includes large well known charitable organizations with special funds dedicated to the current emergency as well as “crowdfunding” sites that offer the opportunity to select from among hundreds of small, local charitable projects benefiting individual kibbutzim, families, military units, etc.

Advocate

Urge your leaders and elected officials to support Israel.

Sample text available here.

Send your thanks to Rep. Chellie Pingree for reaching out to our community and affirming her support. See her letter to the Jewish community here.

Pray

The USCJ has compiled many resources that may be of interest, including a section with several prayers, including prayers for the missing/captured individuals, for the IDF, and for Israel. Click here to access these resources.

Learn

The complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict cannot and should not be reduced to memes, talking points, or platitudes. For those interested in transcending that level of discourse, here are two places to start:

Questions, Complexities and Context: Insights into Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict from the Anti-Defamation League

Shalom Hartman Institute