The Latest from BZBI

News and Resources for Supporting Israel

    How You Can Help Israel:

    The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia has set up an emergency response fund to aid in relief efforts. Donations will help fund shelter and psychological trauma, basic needs and equipment, and training for additional emergency personnel. 

    Magen David Adom – please click here. Your donation ensures that Magen David Adom’s 33,000 paramedics, EMTS, first responders, and first-aid providers have the training, equipment, and medical supplies they need. 

    Urge Elected Leaders to Stand with Israel: Please urge your elected officials to speak out and make a clear and unequivocal statement in support for our ally Israel and its right to defend itself. Fill out this Jewish Federations of North America form to get connected with your representative. 

    CALL YOUR SENATOR/REPRESENTATIVE:  Anti-Israel activists are calling members of Congress to no longer provide aid to Israel and to condemn Israel in the wake of the war against Hamas. Make your voice heard by calling your elected officials today to make it clear that they stand with our ally Israel against Hamas terrorism.

    The message:
    I am one of many pro-Israel Americans in Pennsylvania. I urge the Senator/Representative to stand with Israel and oppose a ceasefire with Hamas.

    Phone Numbers:
    Senator Robert Casey | 202.224.6324
    Senator John Fetterman | 202.224.4254
    Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick – 1st District | 202.225.4276
    Rep. Brendan Boyle – 2nd District | 202.225.6111
    Rep. Dwight Evans – 3rd District | 202.225.4001
    Rep. Madeleine Dean – 4th District | 202.225.4731
    Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon – 5th District | 202.225.2011
    Rep. Chrissy Houlahan – 6th District | 202.225.4315

    Urge Social Media Platforms to Follow Better Content Moderation: People in large numbers are going on social media to help make sense of Hamas’ war on Israel. Since the October 7 Hamas’ massacre of innocent civilians, ADL is monitoring a surge of antisemitism, anti-Muslim hate, fake news and propaganda being spread on social media. We know there are risks in both over-moderation and under-moderation, but there are steps all social media companies can take right now to, at least, help ensure they are not fanning the flames. To learn more, click here.

    Israelis and friends that are living abroad: There are many Israelis that are currently stuck abroad because of the war. They are sad, scared, and probably out of money. If you or anyone you know will generously be willing to host Israeli travelers until they will be able to get back home, please fill out this form. 

    Philly UnXeptable We started a digital campaign on moving trucks with large TV screens showing the faces of the hostages in Gaza in order to increase awareness here in Philadelphia. We currently have the budget from donations for the next two weeks for two trucks that will drive around local universities and Center City. See video of trucks here. We would be happy to proceed with this campaign beyond the two weeks as needed (we of course hope it won’t be that long). If you are interested in supporting this initiative please let us know.  https://venmo.com/u/Amit-Serusi.

    Send Your Message of Support to Israel: Show your support for Israel by sending a message below. Your message of love, hope and care will be sent out to the families living and soldiers stationed in the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s partnership communities of Sdot Negev and Netivot, which border Gaza and are subjected to an onslaught of terror.  Send a message by clicking here.

     

    Overseas Volunteers in Israel (Updated: November 10, 2023)

    In an exceptional move reflecting the important role volunteers are playing in the current crisis, Israel’s National Insurance Institute (the equivalent of America’s Social Security Administration) has announced that it will provide insurance for Israeli ex pat volunteers who wish to volunteer.

    At present, there are only limited opportunities open to foreign volunteers. These opportunities include:

    • Birthright Israel has opened a volunteering program where people from outside of Israel can come to Tel Aviv and take part in food rescue operations to prevent shortages in the Israeli market, including work to sort, pack and distribute goods for civil and military personnel.
    • Leket Israel and HaShomer HaChadash are recruiting volunteers to help in farms and warehouses facing labor shortages.
    • Sar-El, The National Project for Volunteers for Israel, runs programs for volunteers on Israel Defense Force bases, focusing on logistical support.

    Nefesh B’Nefesh, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, will activate to bring people to Israel. They are actively collecting names of doctors who would be willing to volunteer should the need arise. https://www.nbn.org.il/dr_volunteer/  . Nurses and paramedics from abroad looking to volunteer can visit the MOH website and submit their information there.

    Report Antisemitic Incidences: People in large numbers are going on social media to help make sense of Hamas’ war on Israel. Since the October 7 Hamas’ massacre of innocent civilians, ADL is monitoring a surge of antisemitism, anti-Muslim hate, fake news and propaganda being spread on social media. We know there are risks in both over-moderation and under-moderation, but there are steps all social media companies can take right now to, at least, help ensure they are not fanning the flames. To learn more, click here.
    Combat Disinformation Online: The amount of information against Israel can feel overwhelming. However, it has been proven that much of the most inflammatory content on the Internet is not human-generated and does not necessarily represent public opinion. Right now, disinformation about Israel and Hamas is spreading on social media. These are tactics of the war against Israel’s legitimacy, are methods of dehumanizing the Jewish people, and are part of broader efforts to sow divisions in our society.

    As the situation progresses and our emotions run high, it can be tempting to immediately comment on and/or share what we see online. But now, more than ever, it’s important for us to take the time to carefully assess what we’re reading and respond thoughtfully.

    Click here to see guidelines and talking points. You call learn more about combating disinformation from StandWithUs.

    Support Jewish Students on college campuses: Student groups like Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) across the country have condoned terrorism and violence, glorifying Hamas’s atrocities. These groups are also voicing an increasingly radical call for “dismantling” Zionism. This kind of rhetoric is dangerous and increasingly risks creating a hostile environment for Jewish and Israeli students on campus. For more information on how to email the administration and urge them to take action to protect the safety and wellbeing of Jewish students on campus go to ADL’s website: https://www.adl.org/support-jewish-students-college-campuses

     

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    Trusted Sites for News and Resources:

    • Comcast (Xfinity) channel 1118 is a 24 hour Israel/Mideast News TV Channel airing breaking news specials, discussions and analyses.
    • The Jewish Telegraph Agency is another source to get new and upcoming information, to visit their website – click here.
    • USCJ has compiled a vast list of Israel resources for the Jewish Community, click here to view their page.
    • Moving Traditions has released a special edition discussion guide for educators, which parents and others with teens in their lives may also find useful: Israel at War, Caring for Ourselves and One Another.
    • Click here to see the full live stream of the speeches during the rally for Israel hosted by the Jewish Federation earlier this week. Community member Jacob Weiner shares his thoughts at 24:18 in the video.
    • Click here to see the full live stream of the speeches from the November 14th DC rally.
    • The ADL has developed resources and tools to help guide challenging conversations about the war in Israel and antisemitism in North America. Click here to visit their page that helps you understand what’s happening, talk about what’s happening and address antisemitism and anti-Zionism.

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    Tefillah Resources

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    Be sure to stop by the BZBI Sisterhood gift shop to purchase our blue and white candles in support of Israel!

    Proceeds from the sale will be donated to organizations that support Israel. Books and coloring books for children are also available. The Sisterhood gift shop is open by appointment only, contact the office to make yours.

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    #BlueRibbonsforIsrael is a unity campaign in support of the safe return of the hostages taken by Hamas terrorists in Israel. It symbolizes solidarity with the hostages, their families, and all who care about their safety.

    BZBI has ordered enough blue ribbons for the entire congregation. Pick yours up in the Sanctuary this Shabbat. 

    We Stand with Israel signs are available.  Pick yours up at the synagogue today!

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    Join ADL in thanking your Philadelphia City Councilmembers for passing a resolution unequivocally denouncing Hamas’s violent attacks against Israeli civilians and urge them to take steps to make Philadelphia safe for all, regardless of faith or nationality. 

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    Urge Congress to Support Israel’s Right to Self-Defense

    Please join this important campaign, and make sure our collective voices are heard loud and clear.  Anti-Israel extremists in the U.S. are pressuring Members of Congress to prevent Israel from defending itself, after Hamas terrorists brutally massacred over 1,400 Israelis and took hundreds of hostages into Gaza.

    EMAIL, TWEET, and CALL your representatives, urging them to stand with the people of Israel in their fight against Hamas.

    CLICK HERE, SIGN, AND SEND THIS TO FRIENDS.

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    Medical Organizations in need of Volunteers in Israel 

    The Israeli health care system is excellent but at this point is overtaxed and reaching out for volunteers from abroad to provide tigboret (supplementary help).  Keshet has compiled a list of medical facilities looking for volunteers and relevant information.  Please note that volunteers are not only needed immediately but also for the upcoming months and hospitals are compiling lists of potential volunteers. While fluency in Hebrew is an asset, many of the medical staff and patients reflect the diversity of Israeli society and speak English, French, Russian, and Spanish. For more information, click here. 

    • Israel Ministry of Health – Medical Volunteers for Israel
    • Soroka Hospital
    • Hadassah Medical Organization and Hospitals
    • Adi Rehabilitation Villages – Negev and Jerusalem
    • APF – Emergency Medical Volunteer Registry For Israel
    • Non-medical Volunteers for hospitals

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    Webinar/ Briefings Recordings 

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    Sima’s Stitchers
    Wednesdays, from 4:00 – 6:00 PM in the Klinghoffer Chapel

    Please be in contact with Ellen or Eileen if you are interested in joining the group or learning how to knit.  All creations will be donated to Project Home and the Bethesda Project. 

    The young men and women serving in the IDF are in need of black caps to use as helmet liners. They prefer those that are hand knit as they provide the most cushion under their helmets. If you want to learn to knits these caps, Sima’s stitchers, our BZBI knitting circle meets every Wednesday in the Chapel from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. If you already know how to knit and aren’t able to come on Wednesdays, we hope you will consider making these hats at home in your spare time.

    Hats_for_Soldiers (1)

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    Family Resources

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    Mental Health Resources

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