AM YISRAEL CHAI!
The Temple-Tifereth Israel and the Union for Reform Judaism stand in complete solidarity with the people of Israel. We encourage you to utilize this page as a resource for ways to give, engage and communicate while we walk through this moment together.
INTRODUCING THE 10/7 TASK FORCE
The Temple-Tifereth Israel’s 10/7 Israel Task Force was formed as a coordinated mobilization of Clergy, staff and congregants in response to the massacres that occurred in Israel on October 7, 2023, and the resulting needs of our congregational family.
The Task Force seeks to provide a platform for advocacy, current news resources and programming, along with opportunities for action. We will always stand together with Israel to strengthen and demonstrate resolve for Jews in our community and around the world.
The initial focus of the Task Force includes:
- mental health
- support for college students and children
- coping with and combating antisemitism
- advocacy for Israel
- developing a congregational portal for access to news articles and podcasts and a task force calendar of programs and events.
We are just getting started with the work of this Task Force and encourage you to come back to this page frequently as we update the activities and opportunities to get involved. We are also always looking to grow the membership of this Task Force with people who are interested in and want to work on the areas listed above, or have a specific project they’d like to take on with others.
If you have special talents and/or would like to enhance the 10/7 Task Force efforts with your expertise, kindly e-mail Clergy Coordinator Amy Aquila at aaquila@ttti.org.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
If you are in a position to give financial assistance during this crisis, todah rabah! Many organizations are worthy of support. However, please research them before making a donation to ensure that your generous support is going to the right place. Here are some links that The Temple has approved as good places to start.
The Jewish Federation of Cleveland – Israel Emergency Campaign
Magen David Adom (Israel’s Emergency Ambulance & Blood Bank Service)
Friends of the Israeli Defense Forces
ADVOCACY
Urge Congress to Act Now to Release the Hostages
It is now over two months since Hamas brutally massacred at least 1,200 Israelis and other foreign nationals of all religions. Despite efforts by Qatar, the US, and others, Hamas still holds some 140 Israelis and up to eight American citizens, among other foreign nationals, hostage. The United States has speculated Hamas is not releasing some women hostages so as to not provide evidence or testimony of sexual violence by the terrorists.
Please contact your U.S. Senators and Members of Congress to demand they act to facilitate the safe release of the Israeli and foreign nationals held hostage by Hamas.
LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES
Tikkun olam is a such a strong foundational principal within our community and we have already seen some of our own congregants doing so much to help Israel right now. Below are just a couple of examples. Have you setup
a campaign or an innovative way to support Israel in this time of need? Let us help you spread the word. Send information to synaoguge President Beth Dery at president@ttti.org.
HOW TO TALK TO KIDS ABOUT ISRAEL
We know these conversations are difficult should you choose to have them. Here are some resources:
How to Talk to Kids about What’s Happening in Israel Right Now
How to Talk to Children about Anti-Semitism
Questions Children Ask about Israel
NPR podcast: How to talk to kids when the news is scary
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Here are some trusted news sources to gain accurate and up-to-date information about what’s going on in Israel and its impact on the rest of the world.
News Sources We Trust
Times of Israel for up-to-the minute developments in Israel
i24 English Language Israeli News – Live Stream
Jewish People’s Policy Institute – Daily briefings on the war
Jewish Community Resources
AJC Email Updates – Sign Up
Jewish Federation Tool Kit – Talking Points, Media Materials, Advocacy Resources, and more.
Show your support of Israel by requesting and picking up a yard sign through the Jewish Federation of Cleveland.
Mapping the Massacres
This site shows a map of the October 7 massacre with a red dot for every person killed and a black dot for every person abducted by Hamas. Clicking on any dot will show the name and picture (if available) of the victim with age and last known location.
Eyewitness & Survivor Stories from the Massacre in Israel | October7
A WORD FROM OUR CLERGY
“Be Jewish. Be unapologetically, dedicatedly committed to our values, our tradition, our people.” – Rabbi Yael Dadoun
Watch Rabbi Dadoun’s complete Nefesh Shabbat sermon from Friday, October – the first Shabbat following the attacks.