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Dear Shaare Tefila Community,
It's been two weeks since I last wrote an update and I feel as depressed as ever over the course of this war with Hamas. It is maddeningly frustrating that the plight of the 134 hostages in Gaza is not front and center in news coverage. Their release should be the number one priority of Israel and its allies. It is imperative that we remember them always.
It is also very frustrating that Hamas' barbaric tactics are not called out for what they are. We need to understand that Israel's ongoing siege of the hospital in Gaza is about eliminating the top Hamas commanders who have been using the hospital as a headquarters. The world has succumbed to the horrible pictures of hunger and destruction (and they are horrible) without understanding the true scope of the evil of Hamas that led to that destruction.
I encourage you to bookmark the Times of Israel in your browser so that you can read it every day as a counterpoint to whatever other outlet serves as your source of news. You will quickly see how different the news is.
There are two pieces that were published recently that I would offer to you. They are difficult to read but they are necessary nonetheless. This one is from Daniel Gordis this past Monday - a brief interview with a woman who is raising her two toddlers while her husband remains a hostage in Gaza.
And this one is an interview conducted by the NY Times with the courageous Amit Soussana who was released from captivity and now has shared her horrific story.
We pray for peace in Israel.
As Always, Please Consider Donating:
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The Federation has set up an Israel Crisis Fund. 100% of what is donated through this fund will support the ongoing need in Israel. Click here to donate. Or Mail a check payable to The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington to 6101 Executive Blvd, Suite 100, North Bethesda, Maryland 20852. Please indicate "Israel Crisis Fund" on all checks.
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FIDF, which directly supports Israeli soldiers. Click here to donate.
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Operation Embrace provides assistance to injured survivors of terror. Click here to donate.
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Magen David Adom - click here to donate.
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ZAKA search and rescue - click here to donate.
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Yashar LaChayal is providing tactical gear and bullet proof vests for soldiers. Click here to donate to Yashar LaChayal.
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Leket Israel provides nutritious food for those in need. Click here to donate to Leket Israel.
לְמַעַן צִיּוֹן לֹא אֶחֱשֶׁה - For Zion's sake I will not be silent,
Rabbi Jonah Layman
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