October 13, 2023

WHAT'S ON OUR MIND

As the sun sets on this gut-wrenching week for our community, our thoughts and prayers reach across the ocean to embrace our Jewish family. This week left no doubt in anyone’s mind that we are all family, suffering and devastated together, even if we do not have immediate family or friends there. Israel is part of our soul and, therefore, our heart. 

The haunting images of innocent children, infants, men, and women cruelly taken from us by the hands of Hamas terrorists are impossible to erase from our minds. The agonized cries of mothers desperately searching for their children echo in our ears, leaving us speechless.

Just as the Holocaust left an enduring imprint on past generations, these attacks will forever define Israelis, regardless of their age. For Americans born after the 1973 Yom Kippur War who’ve always known a safe and secure Israel, this moment will shape them as well. But out of this profound moment of great sorrow, a deep, new-found commitment to a safe and secure Jewish homeland will unite us all.

JAC was founded in 1981 on the premise of a strong US-Israel relationship. This was a time when the Religious Right was on the rise and there were not many friends of Israel in Congress. Since then, JAC has been tirelessly working for a strong U.S.-Israel relationship. We not only support candidates who share this view, but we also continue to dialogue with them to ensure that support remains unwavering. Elections have consequences. Today Congress is united in its support of Israel. But we must always work to ensure that it remains that way.

Your voice with JAC matters. Congress needs to hear from you. Call your representative and senators and thank them for standing tall with Israel. Urge them to support supplemental funding for Israel’s defense. Lastly, let your senators know it is urgent to confirm ambassadors to Israel and Egypt. We must have strong U.S. leadership in the region.

 202.224.3121 

Let’s hope and pray that the lights of the Shabbat candles tonight will cast a glow of hope and peace for the people of Israel and for Jews everywhere. Am Yisrael Chai.

JAC AROUND TOWN

Our scheduled 2nd Annual Vote Strong event took an abrupt change of direction this week and became an event to show Solidarity with Israel, including a special briefing from a representative of the IDF from Israel, a discussion with Bonnie Hernandez about the Friends of the IDF, who are raising funds and needed supplies for the more than 300,000 reserves who have been called up to answer last week's terrorist attack in Israel, and Jay Tcath, Vice President of the Chicago United Fund. We were also joined by IL State Rep. Bob Morgan, IL State's Attorney Eric Rinehart, and Lake County Board Members Sara Knizhnik and Paul Frank. Thank you to all who were able to join us.

Artist Jacqueline Von Edelberg & JAC Director of Outreach & Events Allison Shaewitz show the art piece created during our event.

JAC VP of Membership Marisa Chez & JAC President Susan Berk

Rabbi Lisa S. Greene, North Shore Congregation Israel, Glencoe, IL

We had a full house last night and on zoom. Thank you to all who were able to attend.

UPCOMING JAC EVENTS

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS

VOTER MOBILIZATION TEAM*

*Please let us know if you have events in your area at info@jacpac.org

IN THE NEWS

THE LAST WORD

“And let there be no doubt: The United States has Israel’s back.

We will make sure the Jewish and democratic State of Israel can defend itself today, tomorrow, as we always have.  It’s as simple as that. “

President Joe Biden

Paid for by Joint Action Committee for Political Affairs. Contributions or gifts are not tax deductible. Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation, and name of employer of individuals who donate in an election cycle. Corporate contributions and contributions from non-US citizens who are not lawfully admitted for permanent residence are prohibited. All contributions by individuals must be made from personal funds and may not be reimbursed or paid by another person.