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Last Shabbat I had the pleasure of addressing the congregants at Or Shalom on both the death of Reb Zalman Schacter-Shalomi z'l and the arrival of their new interim Rabbi Louis Sutker. Once again, I welcome Rabbi Sutker to our community.

During lunch earlier in the week, I remember saying that I hoped that after having to report on continued trauma in Israel, I would have the pleasure of focusing on other important things in this week’s message… like the work we are doing on Jewish education, or my recent appearance on the JFS Radio Hour addressing our Russian-speaking community members. Throughout the week it became clearer and clearer that this would not be the case.

Today, that was further solidified as I spoke on the phone to a number of parents who have children serving in the Israel Defense Forces, to reiterate the support of our community during this difficult time. We know that there are so many more of you who have family and friends, both in and out of uniform, who are experiencing first-hand the hardship of being under the threat of rockets all over Israel. To all of you we send our thoughts and prayers.

As the crisis in Israel continues to unfold, JFNA has launched a campaign to raise $10 million to support emergency relief efforts through our partner agencies in Israel. Locally, Jewish Federation is aiming to raise $94,000, as part of Jewish Federations of Canada-UIA’s overall commitment to generate $1.5 million for the relief efforts.

Our partners at The Jewish Agency and the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) have mobilized and are already assisting on the ground in Israel. Their efforts are focused on providing shelter, housing and protection needed to maintain life’s daily routines in the face of crisis. This includes giving children and their families temporary relief from rocket attacks and providing special assistance to vulnerable populations, including the elderly, disabled, and at-risk children.

Learn more and donate to the Israel Relief Fund here.

Operation Protective Edge Update

Israel launched Operation Protective Edge earlier this week to intensify defensive efforts against Hamas and restore stability to the country’s south.

More than 360 rockets have been fired into Israel from Gaza since Monday. Many are aimed at major cities, including Tel Aviv and the entire metropolitan area, as well as Jerusalem and as far as Zichron Yaakov, the farthest a Hamas rocket has reached.

The IDF confirmed that at least one rocket fired from southern Lebanon exploded early Friday morning in an open area near Metula, Israel's most northern town on the Lebanese border, and that Israel had shelled the area in response. It was unclear who was behind the attack and no injuries were reported. Lebanese security forces arrested a man suspected of firing the rockets and dismantled two missile platforms, with more rockets ready for launch, after searching the area.

While rocket fire has caused significant psychological trauma to Israelis and nearly $3 million worth of property damage, serious physical injuries have not been reported to date.

As the range of rocket fire expands significantly from previous engagements, along with Hamas launching barrages at Israel’s major population centres, the duration and magnitude of Israel’s military response remains unknown.

Updated information on the status of the crisis is available at JFNA’s Operation Protective Edge Resource page.

Thank the Government of Canada for its support

Earlier this week, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, John Baird, issued an important statement condemning Hamas and demonstrating unequivocal support for Israel’s right to defend itself.

CIJA is encouraging our community to thank the Government of Canada for its show of support.

Shabbat Message

This week’s Shabbat message was written by JFNA National Young Leadership Co-Chairs Devra Jaffe-Berkowitz from Stamford (2008) and Darren Lederfine from Minneapolis (2008). Both are currently on the ground in Israel with the JFNA ’s campaign chairs and directors mission.

Shabbat Shalom,

Ezra S. Shanken
CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver