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Community Israel Resources

Rabbi Kantor's Resources for Members of the Jewish Community and Other Supporters of Israel

Introduction

We continue to face the horrors of the October 7th pogrom/massacre, where more than 1,200 Israelis and long-term residents were murdered and 240 more were taken hostage by Hamas.  As of December 15, 2023 there are approximately 130 hostages still being held in Gaza, and well over 100 of Israel's best soldiers have fallen in battle.  While we are not on the front lines in Israel with missiles falling all around us as we run back and forth to our bomb shelters, nevertheless we can make a difference through are actions - even from 6,000 miles away.

The following is a list of resources to help you and your loved ones understand what is going on, and to stand up for, support, and defend Israel with factual information.

The first two things I would like to ask you to do:

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF - We are hurting, as this brings up all kinds of generational trauma. We may be suffering from Vicarious Trauma, which is very real. CLICK HERE to read more about this as it relates to our community. Please recognize that we need each other.

SHOW UP. Join us in learning, praying, singing, demonstrating, and volunteering. The more that we raise our voices together, the stronger we will be.

Am Yisrael Chai

Rabbi Kantor

rabskantor@bnaimoshe.org

 

Join B'nai Moshe's Israel Action & Information Team

CLICK HERE.

Information Sources

PLEASE check and double-check anything you read or hear about before repeating or reposting it. There is far too much misleading or blatantly false information out there, and we must be absolutely dedicated to representing the truth.

Reliable Israeli Media in English

Background Information to Help You Understand the Situation

  • Unpacked: Israel at War A guide to understanding the war between Israel and Hamas. This selection of videos, podcasts, and articles is a great place to start.
  • Knowledge is Power A guide of facts to respond with about Zionism and Israel.

Podcasts or Thinkers To Listen To For New Perspectives

  • For Heaven's Sake Rabbi Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi talk through a series of deep and emotional conversations that explore the moral and ethical issues and ramifications behind the war.
  • Identity Crisis In a frenzied media cycle, Identity/Crisis delves into the big ideas behind the news from a uniquely Jewish perspective. Host Yehuda Kurtzer is interviewing some of the great thinkers about Israeli society, diaspora Jewish society, and their reflections on the war.
  • Israel Story Israel Story's mission is to promote a deeper understanding of - and connection to - Israel, through non-political, human-interest storytelling.
  • Call Me Back - with Dan Senor A deep dive using history to fully understand the current reality in Israel. Dan Senor brings on some of the top minds in the Jewish world from academics, to politicians, to media personalities to help us make sense and sort out the many different voices coming from Israel. Each episode is about 1 hour.

Actions You Can Take

Join B'nai Moshe's Israel Action & Information Team by CLICKING HERE.

Write a letter to a soldier - Join others worldwide in writing letters or sharing drawings/pictures for Israeli soldiers on the front lines. This is an opportunity to show the IDF support for defending the Jewish people and the State of Israel. Anyone of any age can participate in this small but significant gesture of support. Letters can be uploaded to Dropbox - CLICK HERE to upload messages of hope and gratitude.

#BlueRibbonsforIsrael is a global solidarity campaign. The blue ribbon symbolizes support and solidarity for 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. These ribbons will be distributed to community organizations in the coming days.

Donations of soldier supplies, and volunteering in Israel - the IDF has indicated that they are not experiencing shortages, even though some materials have not yet reached the intended troops. The IDF requests that all donations be channeled through accredited organizations like the FIDF and the Association for Israel's Soldiers.

One Minute A Day - Bring them Home! Contact your elected representative by inserting your ZIP code and making phone calls and emailing your congressperson and senators.

Inspirational Videos

Avinu - Prayer for the State of Israel - The Maccabeats, @Six13Sings, @YStudsACappella

Dr. Mijal Bitton - Speech at Oct 26 2023 NYU Rally, โ€œNever Again is Nowโ€, Washington Square Park.

Partners in Fate - On the horrific Oct 7 massacre, Hamas terrorists did not discriminate: on the long lists of murdered and kidnapped, there are many names of Arab citizens, as well as on the many stories of heroism and grace.  This is a link to the English-dubbed video playlist of stories.

Rays of Light - Rays Of Light is a volunteer initiative with the aim of commemorating the heroic stories of October 7th, 2023

Prayers You Can Say

Prayer for Israel

Prayer for Israel Defense Forces

Prayer for Hostages and Lyrics to Acheinu

Acheinu YouTube Link we will be singing this song every Shabbat service at B'nai Moshe 

Sat, April 27 2024 19 Nisan 5784