The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore announced Saturday, Oct. 7, the creation of an emergency fund to support Israel in the wake of the land, sea and air attack by Hamas in Gaza.
In an email to supporters of the federation, Associated President Marc B. Terrill wrote, “I apologize for breaking the sanctity of Shabbat and the Jewish holidays, but the horrific news of the attack on Israel and its people warrants that I do so. The Jewish principle of Pikuach Nefesh (saving one’s life) takes precedence during times like this. The lives of innocent civilians — women, men, elderly, children, disabled and the infirmed — are now under attack. Our collective response at this critical time will save lives.
“Civilian casualties are severe. Israelis have been kidnapped and taken hostage, and there is widespread destruction across the country,” he wrote. “The Associated and our Jewish community, along with our friends and neighbors, are mourning and praying for the State of Israel and her people. Our fundamental values of life and civility implore us to ACT now. We have started an emergency fund to help victims of this war with humanitarian services and support measures — 100% of your donation will go directly toward this life saving work.”
Wrote Terrill: “Our partners at the Jewish Agency for Israel, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and the Israel Trauma Coalition have pointed to widespread humanitarian needs. This includes food, medicine, shelter, trauma counseling, triage and emergency supplies. Of note, our sister city of Ashkelon has experienced significant damage and continues to receive rocket fire. We have been in touch with our colleagues in Ashkelon to express our solidarity.”
For information about the emergency fund, visit payments.associated.org/IsraelAttacked
“The next days and weeks are likely to be difficult as this tragedy continues to unfold and details emerge,” Terrill wrote. “The Associated and our network of agencies will continue to keep you updated. Please donate now. Show your solidarity with the people of Ashkelon. … We continue to pray for peace and healing for our beloved Israel. AM YISRAEL CHAI!!“
The Baltimore Jewish Council, an agency of The Associated, is encouraging people to attend the “Stand With Israel” rally on Friday, Oct. 13 at 12:15 p.m. at Freedom Plaza, 14th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., Northwest. The rally is being coordinated by the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington and Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. For information, visit, jcouncil.org/
A former resident of Baltimore and central Florida, Ritt was active in the Soviet Jewry movement of the 1970s and 1980s.
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