ISRAEL HUB
Temple Israel's Israel Hub is a space dedicated to empowering our community during these very challenging times. Here, you'll find resources to stay informed, discuss what's happening with children and teens, address feelings of sadness or overwhelm, and get involved or give to support our friends and family in Israel.
STAY INFORMED | RESOURCES | EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
WAYS TO HELP | GET INVOLVED | EVENTS
Stay Informed
- Founded in 1846, the Associated Press — an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting — remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news. You can access their Israel-Hamas War live update feed here.
- Trusted Israeli news sources include Haaretz and The Jerusalem Post.
- If you're interested in receiving Temple Israel's weekly eNewsletter, where we'll include updates from our Rabbis, articles and blog posts, upcoming events and programs about Israel, and more, subscribe at the bottom of our website homepage (all Temple members are already subscribed).
- The safety and security of our members, students, and guests is our number one priority. If you'd like to know more about the measures Temple Israel has in place to keep our community safe, read more here.
Resources
For families with children
- From preschoolers to high schoolers, this article and this article share strategies on how to talk to your children about what's happening in Israel right now.
- PJ Library's Israel Hub includes links to information on how to talk with kids about Israel and offers opportunities for parent support.
- Find articles on how to share a variety of tough topics and current events with younger family members at the Anti-Defamation League (ADL)'s Table Talk feed.
- Tips for helping children cope after a traumatic event.
For college students
- If you are being treated differently or discriminated against because you’re Jewish, experiencing in-person or online harassment, or if there is a threat made to your property or your physical safety while at your college campus, we encourage you to report it to the ADL.
To combat anti-Semitism
- There is a lot of misinformation swirling about Israel; this document from the ADL shares how to respond to negative allegations.
- Noticing bias in conversations around the Israel-Hamas war? Here are some steps you can take to interrupt biased language.
- Engaging or ready to disengage in online conversations? Here are some tips on saying what needs to be said or allowing yourself to sign off and take a breath.
Emotional Support
- We are here for you. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the situation in Israel and you just want to talk, the Rabbis and our Temple leadership are always here for you. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us now or at any time in the future.
writeus@ti-stl.org | 314-432-8050 - Now is an important time to reach out to your support networks. Connect with fellow TI congregants or fellow Preschool and Religious School parents for emotional support, come to Shabbat services or solidarity events in person or online, and take advantage of educational programming around Israel. Make sure to check in on your Jewish friends and your non-Jewish friends who have Jewish family. It will mean so much to them and to you.
Ways to Help
Give:
- There are many organizations on the ground in Israel supporting victims and soldiers and volunteer organizations in need of materials and safety equipment. Here's an extensive list of local Israel charities in need of our support.
- The Jewish Federation of St. Louis has opened an Israel Emergency Fund to provide services and support. Donations can be made here — 100% of support goes to help the victims in Israel.
- Our friends at Kehillat Yozma Modiin, a Reform Congregation in Israel, are raising funds to purchase hygiene products, canned foods, diapers, medical equipment, socks, t-shirts, and more for soldiers and reservists, security forces, and evacuees. 100% of donations go toward the purchase of these items.
- TI member Rob Litz's nephew, Oren Litz, serves as a Major in the IDF and a commanding officer of a company of 80 soldiers. With the weather turning colder in Israel, Oren and his soldiers are in need of warm clothing. Rob has spearheaded a fundraising effort to supply fleece jackets with their company patch sewn on through an Israeli vendor and he'd love the TI community's support. Donations in any amount can be made via Venmo to Rob @Rob-Litz.
Get involved:
- Here's a list of readings and prayers for Israel from our Reform partners at Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR).
- Visit the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ)'s webpage with a listing of how you can support Israel during this time of great tragedy and mourning. This page will be continually updated with new opportunities as they arise.
- Activism and advocacy is central to Jewish experience in times of peace and especially in times of unrest, and there are many ways to get involved with organizations fighting anti-Semitism around the globe. The American Jewish Committee (AJC), the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), the Jewish Center for Justice (JCJ), and the Union for Reform Judaism's Religious Action Center (RAC) to name a few. Start with these and research other organizations that need our values and our voices.
Join us at an upcoming event on Israel:
If there aren't events listed below, please check back regularly.
STL March for Israel
Sunday, Dec 10th 1:00p to 2:00p
Fri, December 8 2023 25 Kislev 5784
