Supporting Israel Today, and Always

This past week we faced an unfathomable reality. The situation happening in Israel is complex. Our hearts are in the West while we remain in the East, trying to comprehend the inhumane destruction of our people. We sit here in confusion, sadness, anger, and some may feel hopeless.

While I always allude to hope and prayers, today, your voice and support for Israel is paramount. Education fosters understanding and counters hate, so join me in continuing to educate the community and beyond. With an open-mind and an open heart, individuals will appreciate fact-based sentiments…the very principles that perpetuate kindness, equality and connection.

Talk to your friends, family and neighbors, and remember, silence is the opposite of advocacy. Silence speaks volumes and amplifies the acts of hatred against Israel and the Jewish people.

The Jewish community depends on the support of our non-Jewish allies to help us stand up against hate impacting Jews in America, Israel and around the world. Anyone reading this can make a difference big or small. Your voice is your power.

As a Rabbi my goal is to offer comfort and support to my community, friends, family and to anyone in need. Often my words reflect kindness and compassion, and today, there is no better time to extend the very acts of kind-heartedness.

As Jews we understand our struggle, our fear, but I urge you to hold fast in our commitment to be Jewish leaders in your home, your community, and in the greater society. Our response to Jewish survival is the magic of our ability to thrive.

To be a Jew is to live the impossible dream, but we must not give up.

Picture: Leonid Altman

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Words with Merle

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