The horror of the unprompted terror attacks in Israel by Hamas has shocked the world and left the Jewish community in mourning. The tragic stories and the sickening video footage of the attacks with the old, young and even babies being taken hostage has been heartbreaking. No one could have imagined such barbaric brutality in today’s world.

The response from Israel has been unity. All political and theological differences have been put aside and all Israelis have stood together in the face of terror. Everyone has contributed what they can; grandparents washing clothes for the IDF soldiers and people making food and providing shelter to those displaced. But perhaps the greatest sacrifice of all is from the parents who have had to watch their precious children go to war, with no idea when or if they will see them again.

As we come together today, we too will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our family and friends in Israel. We will recite prayers for the IDF soldiers, and the State of Israel and they will be in our hearts and minds. But we would also like to raise some money for the charities in Israel that are working so hard to help all those in need. Therefore, if you are able, we would ask that you contribute to our Community’s Israel Charity Appeal. One of our charities is Magen David Adom Israel’s national medical emergency, disaster, ambulance and blood service.

Thank you in advance for any contribution you make. Let’s hope and pray that very soon we will see an enduring peace in Israel.