What To Do In Baltimore This Week

Check out these great events sponsored by THE ASSOCIATED or ASSOCIATED agencies coming up this week in Baltimore.

Sunday, April 28
PJ on the Town at the Maryland Zoo

Join other young families at the Maryland Zoo for an afternoon of family fun, including a zoo-wide scavenger hunt, craft activity and animal encounters with a Zoo educator. This PJ Library event is sponsored by the Macks Center for Jewish Education (CJE) and Chizuk Amuno Congregation.
For more information on an afternoon of fun, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., go to cjebaltimore.org/pjtown.

Sunday, April 28
Arts and Crafts with Kids at the University of Maryland Medical Center
Jewish Volunteer Connection (JVC) invites teens to meet up with other teen volunteers to put a smile on the faces of kids who are undergoing treatment at the University of Maryland, Medical Center, 22 South Green Street. Make arts and crafts with patients during the two hours, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. For information, go to jvcbaltimore.org/jvc-programs/teens/high-school-opportunities/.

Tuesday, April 30
The Leo V. Berger Immigrants Trunk Program presents Bessie Bluefeld
If you grew up in Baltimore, most likely you heard of, if not attended, an event at the area’s premier kosher catering banquet hall, Bluefeld Caterers. This week, the Jewish Museum of Maryland is premiering its newest historical character, Bessie Bluefeld, a young immigrant woman who made a name for herself as the owner of Bluefeld’s.

Actress Terry Nicholetti portrays Baltimore icon, Bessie Bluefeld, in this free event, open to the public. Performance begins at 6:30 p.m. For information, go to jewishmuseummd.org.

Wednesday, May 1
Men’s Night Out is Back! Back! Back!

ESPN’s Chris Berman, NFL Studio Host and Anchor of “SportsCenter,” is coming to Baltimore for an ASSOCIATED Men’s Night Out. Berman will share behind-the-scenes stories of history’s greatest sports moments, including Cal Ripken Jr.’s record-breaking game, as well as talk about the power of teamwork. Maybe, he’ll even predict another Ravens Super Bowl victory!

Event begins at 7:00 p.m. at the M&T Bank Stadium. Program, which also includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, is $100 to attend, with a $180 minimum gift to THE ASSOCIATED Annual Campaign requested. Register to see Chris Berman at associated.org/mensnight.

Future Events
Sunday, May 5
Nurture Your Nature at the Pearlstone Center
Tap into the natural world at the Pearlstone Center’s beautiful, tranquil setting at this creative and inspired women-centered afternoon. Make cheese, pickles and more. Donate your handcrafted projects to community organizations. Then, discover hands-on-farming and learn about healthy living.

Sponsored by ASSOCIATED Women, “Nurture Your Nature” begins at 2:00 p.m. For information and to register, contact Carly Frank at cfrank@associated.org.

Tuesday, May, 14
JCC Lunch Spectacular Series Featuring Concert Pianist Carolyn Enger
Stop by the Weinberg Park Heights JCC, 5700 Park Heights Avenue, for lunch and music by renowned concert pianist, Carolyn Enger. Listen to the sounds of Enger as she performs Shavuot-themed pieces such as “Three Israeli Dances” by Robert Starer and “Five Pieces for Piano” by Paul Ben-Haim.
Program runs 11:45 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. Cost is $8 for JCC members and $12 for non-members. For information, call Sara Shvartzman at 410-500-5903 or register at sshvartzman@jcc.org.

Tuesday, May 21
JCS Parent Discussion Series
How do you raise great kids in today’s complicated world? Howard Reznick, Senior Manager of Jewish Community Services (JCS) Prevention Education, will tackle this question and provide tips on how to guide your child in making responsible and wise choices. This is the first of a monthly parent discussion series for parents of children of all ages.

This free program, also sponsored by the JCC, will be held at the JCS Owings Mills location, 3506 Gwynnbrook Avenue and begins at 6:00 p.m. Babysitting is available for a small fee. For information and to register, contact Lorna Walsh at 410-843-7568 or lwalsh@jcsbaltimore.org.

Sunday, June 2
Israel65. Celebrate!
Join our community for a celebration of Israel’s 65th birthday, featuring Matisyahu, Jewish-American reggae and alternative rock musician. The day-long celebration also includes interactive activities for all ages, Israeli food and vendors, an innovation exhibit and much more.

Israel65. Celebrate! will be held at the Rosenbloom Owings Mills JCC, 3506 Gwynnbrook Avenue, Owings Mills. Tickets are now on sale for the Matisyahu concert, which begins at 4:00 p.m. Prices are $25 for adults and $15 for children under 13. To purchase tickets, go to baltimoreisraelcoalition.org.

Israeli Activities For Our Children

By Amian Frost Kelemer
Associate Executive Vice President
Macks Center for Jewish Education

Israel has been the historical and spiritual home of the Jewish people since the beginning of time. But let’s face it; it is over 5,800 miles away. That’s pretty far. How do we connect with Israel and help our children find meaning in it when we live in Baltimore?

My family travels to Israel sometimes multiple times a year. We prioritize this as an expense over some other purchases we could make. As a family, we have decided to make our commitment to Israel visible to our children in a very real way. While travel is a premier way to build a connection, it is not feasible for many. There are many other ways we connect.

We display a mizrach on our wall; it is an artistic sign identifying the East which is the direction of Jerusalem. Making a mizrach (challahcrumbs.com/tishabav_crafts.php) is a great family activity that can serve as a spiritual reminder of Israel and an opportunity for a conversation about the Jewish state. We display Israeli art which often has very distinctive themes. One of those is the seven special fruits of Israel (myjewishlearning.com/texts/Bible/Weekly_Torah_Portion/ekev_cn.shtml). We incorporate Israeli music on our play lists; including Israeli children’s songs (such as Dig Dig dug), Israeli rap artists (such as subliminal), Israeli world music (such as Idan Raichel) and classic folk songs. Basically, we are proud Americans who have surrounded ourselves and our children with a bit of Israeli culture. It is a way we can reflect on our values, articulate them and share them with our children.

Notice I did not write about the challenge of combatting media perceptions or complex political realities. It is a constant topic in our house, and we follow events carefully. Although our children are aware of these issues, we focus on love of the land. We hope that our message comes through, and that they will be prepared when they are older to WANT to make their own meaningful relationships with Israel.

Baltimore is lucky, because we have Israeli partners in our sister city of Ashkelon (baltimoreashkelon.org) who are just as eager to connect as we are. Skype also is a great tool for connecting.

Finally, come visit the resource center at CJE (cjebaltimore.org) to get some great books and DVDs that may help you connect your family with Israel! Shalom and Hatzlacha in building your family’s connections- post here to expand the information above and share ways you connect your family to Israel!

Israel65. Celebrate!

By Sara Amin

How do you and your family celebrate birthdays?

When you’re very young, maybe there are arts and crafts, moon bounces and games with classmates and neighbors. When you get a bit older, perhaps you see a concert, do a little shopping or enjoy wine-tasting with friends of many years.

No matter what, you celebrate the mark of another year in the books.

This year, the Baltimore Israel Coalition invites you to celebrate Israel’s 65th birthday on June 2, beginning at noon, with an extravaganza at the Owings Mills Jewish Community Center.

So why Israel? And why now? According to Baltimore Israel Coalition staff member, Chana Siff, Israel has contributed so much to the world as a whole, from democracy to innovation to understanding. It is the democratic, national, historical and biblical home of the Jewish people – a people who can now be found all over the world, but are connected to this common home. The Baltimore Israel Coalition, a consortium of organizations in the greater Baltimore area working to support Israel through education, advocacy and community building, offers this opportunity for us all to come together and celebrate 65 years of love and support for this great state.

Everyone is invited! Teens, young adults, families, seniors – if you are looking for a fun afternoon with the entire community, this is the event for you.

For kids, this day brings Israeli games, arts and crafts, face-painting, henna, an obstacle course and even a moon bounce!

For young adults, teens and music lovers, this harmonious day features Matisyahu, a Jewish-American reggae and alternative rock musician, known all over the world for his ground-breaking sound and performances. Teens even have the chance for a special meet-and-greet before the show.

The community can enjoy Israeli vendors and food, interactive hands-on exhibits, captivating speakers and most importantly, a beautiful opportunity to appreciate the positive things coming out of Israel.

For more information on Israel’s 65th birthday and to purchase tickets for the Matisyahu concert, visit http://www.baltimoreisraelcoalition.org.

Celebrating Love for Israel

By Dalia Bauman

Sitting atop Masada at sunrise, my friends and I just stared. We stared at the rising sun after accomplishing one of the hardest physical challenges of our lives.

We woke up later than originally planned so we had to rush to make it to the top of the mountain before sunrise. When we reached the top, the sun was just peeking over the mountains of Jordan. I will never forget how I felt. I had a feeling of weariness but also accomplishment, pride and most of all, love. The love I felt for Israel was a feeling I had never experienced.

Since I was a child, I was taught to appreciate Israel. I lived there when I was younger and visited almost every year after we moved to the U.S. It was practically in my DNA to feel a connection to the homeland. However, after my experience on an Israel program this past summer, my love for Israel blossomed into a deep connection with the land and its people. I can’t pinpoint what it was exactly, but my feelings for Israel were different this time – it could have been the breathtaking nature, the amazing culture, the spiritual and historical context or just the fact that as a teenager, I was finally able to understand the importance of Israel. Regardless, I knew my connection was stronger than ever.

After returning to Baltimore, I was searching for activities that would help fulfill my newly formed relationship. An opportunity arose to sit on the Baltimore Israel Coalition as the teen representative of the Jewish Volunteer Connection, an agency of THE ASSOCIATED: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore — I accepted enthusiastically.

This past summer, the Coalition decided that it was important to bring our community together to celebrate Israel’s 65th birthday. Much of the work of the Coalition these past several months has been ensuring that this celebration will include everyone in our community. During each meeting, we share new and exciting developments which are then open for feedback so that each organization can share their ideas and contribute to the overall planning. As details are beginning to come together, enthusiasm is starting to grow.

Tasked with the responsibility of co-chairing the teen committee, my job is to ensure that teenagers are part of the celebration. We put together a committee of my peers with the intention of helping raise Israel awareness amongst the teen community. We share ideas and facilitate the overall planning of the teen-focused activities for the 65th birthday celebration.

Although working out such critical details presents some challenges, I know that what I am doing is essential. Most teens do not have the love and passion for Israel that I would hope — it is vital for all Jews that Israel remain in the minds, hearts and souls of the younger generation. Through Israel65. Celebrate!, and the work of the Baltimore Israel Coalition, I know the seeds will be planted firmly so that my peers will grow their love for and appreciation of our homeland.

Daila serves as co-chair of the teen committee for the Baltimore Israel Coalition. The Coalition is a consortium of 24 local organizations, working to support Israel though education, advocacy and community-building. For more information about the June 2 festivities, including a Matisyahu concert, and the Baltimore Israel Coalition, visit www.baltimoreisraelcoalition.org.

The Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership Is Making A Difference

By Suzy Liebman
Member, Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership and THE ASSOCIATED’s Israel and Overseas Committee

Just a few weeks ago, my husband, David, and I travelled with the Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership mission to Ashkelon. We had some amazing experiences: learned traditional Ethiopian dancing at an Ethiopian English class funded through the Partnership, worked with teen volunteers who address pressing social needs in Ashkelon, enjoyed home hospitality dinner with our friends in Ashkelon and participated in many other great experiences.

It is amazing to see the growth and connections developed over the past 10 years of the Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership. When we started visiting potential Partnership communities in Israel 10 years ago, Ashkelon was the fourth city we visited. It had all the components we were looking for. There were opportunities to engage people of all ages, create personal friendships and develop volunteerism in both Ashkelon and Baltimore. The best word to describe our first time in Ashkelon was “comfortable.”

We had a goal of this Partnership to grow a long solid friendship among the two communities and strengthen Jewish peoplehood. This past mission solidified the fruition of this goal. On this most recent mission the joint Partnership committee came together to make allocations decisions face-to-face. When we visited the Ethiopian English class, we were excited to see how many students’ lives have been enriched by this program and decided to continue to support this wonderful initiative.

The delegation also visited some amazing projects supported by THE ASSOCIATED, such as the inspiring “Wings of Krembo” program, a youth movement for children with special needs, led by teen volunteers involved with the Amen program. Through this program, the Partnership has instilled a culture of civic duty, leadership and volunteering.

I can sum up this Partnership in one phrase, “K’lal Yisrael.” We are all one people. Through this Partnership, we have been able to connect Jews across the world. We have been able to exponentially grow teen volunteerism in Ashkelon, support one another through challenging times and connect individuals, families and organizations in Baltimore and Ashkelon for a lifetime of friendship and connection.

For more information on the Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership, visit baltimoreashkelon.org.

Going Beyond Birthright

 

By Samantha B. Silver

Being Jewish was always something I appreciated because it set me apart from other people. It made me unique and even in my younger years was something that I thought made me special. From history to culture to music, Judaism has always been a strong part of the way I see myself.

Of course, in a city like Baltimore, it could be easy for someone to take her Judaism for granted. There are so many of us here. At the same time, having the resources of a large Jewish community has been one of the greatest things about growing up and living in Baltimore.

Still, I wanted to learn more about my heritage. During my sophomore year of college, I was determined to go on Taglit-Birthright Israel, having heard about it from so many of my friends who had traveled with their college Hillel or on other Birthright “adventure” trips. I wanted to see the Holy Land and in the summer of my junior year of college, I decided to go on a Birthright trip.

I did some research and found out about Mayanot’s arts and entertainment trip. As a writer and arts reporter, it was a great chance to meet like-minded Jewish young adults from all over the country. Even the American chaperones and Israeli soldiers and guides were involved in the arts. We were accompanied by a student studying at the music conservatory in Tel Aviv, and soldiers who were in the Army Band and Theater Troupe.

Being in Israel made me feel even prouder to be Jewish and I was welcomed into Israel with cries of “welcome home.” I enjoyed Shabbos with people that soon felt like family, and I didn’t want to leave the streets of Tel Aviv or the beautiful hills of the Golan Heights. Still, I knew Baltimore was my home. I couldn’t wait to share my experiences with everyone I knew in the States.

Last winter, I found out about Beyond Birthright’s kickoff event at MICA, which held a showcase of Israeli art from the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem and a film screening of Ari Folman’s Waltz with Bashir. My sister had just recently come back from her Birthright trip and we went to the event together.

Since that first event, Beyond Birthright has been a great way to meet new people and give back to the community that I have been a part of for so long. As a member of the Beyond Birthright Leadership Council, I’ve also had the opportunity to help connect other Birthright alumni with a network of Jewish young professionals. Together, we can celebrate our Jewish heritage and bond through local experiences.

Over the past year, we’ve organized a trip to Camden Yards for a baseball game, volunteered at the Pearlstone Center Farm, celebrated Shabbat and holidays, tasted Israeli wine, baked challah and hamantaschen and engaged in many meaningful discussions and conversations. There’s plenty more to come, including our screening of “Israel Inside” later this month, which will bring together both Israeli and American Baltimoreans to discuss life in Israel and the cultural landscape of the country.

I feel privileged and lucky to have found a special place to explore my identity as a leader for the growing Jewish young adult population in Baltimore and give back to the place I call home. It has been exciting and incredibly rewarding to see our events bring people together from all backgrounds, and I look forward to continuing to learn, lead and connect others with these experiences and with our community.

To get involved in Beyond Birthright, visit associated.org/beyondbirthright. You can also follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/beyondbirthright.

Maryland/Israel Development Center Host Presentation on Israel’s Iron Dome

By Nancy Boguslaw
Director of Programming and Development
Maryland/Israel Development Center

Nearly 150 people from the Baltimore-Washington corridor turned out on Thursday evening to hear from the brains behind the Iron Dome.  The Maryland/Israel Development Center’s (MIDC) event, which was held at ELTA North America featured Dr. David Machuga of ELTA Systems, Ltd., the designers and producers of Iron Dome’s radar system and Gideon Weiss of Rafael Advanced Systems, the developer of the Iron Dome. Both companies have offices in Maryland.

“I know everyone left here tonight with a greater understanding of these two outstanding companies, the important contributions the country of Israel offers the world and the vital role that the MIDC plays in fostering relationships between Israeli and Maryland companies,“ said Alvin Katz of KatzAbosch, the sponsor of the evening. “I think we all left knowing that Israel and the world are safer thanks to these two companies.”

Not only do companies like these work to keep Israel safer, ELTA and Rafael do a lot for Maryland’s economy.  According to the MIDC, ELTA, whose office opened last year in Howard County, has already hired more than a dozen people for high-tech, high-paying jobs and has plans to recruit as many as 75 more people in the new four years. ELTA and Rafael also benefit from Maryland in that the state is a leader in engineering and technology.

“These are big, big companies that do a lot of work with the major defense contractors in the area,” said Barry Bogage, Executive Director of the MIDC and who has worked closely with ELTA and the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development to bring ELTA to the state.
Because of the impact that these companies have in Maryland and Israel, the program also included addresses from Ken Ulman, County Executive of Howard County and Oren Marmenstein, Diplomatic Head of Regional Affairs at the Embassy of Israel to the United States.

Due to the sensitivity and nature of the topic, the presentations could not be photographed or videotaped but Weiss was able to describe Rafael’s role in the Iron Dome’s development and deployment and how it fits into Israel’s multi-layered missile and rocket defense. He also noted the many companies that contributed to the development and helped make its deployment possible. “Tonight’s program is just one example of the exciting opportunities offered by the MIDC,” Katz concluded.

The MIDC is a non-profit membership organization that promotes trade and investment between Maryland and Israeli companies. It is a partnership of the Baltimore Department of Business and Economic Development, Israel’s Ministry of Industry and Trade and THE ASSOCIATED: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore. The MIDC relies on the strength and support of its members.

Learn more about MIDC and its membership opportunities >>

Proud Partners

By Jeffrey Blavatt and Nina Rosenzwog
Co-chairs
Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership

Ten years ago when THE ASSOCIATED:  Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore launched its Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership with our sister city in Israel, no one could have anticipated just how much this relationship would flourish.

One of the hallmarks of this Partnership has been the strong connection formed person-to-person and the recognition of the similarities that link our two cities. In the years since its creation, the Partnership has witnessed 10,000 Baltimoreans traveling Ashkelon to visit, volunteer and forge strong bonds with individuals and families there. ASSOCIATED leadership, mission participants, young adults on Taglit-Birthright Israel, JCC Maccabi team members, teens, day school students, synagogue members and those active with other local Jewish organizations have all spent time in the southern Israeli city.

The foundation of the Partnership is the shared values of our two communities and the issues of mutual concern. The importance of volunteerism has been one area of interest in both cities and we have seen the fruits of all of our labors pay off.

In Ashkelon, interest in volunteering among teens has grown exponentially during the course of the partnership. Seven years ago, 900 teens were volunteering in their city. Today, almost 6,000 teens give their time and talents to Ashkelon.

The Stuart and Marlene Greenebaum Volunteer Center in Ashkelon enables both locals and visitors to the community to connect in meaningful ways to serving the needs of the Ashkelon community.

Likewise, the issue of Jewish identity is one of great importance in both Baltimore and Ashkelon. Through the Partnership, people of all ages connect to each other and experience firsthand the reach and import of our global Jewish family.

As we hear disturbing news about anti-Israel sentiments on college campuses and among young people, these personal encounters can help solidify a positive relationship between the next generation of Jews and Israel.

The strong bond between our communities provides great comfort to our friends in Ashkelon during times of crisis in Israel. When rockets are launched from Gaza, hundreds of them land in Ashkelon, driving the citizens into bunkers and their homes, away from their daily routines. During these difficult times, our community lends support through social media, phone calls and emails to Ashkelon. Our counterparts in Ashkelon have all expressed great appreciation for the love and concern they feel from friends in Baltimore. For those who are involved with this sister city relationship, the conflict in Israel becomes very personal when the people under attack are those with whom we have spent time, shared Shabbat meals and consider our friends.

Looking ahead, we are excited about new opportunities for our Partnership. We are seeing a new culture of involvement in Ashkelon, where the first cadre of lay leadership is now becoming active in the Partnership.

Locally, we are also expanding Partnership programming so that all who want to be part of our relationship with Ashkelon can get involved.

For a decade, the Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership has bridged the miles that span between our two communities, showing all of us the rich rewards which come from being part of a global Jewish family.

Learn about getting involved with the Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership>>

This column also appeared in the January 4, 2013 Baltimore Jewish Times.

Update on the Situation in Israel – November 19, 2012

JFNA Israel reports on the sixth day of Operation Pillar of Defense.

“Being in the South now and experiencing what our family in Israel is experiencing, has given me some understanding of what it feels like to be a citizen of this region,” said Michael Siegal, Chair of the Board of Trustees of The Jewish Federations of North America, leading a solidarity mission of North American senior federation lay and professional leaders in the South of Israel.

Latest News

Nine people were injured yesterday after 100 rockets were fired on Israel from Gaza, three of which were aimed at Tel Aviv. Over 50 rockets were intercepted by the Iron Dome defense system. This morning an empty school in Ashkelon was hit, the third time this school has been hit by rockets in ten years. A fake bomb was found on the Jerusalem light rail system, thought to be a terror tactic.

An immediate ceasefire now seems unlikely as Egyptian-mediated negotiations have reportedly slowed down. 45% of Israel’s citizens are living with the real threat of rockets. That’s proportionally the same at 140 million Americans.

The IDF reportedly hit the house belonging to a Hamas terrorist and unintentionally killed 11 members of the same family.

Rocket fire is affecting industrial production. A Kafrit factory on Kibbutz Kfar Aza that manufactures raw material for the plastic industry is out of work due to a direct rocket hit. Damaged houses and public buildings testify to the rockets’ power.

Solidarity Mission

“As the red alerts sounded,” said Michael Siegal, “we rushed for shelter together with small children. We could clearly see the urgent and incredible need for cash allocations and immediate assistance for children, elderly, victims of terror and all the people of Israel.”

This morning the group surveyed damage inflicted to a house hit by a rocket, visited the Jewish Agency’s Ibim absorption center and spoke with an Ethiopian family, who had arrived one month ago, about adjusting and some made a condolence call to the family of one of the three victims killed by a Gazan rocket attack on Thursday in Kiryat Malachi. Here is the group sheltering during a Code Red alarm.

Ofer Baram, Jewish Agency for Israel, Director of Emergency Response in the Southern Region, spoke to the group, “I cannot tell you how it warms my heart to see you all here. You should know that most Members of Knesset have not been here and I’m not sure you will see them come. Yet you have come across the ocean.”

Israel Terror Relief Fund

The Israel Terror Relief Fund committee, set up by The Jewish Federations of North America, Thursday, with $5 million available to be allocated, aims to address the most critical needs as validated by RAHEL in collaboration with our partners. The committee is prioritizing helping children who’ve been trapped in shelters since the beginning of the operation on Wednesday, providing them with assistance while in the shelters and in addition with respite activities away from the epicenter of the violence. The fund aims to help children with disabilities and special needs, seniors and adults with disabilities who need immediate help with food and home care, and families who are victims of terror. JFNA wants to help all those suffering under the ongoing trauma of relentless rocket fire. Programs have been approved by co-chairs of the allocation committee, Andrea Yablon and Heschel Raskas.

Interested donors can also text ISRAEL to 51818 to donate to the fund. More information on the Israel Terror Relief Fund can be found on JFNA’s resource page.

The Executive of Lion of Judah Israel has donated 40,000 NIS to Amutat Natal to assist them in their work with immediate psychological intervention with women, children and families of Kiryat Malachi, Netivot and Ofakim and with assistance for first aiders working in municipalities and on the 106 emergency phone lines.

Our Partners

The Jewish Agency for Israel is providing respite care for thousands of children from the South, taking them out of rocket range. Yesterday, children enjoyed Jerusalem’s Biblical Zoo, the Israel Museum, and a Beitar Jerusalem soccer game; Tel Aviv’s Azrieli Mall; and KifTzuba, a children’s amusement park. Additional respite activities are being planned for later this week, in partnership with JFNA.

The Jewish Agency’s Fund for the Victims of Terror continues to disperse funds where needed, for example to Yaron and Tami Shadadi whose home was directly hit by a rocket, destroying their daughter’s bedroom.

At the Ibim Absorption Center, two social workers and a team of 17 volunteers are providing emotional support and recreational activities to 415 very new Ethiopian immigrants.

The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee is initially distributing supplies and food for elderly and disabled in the 0-7 kilometer range of Gaza (Sderot, Eshkol Regional Council, Sha’ar HaNegev, Sdot Negev Regional Council, Hof Ashkelon, and Ashkelon).  It is providing portable toilets for people with severe disabilities, initially in Beersheva, Sderot, Ashdod and Ashkelon. Volunteer-led activities for children in shelters will begin this week using 200 activity kits with arts and crafts materials, games and other supplies to make the time more agreeable, giving children some venue to let off steam.

World ORT innovative distance learning technology is enabling children to keep up to date with their school work from their shelters. World ORT is on its way to setting up a thousand “smart classrooms” in Negev and Galilee schools by 2013 and the education via computer is being used right now.

Channel 2 interviewed one girl making use of the “smart” classroom in Soroka Hospital, a school usually used by hospital patients. “It is lonely being at home all day. Here I know I am safer and I’m not as bored.” During the broadcast, the girl had to rush out the hospital classroom to the more secure corridor when the siren warned of incoming rockets.

In addition, 300 students from 15 World ORT schools are working, in connection with the Foreign Ministry, on presenting Israel’s case globally via social media. “We are fighting against anti-Semitism worldwide” say the students.

Keeping up Spirits

Several well-known singers are making the rounds of shelters in the South, entertaining adults and children, in an effort to lighten the mood and provide distraction. “You come here and see what the children are going through and it makes you furious,” said singer Rami Kleinstein. “I sang and we heard explosions up above.”

Soldiers

Tomer Benishu (31) and Oshrat Melumad (27) met each other on reserve duty over a year ago. Last Friday they were enlisted together as reserve soldiers but received a few hours off yesterday in order to register their upcoming marriage.

Mother to seven young children and in her ninth month of pregnancy, Shifra Buchris (34), works as a policewoman visiting rocket impact sites every time a rocket strikes. “I feel that if I am able to able, I am blessed. It is important for me to strengthen the citizens of the South, giving them courage against this harsh reality.”

Social Media

Despite strong anti-Israel element in the social media, including a popular Palestinian Song on the Internet: We will strike Tel Aviv, pro-Israel support is being organized. In particular, yesterday San Diego organized a pro-Israel rally to “come together as a community to show our support for Israel.”

You can use Twitter to be informed:

Israeli Accounts: @IDFSpokesperson – @AvitalLeibovich – @Haaretzcom

JFNA-Affiliated Accounts: @JFederations – @IsraelActionNet – @Daroff

Update on the Situation in Israel – Late Edition from JFNA

November 16, 2012

As night fell on the third day of Israel’s Operation Pillar of Defense, rockets continued to rain down on Israel into an ever-expanding area.

For the first time since 1970, two rockets were reportedly fired at Jerusalem late Friday. Police confirmed one rocket landing in open area in Gush Etzion, directly south of the city, with no casualties reported. Hamas took credit for the attack, claiming to have shot “an improved Kassam,” which it called an M-75.

Air raid sirens again sounded in Tel Aviv on Friday, for the second time since the 1991 Gulf War. Reports indicate that Tel Aviv’s streets are relatively bare, as many residents leave the city for places out of maximum rocket range.

Since Operation Pillar of Defense began Wednesday, more than 550 rockets have been fired toward Israel, of which 26 exploded in built-up areas in the southern region and the greater Tel Aviv area. Iron Dome defenses has intercepted 197 rockets since the start of the operation.

Through Friday evening, the IAF struck 613 targets in Gaza, focusing on rocket depots and launchers to impair the terrorists’ rocket launching capability.

The Home Front Command has asked local authorities in the south to prepare for a seven-week period of combat and to ready emergency supplies accordingly. The Home Front Command estimates that terror organizations in the Gaza Strip are capable of launching long-range rockets even further than a 75-kilometer range, and instructed the Tel Aviv metropolitan area and southern residents located in a range of between 40-75 kilometers from the Gaza Strip to enter nearby, protected spaces the moment blasts or sirens are heard.

On Friday evening, Defense Minister Ehud Barak approved the IDF’s request to increase the amount of reservists enlisted beyond the 30,000 already approved. Earlier Friday, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz issued draft orders for 16,000 more reservists. Most of the reservists serve in the IDF’s Engineering Corps, which would play a vital part in any ground operation into the Gaza Strip.

Also Friday, Israel Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon told CNN that Gaza may have a day or two before ground troops move in. “We are kind of reluctant warriors. We don’t want to get into Gaza if we don’t have to. But if they keep firing at us… a ground operation is still in the cards…. We have very simple, specific goals,” he said. “If we will see in the next 24 to 36 hours more rockets launched at us, I think that would be the trigger.”

Rockets have directly hit homes and vehicles, and many Israelis are suffering emotionally, mentally and physically. So far, three Israelis have been killed by rocket attack, and many others injured. Earlier today, three soldiers were wounded in a Kassam rocket attack on the Eshkol Regional Council, one moderately and the others lightly. Elsewhere, 25 Israelis were rescued after a building collapse.

During a meeting this afternoon between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres, the prime minister said Israel will continue targeting Hamas, but do everything in its power to avoid civilian casualties.

“We will continue to strike hard at the missiles targeted at Central and Southern Israel,” he said. “Hamas deliberately targets our children, and they deliberately place their rockets next to their children.”

Added Peres: “Those who preach to us about morality should offer an alternative way to stop the rocket fire from Hamas. No country would agree for its children to live in that intolerable situation.”

North American Jews have rallied to support Israel during this time of crisis and Jewish Federations are joining in the community-wide effort. JFNA started a new Israel Terror Relief Fund, to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Israel at this critical time. This new fund will help support the more than 1 million residents of Israel’s south, who have been living in siege, under rocket fire from terrorists in the Gaza Strip.

JFNA’s Executive Committee yesterday voted for Jewish Federations to commit up to $5 million to the Israel Terror Relief Fund for the immediate needs of the people of Israel, especially in the south, through both existing reserve funds and new contributions from Federations. Interested donors can also text ISRAEL to 51818 to donate to the fund. More information on the Israel Terror Relief Fund can be found on JFNA’s resource page.

Jewish Federation partners, The Jewish Agency for Israel, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and World ORT, along with the Israel Trauma Coalition, are delivering immediate services and assistance on the ground throughout the south. Such services include trauma counseling, financial assistance, portable bomb shelters, and potentially other initiatives including bringing children in the strike zones out of harm’s way.

Jewish Federations are working in close coordination with the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ), and others across the Jewish community who are uniting to come to Israel’s side through the Israel Terror Relief Fund.

Late yesterday, JFNA delivered this letter to President Obama, thanking him for supporting the State of Israel during this critical time. “We look forward to your continuing deep engagement to bringing about peace and security for the innocents in Israel who have been living amidst the nightmare of bomb shelters and missile alerts, as well as your strong support for the State of Israel and the people of Israel during this ongoing crisis,” said Michael Siegal, chair of JFNA’s Board of Trustees, and Jerry Silverman, president and CEO of JFNA, who authored the letter.

Lt. Col. Avital Leibovich, head of the International Media & Communications Branch of the IDF Spokespersons Unit, encouraged the global Jewish community to “go to a media war,” during a call yesterday hosted by JFNA and the Jewish Council of Public Affairs. It’s critical to promote Israel in both mainstream outlets and social media, she said, to counteract the “false rumors and false pictures” being disseminated from the Palestinian side.

“The Israeli point of view must be represented,” Leibovich said. “With our joint efforts, we can influence the narrative.” Listen to the full recording of the call here.

Up to 20 Federation lay leaders and executives will leave for Israel this weekend to assess the needs on the ground and see firsthand the work of our partner agencies. The mission will tour Israel’s southern region, and include meetings with Israeli leadership and visits to those affected by the rocket attacks.

JFNA continues to monitor the situation in Israel and will send regular updates as needed.

Read recent news coverage of the situation in Israel:

•     LIVE BLOG: Rockets slam into Israel’s south in third day of IDF operation in Gaza (Haaretz)
•     IDF: Tonight will not be calm in Gaza (JPost)
•     Pillar of Defense By the Numbers: 613 Targets Struck (Israel National News)