Sign In Forgot Password
1185 Sheridan Road, Glencoe, IL 60022847.835.0724

Support and Resources for Israel

In response to the terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, please find resources below to learn more and support Israel during this difficult time. 

 

Let us cultivate strength in our own hearts and souls and offer it freely to one another, in the fervent hope and prayer that the One who makes peace in the high heavens will bring peace to us, to Israel, and to all the world.

 

Read a recent op-ed by Rabbi Wendi Geffen and Rabbi Shoshana Conover, published in the Chicago Tribune on December 10, 2023: “International women’s groups, leaders remained silent on Hamas’ violence for too long.”

 

Upcoming EVENTS

We are regularly providing programs and events that respond to the situation in Israel. See below for our latest programs and events.

 

ISRAEL SOLIDARITY MISSION

Sunday, October 27 – Friday, November 1, 2024

Registration deadline: September 15, 2024

 

Join Rabbi Wendi Geffen for a solidarity mission to Israel. Along with partners at BJBE and Chicago Sinai Congregation, and led by our friend and expert educator Mike Hollander, we will engage in acts of service, pay our respects at memorial sites, and learn about Israeli resilience during this challenging time. Trip highlights include visits to Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, the Nova Festival memorial, and Magen David Adom headquarters, as well as hearing stories of resilience from members of Kibbutz Re’im, an Israeli Bedouin activist, and members of Brothers and Sisters in Arms, leaders of the 2023 protest movement. This mission is a special opportunity to share our empathy and find strength in solidarity.

 

Please note this trip is only open to NSCI, BJBE. and Chicago Sinai congregants.
 

Learn more and register: https://www.j2adventures.com/join/reform-chicago-il-israel-oct-2024/

 

Information session with Rabbi Geffen on Zoom

Monday July 8, 2024 , 8:00–9:00 pm 

Register for an information session to learn more about the Israel Solidarity Mission: https://www.nsci.org/event/SMInfoMeeting0724.


Support During the War in Israel and Amidst Rising Antisemitism

Wednesdays | 12:00–1:00 pm CST | Zoom

 

A virtual drop-in group for those in the Jewish community who are seeking connection, support, and coping strategies during these difficult times.

For more information and to receive the Zoom link contact Bracha Jakofsky, MSW
BrachaJakofsky@JCFS.org | 847.745.5430


 

DONATE

Consider supporting The JUF Israel Emergency Fund, which directs critical funds directly to Israelis.

 

VOLUNTEER IN ISRAEL

The Jewish National Fund–USA is offering highly subsidized missions to volunteer in Israel for four days and four nights, taking place twice a month, December 2023 through March 2024. Visit their website to learn more and register.

 

PRAY

HERE is a list of different prayers and readings for your personal prayers.

 

Special prayers and blessings for the State of Israel and its civilians, soldiers, first responders, and hostages, recited at Kabbalat Shabbat services on October 13, 2023. To watch the rest of the Shabbat service, click here

 

 

LEARN

Web Resources

Israel/Hamas War Resources from the Center for Israel Education

Israel/Hamas War FAQs

ADL Debunk: Myths and False Narratives About the Israel-Hamas War

Israel, Hamas, and International Law: What You Need to Know

The History of Israel/Palestine before 1948

General Resources about Israel and Israel's History from the Center for Israel Education

AJC Glossary to "Translate Hate"

 

Books

Letters to My Palestinian Neighbor, by Yossi Klein HaLevi

A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth, by Noa Tishby

The War of Return, by Einat Wilf

Impossible Takes Longer, by Daniel Gordis

The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: What Everyone Needs to Know, by Dov Waxman

Israel: A Concise History of A Nation Reborn, by Daniel Gordis

The Arc of a Covenant, by Walter Russel Read

The Land of Hope and Fear: Israel’s Batter for Its Inner Soul, by Isabel Kershner

Can We Talk About Israel: A Guide for the Curious, Confused, and Conflicted, by Daniel Sokatch

 

Reliable News Sources

The Times of Israel

YnetNews

Haaretz

Maariv (Hebrew)

The Jerusalem Post

Israel HaYom

I24News

 

RESPONDING TO silence or MORAL EQUIVOCATION

Responding Responsibly from ARZA

A Sample Letter to Send to College/University President and Administration

A Sample Statement for Organizations to Use

 

TALK TO YOUR KIDS

Empowering Students in the Aftermath of Hate

How to Talk to Your Kids about What's Happening in Israel

Guidance for Talking to Our Kids from a Trauma Psychologist

Talking to Kids About Israel in a Time of Crisis

Making Sense of Tragedy

How to Discern Media Bias

 

RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS ON CAMPUS

Hillel's Campus Antisemitism Legal Line: File a Report

A Sample Letter to Send to College/University Administration

Being a Strong Advocate

Think Plan Act

Find Your Hillel

Identifying and Understanding Antisemitism

What It's Like To Be A Jewish Student at Columbia Today

Tough Questions Answered About Gaza from the AJC

 

To report an antisemitic incident: 

Office of Civil Rights Electronic Complaint Form 

Hillel's Portal to report antisemitic incidents

 

 

PUBLIC STATEMENTS BY INTERFAITH ORGANIZATIONS

American Christians Should Stand with Israel under Attack

Bothsidesism” About Hamas Is a Moral Failure

National Catholic Reporter

Wed, November 6 2024 5 Cheshvan 5785