Our community has come together in profound grief, but equally in profound strength and in solidarity, since the horrors of October 7th. We have always been and will always be one with our brothers and sisters in Israel. Israel’s battle is our battle, and Israel’s suffering is our suffering.” 

–Leonard Petlakh

Executive Director, Kings Bay Y/JCC Brooklyn

DONATE TO THE BROOKLYN EMERGENCY FUND FOR ISRAEL

Here in Brooklyn, we find ourselves in a moment of shared sorrow and determination. This Giving Tuesday, join hands with Kings Bay Y/JCC Brooklyn as we stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Israel, navigating the shadows of the Iron Swords War.

Our community center has evolved into a sanctuary where collective grief intertwines with unwavering resilience. Through tearful vigils that echo with shared sorrow and solemn memorials that stand as testaments to enduring strength, our focal point remains firmly on providing unwavering support to the IDF and the families who, with incredible fortitude, are navigating unimaginable hardships. In this space of compassion and solidarity, we strive to uphold the spirit of unity and support that binds us together in the face of adversity.

In the Face of Adversity: 

In the wake of October 7th, the global surge in antisemitism has cast a dark shadow.

The numbers tell a chilling tale:

• ADL recorded a total of 312 antisemitic incidents between Oct. 7-23, 2023, 190 of which were directly linked to the war in Israel and Gaza.
• “When conflict erupts in Israel, antisemitic incidents soon follow in the U.S. and globally,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO. “From white supremacists in California displaying antisemitic banners on highway overpasses to radical anti-Zionists harassing Jewish people because of their real or perceived support for the Jewish state, we are witnessing a disturbing rise in antisemitic activity here while the war rages overseas.”

https://www.adl.org/resources/press-release/adl-records-dramatic-increase-us-antisemitic-incidents-following-oct-7

• In the United States, Jewish advocacy group the Anti-Defamation League reported that antisemitic incidents had risen by about 400% in the two weeks following the Oct. 7 attack, compared with the same period last year.

https://www.reuters.com/world/how-surge-antisemitism-is-affecting-countries-around-world-2023-10-31/

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A Call to Unity:

We embrace a collective hope of reuniting with the hostages held by Hamas, and your generosity plays a pivotal role in enabling us to pursue peace and healing amid what may seem like insurmountable challenges.

In tandem with this mission, we recently launched the Brooklyn Emergency Fund for Israel, a fundraiser spearheaded by Brooklyn’s Jewish grassroots initiatives and community-based organizations. Committed to full transparency and collective decision-making on fund allocation, this initiative aims to address acute needs in Israel by directing donations to the most deserving causes.

Recognizing the long-term commitment required, we understand that Israel’s needs will evolve as the situation remains fluid on the ground. The sponsoring organizations pledge to handle all administrative expenses, ensuring that 100% of the collected funds are directed to the most urgent needs.

The Brooklyn Emergency Fund for Israel is dedicated to supporting various critical causes, including:

1. Assisting the families affected by the tragic acts committed by Hamas terrorists, including those who were murdered, captured, and taken to Gaza, as well as those severely wounded.

2. Providing support to the families of reserve soldiers who voluntarily left their homes to serve in combat.

3. Collaborating with local municipalities and community centers to restore normalcy to communities around Gaza/Sderot that have been impacted by the ongoing challenges.

All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by the law. EIN: 11-3068515

DONATE HERE