Today’s suggested actions to support Israel in your local community:
- Raise awareness for the remaining hostages with the support of this value-based toolkit designed for educators and individuals to learn and act at home, in school and in the community.
- Learn best practices for deepening interfaith relationships with the help of our issue brief.
- Read this piercing CNN article on the plight of families of dead American hostages that are doing everything they can to retrieve their bodies.
- Urge your Members of Congress in the House to support the swift passage of aid to Israel, funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, and assistance for Ukraine. You can call their offices and send them a message through our action alert.
- Read and share the story of 85-year-old Arye Zalmanovich, a father of two, grandfather of five, and farmer who had deep historical knowledge and was profoundly committed to his country. A revered founder of Kibbutz Nahal Oz, Aryeh was in his home the morning of October 7 when terrorists infiltrated. Released hostages shared stories of his bravery in captivity, and how he managed to maintain his dignity despite the harrowing conditions and
to show great compassion for his fellow captives. On December 1, the IDF announced that Arye was murdered by terrorists in captivity. Loved ones shared that before he was taken captive, Arye continued to wear his work clothes every morning and drink coffee with the young generation of farmers on the Kibbutz.
Following the IDF’s tragic accident that left seven World Central Kitchen aid workers dead, Israel has implemented new measures to increase the flow of aid into Gaza. Despite efforts that continue to be hampered by Hamas fire and looting, the number of trucks entering Gaza has broken records on an almost daily basis, with a new average of over 400 trucks bringing in supplies each day
(and over 500 yesterday).
- Yesterday the IDF announced that it will open a new land crossing into the Strip designed mainly to facilitate deliveries from overseas and from neighboring Jordan. Last night the first food aid trucks crossed into Gaza via the new entry.
- The IDF is coordinating closely with the United States and other international partners on efforts to increase humanitarian aid. IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari said, “The humanitarian efforts show the depth of the U.S. - Israel strategic partnership and the shared value of our two nations.” The United States is working to have a maritime corridor up and running in the coming weeks, which will be able to bring in additional assistance.
- Over the past few days, the number of trucks carrying aid into Gaza has increased following the reopening of the Erez checkpoint that was destroyed by Hamas on October 7, extended hours of use of the Kerem Shalom crossing, the use of the Ashdod port to transfer goods and broadening the scope of the Jordan delivery channel.
- Unfortunately, aid trucks continue to be held up in Gaza due to logistical complications by the United Nations, preventing further aid trucks from entering Gaza, according to the IDF unit COGAT responsible for humanitarian aid.
- Humanitarian efforts continue to be hindered by Hamas’s ongoing fire, including towards aid convoys, and stealing of aid.
- In recent days, the defense establishment has launched the Coordination and Deconfliction Cell - a platform that will enable international agencies to work closely with the IDF in order to facilitate the delivery of aid, that will still enable troops to continue operating against Hamas, while also ensuring the security of aid workers.
- According to urban warfare expert Major John Spencer, who was responsible for distributing aid to civilians in northern Iraq, the distribution of aid in an area controlled by terrorists is riddled with challenges and threats that often put the lives of soldiers in danger.
- Secretary Antony Blinken welcomed Israel’s recent announcements of urgent steps to facilitate the entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza.
- Since the beginning of the war,
Israel has facilitated 422,130 tons of aid on 22,402 trucks. Aid includes food, water, medical supplies, shelter equipment, fuel, cooking gas and other necessities. In addition, Over 3,600 packages of food and essentials were facilitated in 62 airdrops by several countries.
The Jewish Federation of Cleveland organized a community-wide event, Ratzim Bishvilam or “Running for Them,” to raise awareness for the 133 hostages still being held captive by Hamas terrorists. Over 1,000 people walked and ran on their behalf. Natalia Ben Zvi, whose 24-year-old son Sagiv was murdered at the Supernova music festival, told the crowd that we are all obligated to raise our voices for our brothers and sisters in Israel.
Click here to access Jewish Federations’ toolkit on the War in Israel.
The Community Mobilization Center is monitoring major developments in Israel and North America related to Israel’s war against Hamas. The Community Mobilization Center will rapidly disseminate resources to help mobilize and support our local communities as they build and sustain civic and political support for Israel in this conflict. The work of the Community Mobilization Center will continue as long as it takes Israel to eradicate the terrorist threat and restore security to the country. The Community Mobilization Center is at your service. Click here to send us an email. Click here to sign up for the Dispatch
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