10/26/2023 02:50:28 PM
Standing in unwavering solidarity with Israel and with all the victims of this terrible attack and ongoing war, we will gather as a Conservative/Masorti movement for Shabbat around the globe, unified in the face of hatred and to proclaim our love and pride as Jews and as Conservative/Masorti Jews.
I encourage everyone to show your support for Israel and for Judaism right now. In a recent poll, a slim majority (majority!) of 18-24 year old Americans say Hamas slaughtering civilians “can be justified by the grievance of Palestinians.” Then 62% of the exact same group agree the massacre was “genocidal.” Genocidal, but justified.
No genocide can be justified. Hamas is a terrorist organization. Hamas doesn't just want Gaza or the West Bank. Hamas doesn’t even just want the land of Israel “from the river to the sea.” Hamas, as it states in its charter, wants every Jew killed. We cannot allow this kind of hatred. It is up to us, American Jews, to make sure that everyone understands that Hamas’s war is not only unjustified, but pure terror.
This means speaking up and speaking out. It means calling our representatives and telling them why they should support Israel, and to speak out against hatred. Those supporting Hamas are calling these representatives as well. We must make our voice heard even louder. We have to wear our Star of David necklaces and our blue square pins. We have to ask the people we meet what they know about the war in Israel and what Hamas has done to our country.
Do they know that Hamas brutally murdered 1,400 people? Do they know that Hamas is still holding at least 220 hostages including foreign nationals? Do they know that more than 120,000 people in Israel are currently displaced, forced to flee their homes due to ongoing rocket fire in Israel’s south from Hamas, and Israel’s north from Hezbollah? Do they know that almost 60% of schools have been closed because they cannot ensure safety for their students? And that the schools that are in session are interrupted because of constant sirens indicating a rocket on the way?
Attributing any justification to Hamas’s brutality is a poor attempt to excuse some of the worst evils the world has ever seen. It is horrific victim-blaming, and draws dangerous false parallels between Israeli self-defense and Hamas’s disgusting massacres. We must educate those we come in contact with that if they were upset when they thought Israel did horrible things, they need to be just as upset when they realize that Hamas is to blame.
Hamas has repeatedly stolen international funds meant for humanitarian aid to build and improve 300 miles of tunnels underneath Gaza to commit terrorist acts and to amass a huge ammunition supply. They completely disregard the needs of their own citizens. They lie to the media to further terrorize Jews everywhere.
Many people brought up concerns about our own security here in Tampa. We are supported strongly by our local Sheriff's office, and they have made many rounds to our building, keeping an eye on us. We have gone over emergency plans, and we have certain security measures in place.
If you are looking for guides on how to answer questions, how to follow the news, to learn more, to find a resource for your own personal mental health, or are looking for guidance on how to help, please keep looking at this document below as we will continue updating it.
Israel Support Resources
docs.google.com
Am Yisrael Chai!
Rabbi Rachel Blatt
