Shabbat Message From The CEO

Dear Friends,
 
Today marks the 42nd day since Hamas savagely attacked Israel and the 42nd day of captivity for the 240 hostages. This past Tuesday, the American Jewish community’s voice was heard, chanting “Bring Them Home! Now!” at the March for Israel in Washington DC. Our Board Chair Heather Kline and I had the honor to lead our 30-strong Orange County delegation, whose voices joined with 290,000 others on this historic day on the National Mall. Among the voices in our delegation were our Merage JCC shinshinim Orr and Noa, Israeli high school graduates who defer army service for a year and serve Jewish communities like ours to strengthen ties with Israel. Orr shared that being at the March reminded her there was still a sense of humanity in the world; Noa expressed her gratitude for the outstanding support of Israel, which she felt deeply and personally. We are grateful to Orr and Noa for their work connecting youth to Israel.

Israel Emergency Campaign

Thanks to over 940 compassionate donors, Federation’s Israel Emergency Campaign will be providing over $975,000 in aid to Israel.

These funds are being allocated right now to the immediate, urgent needs listed above, and to essential preparation for long-term needs.