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Dear Friends and Members of our Temple Sinai Community,

Our spirits are distraught and confidence unsettled as we watch the unfolding events in Israel in disbelief. The gravity and dimension of loss, destruction, and terrorism wrought by Hamas against Israeli citizens and soldiers are inconceivable and heartbreaking. As of this writing, over 700 Israelis have been murdered, the vast majority civilians. Over 2000 Israelis lie wounded, hundreds in critical condition, and more than 130 people, including dozens of women, children, and the elderly, have been kidnapped and are being held captive in Gaza. This is the bloodiest attack on the Jewish People since the Shoah and the most violent one in Israel’s history.

In this tragic and devastating moment, our hearts go out to all who are mourning the loss of a loved one, to all who are praying for recovery of injured family members and friends, and for all who are hoping and praying for a safe return of loved ones being held captive in Gaza. 

Accompanying our own sense of shock and disbelief is the understandable desire to know what we can do to help, any support we can offer our brothers and sisters in Israel as they confront this tragedy.

CURRENT EVENTS & RESOURCES
For those seeking more information, Jewish organizations are offering many opportunities over the next few days. 

• Yeshiva University is hosting a Zoom event entitled, "The Hamas Massacre and What is to Come" on Monday, October 16 at 7:00 pm. You can attend here. 
• The Israeli American Council (IAC) is presenting a security briefing with military analysts and Israeli Army General (res) Noam Tibon, who bravely raced to rescue his son and family, hiding in their home near the Gaza border as Hamas terrorists destroyed their kibbutz. You can register here for this event on Tuesday, October 17 at 3:00 pm.
• Join the Israeli-American group Nefesh B'nefesh for "Israel United: Voices of Hope with Ambassador Michael Oren." You can register here for this event this Wednesday, October 18 at 1:00 pm. 
• At this difficult time, Kar-Ben Publishing is offering a FREE Israel-themed virtual bookshelf. Share stories about Israel with your children at no cost. Check this out here. 

In addition to all of these ways to support Israel, please also consider the lifesaving work of IsrAID's Emergency Response Fund.

DEMONSTRATE SOLIDARITY
At this moment, the most powerful and important thing we can do is to stand in solidarity with the people of Israel and to convey our staunch support and strength. 

REMAIN INFORMED
During these days of misinformation and manipulation, it is essential that we be well-informed advocates for Israel. We encourage you to attend briefings offered by numerous Jewish agencies, including the American Jewish Committee, to get the most up-to-date and accurate information. In addition, we urge everyone to turn to reliable news sources for updates and information on the escalating situation. Two recommended English news outlets providing a constant live stream of breaking news are Times of Israel and i24 News. In this moment of significant crisis, another way we can demonstrate our support is to be proud ambassadors for our Jewish homeland and to use our networks to influence and to educate.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT
There are numerous agencies worthy of financial support. In addition to our local Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, following are a few suggested organizations in Israel offering support: 

• ERAN provides lifesaving emotional first aid services, offering initial response and emotional support on the phone and online, while maintaining strict confidentiality and anonymity.
• FIDF's mission is to transform the lives of soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces through empowering educational, financial, wellbeing, and cultural initiatives. 
• NATAL - the Israel Trauma and Resiliency Center is an apolitical organization providing multidisciplinary treatment and support to direct and indirect victims of trauma due to terror and war in Israel.

Magen Dovid Adom - Israel’s national emergency medical service, is on the frontlines of saving lives in Israel with emergency ambulances, boats, helicopters, and motorcycles.

POLITICAL OUTREACH
We also encourage you to contact your elected officials and ask them to publicly support Israel and, when appropriate, to vote for aid for Israel. In situations where they have already done so, it is important to contact them to express your appreciation.

In addition to ways one can demonstrate support for Israel, we also recognize an expressed need for personal comfort and support in the wake of this tragic and heartbreaking moment. We offer the following suggestions in that spirit.

TALKING WITH YOUR CHILDREN
To assist parents with strategies on how to answer questions in an age-appropriate manner as well as determine how best to offer support during this crisis, we hope this article will be helpful: Here’s How to Talk to Your Kids About the Violence in Israel and Gaza. 

PRAYER
Any who would find comfort by being together with your community for prayer and reflection are encouraged to join us on Wednesday morning at 8:00 am for our traditional morning minyan and/or at our regular Shabbat services.

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Our Temple Sinai Nefesh (Mental Health and Wellness) Committee will be hosting Zoom support calls for any who may be seeking a safe space in which to process the emotions related to these horrific events. 

SECURITY
It is natural to feel heightened concern regarding security at Sinai. Please know that safety and security remain top of mind, and include regular review of our safety protocols and staff training. Additionally, we maintain a close relationship with the Sandy Springs Police Department. While none have been determined at this time, we will continue to monitor for any and all local concerns.

This is likely the beginning of a protracted war for Israel, and our continuing expressions of support and solidarity will be critical, for however long is necessary to restore a sense of security. We encourage all who have family or friends living in Israel to reach out to them, let them know they are not alone, and reassure them that we are standing strong with them. Let us remain strong supporters and proud allies, and let us pray that the people of Israel will soon know peace.  

As we strive to comfort hearts that are broken and ease the sadness felt by so many, we raise our voices together with others throughout our community and the world in expressions of enduring solidarity and support.

With heartfelt strength, hope and our prayers for Israel,

Temple Sinai Leadership