It has been an intense and painful time for Israel and those of us who love and support her. In the week prior to going to press, 3,600 rockets were launched at Israeli civilians–the most intensive barrage in Israel’s 73 years of independence–killing 12, injuring hundreds, and traumatizing millions.

In response, your Jewish United Fund sprang into action.

• JUF immediately advanced $1 million to the Jewish Agency for Israel and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee to address humanitarian needs on the ground, including intensive assistance for the most vulnerable–traumatized children and families, people with disabilities, Holocaust survivors and new immigrants to Israel. We also allocated an additional $125,000 through the Jewish Federations of North America to replenish the Victims of Terror Fund and meet other intensive needs as they unfold.

• Our Hillel, Israel Education Center, and Teens departments are giving college, high school and middle school students support in advocating for Israel (and themselves).

• JUF’s JCRC and Government Affairs leadership is continually communicating with Members of Congress and their staffs and is reaching out to every member of the Illinois delegation.

• We have hosted a series of informational briefings for Jewish community leaders and for Christian leaders, featuring updates from Ofer Bavly, Director General of JUF’s Israel Office.

We are proud of our Chicago Jewish community’s deep commitment to Israel and appreciate that many want to do more to demonstrate their support for Israel at this crucial time. Here are some steps to take your support for Israel to the next level:

1. Stay informed. Developments on the ground and the narratives around them constantly evolve. An excellent resource is: israelactionnetwork.org/current-events .

2. Become an ambassador for Israel to friends, neighbors and colleagues. JUF experts are happy to update and educate gatherings of family, friends, synagogues, professional and civic groups. Contact [email protected].

3. Share your support with elected officials. Politicians expect JUF to communicate with them; they most value hearing from regular voters, whether you are a constituent or not.

4. Send a message of solidarity to Israelis in our Partnership2Gether Region of Kiryat Gat, Lachish and Shafir who are living within Hamas rocket range. Send an email to: [email protected] .

5. Give to the JUF Annual Campaign , which provides multi-faceted support to Israel in times of crisis and every day. If you haven’t yet made your gift to the 2021 JUF Annual Campaign, now is the time–and if you have contributed, please consider an additional gift–taking advantage of a dollar-for-dollar match available now for every new gift and every increase in giving.

This is JUF’s reason for being–to respond to daily needs and in extraordinary times of crisis–and it is your support that makes everything we do possible.

We all pray for the safety of all Israeli citizens and for the perseverance of Israel.