Jewish Federations of North America are mobilizing a massive relief effort, working with our core partners to support victims of terror, rebuild damaged infrastructure, and address the immense levels of trauma caused by this barbaric terrorist attack by Hamas.

Click here to see a full list of the areas our emergency fund helps support.

Please act now. Your gift will help Israeli families to begin process of rebuilding their lives and will send a strong, unwavering message that we stand with Israel now and forever.

100% of every dollar raised through the Israel Emergency Fund will be distributed to provide for the needs of the people, families and communities impacted. We are able to be in Israel immediately in times like this because we’re there day in and day out, all year long, thanks to the impact of the annual campaign.

Send Letters of Support to Israeli Families
Our Partnership is requesting that people who wish to help/offer support write letters and drawings for families (especially to young kids) to offer support.

In light of the recent events in Israel, many families from the Southern region are being hosted in the Hadera-Eron Region (Richmond’s Sister City).

We believe that Showing our support and solidarity is crucial during this difficult time.

We invite individuals, families, schools, and organizations to:
Write a Letter Create a Drawing

Please send or drop off your letter/drawing to Sara Rosenbaum at Federation at srosenbaum@jewishrichmond.org

Letters and Drawings will be sent directly to our Partners in Hadera to be distributed to Israeli families in need.

Make an Impact - Volunteer with Masa

Masa Volunteers is a new program offering fellows the opportunity to contribute to a 6-week initiative in Israel. 

The first departure is December 5th, the second departure is at the end of December, and the third departure is in early January (dates TBA). 

If you are between the ages of 18-40, have a basic knowledge of the English language, have a valid passport, and identify as Jewish, you are eligible to apply.

Click here to apply.

The Jewish Agency's Response. From Tuesday October 24 , an exclusive and comprehensive briefing on Israel at war. Click here to view the recording. 

FOR PARENTS: How to Talk to Kids about Operation Swords of Iron" with Dr. Jenna Shapiro.
Click here for a recording. Click here for a resource guide from Dr. Shapiro.

Why does Hamas fire rockets into Israel? From Unpacked, watch now

Hamas' Control Over Gaza. From Unpacked, watch now

What is Hamas? From AIPAC

The Community Mobilization Center is monitoring major developments in Israel and North America related to Israel’s war. Click here for additional resources from the Community Mobilization Center.

Wellness Resources during this difficult time: Click here

The 10/7 Project is a communications hub advocating for accurate, unbiased coverage of the Israel-Hamas project. Learn more and sign up for their daily newsletter.

We hear your concerns and want to share with you that the JCFR Community Security Initiative, est. 2019, along with our state, local and federal law enforcement partners have been continually monitoring the situation. Our Regional Security Advisor is in daily contact with his law enforcement partners and all have increased their presence around our facilities and pledged to maintain the heightened level of attention. We have encouraged all our organizations to review their security posture and heighten vigilance.

At this time, there is no known threat to the Richmond area or nationally. If we do receive word from SCN or our trusted partners of an emerging threat, we are ready to react and respond immediately.

For the past three years, The Jewish Community Federation of Richmond has partnered with Secure Community Network (SCN) and the Jewish Federation of the Virginia Peninsula to strengthen our community’s safety, security, and preparedness.

SCN is the official safety and security organization of the Jewish community in North America.

Dave Brackins, our Regional Security Advisor, serves each of our agencies and synagogues and is a key resource and liaison for the Jewish and general community

Are Palestinian civilians being targeted by Israel?

• Israel was attacked by one of the most barbaric, immoral, inhuman organizations that the world has ever known - one that vows to wipe the entire country off the face of the earth. Hamas is a group that purposely targets civilians with documented plans to commit horrific atrocities.  These plans were implemented and included beheadings, burning people alive, killing dozens of babies, raping women, taking Holocaust survivors and others as captives. This evil organization was elected by the people of Gaza.
• Nonetheless, Israel is a humane, law-abiding country, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reflect those values. Despite the terrible crimes committed, and the unprecedented threats against the Jewish state, Israel is NOT targeting civilians, and is even warning Palestinians before it strikes Hamas’ terror and military targets; losing the element of surprise as the price it must pay for keeping Gazan non-combatants out of harm's way.
• Israel has repeatedly warned Gaza’s civilian population to evacuate certain areas to avoid being caught in the violence.  Cynically, disturbingly, and once again demonstrating their complete disregard for human life and civilian populations, Hamas has ordered residents not to leave and to stay in place, despite the warnings that Israel has given, potentially condemning some of their own people to die. And now, evidence has emerged of Hamas blocking the safe corridors created by Israel, forcing their own civilian population to remain in the fighting zone and become human shields and propaganda pawns.

Why is Israel cutting off electricity and other supplies to Gaza?

• Hamas, elected by the people of Gaza, is the authority in charge of the Strip, and responsible for the well-being of its citizens. Iin the past, the regime has diverted large quantities of provisions and aid for military and terror purposes, while its wealthy leadership has squandered urgent resources for themselves. 
• For example, we have seen again and again that emergency supplies of much-needed diesel fuel (used to power generators for hospitals, among other purposes) has been redirected to Hamas’ rocket program and other military uses. It should also be noted that in regular times, Israel only supplies 10% of Gaza’s water and 50% of its electricity (a further 25% comes from solar power, and the rest from Egypt and other sources).

Why did Israel order Gazans to evacuate the Northern Gaza Strip?

• This war was not inevitable. Hamas—an internationally armed, financed, and trained terrorist organization whose stated purpose is the destruction of Israel—started this war. Israel is taking the necessary steps to keep all its residents safe, no matter their identity.
• Hamas, whose stated purpose is the destruction of Israel and murder of Jews, targeted men, women, children, babies and the elderly in the worst massacre in the history of Israel.
• Hamas gave no warning to Israel or Israelis before launching its surprise attack.
• Hamas has militarized cities and neighborhoods and Gaza, using schools, hospitals and mosques as storehouses for ammunition aimed at destroying Israel. 
• Hamas places the citizens of Gaza directly in harm’s way, committing war crimes against both Israelis and Palestinians, sometimes killing Palestinians from misfires or rockets that fall short. 
• Israel, a sovereign nation, has a moral right and obligation to defend itself and protect its citizens from this terrorist entity. 
• Israel does not target civilians. The IDF warns Gazans in advance of attacks so that citizens can flee.
• Despite the IDF’s calls, Hamas has ordered Palestinians to remain in their homes.
• Any loss of civilian life is a tragedy whose responsibility lies with Hamas.
• The only way to prevent this destruction is for Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza to put down their weapons and accept Israel’s right to exist.
• Israel has stated that its siege of Gaza will continue until Hamas releases the over 199 hostages it is holding captive. Hamas alone is making the decision to retain the hostages, thus prolonging the siege. 

JCC Association. Day 19: Iron Swords War: The parents of October 7, 2023, By Leah Garber. October 25, 2023

The Times of Israel. Why is Israel being blamed for the Hamas massacre? October 25, 2023

eJP. JFNA creates allocation committee as it prepares to distribute $500 million in Israel Relief. October 20, 2023. 

C-Span. President Biden Delivers Address on Israel-Hamas and Russia-Ukraine Wars. October 19, 2023.

JFNA. Young Jewish Leaders Share Blue Ribbons for Israel with Capitol Hill. October 19, 2023.

Richmond Times-Dispatch. Richmonders with ties to Israel rejoin military in war with Hamas. October 17, 2023. 

Richmond Times-Dispatch. Youngkin: Attacks on Israel a crime against humanity. October 17, 2023

CNN. Rachel Goldberg and jon Polin talk about their son Hersh Goldberg-Polin. October 17, 2023

Richmond CBS 6. Richmond community gathers in solidarity with Israel following Hamas attack. October 9, 2023

How can you show up for Israel and Jewish Virginians today? 

Our Members of Congress need to hear from you, and more than once. Your Members of Congress need to know you support Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism and that Congress needs to speak out for the 230 hostages still being held by Hamas terrorists. Your voice matters and is important. Congressional offices are being flooded by calls from those who are not interested in Israel’s survival. 

Call Senator Kaine:

• DC Office: (202) 224-4024
• Local Office: (804) 771-2221

Call Senator Warner:

• DC Office: (202) 224-2023
• Local Office: (804) 775-2314

If you are a constituent, please CALL:

 Jennifer McClellan (Richmond):

• DC Office: (202) 225-6365
• Local Office: (804) 486-1840

Rob Wittman (Henrico, Chesterfield, Hanover):

• DC Office: (202) 225-4261
• Local Office: (804) 401-4120

Bob Goode (Powhatan, Goochland, Charlottesville):

• DC Office: (202) 225-4711
• Local Office: (434) 791-2596

Please call both the Washington, D.C. and local office and:

• Thank them for supporting Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas terrorists.

• Please urge support for the Congressional emergency aid package for Israel to fight terrorism.

• Please urge the Biden Administration and State Department to help free the hostages.

• Support efforts to reduce antisemitism in VA and especially on college campuses.