As this difficult week draws to a close and we gather to observe Shabbat in our community, we take a moment to reflect on the challenges of this week and our hopes for the days ahead. We think of our family in Israel, personal and collective, who find themselves under attack yet again. We think of those suffering under a barrage of rocket fire, those who have been attacked, and those whose synagogues have been desecrated. We mourn the loss of innocent lives.
~A message from our Israel and Overseas Committee~
Indianapolis has been a member of Partnership2Gether, for over 20 years. During these years, in our relationship with the Western Galilee (northern Israel), both countries have experienced our fair share of celebrations and challenges, yet what has and always will remain strong and constant is our respect for each other, our deepening friendships and support for one another. We have been in constant contact with our Israeli friends and Partnership professionals during these very difficult times. This letter, from our Partnership leaders, expresses our solidarity with our friends in the Partnership area and all of Israel.
The following letter was sent on behalf of Partnership leadership, to our Partnership Consortium, 16 U.S. Federation communities and Budapest. Thank you to our donors for making this relationship possible. We are determining how best to be supportive and will share that information with you soon.
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Dear Partnership Family,
As you all know by now, over the past few days there has been an escalation of violence in Israel that has created terrible upheaval, fear and frustration for all Israelis including our Israeli family in the Western Galilee.
At this time, there are no answers or predictions of what will transpire over the next couple of days or weeks, but we want to convey that we have been in constant communication with each other, and we will continue to keep all of you apprised of the situation our friends are living with right now.
In addition to the rockets being launched from Gaza that we are reading about in the U.S. news, there have been riots in many Israeli cities, including Lod, Ramle and Akko. Tragically, our friend Uri Jeremias’s, Uri Buri restaurant and Efendi hotel were attacked, torched and burned. There has been additional damage done in Akko and surrounding areas in the Western Galilee.
Our Israeli friends are so grateful for the many notes, emails and calls from our American friends offering support and sending love and virtual hugs. If you would like to show your support and share words of inspiration please load them at this link http://rebrand.ly/Heart_Israel or
in our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p2gwgalil
https://fb.watch/5rtGtTCIGO/
Leslie Kramer and Elisha Flax, Partnership Co-Chairs
Bracha Zuriel, Consortium Director
Sharon Chait, Partnership Director
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Shabbat Shalom from our home to yours,
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Brad Bell ~ Michelle Korin
Israel & Overseas Committee Co-Chairs
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Michele Boukai
Israel & Overseas Director
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