Leadership

EDCJCC Resources on Israel

By Edlavitch DCJCC November 8, 2023
Photograph of Israeli Flag

As the horrific events of the past few days continue to unfold in Israel, we share a collective sense of shock, outrage, and heartbreak. During difficult times, we find comfort in community.

Our heart is with Israel and her people. In these times of fear and heartbreak, we invite you to find comfort in community. Join us at the EDCJCC, and click here for upcoming events and resources from the EDCJCC.

Community Events

Americans March for Israel
We’ve all heard voices of hatred and antisemitism around the globe glorifying the October 7th attacks. But these voices will never drown out those of Americans who stand against terror and with Israel. Now it’s time to raise your voice: to defeat antisemitism, to demand freedom for the hostages, and to demonstrate that America stands with Israel.

MARCH for Israel
MARCH
to Free Hostages
MARCH
Against Antisemitism

Tuesday, November 14th | 1:00 PM
National Mall, Washington D.C.
More information and to RSVP at shalomdc.org/march.

Organizers: Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations.

Prayer Space and Torah Study
Let us root in Torah and connection during this difficult time as our JOC Ammud community. We are hosting multiple spaces for prayer and Torah study at various dates and times over the next few weeks.


Additional Resources

A Guide for Navigating the War in Israel: Our friends at GatherDC have an incredible list of resources, including ongoing community gatherings, mental health resources, and organizations that need your support. Learn more now.

Provide support to Israel: The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington has opened an Israel Crisis Fund to aid in swiftly meeting needs as they evolve. Essential funds will be distributed thorough partners on the ground to support our Israeli friends, family and community. The Jewish Funders Network also has a list of agencies and non-profits to aid in the crisis.

Support for Israeli families: Orly Zimmerman-Leizerov of Growing Minds Therapy is dedicating this week to helping support local Israeli families with young children as they navigate parenting during this most difficult of times. Israeli parents in the DMV who could benefit from support should reach out.

Resources for those in the U.S. seeking information about relatives/loved ones in Israel: Please contact the Israeli Consulate in New York at 917-756-8387 or 212-499-5321 for information about relatives or loved ones currently in Israel.

Emotional/mental health support: The horrific events unfolding in Israel are understandably triggering fear, anxiety, anger, and more, especially among people with close personal ties to Israelis or with children or other relatives serving in the Israeli Defense Forces. Those in need of emotional support and/or mental health services should contact the Federation and JSSA’s J-CARING hotline at 703-J-CARING.

Support for children and families: This article, Talking with Children about Tragic Events and Helping Them Regain a Sense of Safety and Control by Orly Zimmerman-Leizerov, LCSW-C, provides parents with tools and thought material on how and when to talk to your children about tragic events, such as what’s unfolding in Israel.

Recording of the JCRC’s communal prayer, Embassy briefing and call to action: More than 700 people joined the JCRC on Saturday, October 7, for a virtual communal prayer, Embassy briefing, and call to action. A recording of the webinar is available here.

The safety of our community is always a top priority.

We are in contact with MPD and the Secure Community Network (SCN) — the official safety and security organization for the Jewish Community in North America. Additionally, our own security team is always present in and around the building. For specific questions, feel free to reach out to info@edcjcc.org.