Leadership

EDCJCC Resources on Israel

By Edlavitch DCJCC November 8, 2023

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

Adas Israel: An Evening of Listening and Processing Together

Where: Adas Israel Congregation
When: January 9, 2024: 7:00 PM

As we begin 2024, it’s impossible to not take a few moments to reflect on the past few months—every single day since October 7 has been challenging and a whole lot more. Let’s join together for an evening—as many of us as possible—to make space for one another to share where our hearts are at, and how our souls are holding up. We’ll meet together at 7:00 PM in the Biran Beit Midrash and then break out into smaller facilitated groups. There will also be a dedicated teen group (9th and up) so please bring them with you.

JCRC Qatar Embassy Gathering

Where: Qatari Embassy (2555 M. St NW)
When: Wednesday, January 10, 12:00 PM

Join us as we press the Qatari government to demand Hamas immediately release over 130 hostages still being held in Gaza. This will be the first of a series of peaceful gatherings held at the Qatari Embassy (2555 M. St NW) to support the campaign to free the hostages.

Bring Them Home Ride

All Ages
Date : Sunday, January 14
Time : 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Location : Edlavitch DCJCC
1529 Sixteenth Street, NW, Washington, DC

“Ride to Bring Them Home Now” is an international cycling event dedicated to raising awareness for the 129 individuals currently held hostage by Hamas. This initiative, organized by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum in collaboration with the professional cycling team Israel Premier Tech, the Israeli Foreign Ministry, and the Israeli Cycling Federation, aims to mark the hostages’ 100th day in captivity.

Presented in partnership with DC Jews on Bikes, EntryPoint DC the 20s,30s and early 40s program of the EDCJCC, and the EntryPointDC Outdoors Tribe.

We’ll meet at the JCC and end by joining the weekly vigil outside Red Cross headquarters on behalf of the hostages. Final route will will be shared with registrants before the ride.

Hartman: Ethics of War: Jewish, Philosophical, and Legal Perspectives

Where: Virtual
When: January 15, January 17, January 23, at 12:00 PM -1:15 PM

The horrors of October 7th and the subsequent war in Gaza have raised urgent questions around Israel’s military response and the degree to which it is morally and legally justified. These questions are being litigated by politicians, policy makers, philosophers, and on social media, and have given rise to a range of responses, in both the international community and in Israel. The debates are dynamic, changing, and evolving in real time.

In this series, Idit Shafran Gittleman, Shlomo Brody, and Yitzhak Benbaji, three leading Israeli thinkers in this field, will explore the ethics of war through traditional Jewish sources, moral philosophy, and law.

One Table: Shabbat of Love

When: January 19, 2024
Where: Anywhere in the USA

Join us as we set the table for the largest Shabbat dinner celebration in North American history on January 19, 2024. We welcome Jews of all ages, backgrounds, and identities to come together with your family, friends, and supportive neighbors, to experience the sacred joy of Shabbat – a celebration of Jewish light and love.

Ongoing

Bring Them Home DC: American Red Cross – Advocate For The Release Of The Hostages From Gaza

Where: American Red Cross, 17th St. NW, between D and E
When: Sundays at 1:30 PM

Until the hostages are released, Sunday we will gather again in front of the Red Cross HQ on 17th NW between D and E to advocate for the release of hostages from Gaza. Please bring photos of the hostages. #BringThemHomeNow, Israeli and US flags are encouraged. Please also bring bells or of any size. We will ring them to call attention to our cause

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.