Message of Solidarity with Israel

Our hearts are heavy with the news of two events in Israel that occurred in this week that moves from sadness to celebration in the Jewish calendar.

On Tuesday night near Tel Aviv, right-wing Jewish extremists violently attacked the Reform synagogue Beit Samueli-Kehillat Ra’anan, injuring a friend of our congregation, Orly Erez-Likhovski, Director of the Israel Religious Action Center. The attack took place on Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s memorial day honoring fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism, while the synagogue was hosting a livestream screening of the Joint Israeli-Palestinian Memorial Ceremony, as they have done for 20 years.

Also, on Tuesday and continuing today, raging wildfires burned 5,000 acres, forced the closure of major roads and evacuated several towns. The fires interrupted Yom HaZikaron observances and threatened to cancel Yom HaAtzmaut activities.

Temple stands in solidarity with our Israeli brothers and sisters, and we are here to help –through our voices raised together in prayer and song, and our votes for an inclusive, just Israeli society.

Help spread the narrative of joy tomorrow evening at All-In Shabbat on May 2 for Israel’s 77th birthday, where you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the sights, tastes and sounds of Israel both before and after the service. Register here.

This weekend marks the culmination of the World Zionist Congress election; your vote helps ensure that Reform Judaism has a future in Israel and that our converts, our children and all Jews are welcome in Israel. Vote by May 4!

Together we share our hopes for Israel’s healing and swift rebuilding of spirit and place.